Ranking of the best hidden camera detectors for 2022

Currently, more and more people are trying to get some information about their surroundings: they can be friends and acquaintances, hired personnel working directly in the place of residence of the initiator of surveillance, but the main collectors of covert information have always been and remain the subjects of corporate clashes (industrial espionage) and law enforcement agencies. Hence, there is a natural desire of a person who has fallen into the sphere of their interests to prevent leakage of data about his personal life. In this desire, hidden camera detectors will provide invaluable assistance, because visual observation, in contrast to simple "wiretapping", has become more widespread in the modern world.

Filming with a hidden camera

It should be noted that the secret collection of any information about a person using any technical means (microphones, video cameras, software algorithms that allow access to personal data) without sufficient grounds or carried out by an unauthorized person is prohibited in the Russian Federation.

Sufficient grounds can only be a court order, and authorized persons - employees of law enforcement agencies admitted to the implementation of operational-search activities. In many ways, this also applies to the equipment used: such covert surveillance equipment is limited to civilian circulation on the territory of the Russian Federation, therefore, it is possible to monitor, listen to negotiations only with the consent of a person. But at present, most Russian corporate "monsters" (companies) have learned to circumvent this prohibition: usually, when hiring, an employee agrees that he can be visually monitored, and his work phone will be tapped. A plausible pretext for such actions is countering commercial bribery.

The vast majority of Russian citizens believe that the interest in their personal lives on the part of anyone is minimal. However, it is impossible to protect yourself from all the vicissitudes of life. For example, you can easily become the object of interest of blackmailers who will film a respectable citizen in a bathtub, make a skillful “video cut” out of it, and then threaten the latter, promising to post these materials on the network. After this, as a rule, it is very difficult to “wash off”. And the prices for non-publication of such materials from blackmailers are far from small. Still, there are ways to protect your privacy, namely, to detect hidden video surveillance using special technical devices.

Video camera detectors - general information

From the moment the technical ability to carry out secret video surveillance appeared, the technical ability to counteract this immediately appeared. Today, such gadgets are not such a curiosity and can be useful to both the director of a large enterprise and an ordinary citizen.

The easiest way to detect a hidden camera is to conduct a routine inspection of the premises using an ordinary mirror. But, firstly, you need to know where to look (i.e., typical places of possible bookmarks), and secondly, skillfully use a mirror to detect the lens flare of a video camera. At the moment, this method is available only to professionals from the departments of special operational and technical measures of law enforcement agencies, and it is not 100% technological.

Nowadays, it is customary to use special technical means. They can use three operating principles to detect hidden visual surveillance devices:

• The first one is with the help of an optical effect (something similar to searching for the reflections of a lens with a mirror in hand, only now everything is done by automation for a person);
• The second is the search for electromagnetic radiation (it is emitted by all electrical devices, roughly speaking, the detection of a power source);
• The third is a search by the effect of nonlinear semiconductors (detection of sound waves inaudible to the human ear).

It must be admitted that it is simply impossible to invent a completely 100% detection method that would be universal for all time. Technologies are constantly developing, equipment is being improved, and, as you know, there will always be a reaction to any action.

For example, with a standard visual inspection of a room, it is possible to see only what is accessible to the human eye, when trying to detect a bug using a metal detector - the latter will beep and “swear” at any object that is nearby and contains metal (because finding small video cameras will require its most sensitive setting ). Using a thermal imager will allow you to detect only those devices that are turned on at the time of inspection and give off heat to the environment (thus, if the initiator of the observation turned off the device or simply ran out of battery, it will not be possible to detect it). The use of technology that reacts to recording equipment operating by means of radio waves can only prove the presence of this device, but not the place of its installation.

Appearance of the detector

The standard detector is a wireless device and weighs very little. Indeed, there is no point in using a huge apparatus, unless you need to check a huge room.Its dimensions are even smaller than modern smartphones, it is more like cell phones of the early 2000s. Power is supplied from two to four ordinary AA or AAA batteries (finger or little finger).

Camera optical search method

At the moment, this method is the most effective, because when using it, the minimum number of defects appears. The remaining methods can be called uninformative and more complex. Optical search can detect both turned off and on cameras, as well as those working stand-alone or via cable.

The functionality of any optical detector is tied to the detection of hidden cameras by lens flare. Typically, such detectors are practical and miniature. They are easy to transport and do not take up much space. With their help, it is easy to check the hotel room when you are on a business trip. With them you can always feel more confident.

According to their functionality, detectors can be divided into amateur and professional - this will determine their price. For the most part, the models are extremely miniature, and their interface is intuitive - when the device is brought to an “infected” place, the indicator light starts flashing more often, and then it’s a matter of technology how to remove the tracking device. Moreover, the detector will blink in red, and not in white, which will allow the eye to quickly perceive the threat message. Such detectors can cost from 2 to 4 thousand, but for effective detection it is better to purchase models in the price segment from 10,000 rubles.

The principle of installation of CCTV equipment and its search

Statistics show that cameras are most often masked in pictures.They are usually located in such a way that the person involved in the observation will look at them, therefore, his face will fall into the eyepiece of the camera. In general, it is customary to install hidden equipment in large objects located on a dark background. With regards to the paintings, as a rule, a small hole is made in them, where the tracking equipment is attached. At the same time, such devices cannot be mounted on polished surfaces - they will glare. From here it can be seen that no one will ever mount a camera on a mirror, so you need to look for it there last (but it is possible to put a video recorder behind a transparent double mirror).

The search for a tracking device is based on the physical principles of the return of light waves. Thus, if the receiver (camera) and the observer (detector) are on the same straight line, then retroreflection will manifest itself most clearly. This will be reported by the detector diode, flashing red frequently. If there is some deviation, the so-called parallax, the intensity of the glare of the detector will decrease. Therefore, the observer needs to slowly change position, trying to reduce the parallax. The detection systems that exist today are able to recognize a camera as small as 1 millimeter and the distance of their effective operation will average about 10 meters.

