Hidden cameras are used to record video footage secretly without the subject unaware of the observation. They are mostly used as part of surveillance and security systems in order to monitor the activity in office spaces, warehouses, elevators and wherever security is an issue. Around the clock surveillance and security monitoring is top priority in these times of increased terrorist threats and rising crime rate.
They are vital to providing around the clock security to high risk business establishments such as banks and casinos. They are also helpful in thwarting criminal activity and identifying potential security risks that have multiplied in recent years. They are also used for detective work and evidence gathering by investigators as well as for spying and intelligence gathering purposes. They help keep discreet track of human activity around the clock.
The reason why hidden cameras are called such is because of the fact that they are usually hidden from view and secretly record video footage. They are also sometimes disguised or concealed within items of daily use such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, alarm clocks and lighting fixtures. They are also concealed within spectacles and watches even and are undetectable even on close inspection.
Though there are many and varied uses for these cameras, the most common function they serve is as security and surveillance cameras. Hidden cameras are of two types. These are wireless and closed circuit cameras. When used for surveillance in buildings they are usually installed as closed circuit or CCTV cameras which transmit the images received to a particular source.
The close circuit system uses cables and wires to transmit the captured images to one or many receivers while the wireless system does not require any wires and cables and can transmit to a receiver which is placed at a distance of a few hundred feet. The closed circuit systems are more secure in that they cannot be as easily hacked into as the wireless systems.
Hidden cameras were in use as far back as during the time of the First World War when these tiny cameras were attached to pigeons that were trained to fly around enemy installations while the camera faithfully captured imagery of vital importance. The popularity of hidden cameras have snowballed over time and gained enormous proportions. They are used by suspicious husbands or wives to monitor the activities of their spouses at home or by home owners who want to monitor their houses for threat of fire or vandalism or burglary. They are also used by the government to monitor traffic on the roads as well as to gather evidence for traffic violations and safety infractions.
Since that time these cameras have gained immense popularity both with government agencies and intelligence services which use them for counter intelligence operations. They are also used for evidence gathering and investigative purposes by some government and private agencies. Home owners and individuals use them as a security measure for homes to prevent theft and natural hazards.
Supermarkets are another place to find these cameras; they are installed to prevent people from taking stuff from the store. Hidden and spy cameras of different sizes with varying degree of clarity of recording and multiple functionalities can be bought online from websites that list them for sale. Some specialty electronics stores also carry hidden and spy cameras.