sebastian scholz nuki ijksskfeqrm unsplash

How to Hide Your Outdoor Security Camera?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    The installation of a security camera system is crucial to the protection of your property. This will let you maintain tabs on your home and family and keep them safe from any unwanted visitors.

    However, if you're worried about someone discovering your surveillance cameras, there are a few methods you may use to hide them. Learn some of the best practices for concealing your outside surveillance equipment here.

    Why Would You Hide A Security Camera?

    Before we get to where to hide the cameras outdoors, let's discuss the importance of hiding home security cameras.

    If the camera is concealed, the odds of an intruder finding it and turning it off are reduced.

    Because visitors may find wired security cameras intrusive, wireless cameras are a great way to keep your smart home looking sleek. Planning to put a security system in your place. At Defend Security Group, you can find high quality and affordable Melbourne home security for your needs.

    When you install covert security cameras, your house will seem more put together and less chaotic.

    If you have a maid or someone else who cares for your children, installing WiFi concealed cameras around your house is a great method to keep tabs on their activities.

    Still, it's not simple to hide any security camera, and it's a much larger problem to hide one in a public place. One of the most prevalent complaints about home security cameras is that their field of vision is too small. Obtaining the necessary field of vision while employing covert cameras might be challenging.

    Where To Hide An Outdoor Spy Camera

    By installing a security camera system, you can monitor your house even while you're not there. There is no need for you to be home for a security camera to keep an eye on your property.

    You may see what was happening around you at any given moment in time by recording your surroundings and then watching the movie back at your convenience. Smart cameras also include a feature that, when activated, will alert your phone anytime it detects motion. As a consequence, you'll have a clearer picture of what's going on over there.

    cctv security online camera with house plan

    But there are several risks and challenges associated with utilising a normal camera. Thus, it is always recommended that you hide your exterior surveillance camera. However, it may be challenging to hide security cameras in an outdoor setting.

    You should either hide your camera or pretend it's one of the following, since both are bad ideas.

    • Fake rock
    • Bird feeder
    • Birdhouse
    • Plant
    • Piece of lawn decor
    • PVC pipe

    How To Hide Outdoor Security Cameras

    When setting up a security camera system, particularly one that involves exterior cameras, location is of primary importance. But if you don't want to hide your home security camera behind anything or hide it as something else, you can always paint it the same colour as your house to make it less obvious. Here are several alternatives for keeping your security cameras out of sight if that isn't an option.

    Purchase Hidden Or Small Security Cameras

    The simplest method of concealing a camera is to purchase one that is either already concealed or extremely tiny. There are many different types of hidden cameras available on the market. Peephole cameras are the most well-known kind of covert outdoor camera now available.

    Due to their small size, covert surveillance cameras like these are a breeze to hide. A small camera with built-in WiFi and a battery is ideal for clandestine spying.

    One of the most striking things about hidden surveillance cameras is how inexpensive and flexible they can be. As a result of their small stature, these cameras are quite flexible in terms of placement; you can put them almost wherever you choose. Moreover, the low cost of these cameras is due in part to their small size and lack of advanced functionality.

    In contrast to a lot of older models, most newer ones do not demand a membership fee to access. The cameras' motion detection function allows them to alert you whenever they detect motion in the area they are watching. For these reasons, it is acceptable to deploy hidden cameras.

    The following are a few other benefits of using hidden or small cameras:

    • Small size equals it's simpler to hide.
    • Being wireless, these cameras need little setup.
    • With WiFi, you may access a device from a distance and see live video on any of your other WiFi-enabled gadgets.

    Put Security Cameras In The Ceiling Or The Eaves

    If your home's paint and the camera's colour scheme are too close to warrant a paint job, you may want to consider this option. Cameras that are installed in this manner mostly create the illusion that they do not exist. 

    In most situations, you won't be able to detect your camera's presence until you deliberately check for it. It will make your camera almost undetectable until someone goes looking for it.

