M820 Series Ultra Mini Covert Cameras with STARVIS Imaging
M820 Series Ultra Mini Covert Cameras with STARVIS Imaging - 22mm / Micro Lens is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
M820 Series Ultra Mini Covert Cameras with STARVIS Imaging
Description
Description
Ultra Mini Covert Cameras with STARVIS Imaging
The MAXSUR M820 Series is built for one of the hardest surveillance requirements: placing a usable low-light camera where almost no camera should fit. With 22mm and 25mm body options, low 12VDC power draw, STARVIS imaging, and universal analog video output, the M820 Series is ideal for tight concealments, field kits, vehicle deployments, and compact custom surveillance systems.
Small Enough for the Hard Hides
The M820 Series is for covert video deployments where even a standard micro camera may be too large. These cameras are especially useful for thin concealments, compact props, vehicle interiors, small enclosures, custom investigative kits, robotics, and low-power surveillance systems where every millimeter and milliamp matters.
Ultra Compact Form Factor
Choose the M822 for a 22.4mm x 23mm body or the M825 for a slightly larger 25mm x 25mm body. Both options are designed for installations where the camera must disappear into the environment.
Low Power Draw
With a current draw of only 60mA max at 12VDC, the M820 Series is well suited for battery-powered kits, vehicle-powered deployments, solar-assisted systems, and long-duration covert surveillance packages.
Analog Compatibility
Composite NTSC/PAL video output makes the M820 Series compatible with a wide range of covert DVRs, body-wire-style recorders, video transmitters, encoders, test monitors, and legacy surveillance systems.
Why Analog Still Matters in Covert Video
IP cameras are powerful, but they are not always the right answer for covert surveillance. In many investigative systems, analog video remains valuable because it is simple, predictable, low power, easy to transmit, easy to record, and broadly compatible with compact field equipment.
Simple Signal Path
Composite video can feed directly into many recorders and transmitters without network configuration, IP addressing, browser setup, or NVR compatibility concerns.
Low Power Systems
A 60mA draw is a major advantage when the camera must run from compact batteries, vehicle power, solar charging, or limited field power.
Fast Field Integration
Analog video is practical for quick covert builds, temporary deployments, bench testing, custom enclosures, and systems where the recorder or transmitter already accepts CVBS input.
STARVIS Low-Light Performance in a Tiny Camera
The M820 Series uses Sony STARVIS imaging to help capture more usable detail in low-light covert deployments. With a minimum illumination rating of 0.2 lux, these cameras are a strong fit for dim rooms, vehicles, alleyways, field positions, warehouses, building interiors, and other ISR-style surveillance environments.
Electronic day/night switching improves sensitivity to infrared illumination, allowing the camera to support enhanced low-light operation when paired with covert IR sources or other scene lighting strategies.
Field Value
- Useful for surveillance where visible light would compromise the placement
- Works with compact recorders and transmitters accepting analog video
- Supports hidden installs where space, heat, and power are limited
- Suitable for ISR, covert investigations, robotics, and custom concealments
Choose the Lens Style That Fits the Hide
The M820 Series can be configured with a standard micro lens, flat pinhole lens, or conical pinhole lens. The right choice depends on the material thickness, field of view, camera placement, and how much working depth exists behind the concealment.
Micro Lens
Standard focal length: 3.6mm
The standard micro lens is best when the camera has a direct viewing opening or can look through a small window. It is also a practical choice for FPV views, UAS, robotics, and compact surveillance enclosures.
For medium-range applications, compatible M12/S-Mount lenses may be used to fine tune the view.
Flat Pinhole Lens
Standard focal length: 3.7mm
The flat pinhole lens is ideal for thin concealment surfaces such as fabric, sheet metal, cardboard, plastic panels, trim pieces, and other shallow materials where the lens must remain nearly flush.
Conical Pinhole Lens
Standard focal length: 4.3mm
The conical pinhole lens is better for thicker substrates, including drywall, thick cardboard, toolboxes, equipment cases, furniture, and custom housings where the lens needs to reach closer to the outer surface.
M822 vs. M825: Which Body Size Fits Best?
Both versions are ultra compact analog STARVIS cameras. The primary decision is mechanical: choose the M822 when absolute minimum size is the priority, or choose the M825 when the concealment allows a slightly larger 25mm body.
