Top 11+ Best Mini Camera of 2020
Your Guide:
Angela Otero
Current technology has now greatly improved the ways in which we capture moments in photography. Old cameras were huge, the earliest versions even taking up whole rooms of space. Now, there are tiny handheld devices that carry powerful cameras. While the size may be small, their capabilities are still numerous. These often function like regular handheld video camera devices, only with the added benefit of its petite mini size.
There are tons of mini cameras available now, it can be daunting to identify which would be the best device for you. After going through a large number of mini cameras, we can conclude our number one pick to be the SS 1080P HD Mini Waterproof Camera. Scroll down to find our in depth review of this great mini camera!
Quick Summary: Top 11 - Best Mini Camera of 2020
Our professional editors pick and rate these products specifically for each category and recommend the best product we can. We may receive a commission from affiliated links.
Best Overall: 1) SS 1080P HD Mini Waterproof Camera
With great design, extremely small size, camera full of features and a great price!
Best Video Resolution: 2) Wireless Mini Wi-Fi Camera 960
Convenient and easy to use, 960p video quality, motion detection and much more at a very low price!
Best Battery: 3) SS11 Mini Camera
As tiny as a camera gets, this one has it all despite it's size. Great recording times and crystal clear image and video quality.
Best Night Vision: 4) Hidden Mini Camera
Wireless camera with great features for outside use. Excellent motion detection and night vision enables you to catch everything even if its dark.
Best Water Resistant: 5) Papakoyal Mini Camera
With a modern design and decent specs, this mini camera is great if you easy access, compatible with IOS and Android.
Best Hard-Wired: 6) Ehomful E003 Mini Camera
Remote access to your home anytime and anywhere. This mini camera can catch it all with it's great field of view!
Best Motion Detection: 7) Cusflyx Portable Surveillance Camera
The pricey mini camera. If you are able to spend a bit more this camera is amazing. It packs all the features of a great camera with a 2K resolution!
Best Audio Recording: 8) MHDYT Full HD Portable Mini Camera
With features like multiple account sharing, real time video, motion alerts, two way audio, weatherproof and much more this makes a great mini camera.
Best Connectivity: 9) SIR GAWAIN Mini Spy Camera
Quick and easy installation, smart motion detection, free video recording, 180 degrees field of view, you have everything you need for an excellent mini camera.
Best Features: 10) Relohas HD Mini Camera
Check what's going on in your home anytime and anywhere. With 170 degrees viewing angle and great video quality this is an excellent and simple mini camera.
Best Price: 11) RETTRU HD Camera
Even if it's ranked on the low side this mini camera is worth looking into. It packs a huge battery which will enable you to record long time on its 1080p camera.
Top 3 Quick Comparison
Product | Photo | Wi-Fi? | Battery | Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall |  | Yes | 100 minutes / 200mAh | Water -proof /Very small | |
Runner Up |  | Yes | Hard-wired | Wide viewing angle | |
Also Great |  | No | 100 minutes / 200mAh | Rotating head |
Our Reviews
Best Overall
You can easily record without it being seen, making it a great spy camera as well.
Quick Specs
This mini camera comes with a waterproof casing that allows you to take it out in the rain, at the beach, or even when you go swimming. The miniature 1 cubic inch size also makes it extremely portable. The SS 1080P HD Mini waterproof Camera is more of a sports camera. However, because of its size, you can easily record without it being seen, making it a great spy camera as well. The added durability and waterproof feature means you can bring it almost anywhere. If left to continuously record, the device can last up to 100 mins. But, with the motion detection mode enabled, it could record even weeks, depending on how often it turns on.
