I need a security camera I can hide: We are having some vandalism problems at my condo complex where I am the infrastructure guy. I need a stand-alone, battery operated security camera...

stonecherub Loc: Tucson, AZ

We are having some vandalism problems at my condo complex where I am the infrastructure guy. I need a stand-alone, battery operated security camera that can be easily hidden. I am soliciting suggestions here because I suspect some of you have had similar problems in the past.

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

There's this new thing that's really becoming a big deal called GOOGLE. Put in disguised security camera and you'll get almost 200,000 suggestions.

stonecherub Loc: Tucson, AZ

lsaguy wrote:

There's this new thing that's really becoming a big deal called GOOGLE. Put in disguised security camera and you'll get almost 200,000 suggestions.

Just so! And what am I going to do with 200,000 suggestions? After a rather heated discussion last night, there's already a whole political party up there and not room for 200, much less 200,000 cameras.

Google is an ad company, if you hadn't noticed whereas I am soliciting USER'S suggestions.

Q.E.D.

GLS Loc: MIdwest

stonecherub wrote:

We are having some vandalism problems at my condo complex where I am the infrastructure guy. I need a stand-alone, battery operated security camera that can be easily hidden. I am soliciting suggestions here because I suspect some of you have had similar problems in the past.

You may be able to find what you are looking for here:

http://www.thehomesecuritysuperstore.com/home-spy-equipment-spy-cameras-c=41

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Is this for inside or outside coverage?

IF inside - here are some options: http://www.thehomesecuritysuperstore.com/battery-operated-spy-cameras-sub=216

IF outside, an acquaintance of mine had a similar situation in an apt complex - they tried the battery cams and found the batteries didn't last long enough at the price point they were willing to spend. They went with the hidden cam in the emergency lights - more expensive but gave them full time coverage.

Other options are trail cams - the kind used to get pictures of animals at night - the battery life is good - just not sure where you could hide them.

IF price is not an issue, this unit has optional batteries - the longer life, the more $$$ (note in the pricing & options panel there is a drop down indicator for batter life)
http://www.deluxecctv.com/catalog/hidden-cameras/wifi-hidden-emergency-exit-power-failure-light-ip-spy-camera-2115.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjw6Ya5BRDdyOewyo_Z_64BEiQA-fVKe4GqoiBX34wEblXSS-k4FtTyXXAdtY8D0zEU8cGEugEaAls78P8HAQ

Hope this helps.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

stonecherub wrote:

We are having some vandalism problems at my condo complex where I am the infrastructure guy. I need a stand-alone, battery operated security camera that can be easily hidden. I am soliciting suggestions here because I suspect some of you have had similar problems in the past.

The downside to keep in mind with any battery operated camera is the battery life, typically 2-3 hours is all you will get unless you go to some of the game cameras that use a large number of AA batteries, then they can last for months taking still images triggered by the motion sensor. They are NOT small and inconspicuous though, and hard to truly camouflage without obstructing the motion sensor. Some do video but that will decrease the battery life fast.

JRFINN Loc: Plymouth, MA

Nergear has a camera named Arlo which is battery operated, wireless and can repot to your cell phone. Check it out. For peephole cameras you will limit quality and other capabilities which is needed to prosecute in the courts. Good luck

JRFINN Loc: Plymouth, MA

Sorry fat figures this AM. Nergear is the mfg.

JRFINN Loc: Plymouth, MA

Spell check is a pain (Netgear)

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

I had this problem at work so I got a camera that looks and acts like a motion detector. This would not work outside but it did remind me that when I searched for my solution, I remember seeing all sorts of camera's disguised as something else.

abscess Loc: Marblehead, Ma. And winter in Naples, Fl

Probably not helpful but I bought a Covert wireless trail camera recently. Basically it's made to place in the woods for hunters to track deer etc. also says it's used for security. It takes 12 aa batteries but also can use solar power. Also has ir flash that is invisible for night use. Can get 12 mp resolution and sends pics to your mobile device. Since I do not hunt, do not need a security camera, I have no idea why I "needed" it. So look up Covert trail cameras on the web. It's pretty cool.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

stonecherub wrote:

I need a stand-alone, battery operated security camera that can be easily hidden.

The "easily hidden" will limit your choices. On the other hand, having those large rectangular cameras we see everywhere might be enough to keep the vandals away. You can even buy dummy cameras that look like the real thing.

Let us know what you decide.

EDIT: Is this for inside or outside use?

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I have the Arlo system. I'm notified every time a camera is activated.

JRFINN wrote:

Nergear has a camera named Arlo which is battery operated, wireless and can repot to your cell phone. Check it out. For peephole cameras you will limit quality and other capabilities which is needed to prosecute in the courts. Good luck

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

lsaguy wrote:

There's this new thing that's really becoming a big deal called GOOGLE. Put in disguised security camera and you'll get almost 200,000 suggestions.

Another useless answer.

Jim McDonald Loc: Ellsinore, Mo.

When our daughter needed surveillance of the house, I built a bird house with two openings to house and disguise a trail camera. Worked quite well.