Hidden cameras for where a visible one would be noticed.
Covert cameras record where a dome or bullet would be spotted or tampered with: above a till, in a stockroom, in a server cupboard, or on a workbench where tools keep going missing. We stock three types: the mini screw-head spy camera, the compact Dahua HD-CVI pinhole camera, and a 2 MP covert pinhole IP camera for sites that record to an NVR.
Which covert camera do I need?
How does the screw camera work?
The Zenith mini screw hidden pinhole camera is a 9 mm colour camera. Its 3.7 mm pinhole lens sits behind what looks like an ordinary screw head, and it has a built-in microphone. It fits flush into a panel, ceiling tile, shelf edge or cabinet.
- Wiring: like a normal analogue camera. A 12 V DC feed (power supply not included), a composite video output to a spare DVR channel, and an audio output.
- Recorder: it's a standard-definition composite (CVBS) camera at around 800 TV lines, so it needs a DVR that accepts analogue channels. Most Hikvision, HiLook and Dahua Turbo HD and XVR recorders do. It won't work on an IP-only NVR.
- No built-in recording or Wi-Fi. That's what makes it reliable: footage goes to the same recorder as the rest of the site, with the same retention and export.
Pinhole cameras: analogue or IP?
- Dahua HAC-HUM3201B: a 2 MP Starlight HD-CVI pinhole camera about 36 mm across, with a 3.6 mm lens, 120 dB WDR and switchable HD or SD output. For a DVR or XVR system where low-light performance matters.
- 2 MP covert pinhole network camera: a PoE IP pinhole camera (main box, with the lens on a short lead) for sites that already record to an NVR.
Pinhole cameras have a fixed, fairly wide lens and no infrared. They need reasonable light and a spot within a few metres of what you want to see.
Can I use covert cameras legally in the UK?
Yes, covert CCTV is legal for businesses and homeowners in the UK, but it's regulated.
- A business recording staff or customers needs a legitimate, documented reason, must record only what's necessary, and must follow the ICO's guidance on CCTV and workplace monitoring.
- Covert monitoring of employees should be exceptional and time-limited, for example to investigate suspected theft.
- Recording audio is treated more strictly than video and is rarely justified.
- Never place cameras where people expect privacy. Toilets, changing rooms and bathrooms are off limits in every case.
If you're unsure, talk to us before you buy. We'll tell you honestly whether a visible camera would do the job better.
Call us on 01902 902251 or email sales@zenithsecurityco.co.uk with your recorder and where the camera needs to go. We'll confirm it fits and the cable you need. Browse the full CCTV range, visit our Wolverhampton showroom, or get delivery to England, Scotland and Wales within 1–2 working days.
Spy Cameras: Screw & Pinhole Covert Cameras
Hidden cameras for where a visible one would be noticed.
Covert cameras record where a dome or bullet would be spotted or tampered with: above a till, in a stockroom, in a server cupboard, or on a workbench where tools keep going missing. We stock three types: the mini screw-head spy camera, the compact Dahua HD-CVI pinhole camera, and a 2 MP covert pinhole IP camera for sites that record to an NVR.
Which covert camera do I need?
How does the screw camera work?
The Zenith mini screw hidden pinhole camera is a 9 mm colour camera. Its 3.7 mm pinhole lens sits behind what looks like an ordinary screw head, and it has a built-in microphone. It fits flush into a panel, ceiling tile, shelf edge or cabinet.
- Wiring: like a normal analogue camera. A 12 V DC feed (power supply not included), a composite video output to a spare DVR channel, and an audio output.
- Recorder: it's a standard-definition composite (CVBS) camera at around 800 TV lines, so it needs a DVR that accepts analogue channels. Most Hikvision, HiLook and Dahua Turbo HD and XVR recorders do. It won't work on an IP-only NVR.
- No built-in recording or Wi-Fi. That's what makes it reliable: footage goes to the same recorder as the rest of the site, with the same retention and export.
Pinhole cameras: analogue or IP?
- Dahua HAC-HUM3201B: a 2 MP Starlight HD-CVI pinhole camera about 36 mm across, with a 3.6 mm lens, 120 dB WDR and switchable HD or SD output. For a DVR or XVR system where low-light performance matters.
- 2 MP covert pinhole network camera: a PoE IP pinhole camera (main box, with the lens on a short lead) for sites that already record to an NVR.
Pinhole cameras have a fixed, fairly wide lens and no infrared. They need reasonable light and a spot within a few metres of what you want to see.
Can I use covert cameras legally in the UK?
Yes, covert CCTV is legal for businesses and homeowners in the UK, but it's regulated.
- A business recording staff or customers needs a legitimate, documented reason, must record only what's necessary, and must follow the ICO's guidance on CCTV and workplace monitoring.
- Covert monitoring of employees should be exceptional and time-limited, for example to investigate suspected theft.
- Recording audio is treated more strictly than video and is rarely justified.
- Never place cameras where people expect privacy. Toilets, changing rooms and bathrooms are off limits in every case.
If you're unsure, talk to us before you buy. We'll tell you honestly whether a visible camera would do the job better.
Call us on 01902 902251 or email sales@zenithsecurityco.co.uk with your recorder and where the camera needs to go. We'll confirm it fits and the cable you need. Browse the full CCTV range, visit our Wolverhampton showroom, or get delivery to England, Scotland and Wales within 1–2 working days.
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