The built-in motion sensors allow the camera to turn on automatically whenever it detects any movement. This saves a lot of battery time and a lot of storage space as well since there won’t be hours of still video files. The camera lens has a wide 150 angle. That wide angle along with the infrared lights for night vision mode, enables the camera to record 1080p videos even in low light settings.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“The picture and video quality are great for my purposes”
“Works very well. Motion detection is working fine, even while charging. The IR leds are working too but only when it is not charging. Very good item for the price.”Best Video
This device actually offers a ton of features, including night vision mode, 2-way audio, motion detection sensors, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Quick Specs
This is round mini camera that is built specifically for home surveillance purposes. This device actually offers a ton of features, including night vision mode, 2-way audio, motion detection sensors, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Through the YOOSEE App, homeowners can actually see a live video streaming feedback from the camera. You can access the app via your smartphone or tablet device. The video quality on the device is decent, and captures in 960p HD video. The 180 panoramic view angle covers a large area. The video quality is often presented in a high contrast level. Even in low light conditions, it is able to record great videos. At night, the camera relies on the 8 IR night vision lenses set on the camera. The night vision made can support up to 10 m in distance when recording.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“It's fast, setting worked after trial and error hooked to the WiFi. The picture quality is good, picture style "fisheye" "
Best Storage
Mini-surveillance camera that you can install near your front door, instead of being an actual doorbell camera.
Quick Specs
This is a colorful mini camera device that has a sleek cubic design. The camera definitely has a nice appeal, with the multiple color options and the little rainbow accent that runs from one end to another. Aside from the looks, this device also offers good functionality. It offers 1080p video recording with a 150 degree lens. Although the video quality of this device isn’t the best in this list, it is able to deliver clear and high color recordings. The files are automatically stored into the inserted TF card. It is also able to support TF cards up to 32 GB capacity.
In night vision mode, the camera is also able to capture good videos. While facial features and text are not as clearly seen, other details are clear enough. The device also has motion sensors which can be activated when you set the camera to motion recording mode. This mode allows the device to record only when it has detected movement in the area. This can be extremely useful for when you need to conserve battery life. While it is capable of going around an hour and a half continuously recording videos, it can last up to a week if on the motion recording mode. Another alternative is to leave the device plugged into an outlet to allow for continuous loop recording.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“This camera is a great little guy for the price, I use it as a dashcam facing my rear of the car and it works amazingly.”
Best Size
This doorbell camera has been perfectly fitted for standard door frames. It’s one of the smallest designs in the market.
Quick Specs
This miniature camera is jam packed with features that make it a great home surveillance system. Its small 1” x 1” size makes it really easy to hide in a corner at home while the night vision mode on the camera provides high quality videos even at night. The package comes with a short but detailed instruction manual to guide you through setting up, using, and even troubleshooting. To set the camera in place, a clip-on bracket is provided. The small box just fits into the bracket and you can easily place it on to most surfaces to secure your vantage point. The bracket is quite adjustable so you’ll be able to get the best view.
Unfortunately, the device doesn’t have any connectivity functions and the only way to retrieve video files is to manually connect the device with a USB cable to your PC, and then copy the files directly. That means there is no live viewing of any video recording. The USB cable also doubles as a charging cable. Another way to get the files is through removing the SD card. The device can handle memory cards that hold between 8 GB to 32 GB memory.
When using the camera, turning it on and off is as easy as pressing a button. However, you’ll need to keep an eye on the LED light, which turns blue when the device is on. Turning it on doesn’t automatically start video recording. You have to press the power button on again to start recording. The blue LED light turns off when recording, which is great since it keeps it hidden. But this makes it a bit difficult to tell whether the device is actually recording. If plugged in, the camera should be able to record 24/7, automatically deleting the oldest files to make room for new videos. If it relies solely on the battery life, the camera is able to last up to a full hour if recording videos continuously. This mini camera offers great value despite its size.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“I can set it up to motion to watch my house while I am out. It gives me the versatility to take at use at my daughter’s soccer games.”
“This camera is awesome… we've captured some great quality video and snapshots of our cats after setting off the motion detector, even in night-vision mode.”
Best Usage
Can either be set up as a wired or wireless camera that should be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi connection, in order to give access to the camera’s video feed.
Quick Specs
This Smart Home Security Camera is not a full home surveillance package. Instead, it offers a great way to check who is at the door, whether you are at home or not. This can either be set up as a wired or wireless camera that should be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi connection, in order to give access to the camera’s video feed. Real-time viewing is possible just by opening the app through your handheld device. You can connect up to 4 devices, making it extremely easy to share the video feed with other people in your household.