    If you want your camera to fit in with the rest of your home's decor, you may always paint it to match the colour of your walls. This will make it seem as though the camera is really part of the eave of the structure. As a result, nobody will suspect that you're using a security device.

    Place Outdoor Camera In A Birdhouse Or A Bird Feeder To Disguise It

    The most widely praised technique is hiding security cameras in conventional birdhouses. To hide a camera, an enclosed birdhouse is the best option. To record films outdoors while still being somewhat protected from vandalism, a hole will need to be created on the front of the birdhouse to fit the camera.

    Almost any camera may be hidden by simply making a hole in the rear of it to the right size.

    If you want to keep an eye on anything specific, just aim the birdhouse in that direction. Keep in mind that the camera can only record via the hole, thus your field of vision may be severely limited. After setting up your camera inside, reviewing the footage is the most efficient course of action.

    Cover Surveillance Cameras With Trees Or Bushes

    Bushes and trees may provide great camouflage for your camera. When you have a lot of foliage or bushes around your property, it's much easier to hide the appearance of a security camera. If you paint your camera to seem like brushes, you can fool people into thinking it is a real brush and get better results than you would with a regular camera.

    When the camera is attached to a tree limb or another part of the tree, it may be hidden by covering it with leaves. Make sure you check out the video you're obtaining before making any decisions.

    You Can Hide It Behind Any Window

    A strong glass pane may be used to conceal a camera by simply sliding it into an opening and mounting it in the desired position. Thieves will have a hard time disabling the camera, or at least they will need some time to do it, even if they do manage to locate it. Because your smartphone is always recording what's going on around you, you'll have the evidence you need even if the thieves manage to deactivate it. Financial institutions often use this strategy.

    Keep in mind that the use of night vision may be compromised if cameras were hidden in glass windows. Be sure that all tests pass before committing to a final version.

    Set Up A Fake Camera

    Place a dummy security camera at the entrance to your home and conceal the actual one in the yard or another area near the front of your property. The book is then available for purchase on Amazon.

    Your actual camera may keep recording without being noticed if you use this strategy in which a fake camera is used to divert attention from it. Put these phone cameras up as prominently as possible so that everyone can see them.

    Install It Higher Up

    A simple way to guarantee the security of a camera is to mount it in an out-of-the-way location. Putting it up high makes it harder to steal or destroy than if it were mounted on a wall. This improves its continued safety. Ensure that the chosen spot is out of the way, yet the camera can still record in that region.

    camera lens with red blue backlight macro photography lenses

    This is a simple way to keep your camera safe while simultaneously documenting your surroundings. To ensure the safety of your home or business, you may want to install a camera in a strategic location with a wide field of view.

    Inside The Mailbox, Secure Your Camera

    If you want to put a spy camera inside a mailbox, you'll have to drill a hole in the side of the box. It will capture activities in the backyard covertly and not alert anybody.

    Our recommendation is to drill the hole such that it does not block any essential sightlines.

    Use PVC PIPE To Cover Wires

    If someone sees the cables leading to your camera, they will know exactly where it is. You'll have to hide the camera on the gadget if, for example, you bought a wired security camera. Given this, finding the camera is going to be a difficult task.

    For this task, any kind of plastic pipe will do. After the PVC pipe is cleaned of its wires, it may be buried or painted and used as a wall.

    Use Common Objects To Hide Security Cameras

    The camera's existence inside may probably be hidden with the least amount of effort if it is placed among otherwise ordinary objects. There is a vast range of possibilities available to you, such as:

    • Try adjusting the camera on a bookshelf.
    • You may attach a camera to a smoke detector.
    • A hidden camera in an interior space may also be well concealed in a potted plant on a desk.
    • It is possible to conceal a hidden camera by using a fake potted plant if one is present in the room.

    Having many security cameras is preferable so that all necessary locations may be monitored.

    Use a Decorative Camera Case Cover

    A camera may be hidden in almost any sort of beautiful container. Putting your camera in a beautiful case, whether one you bought specifically for the purpose or one you already have lying around the house, is easy.

