Of the various types of hidden cameras used for surveillance, pinhole cameras are inarguably the smallest and therefore the easiest to conceal. Using state of the art technology, pinhole cameras – in spite of the limited size of their lenses – are able to take exceptionally sharp images even at low-light settings.

Once you've chosen a particular model of hidden pinhole camera to purchase, you need only two things to operate your new gadget.

Depending on the model, your hidden pinhole camera may need a single 9V battery or a pair of them. To avoid missing even one second of footage and to ensure that images or recordings are of optimal quality, remember to replace or recharge your batteries regularly.

If you want to view your footage immediately, you'll need to have your VCR ready. Most hidden pinhole camera purchases would include manuals; refer to that if you don't know how to connect your camera to the VCR.

You've heard about hidden pinhole cameras hidden in stuffed toys, photo frames, and even in plastic flowers. But how those that actually serve dual purposes?

Believe it or not, but there are hidden pinhole cameras also able to work as motion sensors, air purifiers, and smoke detectors. Indeed, it's more effective to choose a hidden pinhole camera that function for something else; this way, people would have fewer reasons for suspecting their real nature.

Here are a number of factors you should consider when you shop for a hidden pinhole camera.

Where shall you use it? What will you use it for? Identifying your needs will help you determine the ideal type of hidden pinhole camera you need.

Location definitely has something to do with your needs so consider that as well; you need to have several ideas at least as to the best possible locations for your hidden camera. Determine the pros and cons for each possible location.

Not all pinhole cameras are capable of recording video footage. Others are only capable of recording still footage. For pinhole cameras with video recording capabilities, not all of them will come with audio recording capabilities as well.

While we're in the subject of recording options, other factors you should look into are the degree of control and type of configurations you're offered. Can you schedule when your camera will start to record video footage? How about remote control? It would be undeniably convenient if you could turn your pinhole camera on or off from afar.

One of the most important features of hidden pinhole cameras is its accessibility online. This is very helpful when you need to monitor your home or workplace while you're away. For this to be available, your pinhole camera must be IP-based. You'll also need to be tech-savvy enough to configure its network settings.

As always, security issues will be one of your greatest concerns if your pinhole camera offers online access. What kind of security precautions have been taken to prevent people from hacking into your system? Never underestimate the importance of online security; if someone taps into your system, the tables will turn and it's you that's under surveillance this time.

To avoid having your privacy invaded, be reminded that keeping your footage safe and secure online is a two-way street: even with the best security features, your pinhole camera won't be able to give you 100% protection. You need to do your part as well. Choose the right passwords, update your anti-malware and anti-virus software regularly, and try to go online only in secure locations.