There are 3 main ways to use the app. First is at random; basically, you just open the app and see what is going on. In this situation, you manually wake up the doorbell camera. Another way to use it is when there is motion detected fronting your door. At this time, you’ll get an alert and know that there is either someone coming to visit or snooping around your area. The last method is when someone rings the integrated doorbell on the device. When this happens, you’ll receive a call on your phone via the app; upon answering, you’ll be met with a view of the doorbell ringer, and be on a live call with them. The built-in mic and speaker on the device allow for 2-way communication. Since they won’t be able to see you, they won’t even know that you aren’t in the home.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“I was pleasantly surprised at how nice this is! The picture quality of both day and night are exceptional. The rechargeable batteries are a bonus. This has used very little battery life since I've had it installed. I am very well pleased with this purchase.”
Best Angle
Very slim design, it is able to provide 2-way audio, high quality videos.
Quick Specs
The Remobell Doorbell Camera is a slim doorbell device that relies on existing wiring. Installation can be a bit difficult and requires some technical skill. But, if your existing doorbell is already wired, you should be able to easily replace it with the Remobell. A good thing about this device is that, despite its very slim design, it is able to provide 2-way audio, high quality videos, and has built-in motion sensors. You can connect this to the Wi-Fi when you set it up so that you can access the videos through your phone via the Remo+ App. Using the app takes a bit of getting used to as the UI is not the friendliest. However, you are able to talk to the people outside your door from your phone and also see them real time.
Free cloud storage that stores videos up to 3 days old is also included with the purchase of this app. If you want more storage, you can opt for a subscription with the developer. Other great things about the connectivity is that it syncs well with smart home devices, such as Alexa, and also allows most of the people in your household to access the app and watch live video feedback easily. The doorbell is fairly weather resistant and can operate well in most temperatures.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“Compared with others in the same price range, this offered best video quality and motion detection. It's been only 2 weeks but the blue ring give me a piece of mind when I come home in the evening.”
Best Recognition
Unlike other devices, this doorbell camera has an integrated smart recognition software that is built to recognize human figures and faces specifically. (1)
Quick Specs
This Doorbell security camera from Eufy has a lot of added in-app features and that make the device a great piece of tech to monitor your home. Unlike other devices, this doorbell camera has an integrated smart recognition software that is built to recognize human figures and faces specifically. This feature supports the snapshot notifications the app sends you when someone comes to your front door. You don’t just receive alerts when something moves, such as a stray dog passing by or a car driving through, but get specific alerts that give facial recognition cues as well. Unfortunately, the software isn’t 100% reliable as there are some other figures, such as trees, that are sometimes recognized as being human.
On the other hand, you can also set the motion detection settings to only monitor specific areas. When someone is walking on the sidewalk, they wouldn’t automatically set off an alert unless they approach an area that you think they shouldn’t be in. This camera also provides 2-way intercom communication that will let you talk to whoever is at your door. If you have a package you were expecting to get delivered, you can also play a pre-recorded response instead of talking to the delivery guy on your phone. The responses can be suited to give out instructions or anything that you would want to let people know of.
Eufy also prioritizes security. The videos are stored on an encrypted storage space. When you do have access the videos, they come in great detail and also are in a 4:3 ratio, giving more top to bottom view.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“Image quality is amazing. Distortion correction is a surprising. My doorbell is close to the front door. The distortion correction corrects the fish-eye effect at the image edge and makes the video more natural.”
Best Recording
MECO doorbell camera, offers high quality 1080p HD video resolution, added night vision to give clear videos even in the dark, and a large built-in storage capacity that should be able to carry recorded videos spanning up to 9 months.
Quick Specs
Packed with most of the features that you would find in other doorbell cameras, the MECO doorbell camera, offers high quality 1080p HD video resolution, added night vision to give clear videos even in the dark, and a large built-in storage capacity that should be able to carry recorded videos spanning up to 9 months. Aside from this, the device is also weatherproofed.
The video files can be accessed directly via the built-in SD card or through the Cloudedge app, which you can use to connect the doorbell camera to your phone with the use of your Home Wi-Fi connection. With the app, up to 5 people can view the area. You can also use the app to communicate and use the device as an intercom.
On the other hand, if you aren’t available to talk, you can set a pre-recorded message to play when someone rings the doorbell or triggers the motion sensors. On an added note, the motion sensors are actually adjustable to either high or low triggers. The same goes with the doorbell volume which can be set at 3 different levels, depending on your preference.