    It appears like it would blend in with the rest of your home's décor, so guests won't think twice about touching it. Meanwhile, the camera is already recording their every move. Ideally, this would help in the case of trespassers by providing proof of their presence.

    It is, without a doubt, an innovative means of keeping spy cameras out of sight within a building.

    Make The Intruders Feel Secure To Deceive Them.

    A building's safety may be gauged by the presence of smoke detectors. Any phoney smoke detector may have a hidden camera placed in it. The intruder will be fooled by these tools, and the hidden camera will catch them in the act.

    The camera's WiFi connectivity means it may be accessed remotely. Dummy smoke detectors reduce the probability of an intruder being notified of their presence since they do not have wires.

    Purchase A Camera Capable Of Uploading Footage To The Cloud.

    If you live in a dangerous area where your security camera may be disabled by intruders or stolen, it's a good idea to invest in a smart camera that can save video in the cloud.

    Investing in such cameras protects your data from being lost in the event of a camera being tampered with or destroyed.

    What To Consider When Purchasing Hidden Security Cameras

    The following qualities should be considered if you decide to hide your security cameras:

    • Cost: An outside surveillance camera will often set you back about $200. Discover more about the costs of such devices.
    • Connectivity: Since most modern cameras utilise WiFi, you should position them so that they can access your internet. However, many cameras may function well without a WiFi connection.
    • Power: Considering how simple to set up and utilise wireless security cameras are, you should seriously consider purchasing one, and more especially, an outdoor wireless security camera. Wireless cameras, such as the Reolink GO and some Ring cameras, may be powered by batteries or solar panels.
    • Battery life: If the cameras run on batteries, you should choose ones that can keep going for at least six months.
    • Video: In the same way that you would look for a security camera with a broad field of vision and high-definition footage (1080p HD or above), you should also look for a camera with a wide viewing angle (120 degrees or more). Optical zoom would be a nice feature of this camera.
    • Audio: Having two-way audio means you can talk to anyone is near your camera as well as hear what they have to say. Since employing concealed cameras, you'll probably just want to listen, you should make sure that your camera has a built-in microphone.
    • Night vision: Since most burglaries occur while people are asleep, investing in a camera with infrared night vision is crucial. Spotlight cameras, such as the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery, provide excellent colour night vision, but they can't be hidden because of their powerful lights.
    • Person detection: The finest cameras are able to distinguish between random motion and that generated by individuals, allowing for more accurate alerts to be sent in both cases.
    • Smart platform integrations: Though it's not a deal breaker, it is preferable to get a voice assistant-compatible outside camera if you have a voice assistant installed in your home. Please take me outside and show me my front yard, Alexa.
    • Strong mobile app: Since you'll be utilising the camera's mobile app to check on live video, analyse cloud storage, and get alerted when there's motion, it's important that it's of good quality. If you haven't already, we suggest looking up user reviews for it in the app store or Google Play, respectively.
    • Durability:The IP rating and operating temperature range are the two main determinants of longevity. An item's susceptibility to solids is indicated by the first number of its IP rating; similarly, the second digit shows its susceptibility to liquids (the second digit). Try to choose cameras with an IP rating of 65 or above, which means they can tolerate dust and low-pressure water spray. The average temp is something that doesn't need a lot of explanation; simply said, you should seek for cameras that have ranges that are suitable with the coldest and hotest temperatures that may occur in your location.
    • Size: Covert cameras benefit from small size because of their ability to blend into their surroundings.

    Bonus Tips For Hidden Security Cameras

    Do you need any more information on the creative approaches to creating a covert camera for surveillance? Read the commonly asked questions for additional information on how to hide your security cameras.

    (Please share any insights you have on the best methods for concealing surveillance cameras with us in the comments below.)

    Where Should You Put Your Hidden Security Camera At Home?

