How To Use GoPro As A Spy Camera Or A Security Camera?

There are many different technology advances these days especially when it comes to cameras, and one of the most popular camera products for video is the GoPro.

Go Pro cameras are popular pocket-sized devices that are used more when people are wanting to capture adventures, activities to do with water, for athletes and travelers alike. It is fantastic for capturing action shots and because of the durability of the product, it means that you are less likely to cause damage.

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It is the perfect way to capture the memories on top of the mountain, at the beach, in the snow or diving in the waters. But are there any other uses for the GoPro camera that can be useful for you in everyday life?

The size of the camera lends itself to being used as a camera for security or for capturing video content when people are unaware that they are being filmed. How can you do this successfully? Here are some of the ways to successfully use the GoPro as a security camera or as a spy cam. 

Why Would You Want To Use a GoPro Camera In This Way?

One of the biggest things you may be wondering is why you would want to use a GoPro in this way. Of course, you may have bought the camera for a specific use recreationally when out and about, but that doesn’t mean that you can take advantage of your initial investment and get more out of your camera. Here are some of the reasons why you may want to use your GoPro in this way. 

Save Money On Your Security For Your Home

One of the first reasons why you may want to use your GoPro in another way, especially when it comes to security, would be because you want to save some money. Buying a camera specifically for security purposes may cost you more than you are willing to part with.

You may only need to use the camera temporarily, so this can save you money and get more use out of something that you already have. It can be used on the inside of your home, but you could also use it outside temporarily as the camera is water and shockproof so that you can react assured that it will be fine to use. 

Something Has Happened And You Need ThePeace Of Mind

Another reason why you need to think about using the GoPro as a security camera or as a spy cam may be because you want some peace of mind. You might have perhaps had a suspicion that people are targeting your home. This could be for burglary or violation on your property.

It might be that you suspect someone is up to know good and you want to ensure that your family and your home is protected. This is when a camera can give you that peace of mind. As a security option, it can act as a deterrent as people will avoid anywhere where they are likely to get caught in the act of doing something they shouldn’t be. 

You Want To Prove Something 

You may want to prove something and this is when a spy camera might be a great ok option to consider. It might be as simple as someone is eating food in your home and not owning up to it, or you have other suspicions. A spy camera can help to prove your point and put your mind at rest. 

Using the GoPro As A Security Camera

When you are not out adventuring, surfing, climbing mountains and capturing action shots and video content, you may want to get more use out of the camera and repurposing it into a security or spy camera can be a great way to do it. If you are wanting to turn the GoPro into a security camera it is much easier to do than you may think. Thanks to its size it can be used in smaller spaces, and you only need a few additional things to really make the most out of it. 

What you need:

• GoPro camera
• Tripod to mount to camera to get the right angle
• USB Cable
• USB Extension cord
• The GoPro application on your smartphone or tablet

How To Set Up a GoPro Camera As A Security device 

It is as simple as setting up the application on your phone and positioning the camera according and then connecting them both together. Here’s a step by step guide to help you do it. 

STEP ONE

Find an ideal spot for your camera to sit. If you are using a tripod make sure you find a spot big enough that the tripod can sit supported. You want to ensure that the image captured is exactly what you want, and that you cover the whole area. This is when you could test certain spots to ensure you are happy with your camera position. 

STEP TWO

Make sure you have downloaded the GoPro application on your smartphone or your tablet and also switch your camera on so that the two can be connected to one another. 

STEP THREE

In your camera, open the “capture settings” and set your camera to “Loop” so that your camera will continuously record the content. You need to make sure that the SD card that you have in your GoPro has enough storage to capture the video content.

If the SD Card reaches capacity with memory, then it will re-record the footage already captured. This is why it is important to understand what a memory capacity you have so that you don’t lose any valuable footage that you may want or need to view in the future. Setting the camera up to a Loop setting means you will get continues footage of 15 minutes. 

