Have you ever wanted to secretly record someone or something without being detected? Building your own hidden spy camera using common household items is actually pretty easy and affordable. In this guide, I'll walk you through step-by-step how to make a DIY covert camera for surveillance or security monitoring.
Gather the Needed Supplies
The great thing about crafting a clandestine camera is that you likely already have most if not all of the components on hand. Here's what you'll need:
- A computer or laptop with a built-in webcam or an external USB webcam
- A portable battery bank or power bank to power the webcam
- Wires and cables to connect the webcam to the battery bank
- Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
- Utility knife or scissors
- Tape (duct tape, electrical tape, masking tape)
- Empty containers to house the camera - e.g. tissue boxes, plastic bottles, food containers
- Black spray paint or acrylic craft paint
Optional items:
- Mini spy camera instead of a webcam for smaller size
- Soldering iron and solder to connect wires instead of tape
- PVC piping or wooden dowels for mounting
Prepare the Webcam
The key component that turns basic household junk into a hidden security camera is the webcam. Almost any webcam can work - I prefer small USB ones that offer high resolution video and night vision capability.
Here's how to prep the webcam:
- Test the webcam and make sure it functions properly by plugging into your computer. Download any required drivers.
- If needed, disassemble the webcam casing with a utility knife and remove any lights or external indicators when powered on.
- Cut and strip wires to attach to the battery bank. Red is likely power, black is ground.
- Attach the stripped wires to the power bank outputs, matching colors. Use electrical tape to secure.
Craft the Hidden Camera Housing
Now that you have a working webcam that can be battery powered, it's time to hide it in an inconspicuous container. Get creative with common household items - here are some ideas:
Tissue Box
- Make sure box is empty. Use a utility knife to cut an opening on one side for the lens.
- Place the webcam inside with lens lined up with hole. Hot glue in place.
- Close opening lid so box appears full.
- Spray paint box black to conceal.
Plastic Bottle
- Clean and dry a plastic soda or water bottle.
- Make a lens hole in the side near the bottom. Hot glue webcam in place.
- For stability, epoxy or screw a small PVC pipe section inside the bottom as a mount.
- Attach power bank with hot glue and tape.
- Spray paint the entire bottle black.
Food Container
- Use a plastic food container or tin can - poke a hole for the lens.
- Attach and hide the webcam and power bank inside.
- Attach lid and paint/cover it to conceal the camera.
Mount and Position the Camera
Once your DIY spy camera housing is prepped, you need to set it up and position it to capture the desired surveillance footage discretely:
- For hidden home security, place your concealed camera on bookshelves, windowsills, and other furniture with a wide viewpoint.
- Want to stealthily record someone? Hide the camera in a hat, bag, box, or other item near them.
- Use hot glue or epoxy to mount the camera on a secure surface if needed.
- Angle and adjust the lens to ensure your target is in frame.
- Make sure the camera housing blends into the environment. Add dust, debris, etc to improve concealment.
Connect and View the Video Feed
The final step is viewing your secret camera's footage. There are a couple approaches:
- For direct viewing, run a video cable from the camera to a monitor or TV in a concealed place.
- For wireless viewing, connect a small WiFi transmitter to the webcam to stream over the internet. View on your smartphone or computer remotely.
- A wired connection is more reliable while wireless allows placement anywhere with WiFi coverage.
With some basic DIY skills, everyday household items, and this guide, you can build your own covert camera system on the cheap for stealthy recording and monitoring needs. Just make sure to use it ethically and legally!