    More than a third of thieves, as the numbers show, enter a residence via the front door. First-floor windows (23%), rear doors (22%), and garages are also frequent points of entrance (9 percent ). Therefore, installing hidden surveillance cameras in certain spots should be a high priority. 

    Take a look at this to gain some new perspectives on where you may install your security cameras at home.

    How Can Security Camera Wires Be Hidden Outside?

    The best way to manage the cables for a covert surveillance system is to get a camera that doesn't need any. Which means less time wasted. If, however, your covert security camera requires wires, you may use this detailed manual to set up your camera wiring (including power, BNC, and Ethernet cables).

    How Can A Security Camera Be Hidden In A Window?

    As was previously said, if the security camera has to be hidden behind a window, either its capacity to see in the dark or its ability to detect motion (for cameras with a PIR motion sensor) must be compromised.

    To address these concerns, you may get a security camera with software-based motion detection to provide reliable notifications and install either external infrared illuminators or visible light to enable night vision.

    How Can You Hide Your Hidden Cameras DVR/NVR?

    The attic, the walls, the bookshelf, the closet, the suspected crawlspace, and other covert spots are all viable options for hiding a security camera DVR or NVR. If a DVR or NVR locker is available, you may use it, too.

    Keep in mind that the majority of NVRs and DVRs on the market today are not waterproof, so if you conceal them outdoors, be sure to protect them from the rain or any other form of pouring water.

    Is Using Hidden Security Cameras Or Hiding Cameras Legal?

    You may use a concealed camera to capture films anywhere, whether inside your house or elsewhere. However, avoid recording in restrooms and other areas where occupants may anticipate privacy.

    Before concealing a security camera, you should consult a lawyer to go through the specifics of how you want to use it and where you intend to put it.

    Conclusion

    If the camera is concealed, the odds of an intruder finding it and turning it off are reduced. Wireless cameras are a great way to keep your smart home looking sleek.  Location is of primary importance when setting up a security camera system. You should either hide your camera or pretend it's one of the following.

    Peephole cameras are the most well-known kind of covert outdoor camera now available. A small camera with built-in WiFi and a battery is ideal for clandestine spying. If you want your camera to match the colour of your home's decor, you may want to consider painting it. Place Outdoor Camera In A Birdhouse Or A Bird Feeder To Disguise It. Bushes and trees may provide great camouflage for your camera.

    A strong glass pane may be used to conceal a camera behind a window. A fake security camera can be placed at the entrance to your home to divert attention from the real one. If you want to put a spy camera inside a mailbox, drill a hole in the side of the box. If you have a wired security camera, you'll have to hide it inside something. Common objects can be used to hide the camera with the least effort.

    If you live in a dangerous area, invest in a security camera that can save video in the cloud. Investing in such cameras protects your data from being lost in the event of a camera being tampered with or destroyed. What To Consider When Purchasing Hidden Security Cameras. The IP rating and operating temperature range are the two main determinants of longevity. Most burglaries occur while people are asleep, investing in a camera with infrared night vision is crucial.

    Try to choose cameras with an IP rating of 65 or above, which means they can tolerate dust and water spray. More than a third of thieves enter homes via the front door. First-floor windows, rear doors and garages are frequent points of entrance. Best way to manage the cables for a covert surveillance system is to get a camera that doesn't need any. Which means less time wasted.

    The attic, the walls, the bookshelf, the closet, the suspected crawlspace are all viable options for hiding a security camera DVR or NVR. Most NVRs and DVRs on the market today are not waterproof, so if you conceal them outdoors, be sure to protect them from the rain.

