Micro Bullet Cameras for Covert Surveillance

Micro bullet cameras, specifically those with so-called microlenses, are proven workhorses for physical security and low key building surveillance. However, with a few inexpensive changes, you can turn the tiny camera into a stealthy, criminal-catching machine.

Ditch the Stock Lens

First things first, lose the included lens. Odds are, for covert video surveillance you'll want to have the camera some distance away from the target. That being the case, you'll want to remove the included lens in exchange for a much more powerful lens. Fortunately, bullet cameras such as the MAXSUR MCML7B accept an M12 type lens, and for the most part, any M12 lens will work with it.

Typically, bullet cameras come with a wide field of view lens, such as a 3.6mm which provides about 90 degrees of coverage—too wide for most surveillance. In contrast, a 16mm M12 lens will provide approximately 24' of view at 80' away from the camera, giving far better chances of capturing identification details on persons and vehicles.

Concealment

Micro bullet cameras are usually less than one inch in diameter, making them nearly invisible at 25' or more. Even with a light dressing of concealment, mini bullet cameras blend into environments quickly, turning them into a bad guy’s nightmare. As shown in the article picture, the bullet camera is dressed in burlap and even from just 10' away, the average person could easily miss it.

For urban and industrial scenes, bullet cameras can be concealed in a variety of fixtures, needing only a 1" diameter hole to peer through. In cases where detection risk is high, cameras can be hidden behind tinted lexan. Even common items—such as a discarded beverage box—can conceal cameras, batteries, and recorders with surprising effectiveness.

Low Light

With most surveillance occurring at night, special attention should be given when selecting both the bullet camera and M12 lens. If going color, a day-night capable, IR-sensitive camera is strongly recommended. With an IR-sensitive bullet camera, you’ll be able to harness all available light and provide a much crisper picture at night. In the case of the MCML7B, the IR cut filter has been removed, allowing the full spectrum of light to pass through.

Likewise, be cautious with microlenses. Many filter infrared light, creating great daytime images but severely reducing low-light performance. Choose lenses with IR pass-through and no filtering for true nighttime surveillance capability.

Addendum: The Power of IP Megapixel Bullet Cameras

Since this article was first written, the field of covert surveillance has advanced with the availability of IP megapixel bullet cameras. These units bring a dramatic increase in resolution and clarity, enabling investigators to zoom in digitally and still retain usable detail for evidence. Combined with the same concealment methods described above, IP megapixel cameras can provide forensic-level image quality while remaining discreet.

With network connectivity built in, IP bullet cameras also integrate seamlessly into modern video management systems, giving real-time remote access to surveillance feeds. When paired with secure storage and analytics, the capabilities go far beyond traditional micro bullet setups, making these cameras ideal for law enforcement, intelligence, and critical security operations.

I hope this article has been of assistance to you. What I post here in public view is limited, but if you are with a government or law enforcement agency and would like further details, please feel free to email me directly.

Best regards,

Jake Lahmann
COO
MAXSUR

Example Micro Lenses