Best Hidden Cams Ranked by Ali Express for 2022

The rapid development of modern technologies is especially noticeable in the example of digital devices. They have become not only more multitasking and powerful, but also miniature. With the use of such mini-devices, anyone can carry out covert surveillance both at work and at home. The legislation does not restrict a citizen in the right to install a surveillance camera, provided that not only households, but also visitors should be informed about hidden video recording, and the devices themselves did not belong to special means of covert surveillance.

What is it and where is it used

A hidden camera is a miniature optoelectronic device that converts light video signals into electrical signals and vice versa, in order to transmit them to other devices for display or storage, installed hidden from unauthorized persons.

Installation goals:

• constant monitoring of the situation at the enterprise, in the office or at home;
• ensuring the safety of customers with control of their flow;
• increasing personal safety, as well as relatives and friends;
• remote monitoring of children, the sick or the elderly.

Installation locations:

• apartments;
• offices and shopping centers;
• warehouses and utility rooms;
• country houses and apartment buildings;
• enterprises and institutions.

Principle of operation and main components

The common components of any hidden video recording devices are:

• viewfinder;
• lens;
• matrix;
• frame;
• additional accessories - infrared illumination, microphone, etc.

The scheme of operation of the product is based on the reception of a video image through the lens and its transmission through a system of filters to a photosensitive matrix.Then the video signal enters the processor, where the picture is processed and transmitted directly to the screen of a smartphone or monitor, as well as to storage in the system's memory.

Advantages and disadvantages

The benefits of hidden cameras include:

• compact size, allowing you to place them discreetly from outsiders;
• simple installation and configuration without the involvement of additional specialists;
• a good overview of the observation when properly installed;
• maximum video resolution and optical Zoom;
• recording for long-term storage on an external device or in the Internet cloud;
• monitoring and filming online;
• the possibility of night shooting using built-in infrared illumination;
• durable case;
• protection from vandals and intruders;
• alarm about suspicious movements near the object.

However, in the process of work, there are shortcomings:

• cyclic recording mode with saving new images in place of old ones with their erasure;
• the need to provide constant power supply;
• lower quality video compared to conventional devices;
• higher price.

Classification

By signal type

1. Analog - with video signal transmission over coaxial wires without the possibility of broadcasting directly to the phone without a DVR as an intermediate device. As a rule, the image is of low quality.
2. Digital - with live image broadcast directly to the phone without the need for an external recorder. High image quality and great price.

According to the method of communication with the control processor

1. With data transfer via cellular channels (3G) with the need to use a SIM card with high-speed Internet access.The quality of the picture does not depend on the weather or obstacles.
2. With data transmission over a radio channel using Wi-Fi without paying for the broadcast, but over a short distance and depending on the quality of the environment.

By installation

1. Embedded.

2. Frameless.

3. Stationary.

4. Mobile.

By functionality

1. Only online transfer without recording - with minimal dimensions without a hard disk or flash memory.
2. Transmitting and recording - with a memory capacity for storing data for several hours or days.
3. Only writing to memory with subsequent removal of information.

By color rendering

1. Black and white.
2. Colored.

Criterias of choice

Before buying a hidden gadget, you need to set goals for future use. This will allow you to set the values ​​of the main characteristics, what to look for in order to avoid mistakes when choosing.

1. Dimensions - the required dimensions depend on the planned installation site and the specifics of the observation.
2. Video image quality - the ability to work in low light conditions with the transition to monochrome mode. When observing the street environment, preference is given to very sensitive devices with a good color image in poor light.
3. The viewing angle and focal length of the lens are the best and most popular telephoto and wide angle lenses. A more complete picture of the situation is represented by wide-angle models that can replace several long-focus products.
4. Equipped with a motion sensor.
5. Remote access to control the situation online.
6. Matrix type, resolution and sensitivity - for the home, the optimal value is considered to be a resolution of 2 megapixels, sensitivity - 0.3 lux.
7. The amount of built-in flash memory - a small memory will quickly fill up, and the cycling of recording to a memory card will automatically erase old videos.
8. Autonomy and battery capacity.
9. Anti-vandal protection.
10. Image color - black and white models are cheaper, but pictures in low light conditions are of high quality.
11. Price - depends on the brand and functionality.

