1. Forums
  2. Mystery Shopping Discussion

Best Hidden Cameras for Mystery Shopping

February 09, 2021 01:59AM
Hi, I am sure someone has asked this before but I couldn't find this topic when I tried to search it. I would like to begin doing some of the shops that require wearing a hidden camera for the shop but I don't want to break the bank buying one. What is everyone's preference for the best hidden cameras available? I saw some websites marketing "Mystery Shopper Cameras" for $200 and up. I cannot afford that right now. I also don't want to waste $20 on the eBay special that keeps popping up, especially if it has connectivity issues / grainy footage / low battery life etc. So please, share what has worked for you!
Reply
Log In
x

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

Already a member? Log In.

More About Equipment for Mystery Shopping
February 09, 2021 02:55PM
Sorry, but the video camera of choice for MS is still th PV-500 with ectended battery life. $300 and up. However, some folks have had good luck using a good cell phone video with audio for short interaction videos. Avoid any video camera that is head mounted (hat or eye glasses) because when the subject moves even a little, you will move your head. This can result in a lot of rejected video becasue it begins to blur the picture just enough to make the viewer experience nausea.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Reply
February 09, 2021 06:12PM
Agree PV 500
Reply
February 10, 2021 03:00PM
@walesmaven wrote:

Sorry, but the video camera of choice for MS is still th PV-500 with ectended battery life. $300 and up. However, some folks have had good luck using a good cell phone video with audio for short interaction videos. Avoid any video camera that is head mounted (hat or eye glasses) because when the subject moves even a little, you will move your head. This can result in a lot of rejected video becasue it begins to blur the picture just enough to make the viewer experience nausea.

Except when the MSC requires head mounted camera! Lol!
But yes, the PV500 is the industry standard and MOST clients will reject the quality of anything less.
Reply
February 10, 2021 03:06PM
luckygirl is, as usual, totally correct. I have used eye glass cams for the few jobs where the shopper must remain in the vehicle and capture the associate in the video.
If you get an opportunity to work with lukygirl, my advice would be to grab it! A real pro !

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Reply
February 12, 2021 02:57AM
Thank you! I kind of thought that was what many would say. So, if I get one, I just need to make sure I schedule a few HIGH PRICED video shops to make it worth it. LOL
Reply
February 20, 2021 08:58PM
If you get into video shopping, the camera will pay for itself quickly.... All the advice from above is spot-on.

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.
Reply
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login