Hidden cameras serve to observe without detection. They are used to record video footage from by remaining hidden and without the subjects of observation being aware that they are monitored. These cameras are chiefly used in the surveillance and security industry and are installed in offices, supermarkets, warehouses and other places bearing risk of some sort.

They provide around the clock monitoring and surveillance in these times of heightened security risk posed by terrorists and high crime incidence. They are also a vital security measure for certain business establishments such as banks and casinos. Hidden cameras are also used for evidence collection by investing agencies and private investigators or in intelligence and spy work.

These days one can find hidden cameras everywhere from airports to elevators. They are a great way to keep track of human activity unobserved. Hidden cameras are known by that precisely because they are hidden and discreet. They are usually installed in such spaces that are least subject to scrutiny and can also be disguised or concealed within other objects.

The most common places hidden cameras are concealed are within smoke detectors and fire alarms, lighting fixtures, alarm clocks and other such commonly found items. There are many different uses that these cameras are put to, the most common being for security surveillance.

There are two types of hidden cameras. One that acts as a closed circuit monitoring system by transmitting the feeds over a network of monitors or to a single receiving system via cables and wires. The other type are wireless cameras which do not need cables or wires and transmit the images that they capture to a receiving device which could be kept as far as five hundred feet away. The wireless transmissions are not as secure as the closed circuit ones and can be hacked into. These closed circuit hidden cameras are an essential part of most building security systems.

The earliest use of hidden cameras were for counter intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance during world war one when tiny sized cameras were attached to pigeons which were sent into enemy territory and brought back images that were captured in the camera. These were then put to good use by the intelligence services. In time, these cameras have gained much popularity and are being put to numerous uses today.

The UK has the largest number of CCTV and hidden camera surveillance systems. These have been installed particularly at traffic junctions to monitor and study traffic patterns or to catch traffic offenders red handed. In some high crime areas these cameras are installed at critical pointsso as to monitor the area for crime and to prevent it if possible.

They are also used extensively in high risk business domains such as banks and casinos for detecting potential security risks. In the UK where these cameras are ubiquitous, they are used for monitoring traffic and preventing crime in high crime incidence zones. Supermarkets also find great use for these cameras to prevent theft of goods. They are priced as low as 200 USD and can be found in general electronics stores and can be bought online through websites that sell electronic items.

Tags: Security