Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Wi-Fi Hidden Camera
20th Apr 2020
So you're looking for the perfect WiFi spy camera, but you find yourself exhausted and confused by the excessive choices.
Well, it's time to change that. Not all WiFi spy cameras are made equal, so let's take a look at what you really need to know to find the best option for you.
Keep reading to learn the things you need to before you buy a WiFi spy camera.
WiFi Spy Cameras Are Easy to Set Up
Not many people know that WiFi spy cameras are rather new. In the last decade, we have seen a solid ramp-up of advanced camera technology.
Years back, one would have to plug a receiver into a working computer and route it through software that helps stream the feed. The quality was abysmal and the sizes were larger.
To your fortune, nowadays - all you have to do is connect the camera over a WiFi network to your laptop or phone, and access it any time from anywhere. As long as you have a connection.
Also, here are some camera placement tips.
Best Feed Quality Doesn't Require Much
Most cameras are capable of streaming at 720p or 1080p. The video quality helps you see all details, even in low-light.
Luckily, to host an HD video stream from your camera - all you need is a measly 5 to 10 Mbps of download speed. This is easily attainable by most people at an affordable cost.
However, if you find yourself with a slower connection - you needn't worry. The quality will auto-scale to an appropriate quality setting, making the stream less intensive.
Even in the lowest of quality settings - you can still clearly see what is happening.
To Each Their Own - Each Camera Is Different
One of the main problems people have when buying a WiFi spy camera is the sheer quantity of cameras. One would think that's not a problem, but it can be.
Different sizes, capabilities, memory slots, recording options, backups, and updates. All of these things differ on each camera - making for an overwhelming shopping experience.
Most stores have hundreds of cameras on display. However, an online shop like ours specializes in the best. All of our cameras have been hand-selected and tested by our team to ensure satisfaction.
The Wifi Camera Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
WiFi spy cameras are exceptional at what they do, but they are not always the best option for some scenarios.
In some cases, having a card with a memory recorder for future review is a better option. Some rural or remote locations might not be able to accommodate WiFi access, making your choices minimal.
You also have to take into account the value of having a live feed. Outweigh the benefits to your use case. Sometimes a simple memory camera is better.
Wide Camera Coverage Is Possible
Most WiFi spy cameras have a wide-angle lens, making them very useful for capturing an entire room from one spot. Not to mention that a WiFi spy camera allows you to connect a series of cameras into an accessible network.
This means that you can place a camera in each room, and navigate through each of the feeds from one single device.
Feature Add-Ons
Nowadays, new cameras come with a bunch of pre-set add-ons. Some of these are stabilization image processing, motion detection with alerts, night modes, etc.
For example, motion detection will alert you of any movement by phone or email, regardless of the activity, be it animal, human, door movement, fan spinning, so on and so forth.
This can improve your user experience, allowing you to leave the feed and check-in when it's important. However, having a motion detection system can prove to be annoying in a location with high mobility, depleting your concentration with overbearing notifications.
WiFi Spy Cameras Can Record Too
Not all, but some can. Nonetheless, a high-quality WiFi spy camera will have an on-board recording, allowing you to monitor and record 24/7 or even set up recording in conjunction with motion detection.
Keep in mind that not all cameras have the function or even come with a memory card. However, you should be able to acquire a memory card from the same shop that you purchase the camera.
Another cool feature to look out for is memory card remote access, which allows you to review recordings much like you would watch the stream from the camera live feed.
Consider the Battery
A WiFi spy camera is not self-sufficient. It requires juice and quite a lot of it. Some cameras are wireless, but they don't last long.
Most will be AC powered, allowing for 24/7 access with recharging. Depending on your use case, you might only need temporary camera access, which can run you for about 8 hours.
But that's very uncommon for a camera, as the most range in the 3-4 hour range
The WiFi Spy Camera for Your Needs
Now that we have covered the most important things that you need to know before you buy your WiFi spy camera - you are well on your way to acquiring, setting up, and enjoying the functionality of one.
To avoid any unnecessary refunds and out-of-pocket expenses, make sure to research, consider, and select the most appropriate camera for your use case.
Each WiFi spy camera is tailored to the consumer in mind. Therefore, you really can't go wrong. Remember to check reviews, consult with a specialist, and possibly test some out at your local store.
In case you are interested, here are 5 spy camera misconceptions.