Hidden cameras with built-in DVRs let you record what's going on when you are not around... with no wires and no fuss. If you also need have live monitoring of the area under hidden cameras surveillance try our wired and wireless hidden spy cameras.

DVR hidden cameras some in many shapes and sizes including body worn hidden cameras Here are a few of the essential features to look for in a DVR hidden camera:

Motion activated recording

The most important feature of any hidden camera with a built in digital recorder unit (DVR) is motion activated recording. A motion activated hidden camera uses a built in PIR sensor that can detect when there is activity in the room and initiates video recording.

When a DVR hidden camera is placed in an area under surveillance there are usually many long powers of inactivity. The hidden camera is only there to catch a few brief moments of illegal or suspicious behavior. Motion activation recording allows you to record only when there is activity in the area under surveillance. If you are looking to record long sessions of activity then you should consider a wireless hidden camera.

Most DVR hidden camera units come with a motion activated recording option which can be easily set up from the main menu. In addition to motion activated recording you will have the option to record manually at the push of a button on a remote control unit or to set up scheduled recording.

Automatic Time & Date Stamps

A feature you want in any DVR hidden camera is automatic time & date stamping. Time and date stamping gives you a clear record of when the video footage was taken. The reason for wanting an automatic time and date stamp on your hidden camera DVR should be apparent to most people. For example.. if you are planning to use the video footage you have recorded for evidence against someone you need to know when the event happened.

Records to a Removable SD Card

Hidden cameras with a built in DVRs use SD cards to store the video files. SD cards serve as a miniature hard drive that can be removed from the hidden camera unit and can be played back on your personal computer or laptop. SD cards are commonly used in digital cameras and video recorders. Their universal application in consumer electronics these days means most PC and laptops have slots to accomodate SD cards. However, if you do not have a slot in your personal computer or laptop to accommodate an SD card then you will need a USB SD card adapter.

How much video can I store on a typical SD card?

When using a hidden camera with a built in digital recorder that stores your video on an SDK hard it is helpful to know how much video footage can be stored on your card. Many hidden camera units allow you to select the different levels of video speed known as FPS (frames per second) and different levels of video quality known as DPI resolution. In general if you want to store large volumes of video on your SD card then you should consider picking a lower quality of video or a larger test the card!