Things to Consider Before Buying A Mini Camera
Mini cameras are miniature devices that can be used for a multitude of purposes. A main advantage to having a miniature camera is its portability. The small size allows people to easily keep a mini camera or two in their bags - or even in their pockets. However, the large supply of mini cameras in the market shows that a ton of these cameras offer most of the same features. However, if you inspect these gadgets more closely, you’ll find that there are actually more differences between each product than just the looks.
Before you pick out the best mini camera, you also need to consider the main purpose you want the camera for. Some people are looking to use the mini camera to establish a hidden home monitoring system, while others simply want a small device that they can use on the go. Some mini cameras can be great for travellers who need a small device to help record their adventures. If you are a student, you can also make good use of a mini camera to record your lectures. Depending on the situation, some mini cameras may be a better fit than others. In order to determine what features you are looking for, you will need to first define the main purpose - why do you need the mini camera?
After doing so, you can then look at the different specifications you need to consider.
Video and Image Storage Capacity
One of the main things that you need to think about when comparing mini cameras is how much storage is the device capable of keeping. While most mini cameras rely on a removable memory card, there are often limits to what the device can support; a usual limit of up to 32gb is common for most mid-range mini cameras.
One feature that you will find is useful in many mini camera devices is when the camera is able to automatically overwrite the oldest recorded files. This stops the need to worry about whether the device is still recording or not. It also frees up the space or newer recordings. However, if you have plans to check on videos from the last month, you will need to constantly save your files. (
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Other devices also have WiFi connectivity features, which could mean that files are automatically stored on a cloud server. In this case, you also need to check on the app’s security as it isn’t advisable to have confidential video files stored on a third-party software.
Video and Image FileTypes
The actual file types being saved on the memory card will also differ from one device to another. While videos are most commonly stored as either .mp4, or .avi files, there are many other formats that the device may use. Other formats could be more optimal for storage or can actually improve the video quality of the recordings. However, there are certain file types that are not viewable with common multimedia players. This can be a hassle when you try to watch the recorded videos, only to find yourself going through many applications to find what players are compatible with the video type. Often times, the product already comes with a few recommendations or even a specific application where you can watch the recorded videos.
Video Resolution and Image Quality
Depending on your purpose, you may have different needs with regards to video resolution. If you are looking for a mini camera that you can alternatively use for home surveillance purposes, the level of video quality need not be at a High-Def level. However, if you plan to use the camera for recreational uses, like recording travel blogs or special events, then finding a high quality video recording device is imperative.
Battery Life
These miniature devices already try to fit in so much despite the small size. Along with all the things that allow the camera to capture videos and images, it also needs to pack a decent battery to ensure that the camera can stay on for a few hours at least. A portable camera can become problematic if it is only able to record for a few minutes.
Ease Of Use
Most mini cameras offer easy control butones. Since these devices don’t have any screen where you can see the actual settings, there are other signals that will help you know what’s going on. One of the most frustrating things is thinking that you have been recording when the device actually isn't on yet. Most mini cameras either have one or two switches, along with a colored LED light that can help identify what the camera is currently doing - charging, recording, on pause.
Having a mini camera with simple to follow instructions will make a whole of a lot of difference when you start using the device. While mini cameras can be convenient, it can also get a bit difficult to operate if you don’t know what you are doing.
Size
Mini cameras are small devices but there are actually different shapes and forms that they are available in. Some mini cameras are smaller than others. This factor is one that needs further consideration of the actual purpose you are looking at the camera to fulfil.
Water Resistance
This may not be a necessity, but a truly durable and long-lasting device should at least be water resistant to a certain degree. Since mini cameras are meant to be portable, there are different things that could easily go wrong - a spilled drink or a sudden downpour. Having a water resistant camera will help ensure that when unexpected accidents may happen, you’ll still have a functioning mini camera. This feature can also be very important if you are looking for a travel camera.
Other Features To Look For
Aside from the main things to consider, there are also a few other specialised features that can bring a spy camera to the next level. These features may not always be necessary but these are a few great things to have on a spy camera.
Connectivity
Spy device developers have started creating apps and software that easily connects with the actual device. This means that you can connect your spy camera directly to your phone, laptop, or desktop PC; enabling you to view the recorded videos directly or even LIVE. Added functionalities include changing views or moving the lenses of the camera to get a different perspective of the scene and basically using your phone as a remote control for the spy camera. This makes it extremely convenient.great if you want to have more control over your surveillance.
Wi-Fi Capability
In order to connect, most cameras rely on a Wi-Fi connection. Others, however, use Bluetooth or other methods for connectivity. The most convenient connectivity mode is definitely when the device is able to connect to the internet. For one, it saves storage since the camera can directly upload new videos into a virtual storage space which you can easily access with other devices. Plus, with a Wi-Fi connection, you are also likely to have the option to view the camera recording live.
In order to connect, most cameras rely on a Wi-Fi connection. Others, however, use Bluetooth or other methods for connectivity. The most convenient connectivity mode is definitely when the device is able to connect to the internet. For one, it
Motion Activation
This feature is especially useful for a spy camera that you are planning to use for home surveillance. With motion sensors embedded in the device, you’ll only limit recording to when there is movement or activity in an area. In this case, you are able to avoid recording several hours of footage where there is nothing noteworthy occurring. It lessens the hassle of going through recordings when you are looking for a specific event.
Night Vision Mode
Also another feature that you should look for if you need a mini spy camera for home surveillance is the night vision mode. A handy spy gadget is one that is able to record videos even in the dark. Whether you are looking for a gadget that you can use indoors or outdoors, night vision capability is a cool thing to have. I would actually consider this a must-have feature for any spy gadget.
You’ll often find mini spy cameras disguised as random gadgets that you can normally find around the house or as small cameras that are easy to hide. There are many different styles that are available, each fitting a variety of situations and purposes. Overall, spy cameras are a great device to have. They provide protection, surveillance, and give you a sense of safety in your home as long as you use the spy camera for your own safety, and not to harm or infiltrate the safety and privacy of others.
References
(1)-Human recognition- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/js/2014/838751/
(2)-Loop Recording- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loop_recording