Many people purchase hidden cameras and they never install them properly because they really didn't learn how to use them properly in the first place. If you are thinking of purchasing cameras then you need to know how to use them. Here are a few things to follow.

The first thing you need to do is determine the type of video you are hoping for. Do you want to record the video to an SD card and then view it later? Do you want the video to be put out to a monitor so you can watch it in real time? Many people have determined that the use of SD cards is very beneficial because it allows for backup and saving the videos. SD cards are tiny and they also save space because they are much smaller than the large traditional backup tapes.

Most hidden cameras that use an SD card to record are hidden inside an innocent looking common item found in any home. There are no wires or antennae visible. They are sometimes found in lamps, clock radios, air ionizers, calculators, clocks, you name it and there could be a hidden camera using an SD card to record inside it. These cameras are the easiest to set up and use. Now, you can get one of these cameras that can record in low light or no light at all! These cameras are truly "plug & play".

When you setup hidden cameras you will have to do a few things. First, does the camera have wires or is it wireless. Choose the location you want your camera to be in. Make sure that the camera remains hidden and out of sight when you install it. Also, if the camera requires you to plug it into a power source then you need to make sure that the location you choose to install the camera has a power outlet located nearby. It would defeat the purpose of hiding a camera if you have to run extension cords a long distance to provide power.

Some cameras require you to turn them on when you want to use them. They may be motion detected and work by remote. All you may need to do is turn on the camera and walk away. The camera will then sit and wait for any motions to turn the camera on and begin recording. There is usually a switch on the camera to start the recordings manually also. While some hidden cameras record upon motion, some begin recording right away.

You also need to determine how you want to see the output. The wireless cameras will have a receiver. You may need to run cables from the receiver to the monitors if you want to watch the video as it is being recorded. For wired cameras you may have the monitors in one room while the cameras are in another room. All you have to do is plug in the television and VCR and run them through the walls to the camera. You will plug the cables into the corresponding connections on the camera.

When you purchase hidden cameras it is important to know how to use them so you don't let your money go to waste. It is very common for people to purchase cameras and never use them or forget that the tape was too full months ago and stopped recording back then. This becomes a problem when you are burglarized but you don't have the video to prove who did it and when.

That one video could have saved you a lot of trouble.