A camera hidden in the peephole is an increasingly popular solution that has already replaced the classic ‘judas’ in many homes. In addition to the convenience and possibility of remote viewing behind the door, it increases our security against burglars, stalkers and other intruders. However, is a peephole camera legal? We explain the regulations!
Everyone wants to ensure maximum security in their home. Whether you live on a quiet estate, in a large building or in an ‘uninteresting’ neighbourhood, it is worth equipping yourself with devices that will improve your comfort and guarantee protection from uninvited guests.
One such piece of equipment is a door viewer with a camera. More and more people are already using this solution, which definitely increases our level of security at home. However, despite its many advantages, it raises quite a lot of controversy and its use in the eyes of the law is a highly debatable issue.
We explain how this applies in practice.
Peephole camera – what are its advantages?
Private monitoring in the form of an electric peephole has many advantages. Thanks to them, more and more people are choosing to install this solution in their home or flat. The main one, and the most important one, is to increase the level of protection of the premises. By installing a camera in the peephole, we can access the view from behind the door even when we are not at home.
Many of the latest models offer recording when motion is detected. As a result, we only get relevant footage, showing, for example, couriers at work. These are an invaluable aid when we fear a break-in or have to deal with stalkers or nosy neighbours.
Any movement at our door will not only be recorded. In addition, we will receive an immediate notification. Many models have dedicated mobile apps, after downloading which we get an alert about suspicious activity on our phone. This allows you to take action in no time, no matter where you happen to be.
The biggest advantages of the door viewer with camera are:
- video recording,
- simple installation,
- remote viewing,
- sending alerts to your telephone,
- two-way communication,
- integration into smart home systems,
- infrared (visibility in the dark),
- precise adjustment of the viewing angle,
- saving of footage to internal memory, microSD card or other media.
All of the above-mentioned features make the electronic peephole a device that will either effectively protect your flat or home from intruders, or help you identify and find them when a break-in occurs.
When and how is a camera door viewer useful?
Mounting a camera on the door of a flat, apart from the possibility of recording thieves or nosy neighbours, also works in many other situations. One of these is the verification of visitors, without having to approach the entrance. This is particularly useful for unannounced visits.
In addition, if you have the option to open the lock remotely, you can let your close friends into your home when you are not there. In a similar way, you will receive a courier while you are away from your flat.
The camera in the door viewer also allows us to ensure the safety of our children. It allows us to check who visits the children in our absence.
Why else is it worth equipping yourself with a camera in the ‘judas’? It’s a good way to provide protection for the eldest and can prevent possible break-ins or fraud.
Is the peephole camera legal?
Many people opting for a camera instead of a peephole in the door wonder whether this solution is legal. The answer is yes, as long as we do not invade the privacy of our neighbours in the process.
One of the most important issues is to comply with the provisions of GDPR (the General Data Protection Regulation). These state that we cannot use footage from a door camera belonging to us for anything other than private use. This means a categorical ban on sharing the footage. They are intended only for us, as possible evidence.
Another thing to bear in mind is that the lens of the device must not be pointed at the neighbour’s door. While this should not be a problem if you live in a detached house, the situation in a block of flats becomes problematic.
How to resolve such an issue? The first and best step is to talk. Present the situation to your neighbour and explain why you have decided to install a camera peephole. However, you must remember that the person may object.
In this situation, try to adjust the angle of the lens so that it only covers the area directly under your door. The latest models allow you to adjust the setting accordingly.
In summary – an electronic peephole is legal, provided it does not infringe on the privacy of bystanders. Before buying, read the specifications of the device and make sure you will be able to adjust the angle of the lens accordingly. If the peephole camera is positioned on your neighbour’s door and you can’t do anything about it, inform them of the installation and ask for their permission.
Which electronic peephole should I choose?
When you decide to equip yourself with a door camera, take care to choose the right model. Make sure the equipment guarantees high-quality images, a wide viewing angle and the ability to adjust it, as well as allowing you to record video when motion is detected.
Also important are the adaptation to smart home systems and the option for remote viewing from a phone or TV.
MF-35D – wide-angle peephole camera
The MF-35D guarantees very clear recordings, even in underexposed areas or at night. It features a state-of-the-art CCIQ sensor, enabling it to maintain the highest image performance while saving energy.
We can watch the transmission from the device on the TV screen. It is the perfect solution for those looking for simple home monitoring.
REMEMBER: for the equipment to work properly, it must be connected to a suitable DVR or run a cable to the TV.
People have bought in the last 48h!
- Camera installed in door's peephole
- High quality image sensor
Camera peephole with recording
This model is a recorder hidden in a doorbell. It allows live viewing on a large colour display. In addition, it acts as a one-way intercom – you will hear your visitor through it.
The lens detects movement at a distance of 2 metres and automatically starts recording footage after 5 seconds to avoid hoarding needed shots. Files are saved as stills or 10-second recordings.
An additional advantage of the device is its extremely simple operation.
People have bought in the last 48h!
- Effective home monitoring
- Motion activation function