    Content Summary

    1. The installation of a security camera system is crucial to the protection of your property.
    2. This will let you maintain tabs on your home and family and keep them safe from any unwanted visitors.
    3. Learn some of the best practices for concealing your outside surveillance equipment here.
    4. Planning to put a security system in your place.
    5. When you install covert security cameras, your house will seem more put together and less chaotic.
    6. One of the most prevalent complaints about home security cameras is that their field of vision is too small.
    7. Obtaining the necessary field of vision while employing covert cameras might be challenging.
    8. There is no need for you to be home for a security camera to keep an eye on your property.
    9. But if you don't want to hide your home security camera behind anything or hide it as something else, you can always paint it the same colour as your house to make it less obvious.
    10. Here are several alternatives for keeping your security cameras out of sight if that isn't an option.
    11. Purchase Hidden Or Small Security CamerasThe simplest method of concealing a camera is to purchase one that is either already concealed or extremely tiny.
    12. There are many different types of hidden cameras available on the market.
    13. Due to their small size, covert surveillance cameras like these are a breeze to hide.
    14. A small camera with built-in WiFi and a battery is ideal for clandestine spying.
    15. One of the most striking things about hidden surveillance cameras is how inexpensive and flexible they can be.
    16. For these reasons, it is acceptable to deploy hidden cameras.
    17. The following are a few other benefits of using hidden or small cameras:Small size equals it's simpler to hide.
    18. Put Security Cameras In The Ceiling Or The Eaves.
    19. If your home's paint and the camera's colour scheme are too close to warrant a paint job, you may want to consider this option.
    20. See our list of available home & business CCTV Melbourne for your  security solutions.
    21. If you want your camera to fit in with the rest of your home's decor, you may always paint it to match the colour of your walls.
    22. To hide a camera, an enclosed birdhouse is the best option.
    23. Cover Surveillance Cameras With Trees Or Bushes.
    24. Bushes and trees may provide great camouflage for your camera.
    25. When you have a lot of foliage or bushes around your property, it's much easier to hide the appearance of a security camera.
    26. You Can Hide It Behind Any WindowA strong glass pane may be used to conceal a camera by simply sliding it into an opening and mounting it in the desired position.
    27. Keep in mind that the use of night vision may be compromised if cameras were hidden in glass windows.
    28. Set Up A Fake CameraPlace a dummy security camera at the entrance to your home and conceal the actual one in the yard or another area near the front of your property.
    29. Put these phone cameras up as prominently as possible so that everyone can see them.
    30. Install It Higher UpA simple way to guarantee the security of a camera is to mount it in an out-of-the-way location.
    31. Putting it up high makes it harder to steal or destroy than if it were mounted on a wall.
    32. Ensure that the chosen spot is out of the way, yet the camera can still record in that region.
    33. This is a simple way to keep your camera safe while simultaneously documenting your surroundings.
    34. To ensure the safety of your home or business, you may want to install a camera in a strategic location with a wide field of view.
    35. Inside The Mailbox, Secure Your Camera.
    36. If you want to put a spy camera inside a mailbox, you'll have to drill a hole in the side of the box.
    37. You'll have to hide the camera on the gadget if, for example, you bought a wired security camera.
    38. Use Common Objects To Hide Security CamerasThe camera's existence inside may probably be hidden with the least amount of effort if it is placed among otherwise ordinary objects.
    39. You may attach a camera to a smoke detector.
    40. It is possible to conceal a hidden camera by using a fake potted plant if one is present in the room.
    41. Use a Decorative Camera Case CoverA camera may be hidden in almost any sort of beautiful container.
    42. Putting your camera in a beautiful case, whether one you bought specifically for the purpose or one you already have lying around the house, is easy.
    43. A building's safety may be gauged by the presence of smoke detectors.
    44. Any phoney smoke detector may have a hidden camera placed in it.
    45. Dummy smoke detectors reduce the probability of an intruder being notified of their presence since they do not have wires.
    46. If you live in a dangerous area where your security camera may be disabled by intruders or stolen, it's a good idea to invest in a smart camera that can save video in the cloud.
    47. Discover more about the costs of such devices.
    48. Power: Considering how simple to set up and utilise wireless security cameras are, you should seriously consider purchasing one, and more especially, an outdoor wireless security camera.