The current situation in the detector market

Recent studies say that the vast majority of manufacturers produce the product in question of average quality and efficiency. This is confirmed by a number of independent studies and tests.Therefore, according to the recommendations of independent experts, it is better to purchase small-sized detection devices, while not focusing on the desire to save on price. They can be disguised as a cell phone, a lighter, and even a standard keychain. With the help of such a small device, it is quite possible to secure in advance the premises where, for example, a business meeting will take place and the contents of which must be kept secret. And bringing in an individual with a bulky black box can attract unnecessary attention.

Rating of the best hidden camera detectors for 2022

Detectors with an optical principle of operation

3rd place: Bug Hunter D-Video

This portable device allows you to detect hidden video cameras even if they are deeply camouflaged in interior items. Detection will not depend on whether the tracking device is on or off. Not only wired cameras are searched, but also those operating over a radio channel.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Food	from the built-in Ni-MH battery or from the mains via an adapter
Maximum current consumed by the product, mA, no more	350
Battery life without recharging, h, not less than	2
Battery charging time, h, no more	8
Operating modes (flash rates)	5
Maximum detection range of video cameras, m	2020-05-01 00:00:00
Operating temperature range	from -40°С to +55°С
Product weight with batteries, kg, no more	90
Detector dimensions, mm	92 x 58 x 24
price, rub.	6900

• Powerful illumination system;
• Adjustment of the frequency of signal flashes;
• Battery operation.

• After use in low temperatures, a “warm-up” of at least 2 hours is required.

2nd place: WEGA i

The device was developed by civilian specialists carrying out activities in the field of personal security. Confidently recognizes bugs at a distance of 12-15 meters.

Accurately determines the location of the spy device, regardless of external interference. The effective battery life is 14-15 hours.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Detection distance	2-10 meters
Light filter to reduce natural glare	In stock
Backlight adjustment	Present
microcontroller control	Present
Food	2 AAA batteries
Charging indicator	Present
Dimensions	140x34x16 mm
Price, rub	29000

• No dependence on external interference;
• Small dimensions;
• Economical power supplies.

• Verification from several points is required to identify a spy device.

1st place: StopCam Ultra

The device represents a line of professional detection devices. The maximum operating range is 25 meters. The algorithm of work is not to detect radio emission, but to search for reflections from the lenses of hidden cameras. Able to recognize even a camera installed behind a double mirror. The device differs in extremely small sizes and has the chromeplated case.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Detection range	25 meters
Food	Battery, charging via USB cable
Charging time	2 hours
Time of continuous work	3 hours
Battery capacity	320 mAh
Dimensions	84 x 29 x 8 mm.
The weight	35 grams
Price, rub	6100

• Unique detection range;
• Does not require a special charger;
• Increased portability.

• Fast battery drain.

Detectors with field indicator

3rd place: Antibug Hunter Plus

The gadget combines two detection systems at once: it scans radio wave frequencies and detects lens flare. Possibility of notification of detected covert surveillance using sound signals (there is an input for headphones). It is also possible to recognize tracking devices operating in GSM mode

Specifications:

Name	Index
Frequent detection range	1MHz-6500MHz
Alert mode	Light, sound, vibration
Offline time	12 hours
Food	450 mAh battery
Operating temperature	-20 and up to +50 Celsius
Humidity	10 to 90%
Dimensions	93x48x17 mm
Price, rub	3900

• Two search algorithms in one system;
• Wide detection range;
• Small sizes.

• Sensitive to dry environments.

2nd place: Suresafe SH-055SV

This device belongs to the so-called field indicator. Allows you to detect not only spy equipment, but also portable devices turned on for recording without authorization, such as mobile phones, voice recorders, etc. It has a switch for digital or analog modes.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Wireless Device Discovery	6 meters
Bug detection	6 meters
Sensitivity adjustment	Present
Cell phone detection	18 meters
Alert	sound+light+vibration
Food	2 AAA batteries
The size	87 x 55 x 24mm
Price, rub	1000

• Advanced functionality;
• Low price;
• Ease of use.

• Extremely short working distance.

1st place: CC308+

Another device from the range of field indicators. In its work, the device uses a wide-range frequency scanner. There is a telescopic antenna to amplify the signal. The infrared laser lens will help in finding hidden cameras, even if they are disabled.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Camera detection	Up to 10 meters
Frequency range	1MHz-6.5MHz
Sensitivity adjustment	Present
Bug detection	15 meters
Alert	sound+light+vibration
Food	Mains/Battery
The size	90x50x14 mm
Price, rub	1000

• Democratic price;
• Good equipment;
• telescopic antenna.

• Weak sensitivity at long distances.

Electromagnetic detectors

1st place: Start S-1

This device represents a line of laser detectors. It transmits a light wave with a length of 920 nm and is invisible to others. It is easy to transport and suggests the possibility of covert use.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Operating wavelength	920 nm
Operating frequency	326 THz
Focus	correctable
Radiation spectrum	red laser
Optics	3x lens
Battery	4 AAA batteries
Time of continuous work	over 12 hours
Dimensions	101mm x 52mm x 33mm
The weight	125 grams
Price, rub	19000

• The operation of the device is not visible to others;
• Lightweight and compact;
• Easy to manage.

• Runs on 4 AAA batteries only.

Instead of an epilogue

It is much easier to buy anti-spyware equipment in Russia, because it is precisely what is allowed for civilian circulation. The main thing is to choose the right equipment itself - often cheap Chinese field indicators sin with their fragility and low efficiency.You can buy detectors on any specialized website.