Hidden Camera Detectors Tested
Hidden cameras are a growing problem as cameras become smaller, cheaper and easier to access. However, some companies claim to be able to detect those cameras.
IPVM purchased 2 of the top sold Amazon hidden camera detectors as well as downloaded a number of phone apps, testing them against a variety of hidden cameras, some we purchased and will be testing later, and some made in-house.
Key ********
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- Precise ***** ****** ** "***" ****: Seeing a hidden camera lens requires a precise, close angle to get a reflection from the red LEDs against a camera lens. Given the design of having a ring of LEDs around an eye piece, the user will have to slowly sweep the room for cameras, and if a specific angle is not used, a camera could be completely missed.
- RF ******** *********** ****: The RF detector had issues pinpointing locations of hidden cameras. Many false positives occurred during our test with interference from laptops, phones, routers and other devices that emit their own RF. Also, the RF scanner failed to detect hidden cameras that work without WiFi and instead record to an on-board SD card.
- Reflected "***" ***** *** *****: A red dot is reflected back off the lens of the hidden camera and made slightly more visible through the eyepiece. However, depending on the angle and distance a hidden lens is seen, the dot could be easily missed.
- False ********* ******** ***** ****** ****** ******: Whether from using the RF detector or the hidden camera finder, false positives can be seen frequently. The LED's on the camera finders reflect off most retroreflective surfaces and items, such as other LEDs, metal, and plastic. Users may second-guess themselves, thinking they have found a hidden device, when they did not.
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