How Long Can Hidden Cameras Record?

Brian F.
How Long Can Hidden Cameras Record?

Hidden cameras have many uses and come in various shapes and sizes. Some hidden cameras record constantly, and others are set for motion detection. Some hidden cameras are so small they can fit on the head of a screw, while others are bulkier and take up space inside smoke detectors or larger cases.

When it comes to purchasing a hidden camera, there are always going to be a lot of factors to consider. In our experience, one of the most common questions is how long hidden cameras can record.

This is an incredibly important question when purchasing a hidden camera and relies on a few factors. For example, the camera's power supply, storage, video quality, ability to have a standby mode, and much more come into play.

If you have been looking for the perfect hidden camera, here is everything you need to know to find the right camera with the perfect recording time.

WHAT DETERMINES HOW LONG HIDDEN CAMERAS CAN RECORD

So let's get down to it - what are the fundamental factors you want to consider regarding how long a hidden camera can record? Here is a rundown of some of the most important things you'll want to note.

BATTERY LIFE

Not all hidden cameras are going to be battery-powered spy cameras. Some will have a dedicated power supply. However, this isn't always the case. Spy cameras, in general, are going to be small and discreet, and often that means they will need to be placed in areas that don't have dedicated power sources.

If this is the case, then the first thing you need to look at is your camera's battery life. Not all hidden cameras are equal when it comes to battery life. Some, thanks to their larger build, can house more battery power than others, while smaller, more discreet cameras may, by necessity, have less of a power supply.

The 1080P Key Fob Hidden Camera has 75 minutes of battery life and holds up to 40 hours high definition 1080P video.

STORAGE CAPACITY

Storage capacity is another factor in how long a hidden camera can reliably record material. As a hidden camera records content, it needs to store footage somewhere, and the size of the storage capacity matters. Some hidden cameras can have larger storage capacity than others allowing them to capture footage for longer.

When a storage capacity is reached, one of two things will occur, the recording time ends, or once the memory is full, the oldest video will be overwritten by the newest recorded video. In some cases, hidden cameras are equipped with micro SD card slots that can house varying storage capacities.

For these hidden cameras, the storage capacity can fluctuate depending on the size of the micro SD card used.

WIFI Air Purifier Security Camera

This WIFI air purifier security camera can live stream or store up to 200 hours of high-definition video footage. It plugs into the wall, so it does not depend on battery life.

CAN YOU ADD RECORDING TIME TO A SPY CAM?

What about adding recording time to a spy camera you may already own? For the most part, this isn't typically a realistic solution. Since a camera's recording time is typically dedicated to factors like battery life and storage capacity, these factors are typically not ones that can be 'extended.'

With the exception of a hidden camera being able to be connected to a greater power supply, most cameras will have preset factors that limit their recording time.

HOW WIRLESS CAMERAS GET POWER

If you have your eye on wireless hidden cameras, cameras that record and transmit footage wirelessly to your phone or computer, you may be curious about how they get power. While wireless hidden cameras can transmit footage wirelessly, they often can still be connected to a dedicated power supply.

If, for some reason, they are not connected to a power supply; they often will use battery power. In most cases, "wireless" will describe data transmission rather than the power supply.

HOW TO TELL IF A HIDDEN CAMERA IS RECORDING

So here's the deal - if you are considering investing in hidden cameras, you've no doubt also been aware that you may be under surveillance from one without your consent.

While there is no danger from legal security cameras prominently displayed in public settings, there is value in identifying unethical video surveillance. Knowing how to detect hidden cameras is a skill that can serve you well.

Wireless hidden cameras are hard to detect, hide well in a variety of scenarios, and can be battery-powered, which means they can be transported easily. That means knowing how to spot them is essential. This can happen in various ways, from apps you download to your cell phone to knowing where to look for most hidden cameras.

Most modern spy cameras use a WIFI connection to transmit their data, which can be detected using the right equipment, like bug detectors. Another method is learning how to detect a hidden camera lens.

DO HIDDEN SPY CAMERAS NEED WIFI TO RECORD?

When it comes to a hidden spy camera, using a WIFI connection to transmit footage is a huge advantage. Being able to use wireless hidden cameras that connect to a WIFI signal can make retrieving and downloading footage much more accessible. However, not all spy cameras need WIFI to operate. Some can store footage on a micro SD card that you manually retrieve and download.

This spy gear watch waits to record until you tell it to. With 90 minutes of battery, it can record and store up to 3 hours of 1080P resolution video and audio on the internal memory.

DO HIDDEN CAMERAS RECORD ALL THE TIME? 

Lastly, do hidden spy cameras record constantly? The answer here is also that it varies. While most hidden cameras work with a motion detection system, some perform continuous recording. The advantage of motion detection is that you can significantly extend your hidden camera's storage capacity in most cases. However, the disadvantage is that they can sometimes not be triggered and lose essential surveillance.

While a continuous recording camera may need more extensive storage or a dedicated power supply to capture hours of recording, it can be worth the effort in certain situations. So whether you are getting a spy camera for your personal home security or video surveillance, knowing how much power you need for the desired video recording is important. Considering these factors, you'll find the perfect camera for your job!