    49. Video: In the same way that you would look for a security camera with a broad field of vision and high-definition footage (1080p HD or above), you should also look for a camera with a wide viewing angle (120 degrees or more).
    50. Since employing concealed cameras, you'll probably just want to listen, you should make sure that your camera has a built-in microphone.
    51. Night vision: Since most burglaries occur while people are asleep, investing in a camera with infrared night vision is crucial.
    52. Spotlight cameras, such as the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery, provide excellent colour night vision, but they can't be hidden because of their powerful lights.
    53. Smart platform integrations: Though it's not a deal breaker, it is preferable to get a voice assistant-compatible outside camera if you have a voice assistant installed in your home.
    54. Strong mobile app: Since you'll be utilising the camera's mobile app to check on live video, analyse cloud storage, and get alerted when there's motion, it's important that it's of good quality.
    55. Durability:The IP rating and operating temperature range are the two main determinants of longevity.
    56. Try to choose cameras with an IP rating of 65 or above, which means they can tolerate dust and low-pressure water spray.
    57. Do you need any more information on the creative approaches to creating a covert camera for surveillance?
    58. Read the commonly asked questions for additional information on how to hide your security cameras.(Please share any insights you have on the best methods for concealing surveillance cameras with us in the comments below.)Where Should You Put Your Hidden Security Camera At Home?More than a third of thieves, as the numbers show, enter a residence via the front door.
    59. First-floor windows (23%), rear doors (22%), and garages are also frequent points of entrance (9 percent).
    60. Therefore, installing hidden surveillance cameras in certain spots should be a high priority.
    61. This article will help you make a decision about Melbourne home & business video intercom system.
    62.   Here at Defend Security Group, we're committed!Take a look at this to gain some new perspectives on where you may install your security cameras at home.
    63. How Can Security Camera Wires Be Hidden Outside?The best way to manage the cables for a covert surveillance system is to get a camera that doesn't need any.
    64. If, however, your covert security camera requires wires, you may use this detailed manual to set up your camera wiring (including power, BNC, and Ethernet cables).How Can A Security Camera Be Hidden In A Window?
    65. As was previously said, if the security camera has to be hidden behind a window, either its capacity to see in the dark or its ability to detect motion (for cameras with a PIR motion sensor) must be compromised.
    66. To address these concerns, you may get a security camera with software-based motion detection to provide reliable notifications and install either external infrared illuminators or visible light to enable night vision.
    67. How Can You Hide Your Hidden Cameras DVR/NVR?The attic, the walls, the bookshelf, the closet, the suspected crawlspace, and other covert spots are all viable options for hiding a security camera DVR or NVR.
    68. If a DVR or NVR locker is available, you may use it, too.
    69. Is Using Hidden Security Cameras Or Hiding Cameras Legal?You may use a concealed camera to capture films anywhere, whether inside your house or elsewhere.
    70. Before concealing a security camera, you should consult a lawyer to go through the specifics of how you want to use it and where you intend to put it.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Security Camera

    You are able to conceal your outdoor security cameras by placing them in close proximity to, or disguising them as, one of the following:

    • Fake rock
    • Plant
    • Lawn decor
    • Birdhouse
    • Bird feeder

    You may also choose to paint your security camera so that it blends in with the exterior of your home.

    It is possible to conceal a camera by concealing it behind an object such as a plant, fake rock, birdhouse, or feeder for the birds. You may also choose to paint it the same color as your house in order to blend it in more seamlessly.

    We are of the opinion that you should not conceal your surveillance cameras. Visible security cameras are more effective at preventing crime than hidden security cameras, which have no deterrent effect.

    You should position your surveillance cameras so that they are facing:

    • At ground-floor doors and windows
    • In a main hallway or staircase
    • In common areas
    • In your yard
    • In your driveway
    • In the basement
    • In any detached buildings like garages

    Depending on the company, a home alarm may continue to work without monitoring. Customers who cancel their monitoring service can try resetting their home security equipment. They may find that their home security system is still mostly functional. ... Especially if you're away from home and receive an alert of a break-in.

    Scroll to Top