Discreet entrance or hidden camera system
Discreet entrance or hidden camera system
Hello, you're seeking a compact camera for discreet door monitoring. The goal is to capture recordings quietly with backup, avoiding drawing unwanted attention from visitors or family members. You mentioned living off the grid on a farm and encountering occasional intrusions—like "spoters" who claim to be visually impaired or checking valuables. Your current interest is in something around 120mm wide, but you need something smaller. I’d suggest exploring options that fit in a stealthy setup, such as a small recessed model or a camera mounted above the entrance on the roof. Let me know if you'd like more tailored recommendations!
You can explore Amazon listings for 'hidden camera' and discover a wide range of options. To better match your requirements, please share more details about your preferences—such as connection method (wireless or wired), compatibility with existing CCTV systems, and your budget.
Connect the camera to your Raspberry Pi using the provided link.
@SuperCloneRanger Cat-6 cable - PoE setup. No existing CCTV system or cameras installed yet. Around three to four additional cameras are planned, but they’ll be standard models like the G3 series from Ubiquiti or similar. Nothing final decided yet. I’ll leave about twelve empty conduits available for future additions, so anyone interested can join later. I’m not familiar with cameras or networking beyond pulling cables. I’ll likely install the wiring and let someone else choose the right cameras and switches, though this door camera needs some design work. It might require opening the wall to fit a spotlight box for better placement. The budget for this camera is unlimited, but overall we should pick something practical rather than overcomplicated.
Q1 – Mixing different cameras in a CCTV setup?
Q2 – Set up a tablet or pad to monitor one door camera easily?
Q3 – What’s the effective range of a wide-angle camera before switching to a directional model?
Q4 – Are Ubiquiti cameras and their software reliable?
You could check a doorbell camera. Usually you can not only identify the person but also converse with them without opening the door.
Q1 – Mixing cameras in a CCTV setup can cause issues. It varies by system. Q2 – You can place a tablet or pad to watch one camera, like the door, for convenience. Most IP cameras support viewing via web browsers. Q3 – Wide-angle lenses work well indoors, but after 4–6 meters people appear too small to use effectively. Consider directional models instead. Q4 – Ubiquiti products are solid for business use. The Unifi platform is attractive, straightforward to install, no ongoing fees, and portable. It’s closed, so only compatible with Unifi cameras. They’re compact, discreet, and the system’s advantages can reduce the need for obvious cameras. If hidden in a corner, it stays out of sight from outside, and at high angles it won’t be noticeable inside. For a five-camera setup with 2TB NVR and an 8-port PoE switch, the total cost is about $1,233. You can likely build it yourself if you’re comfortable with Ethernet connections. Just link cameras to the switch, the NVR to the switch, and connect the switch to your internet router. Cameras 5, 2TB NVR, and the 8-port PoE switch are available from A1 Security Cameras. For low-profile options, there are open models you can integrate with many systems. Professional help is recommended for installation. Not limited to outdoor use—discreet indoor placement with an O-ring or silicone cover works well. Outdoor models like the Geovision GV-UNP2500 and GV-UNFE2502 offer 360° coverage, though finding direct purchase links is tricky. Always review the full documentation before purchasing to avoid future issues.