It should be remembered that in order to recognize a hidden camera as a “special device for covert surveillance”, prohibited for use, one sign out of three is enough:

1. Camouflage (disguise) for household items.
2. High sensitivity (object illumination less than 0.01 lux or less than 0.0001 lux on the matrix).
3. The pupil of a separate entrance.

Where could I buy

The marketplace where you can buy or order online popular models from the best manufacturers at a low price from 700 rubles to 6,000 rubles is the Chinese platform AliExpress. It features thousands of sellers from various countries and regions with a constant update of products that are in this field. Often a large assortment in the online store complicates the choice of a particular device. Our review of high-quality new products introduces different types of the most relevant products that can meet the needs of buyers, and also provides a description, comparison of characteristics, photos of these models and tips on how to choose which company is better, how much it costs and which one is better to buy.

The best hidden cameras from AliExpress

The rating of high-quality models is based on the opinions of buyers who ordered hidden devices from Aliexpress, their reviews and recommendations. The popularity of models was determined by the number of orders, performance, reliability and price.The review presents inexpensive products in the budget segment up to 1,000 rubles, at a price of up to 3,000 rubles and more than 3,000 rubles.

TOP 3 best hidden cameras under the price of 1,000 rubles

Mini camera A9

Compact model of the universal device for use in system of home security and video surveillance. Video resolution can be adjusted from Full HD 1080p to HD 720p to reduce memory usage. Wide viewing angle provides a large area of ​​control. With the help of a motion sensor, video recording is activated for the appearance of unauthorized persons in the controlled area. Good recording at night is provided at a distance of five meters. After connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi, you can remotely control the situation in the house through the application on your smartphone. Production material - high-strength plastic.

Sold at a price of 279-964 rubles.

• miniature sizes;
• high-quality video image;
• covert installation;
• simple setup;
• remote control by smartphone;
• night mode;
• stylish design.

• not available at this price.

"Home Security"

A universal model of a hidden video camera for use in a home security system. Provides support for loop recording as well as playback and recording using a micro SD card. Equipped with its own Wi-Fi hotspot, but can connect a phone without a router. The built-in motion sensor allows you to record at night at a distance of up to five meters.

The average price is 719 rubles.

• good video quality;
• covert installation;
• simple control;
• easy setup;
• small dimensions;
• anti-vandal performance.

• not detected.

Mini Camera SQ11

Universal model for use at home in a video surveillance system. Miniature dimensions allow covert installation on the ground. Supports night vision mode with six LEDs. Can be connected directly to a computer

• small sizes;
• clear video recording;
• good resolution;
• night mode;
• smart work;
• stylish design.

• for the money they just can not be.

Application of SQ11 in the countryside:

comparison table

	Mini Camera SQ11	home security	Mini camera A9
Viewing angle, hail	140	90	150
Permission	1280x720p	1920x1080p	1920x1080p
Motion Detector	Yes	Yes	Yes
Memory, GB	32	128	128
Battery capacity, mAh	200	320	300
Dimensions (width x depth x height), mm	23x26x23	49x49x30	35x25x35
price, rub.	379 - 577	719	279 - 964

TOP 3 best models at a price of up to 3,000 rubles

Espia

A model of a miniature hidden gadget for use in an office or home security system. Supports night vision mode with eight built-in infrared light sources. Full HD 1080p high resolution lens, online viewing and recording. Remote control of viewing through the application in the smartphone. Built-in high capacity rechargeable battery. It connects to the phone through a router or through a built-in access point. Can be mounted on a holder, with a powerful magnet or on a flexible USB cable.

• small size for concealed installation;
• a high resolution;
• night vision mode;
• simple installation;
• easy setup;
• large battery capacity.

• not identified.

