The most important feature of a DVR hidden camera is motion activated recording. A motion activated hidden camera has a PIR sensor inside that can detect when there is activity in the room and starts recording.
When a DVR hidden camera is placed in an area under surveillance there are usually many long powers of inactivity. The hidden camera is only there to catch a few brief moments of illegal or suspicious behavior. Motion activation recording allows you to record only when there is activity in the area under surveillance.
Most DVR hidden camera units come with a motion activated recording which can be easily set up from the main menu. In addition to motion activated recording you will have the option to record manually at the push of a button on a remote control unit or to schedule recording at a given time.
Automatic Time & Date Stamps
A common and yet very important feature you want in any DVR hidden camera is an automatic time and date stamp. A hidden camera DVR with date stamping gives you a clear record of when the video footage was taken. Be sure to select a hidden cameras with a built in DVR that comes with an automatic time and date stamp that is easily set up from the main menu.
The reason for wanting an automatic time and date stamp on your hidden camera DVR should be apparent to most people. For example.. if you are planning to use the video footage you have recorded for evidence against someone you need to know when the event happened.
Records to a Removable SD Card
Hidden cameras with a built in DVRs use SD cards to store the video files. These SD cards serve as a miniature hard drive that is easily removable from the hidden camera unit and can be played back on your personal computer or laptop. SD cards are commonly used in digital cameras and video recorders.
If you do not have a slot in your personal computer or laptop to accommodate an SD card then you will need a USB adapter.
Hidden cameras with built in DVR units should also have RCA tight audio and video outputs so that you can play back your video on a TV monitor.