M822 Ultra Mini Camera Body
The M822 is the smallest option in this series, with a 22.4mm x 23mm body profile. It is the best fit for very tight concealments, compact props, and installations where the available space is brutally limited.
M825 Ultra Mini Camera Body
The M825 uses a compact 25mm x 25mm body. It remains extremely small while giving integrators a slightly larger platform for concealments where 25mm is still easy to hide.
Available M820 Configurations
Select the body size first, then choose the lens style that best fits the concealment. All listed M820 configurations use analog composite video output for broad recorder and transmitter compatibility.
M822-ML-AL
M822-FP-AL
M822-CP-AL
M825-ML-AL
M825-FP-AL
M825-CP-AL
Need a different lens, housing, cable length, connector, or concealment layout? Contact MAXSUR for special order and OEM options.
Technical Highlights
Imaging
- 1/3.2" Sony STARVIS CMOS
- 1.27MP effective pixels
- 0.2 lux minimum illumination
- Electronic day/night operation
- WDR and 2D noise reduction
Video & Power
- 800TVL resolution
- Composite CVBS video output
- NTSC/PAL compatibility
- 12VDC power input
- 60mA max current draw
Deployment Value
- Very small camera body
- Low heat and low power profile
- Easy analog recorder compatibility
- Works in tight spaces
- Useful for covert field systems
Covert Installation Expert Tips
Camera selection is only half the job. Successful covert video also depends on how the camera is mounted, powered, hidden, and serviced. These MAXSUR resources can help integrators and agency teams think through practical installation details.
Adhesives for Covert Installation
Good covert work often comes down to small details: holding the camera securely, avoiding vibration, preventing light leaks, and keeping the concealment serviceable.
Harnessing Power from Vehicles
Vehicle deployments require careful power planning. Low-current cameras like the M820 Series can be useful when working from limited vehicle power, auxiliary batteries, or custom covert recorder systems.
Common Applications
Covert Investigations
Hidden video in rooms, vehicles, bags, boxes, displays, temporary fixtures, observation points, and other concealments where a larger camera would be too easy to spot.
Battery & Solar Field Kits
Low-current operation makes the M820 Series attractive for surveillance systems where every milliamp affects runtime and site servicing risk.
Video Transmitter Systems
Composite video output works well with compact analog transmitters and legacy covert systems that are not designed around IP cameras.
Vehicle Surveillance
Small body dimensions and low power draw make the M820 Series a practical option for covert vehicle installs, bait vehicles, and mobile observation platforms.
Robotics & FPV
The compact form factor and analog output can support simple FPV feeds in robotic platforms, small vehicles, and specialized inspection tools.
OEM & Custom Builds
MAXSUR can support custom camera builds, optics, housings, connectors, cable lengths, and larger-volume integration projects.
Special Order & Custom Configuration
For OEM and large-volume orders, MAXSUR can help configure the desired camera around the mission. Case design, optics, connectors, cable lengths, analog video integration, and concealment-specific requirements can be reviewed for custom builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the M822 and M825?
The M822 is the smallest version, using a 22.4mm x 23mm body. The M825 uses a slightly larger 25mm x 25mm body. Choose the M822 when minimum size is the priority, and the M825 when the concealment can support a 25mm camera body.
Why choose the M820 Series instead of the M871 Series?
Choose the M820 Series when you need the smallest possible analog camera with very low current draw. Choose the M871 Series when you need a broader set of output options, including IP, SDI, 6-in-1 HD, and analog configurations.
What kind of recorder does this camera work with?
The M820 Series outputs composite analog video, making it compatible with many DVRs, compact covert recorders, video transmitters, encoders, and monitors that accept CVBS/NTSC/PAL video input.
Can the lens be changed?
Yes. Standard configurations include micro lens, flat pinhole, and conical pinhole options. M12/S-Mount lens options may also be available depending on the configuration and integration requirements.
Can MAXSUR build a custom version?
Yes. MAXSUR can support custom camera builds for OEM, agency, and large-volume projects, including optics, wiring, connectors, housings, and concealment-specific requirements.
Need an Ultra-Small Analog Camera for a Covert Build?
MAXSUR can help match the M820 Series to your concealment, recorder, transmitter, vehicle installation, battery system, or custom covert video project.