While the first 7 days of using the app storage is free, you’ll have to get a subscription or end up having to extract the files manually from the memory card in the camera. However, you will still be able to make use of the real-time video feed and the 2-way audio calls.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“It makes me feel protected. The motion detection is strong and it provides the night vision. It can able to link with my Wi-Fi and the picture quality is not bad.”Best Notification
Product itself is fairly durable, with an IP65 waterproof rating and durable metal composition.
Quick Specs
This doorbell camera gives you a choice for style with changeable faceplates. You can choose from either satin black, satin silver, or Venetian bronze - whichever is the best fit for your doorway. Aside from the fancy faceplates, the product itself is fairly durable, with an IP65 waterproof rating and durable metal composition. On initial observation, the camera looks strong. The installation of the doorbell camera requires a few tools, but most are already included in the package. Since you need to screw it in, it makes it less susceptible to theft. If someone does try to steal the product from your front door, the device recognizes the act and sends you a snapshot to alert you.
Like the other products in this list, the camera is made to send multiple alerts and notifications whenever motion is detected. However, instead of regular motion sensors, the RCA doorbell camera relies on thermal sensors that are made to detect human movements specifically. This lessens the likelihood of you receiving alerts from swaying branches or moving cars.
The video camera comes with 16 GB memory card. But, it also offers Wi-Fi connectivity. You need to download the existing app and sync it to your smartphone or tablet. The app is easy to use and you can set it to send you alerts and push notifications whenever there is someone at your door.
You can also pre-record a voice message to answer visitors when you are not at home or too busy to use the 2-way audio communication that the device allows. All-in-all, this camera provides many of the same features as the others. What makes it stand out though is that the day and night video quality is one of the best in this list. The 3MP lens is able to take higher quality images and videos than most of the other video doorbell cameras.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“Excellent picture both night and day. Easy installation with clear instructions. iPhone app is easy to use. Mini SD card 16 GB included. No monitoring service required.”
Best Features
The device is packed with many features including a night vision mode, 2-way audio communication function, adjustable volumes, Wi-Fi connectivity, and real time access through the Ubell App.
Quick Specs
The Mbuynow doorbell camera is a sleek addition to your front door. It is available in a gold color that looks really good. The device is packed with many features including a night vision mode, 2-way audio communication function, adjustable volumes, Wi-Fi connectivity, and real time access through the Ubell App. By simply syncing your phone and the doorbell camera to the device, you can easily view the live videos from the camera and speak into your phone; the audio is relayed by the built-in speakers on the doorbell camera. As a doorbell, it also packs powerful audio and a choice between 52 different doorbell chimes. The device also comes with a 2 year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Best Price
Offers almost all of the features you would look for in a typical doorbell camera - motion detection, Wi-Fi connectivity, wireless installation, and a 1080p lens that is capable of capturing HD surveillance videos.
Quick Specs
One of the most affordable in the market is this simple doorbell camera that offers almost all of the features you would look for in a typical doorbell camera - motion detection, Wi-Fi connectivity, wireless installation, and a 1080p lens that is capable of capturing HD surveillance videos. For the price of the product, it offers a lot. Unfortunately, one of the main problems is that it is not made of a waterproof material so you have to install it in a covered area that is not likely to get wet when it’s raining. If you have a covered front porch, this should be no problem.
The device is also very easy to install. There are 2 ways to put it up. First, is to secure it on to the wall with screws while the second option is to just stick it on with the use of 3-ply adhesives. Obviously, the first option is more secure but, if you don’t want to drill any holes into your door frame or wall, the second option should suffice.
When you have it installed, you need to place batteries and then connect it to your home Wi-Fi so you can easily access it through the app. The installation and syncing is easy. The device also only needs regular AA batteries. You can get 2 rechargeable pairs so you can just swap them out and have a fully charged pair on hand so the camera doesn’t have to be off. The batteries are expected to power the device for at least a full month.
Pros
Cons
Product Reviews:
“It has a sleek and modern look, is very easy to install and work as described. The audio and video quality are superb and the app is easy to use as well... This is a really nice product for its moderate price!”
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. (2)
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
About the Author Angela Otero
Angela Otera is a spy camera professional that has been in the industry as a advisor for security and camera installations all around the Los Angeles Area. Over the years she has developed a unique technical expertise in the sector that allows he to write and give suggestions on services and security related issues. She enjoys hiking and spends her free time with her 2 children.
