Ultimate Buttton Camera Guide of 2022 – Top 4 Reviewed
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
07.11.2022
Written By: John Fox | Security expert / Locksmith 30 Years Experience
As a surveillance expert, I know how important a good button camera can be. Getting a button camera is a great decision due to its tiny size and discreet design. You can record footage or audio without anybody suspecting you- be it for holiday outings, meetings, private conferences, or formal events; carrying it everywhere by replacing one of your shirt buttons. We have compiled a list of the best button cameras, with great options. Our top pick has to be the – AHD 1080P WIFI FHD Mini Button Camera. Below is the list of content you will come across in this engaging read:
- Quick links and summary of each product
- Reviews of every surveillance device
- Essential information of button cams
- Buying guide
Best Overall
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. AHD 1080P WIFI FHD Mini Button Camera
After testing it, it quickly became our top pick because it has everything you need. This model is equipped with every function required from superior quality footage, better viewing angle, and discreet design to affordable rates.
What particularly impressed me when I used it was the full HD 1080P, you can see superior-quality and crystal-clear video. Also, this button hidden camera device can record the footage in ultra 4K and 720P. One thing we like is its discreet design.
The device has a flexible and long cable, a separate box for batteries, a wi-fi antenna, and a pluggable interface. You can remotely playback the footage, and it comes with a built-in microphone. The frame rate is 30 frames per second with a 90 degree viewing angle.
With motion detection technology, it records when it detects any movement. I like this feature as it saves power and space. The device supports up to 64GB micro SD cards. You can watch real-time videos and live feeds, and it has an advanced recording device.
There are two different methods of connectivity. You can connect this to your wi-fi router to watch the real-time footage anytime from anywhere. When your phone is near the device, you can link it directly from point to point (hotspot).
Features:
- Footage Quality: 4K, 1080P, and 720P
- Viewing Angle: 90 degrees
- Format: ASF
- Power: 18650 batteries
What We Liked:
- It supports up to a 64GB micro SD card
- You will get a box of batteries in the package
- There is a user manual for usage instructions
- It has a flexible head and good for spying activities
What We Didn’t Like:
- The instructions could have been better
Verdict:
It is our top pick because it has 1080P video quality, quick access to a live feed, and real-time video viewing.
Best Indoor/Outdoor
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Pinhole Button Camera HD 1080P
This model has the best pinhole cam design of all the models we have tested so far. If you do decide to get it, you will get a magnetic cam with a typical discreet composition. Also, despite its rectangular shape, it fits your clothes without anyone noticing.
This hidden button camera has a plastic outer shell and is sturdy enough to resist constant use. With its sleek, discreet, and small design, you can easily hide it in your shirt or suit. Like the high-end models, this device also records the footage in 1080P HD quality.
With a 60 degrees wide lens, this cam covers more area. The footage resolution is 1280×960, and it records in AVI format. It captures images in 1920×1080 and 1280×960 quality and JPG format.
With a frame rate of 30 frames per second, you will get good enough clarity footage. The device receives the power from the built-in 200mAh lithium batteries, and they are included in the package. Also, it needs a DC 5V charging voltage.
In the camera mode, it vibrates and blinks the red light once. The device vibrates and flashes red light twice. In the recording mode, it has six vibrations, and the red light will blink six times.
Features:
- Footage Quality: 1920×1080
- Viewing Angle: 60 degrees
- Format: AVI
- Power: DC 5V charge
What We Liked:
- It has camera and video vibration modes
- The security camera is compatible with Windows systems
- It comes with a built-in battery
- It can support a maximum of 16GBs
What We Didn’t Like:
- The memory card doesn’t come in the package
Verdict:
The best compact size comes with 1280x960P footage quality, 1920x1080P image quality, and 60 degrees viewing angle.
Best HD Video Quality
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. HD 1080P Spy Button Hidden Camera
Though other models advertise themselves as 1080P cams, no product can beat this one’s quality as it comes with premium quality footage capture. Even if you zoom in on the recordings, you can clearly see it with no pixelation.
We recommend this model if you are looking for a wearable hidden camera button that is discreet, tiny, easy to use, and captures premium-quality footage. With 15×15mm dimensions, it is hard to notice the camera. The 1MP lens requires simple installation.
This USB-enabled device captures the footage in HD 720P quality, and it has 85 degrees viewing angle. The 30 frames per second frame rate ensure stable footage. It comes with a durable 8mm wide-angle lens.
It saves the recordings into the memory card and supports up to 32GB SD cards. This cam is compatible with several Windows and Mac OS operating systems. It comes with a Sony CMOS sensor and supports all Android devices.
The camera needs 5V power for charging, and it has side wall brackets. It comes with a built-in microphone and has a unique vandal-proof feature. This device can capture videos and pictures as well. We liked the fact that it includes a few buttons in the package.
