Best hidden outdoor security cameras with night vision

Visible outdoor security cameras are a great deterrent against would-be burglars. That’s why I have got prominently positioned cameras around my home. But there are two very valid objections to doing this.

“Won’t burglars just smash the cameras?” and “Won’t burglars just hide their faces?”

Its true, security cameras are not the be all and end all of home security and you need a well-planned strategy to protect your home. But placing hidden outdoor security cameras in unexpected places may lead to catching the act of the burglar destroying the visible cameras. You may even catch the burglar unmasking themselves because they do not see a camera around.

Or you could go the other way and just use hidden cameras only – that way you reduce the risk of the burglar masking themselves in the first place.

Check out this video caught by a hidden outdoor security camera:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sy2OCWYePg

Depending on how they are powered and how they are connected, we can group them into the following categories:

• Wirefree hidden outdoor security camera
  • These are totally wireless battery-powered cameras. They usually cannot be connected to mains power, but may have solar panel accessories. Ideal for locations where you can’t get power, Internet connectivity or both. Wi-Fi and/or 4G LTE connectivity.
• Wireless hidden outdoor security camera with WiFi
  • AC powered, WiFi connectivity
• Wireless PoE hidden outdoor security camera with WiFi
  • AC powered, WiFi and Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity

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Panasonic Homehawk Home Monitoring Kit

There are many positives to talk about here. This is a high quality product from a reputable brand. There is no cloud or Internet reliance here. All footage is stored locally on the microSD card. This means your data is truly yours. I am very happy to see Panasonic take this route instead of crippling their cameras unless you pay through the nose for a paid cloud subscription. Colour night vision is a recent innovation and is something I really recommend going for.

Full specs:

• 720P HD camera (172 degrees diagonal field of view)
• Local storage and local processing
• Day/night sensor
• 2-way intercom with built-in microphone, speaker.
• Livestream video feed to mobile app
• Smart motion detection with zones
• Android, iPhone and tablet apps available
• IP65 weatherproof

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Reolink Argus 2

We reviewed the Reolink Argus last year and really liked it. It was the only non-cloud reliant wirefree camera at the time. The fact that it was a well-built full-HD camera only made the deal even better! The Reolink Argus 2 improves on the original Argus by adding a rechargeable battery and solar panel charging options.

Full specs:

• 1080P Full HD camera (120 degrees diagonal field of view)
• Local microSD storage and local processing
• Day/night sensor
• 2-way intercom with built-in microphone, speaker.
• Livestream video feed to mobile app
• PIR motion detection
• Android, iPhone and tablet apps available
• 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
• IP65 weatherproof

Kuna Maximus Video Security Camera and Outdoor Light

The Kuna camera is the original big-daddy of the outdoor camera and light combination. This hidden camera looks like any other outdoor lamp and works just like one too. But look very closely and you just might see a hidden camera lurking within! This smart light with hidden camera can be fully controlled from your smartphone too.

However there are a few downsides. One key omission is night vision as there are no Infrared LEDs. Like most mainstream security cameras, this hidden camera is a closed system and is reliant on the cloud. The free plan lers you look back only 2 hours of video and allows only 3 video downloads per month. It also does not let you access its live video stream from any app other than the official Kuna app. You cannot use Blue Iris on other ONVIF recorders with this camera because there is no RTSP stream. There is no API either, so home automation control is limited to Alexa support.

Full specs:

• 720P HD camera (116 degree diagonal field of view)
• Day/night sensor
• 2-way intercom with built-in microphone, speaker.
• Loud alarm siren
• PIR motion sensor
• Livestream video feed to mobile app
• Smart motion event detection
• 3 colour status LED (can be switched off)
• Comes with a 16 watt LED bulb (colour temperature is 3000K)
• Android, iPhone and tablet apps available
• Weatherproof

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PHYLINK PLC-128PW 720p HD PoE Pinhole Camera

The Phylink covert camera is a small wonder. It is an IP camera that packs 720p HD resolution, WiFi, Power over Ethernet(PoE), and a microSD card slot. The camera sensor is separated from the rest of the camera which allows you to easily position the sensor unit in the desired position.

Full specs:
– 720P HD video, H.264, MPEG4, MJPEG configurable streams
– Windows and Mac compatible, Free software for PC
– Free Apps for iOS and Android, view and hear remotely from anywhere
– Quick setup within minutes, no complicated settings needed
– Micro SD DVR supports cards up to 128GB (SD Card not included)
– Motion record/alerts via Push Notifications/Email/FTP
– Fully compatible connectivity, works over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Power over Ethernet (PoE).

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Titathink TT520PW 720P HD Wireless Micro Hidden PoE Pinhole Camera

The Titathink is a more polished version of the Phylink and has an external antenna. A generous 20ft long cable links the camera image sensor to the main unit.

Main specs:
– Image Sensor Dimensions Φ 0.74 x 1 in
– Main Unit Dimensions(W x D x H mm) 3.7 x 2.87 x 0.94 in
– Cable lengths: 28ft From sensor to main unit.
– High-Resolution 720P HD video streaming, H.264, MPEG4, MJPEG configurable stream.
– 3-D Digital Noise Reduction (3-D DNR), Get exceptional image quality and video with less noise.
– Works over Wi-Fi b/g/n, LAN or POE. WPS for easy wireless setup.
– One Audio Line-in port for sound monitoring.
– General I/O ports to connect external alarm devices.
– Multi-zone Motion Detection, Email, Ftp, Push alarms to your phone.
– MicroSD card slot up to 128GB, playback via our app or software.
– ONVIF compliant, works with NVR, NAS or PC with surveillance software.
– Free app for iOS & Android smartphones/tablets.

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Conclusion

Using a smart combination of the wired, wireless and wire-free outdoor hidden security cameras listed above, you have a far better chance of outsmarting a burglar. Why not share with us how you are using hidden cameras in your home?