Video baby monitor U11

A smart model of an anti-vandal rotary digital miniature camera with a motion sensor that works in the "Smart Home" system. Supports universal USB interface. Mounted in a flexible metal shaft for easy adjustment and installation of any angle of the lens. It has high resolution with vivid colors. View video images through a card reader or on a computer. Powered by 12 or 24 V adapter.

• miniature sizes;
• covert installation;
• versatility of application;
• Motion Detector;
• a high resolution;
• stylish design;
• timestamp on the cyclic video image;
• little weight.

• no built-in battery.

Gizli

Miniature model of a security device for home use. The picture is stored in the cloud, access to the video image at any time from anywhere through a smartphone. Memory capacity up to 128 GB. Equipped with a motion detector.

• miniature dimensions;
• simple installation;
• easy setup;
• with the function of storing images in the cloud;
• IOS and Android support;
• Motion Detector;
• the night vision.

• not identified.

comparison table

	Gizli mini camera	U11 mini camera	Espia mini camera
Viewing angle, hail	150	120	90
Permission	1080p/720p/640p	1080p	1080p
Motion Detector	Yes	Yes	Yes
Memory, GB	128	128	128
Dimensions (WxDxH), mm	44x44x24	26x15x158	39x39x24
price, rub.	2 097 - 4 815	1 121 - 2 008	1 90 - 4 435

TOP 3 best devices at a price of more than 3,000 rubles

Espion 4K

Wireless mini camera with remote control and night vision system for covert surveillance. Supports IOS, Android and PC. Built-in microphone. Installed motion sensor.

• miniature dimensions;
• covert installation;
• stylish design;
• a high resolution;
• video image online on smartphone.

• not detected.

Z Tour HD Smart

Miniature device for covert remote monitoring of rooms, cars, nanny or children with Android / IOS / PC support and Internet access. At any time, from anywhere, you can remotely view all records. Turns on when unauthorized persons are detected in the controlled area. Night illumination up to 10 meters. Video images are automatically uploaded to the cloud, providing access to them from the user's account. Supports two-way voice communication over the network.

• compact dimensions;
• wide view;
• high quality picture;
• face focus;
• remote control;
• storage of images in the cloud;
• large battery capacity;
• stylish design.

• not detected.

HDlivcam watch-camera

An all-in-one ultra-small hidden DVR camera built into a Wi-Fi enabled desktop clock. Equipped with a wide-angle lens with a view up to 166⁰. Provides remote viewing online on your smartphone and at night with the help of IR illumination on six LEDs. High resolution HD format up to 4K and the maximum number of matrix pixels. It uses a built-in polymer battery with a capacity of 1200 mAh with a validity period of up to four hours. Supports micro SD card up to 128 GB.

• covert installation;
• quality image;
• large viewing angle;
• fast delivery;
• good packing.

• in some models, the backlight is noticeable at night.

Video review:

comparison table

	Clock camera	Ztour mini camera	Espia mini camera
Viewing angle, hail	166	160	80
Permission	4K/2K/1080/ 720P	1920x1080	4K/1080P
Motion Detector	Yes	Yes	Yes
Memory, GB	128	128	256
Dimensions (WxDxH), mm	125x50x50	23x33x73	26x15x158
price, rub.	4 967- 6 490	3 320- 5 878	6 349 - 10 034

Self-installation in the apartment

Before installing covert video surveillance, you need to decide on the planned control zone. To do this, it is necessary to develop a plan of the premises and schematically plot the controlled area with the proposed locations of the mini cameras. This provides for the absence of obstructions to the view in the form of furniture, plants or walls.

The most popular installation locations are:

• peephole in the door;
• cornice;
• case of household appliances;
• bookshelf;
• Kids toys;
• lamp, floor lamp or chandelier;
• pot with indoor plants;
• wall or electronic clock.

Bad Places to Place:

• darkened corner;
• next to a microwave oven or electrical converters;
• in front of a window or light source.

There must be a warning sign about the conduct of covert video surveillance!

Enjoy the shopping. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!