STEP FOUR

You also need to amend the settings in other ways such as the resolution. Set the resolution to either 720p or 1080p at 30 frames per second. It is worth mentioning that setting the resolution to anything higher than the 1080p resolution as the video content would consume too much memory space and defeat the object of using the GoPro as a security camera for longer periods of time. 

STEP FIVE 

Make sure you turn off any other sounds and LED lights. This helps to avoid drawing attention to your security camera allowing you to capture footage. You can turn on the low-light option and set a higher ISO to capture videos in lower lighting scenarios. 

STEP SIX

Plug the USB cable into the GoPro camera and then use the cable to attach it to the wall. This is so that your GoPro camera can have a continuous power supply. You will then need to switch your GoPro to wireless mode. Your camera is now ready to use as a security camera option. 

What’s The Difference Between Using Your GoPro Camera As a Security Camera Or As a Spy Camera? 

There isn’t much difference between using your GoPro camera as either a security camera for your home or as a spy camera. The difference is more to do whether or not the camera can be visible. For security cameras, you may want to ensure that the camera can be seen in some form. That is because as a security camera, it can be used as a deterrent. The camera can be seen as a warning to stop people from doing something that they shouldn’t be. That might be entering a certain part of your home, or even gaining entry to your property at all. 

A spy camera is a little different. You may find that you want to conceal the camera more and make it less obvious to people that they are being recorded. A spy camera is likely to be used because you want to catch a particular person doing something or capture a specific act on camera. You may want to think about the position of the camera more specifically, and also ensure that you get the timing right. 

What To Think About When You Are Using The GoPro As a Spy Cam?

Setting up the camera as either a security device or a spy cam can be done in the exact same way. However, there are a few things that you need to think about when it comes to using a GoPro as a spy camera. Here are some of the things that you need to take into consideration when setting up the GoPro as a spy camera. 

The position of the camera

One of the first things that you need to think about when it comes to the spy camera option is to really think about the position of the camera. You need to ensure that the camera is not seen, because the whole point of using the GoPro as a spy camera is to capture footage when it isn’t expected. The size of the GoPro really lends itself to being set up secretly. You can use things to help disguise the camera such as houseplants, positioning on a shelf for example. You may want to not use a tripod or even have the cable, but bear in mind that you may not get the right position and also the battery life may not be as long. 

Knowing the timing 

With a spy camera, you may not want the camera to be constantly rolling and capturing content that you are not interested in. You are likely to be only wanting to capture something specific, so knowing the timing will be crucial. This can help you to set up the camera in time, and also enable you to have the right amount of charge in the battery to ensure that you don’t need to use wires. 

How To Hide The GoPro For The Ultimate Spy Cam

You may be wanting to take the camera option to the next level when you are using the GoPro as a spy camera, and one option would be to not just pick a great spot, but to consider concealing the camera in a normal object. This can enable you to record different periods of time undetected. But how can you do it? 

This has been made popular through online tutorials and seeing it done on TV. But you do need a few things to help you do it:

• You need a GoPro camera. 
• A book. Thick enough so that the GoPro would fit easily. 
• USB cable and extender
• USB Charger
• Box cutter
• Electric drill with a 7-8” drill bit
• Wood cutting knives (optional)

How To Do It...

STEP ONE

The first thing that you need to think about would be to prep the box. Turn to the middle of the book and use the GoPro as a point of measurement and where to cut. You will want to leave enough space on all the sides of the hole so that the pages don’t fall apart. You Willa Los want the camera to fit into the hole easily and have a bit of space around it. You will then need to start cutting the hole. Once you have done this, and you have checked that the GoPro fits and also they book shuts you can mark where to drill. This is to create the hole that the camera will peer through. 

STEP TWO 

You will then need to prep the GoPro just like you would have done when using the camera as a security option. Setting the resolution to the right setting and also selecting the “loop” option so that you can continually record. 

STEP THREE

Finally, place the GoPro with the cable in the book and connect the cable to the wall charger. You can then place the book in the right place to capture the footage without anyone knowing they are being recorded. 

Hopefully sharing some of these steps with you will help you to get more use out of your GoPro camera and either use it as a security camera option or as a spy cam.