Stacking up the pros and cons of hidden vs. visible security cameras can admittedly be a tough call. Fortunately, we have plenty of experience in this field to give consumers like you some valuable insight and tell you which surveillance system best suits your needs.
Both hidden and visible security cameras have their own unique characteristics and knowing what these are can make your buying decision much easier. If you’re hesitating on choosing between the two, then you came to the right place. A few minutes of reading this post can go a long way towards helping you make an informed choice. Here’s how you can choose between hidden and visible security cameras.
Should you install visible security cameras to your home?
Most opportunistic burglars often rely on camouflaging themselves during a planned attack. The less likely they’re to be spotted, the more confident they are at forcing their entry. It’s during these situations where a visible security camera will come in quite handy. The mere presence of a security camera alone is sometimes enough to make a burglar think twice about his actions. Getting caught on camera isn’t something a criminal wants and a security camera provides a greater chance of deterrence.
Beyond the deterrent qualities, you want to make sure that the camera itself has a high enough resolution to capture as much detail as possible. Most high-resolution cameras capture video in 4K and pack plenty of detail, so much so that you can discern vehicle plate numbers and identify people’s faces. Also, many visible security cameras now have vandal-proof characteristics like metal housings and smudge-resistant lens covers to make them difficult to disable.
When should you choose hidden security cameras?
The benefits of a visible camera over a hidden one is plainly obvious. However, a hidden security camera does have a few tricks up its sleeve that is worthy of consideration. If you want a discreet surveillance system that eliminates the risk of vandalism, then a hidden security camera may just be the one for you.
Covert cameras can fit anywhere you like due to their smaller form factor. This allows you to conceal the device in well-placed mounting points so that criminals won’t have a chance at disabling them. Criminals are unlikely to take action when a visible security camera is in sight. In fact, they may even be determined at destroying that camera to leave as little evidence as possible. Also, a visible security camera may not be a welcome idea for guests in your property. Your friends and family may feel uncomfortable knowing that they’re under the watchful eyes of a surveillance device.
With a hidden security camera, your guests won’t even know that you have a surveillance system inside your property. Small, hidden spy cams with reliable audio work great as nanny cams. If you have a nanny around the house, having these cameras around ensures that your children are receiving the best care possible.
How about installing both hidden and visible security cameras?
The best solution is to install both hidden and visible security cameras so you can take advantage of their strengths. Not only will you scare off potential thieves, but you will also catch those who are brave enough to break inside your property. Many homes and businesses integrate hidden and visible cameras to create a reliable surveillance system. They install visible security cameras outdoors to act as a deterrent for thieves and install covert security cameras indoors so as to not make friends and family members feel uncomfortable.
Regardless of whether you’re using a concealed or visible security camera, there are a couple of tips you should keep in mind that will help maximise the effectiveness of your surveillance system.
- Check the resolution of the camera. Generally, the higher the megapixels (MP), the more detail it can capture.
- Go for an outdoor security camera with waterproofing characteristics to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
- Choose security cameras that pack strong IR LED lights to see things more clearly at night.
- Take advantage of 24/7 monitoring so you can see the status of your home even if you’re away.
- Have the professionals install the cameras. The right positioning and viewing angles can make a huge difference in terms of the overall effectiveness of the devices so do keep that in mind.
- The camera’s field of view determines how much area it can capture through the lens. Choose a camera with a wide field of view for outdoor video recording and go with cameras that have a narrow field of view for when you’re recording tight spaces (i.e. hallways and door entrances.
Many people are wondering whether it is legal to install hidden security cameras and the answer is yes, it is legal to have covert surveillance devices in your home, but not in private areas of your property like your bedroom and bathroom. In essence, there’s no one device that is better than the other. Rather, these two cameras work harmoniously to give you a reliable security surveillance system on all four corners.
When choosing between hidden and security cameras, make sure to factor in your applications to determine which camera best fits that purpose. Or better yet, consult a professional security systems company so you can obtain expert advice on hidden vs. visible security cameras.