Camera Detectors

Camera Detectors

Camera Detectors are now a requirement if you want to travel, particularly if you have a family to protect. It’s all too common now with places like AirBNB and other share accommodation, where people feel unsafe. In fact, it’s quite common to see instances of hidden cameras via the media.

Whilst most people purchase hidden cameras or spy cameras for home security, some don’t. It’s these nefarious activities that detection equipment can help you overcome.

For under $100 you can have a key chain detection so you can quickly check out the area you will be in.

Using Camera Detectors

Detectors are split into two basic categories. RF detection which looks for a signal from a wireless or WIFI camera and lens detection.

Lens detectors are great and simple to use, just look through the lens and activate the lights, you will soon see the sparkle of any covert camera. RF detectors are a little harder, but also detect listening devices and GPS, so a lot of people prefer them.

The best solution is to have one of each, or a unit that handles both. Remember, although the professional units are better, a cheap unit is better than no protection at all.

Bug Detectors

Frequency Range

Each Camera Detector has a range of detectable frequencies. Most start at close to zero but it’s how high they go that makes the difference. Some detectors can detect up to 14GHz, and some 6GHz, and some just a couple. Since most action happens under 6GHz, a 6GHz Camera Detector covers most of the common surveillance equipment used in Australia.

Filters & Frequency Display

Once you get into a higher range of Camera Detectors then you will start being able to see what frequency is detected as they display it on a screen. This is super beneficial as you can see if it is a mobile tower, a WIFI device or a Bluetooth device etc. The more expensive Camera Detectors also filter out a lot of the garbage background signals leaving you with a clean detection.

What are the Common Frequencies Found

You can learn more about the Frequency Spectrum used in Australia below. Generally we look for things out of place, like a clock with WIFI, a double adapter with RF signal, and of course finger prints in places they shouldn’t be. If you are looking for VHF/FM signals, roughly between 80MHz and 120MHz, Bluetooth around the 2.4GHz, WIFI either 2.4GHz or 5GHz and for mobile towers there is quite a list.

Learn more here

Detection Range

The detection range is how far the Camera Detectors can pick up the signal. This differs hugely between models, with some cheaper units just 30cm. We have picked up WIFI devices over 50 meters away with the Pro Series. A lot of Camera Detection Equipment also have a sensitivity adjustment so if you are picking up too many signals you can just reduce sensitivity.

Detection Types

Most Camera Detectors that detect RF will pick up Phones, Towers, WIFI, Bluetooth, GPS Trackers and RF Listening Devices. With the many different frequencies used by the Phone Networks, some are better than others at different frequencies.

What is RF (Radio Frequency)

Radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is the transfer of energy by radio waves. RF EMR lies in the frequency range between 100 kilohertz (kHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). RF EMR is non-ionising radiation, meaning that it has insufficient energy to break chemical bonds or remove electrons (ionisation). So basically RF is an active signal as a device pushes information into the environment via radio waves.

How Does a Camera Detector Work

Despite the price and complexity of Camera Detectors, the theory is quite simple. Camera Detectors simply act as a radio receiver across millions of frequencies and when they detect a signal, they notify you. We have some blog articles on detection available in our blog section.

What is Lens Detection

Lens detection, or lens scanning is a red light that emanates from the Camera Detector and you watch via a special lens in the device. When you face an area with a hidden camera, you will see it reflect back and sparkle. This tells you to have a closer look at the item that may have a concealed lens.

What is IR Scanning

Some Camera Detectors have IR scanning, or Infra Red scanning. This is specifically designed to find concealed cameras that use IR for Night Vision. Using IR scanning, Lens Detection and RF detection together gives you a great chance at finding hidden cameras. No matter what they are concealed in. Unless they don’t have Night Vision, then IR scanning is of no help.

What is EMI Detection

EMR Detection specialises in identifying the sources of electromagnetic radiation. Most low cost Camera Detectors with this feature require the unit to be almost touching the target. This is as Electro Magnetic Radiation Detection can be difficult which is why many Camera Detectors don’t have this feature.

Why is Magnetism Detection Used

Many GPS Trackers utilise rare earth magnets to hold them to the vehicle. Using magnet detection can help detect these through the car floor. In our opinion, a good visual search under the car is also beneficial to detect GPS trackers.

What are NLJD (Non Linear Junction Detectors)

The non-linear junction detector, or an NLJD, is a device that illuminates a small region of space with high-frequency RF energy. Any ‘non linear junction’ in the vicinity will receive this energy, and because of the asymmetric response of the junction to an electric field, it will mangle it, re-emitting some of it on multiples of the illumination frequency. NLJDs are a high priced, complex bit of kit that are normally only used by top level experts, and are not recommended for beginners.

What are Spectrum Analysers

A spectrum analyser measures the magnitude of an input signal versus frequency within the full frequency range of the instrument. The primary use is to measure the power of the spectrum of known and unknown signals. Spectrum analysers can be complicated, but are considered one of the gold standard devices to use for Camera Detection.

OzSpy Spy Shop

OzSpy, the original Spy Store founded in 1998 with quality Camera Detection equipment to suit every need.

Check out some blog articles on Camera Detectors and Camera Detection – How to Sweep for bugging Devices & Camera Detectors Buying Guide

OzSpy Spy Shop

OzSpy, the original Spy Shop founded in 1998 with quality spy camera detectors to suit every need. If you are worried about your privacy, purchase a camera detector today.

Camera detectors have now becoming more important with all the stories of illegal recording. If you travel, a simple lens reflecting detector is a great investment. Check out our other bug detection options Bug Detectors, Non Linear Junction Detectors, or Spectrum Analysers.