Features:
- Footage Quality: 720P HD
- Viewing Angle: 85 degrees
- Format: MJPEG (compression)
- Power: 5V charge
What We Liked:
- There is a CMOS Sony sensor
- It comes with an 8mm wide-angle lens
- It includes a built-in microphone
- It has sidewall brackets
What We Didn’t Like:
- There is no TF card
Verdict:
This Mini USB enabled cam can record HD 720P quality, and includes a built-in microphone.
Best Rated
Last update on 2022-11-10 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. SIKVIO Spy Camera WiFi
So far, it is the only model with the best ratings and highest reviews. If you buy this, you can watch wide-area footage in better quality. Also, it is equipped with best-rated functions such as loop record, motion detection, and smartphone app.
It is another wi-fi model, and it comes with a wide-angle lens. The effective distance of the device is 30 meters. It can capture the footage in different resolutions, which are 1920×1080P, 1080×720P, and 640×480P. This feature caught our attention d
This wireless surveillance device uses an HD processing chip and gives you better quality footage. The frame rate is between 15 to 30 frames per second, and it has an H.264 coding format. We got the clear instruction papers for our testing.
It will only capture the images or videos when it detects motion, and it also sends motion alerts to you. The smartphone app allows you to set up four cams at the same time. Using the app, you can play, download, and delete the recordings.
This cam will continue to capture the footage while charging. It comes with a built-in rechargeable battery with a capacity of 600mAh. Also, this covert device can support a 128GB SD card and has a loop recording function.
Features:
- Footage Quality: 1080P
- Viewing Angle: Not specified
- Format: H.264 (coding)
- Power: 2A Plug
What We Liked:
- It includes built-in rechargeable batteries
- It comes with an advanced motion detection function
- It allows easy remote viewing
What We Didn’t Like:
- It cannot record in dark places or at night times
Verdict:
It is a mini wireless surveillance device with remote-live, motion detection, and a mobile app.
Things To Consider To Get The Best Button Camera
1. HD Recording
If you want good quality footage, you have to choose the cameras with the best resolution. For daily or regular use, you do not have to buy high-end models. But, when you need professional footage, it is better to buy a camera with 1080P HD quality recording capabilities. (1)
2. Type and Versatile Nature
In general, there are two types which are a shirt button or the home-use button. Our list is full of clothing buttons, and you can use them even at your home. The models with interchangeable color covers allow you to use them on different clothes.
3. Motion Detection
The security camera that has a motion-detecting function allows you to capture the footage with ease. Also, you do not have to check on the cam every time you need to record something. There are motion triggers in the cam, which will begin to capture the footage once there is any activity.
4. Storage
The device will save the footage into the SD card. Only a few models come with built-in memory or TF cards, and for others, you have to spend extra to buy them. You have to consider this aspect when you are short on budget.
5. Other Features
- You have to check the power source of the model
- It is better to see what is included in the package
- High-end features like loop recording, motion alerts, and mobile apps
Installation Of The Hidden Button Camera
Installing the button spy camera is an easy and quick process. Due to their small size, you can attach them to any shirt or other objects. Keep the following points in mind:
- Setting up the wireless cam is a lot easier than the wired models. The wireless cams use radiofrequency for data transmission. If you have an issue with the radio frequency levels, you can go with the wired ones.
- You have to install the wired cams carefully due to the long cables. Many models utilize the power from the AC adaptor or batteries or RCA cord. Before installing, you should check the cable length, and you will have an idea of where to keep it. (2)
- For wireless hidden-button cams, there is not much to do. You can carry them everywhere and keep them in your shirt and start the recording option to capture the footage. Despite these suggestions, it is better to check the user manual for safe and quick installation.
Where To Use The Button Camera?
You can use it for surveillance and also spying purposes. Here is a simple list of where you can operate the button camera:
- For monitoring babies
- Capturing conferences and private meetings
- Keeping an eye on nannies
- Taking care of your valuables at home when you are not present
- Knowing the behavior of caregivers
- Spying on your partner
- Monitoring workplace staff and other employees
Conclusion
After painstaking efforts, we finally compiled a list of products consisting of every accessible hidden camera. Going solely on specifications, we would recommend the AHD 1080P WIFI FHD Mini Button Camera as our winner, with the Pinhole Button Camera HD 1080P as the runner-up.
References
(1) HD Recording – https://www.dpreview.com/articles/2015434044/beginners-guide-to-hd-video
(2) RCA cord – https://www.lifewire.com/rca-cable-definition-1082146
(3) SD cards – https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-an-sd-card
Written by
John Fox
Senior Writer & Director
John Fox has been working as a security consultant for over 20 years. During his time in the industry, he’s learned about what it takes to ensure your home and family are always safe. With Safe Now, he’s tried to take those two decades of experience and share it with others. His goal now is to help others figure out how to make the right choices for their businesses and families.
