A lot of people question what the main goal of the security system is, and it’s not about catching criminals, it is about deterring them to never making a criminal action in the first place.
With this in mind, the world of Dummy CCTV Cameras came into existence and became a sub-topic within the world of CCTV Business Security.
In this guide, we will be looking at 5 of the Best Dummy Cameras for CCTV in 2021. We will be giving a quick overview of what the cameras are, how to find the best ones, and reviews of some of the models available in the UK.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Best Dummy Camera for CCTV
- CCTV Dummy Camera Basics
- How CCTV Dummy Cameras Work
- Finding the Best Dummy Cameras
- Reviews – Best Dummy Cameras for CCTV
- Summary – CCTV Dummy Cameras
Overall #1 Pick Dummy Camera for CCTV
We have chosen this Dummy Camera due to not only its look, but also accounted for real user feedback, and ease of set-up too.
Without any further ado, our number one pick for Dummy CCTV Camera is – BW Dummy CCTV Camera.
This is a versatile and great priced Dummy CCTV Camera that encompasses all the key features you would want. The environmental (dust and water) proof housing means that it can be used both outdoors and indoors.
The addition of the LED light that lights up every 5 seconds adds an extra splash of realism and will keep criminals at bay.
The fact that it is powered by batteries make it a really simple to operate and set-up Dummy Camera that has a lot of flexibility on where it sits due to the bracket and mount.
Our Top 5 Dummy Cameras for CCTV
BW Dummy CCTV Camera (Our Top Pick)
Solon Security Dummy CCTV Camera (Best for Outdoor Use)
Kwmobile Dummy Camera for CCTV (Best for Indoor Use)
AlfaView Dummy CCTV Cameras (Best for Larger Businesses)
Pho-R Imitation IR Dome CCTV Cameras (Best Budget)
What is a Dummy Camera?
A dummy CCTV camera is a fake security camera that is created to give the guise of an operating security system and as a deterrent for criminals. As opposed to a standard CCTV System, Dummy Cameras are not used for surveillance and are just for show.
Dummy Cameras will be set up in very obvious places so they can provide a higher level of security. They are often accompanied with signage or stickers that you can put up to further sell the illusion of a working security system.
Some people have stated that it is easier to spot a fake camera up close, but the whole point of having a Dummy CCTV camera is that people do not get close enough to determine this.
If you do your research and get the right Dummy Camera for CCTV you will gain the benefits and limit any potential drawbacks.
Different Types of Dummy Cameras for CCTV
Although there are lots of types of CCTV cameras, when it comes to Dummy Cameras, there are fewer variants.
This is due to the actual technology within the real cameras being different, whereas Dummy Cameras are just a facade and basically designed to look like a common camera type.
With this in mind, let us look at the two major styles that are implemented in the Dummy CCTV Camera market, Dome and Bullet.
Dummy Dome Camera
As the name suggests, this camera looks like a dome and is often used in indoor settings such as retail or hotels. They can provide a wide range of view, up to 360 degrees (when they are an active camera).
These are typically used as a more covert type of security system, and are meant to blend in more with the environment or ceiling.
Dummy Bullet Camera
The second main type of Dummy CCTV Camera you will come across is the Bullet. These are the more traditional looking CCTV Cameras and are synonymous with outdoor and indoor security.
These are much more overt and are very popular both in the real and Dummy models. If you are looking for a serious looking camera that is going to be a preventive option, this is definitely a good idea.
How Does a Dummy Camera for CCTV Work?
As we have implied across this guide, a Dummy Camera is all for show, it is designed to look like a CCTV camera but does not record video or audio.
So to answer the question, how does a Dummy Camera work? It works by acting as a deterrent, they are made to look almost identical to a fully functioning CCTV System and be a form of preventive security.
Dummy CCTV Cameras are a great budget-friendly option that any size business can implement into their operation very simply.
One of the main goals of any security plan is to prevent the actual crimes in the first place, so this gives you an additional level of security.
Overtly placed Dummy Cameras work due to the Hawthorne Effect which basically says that people will alter their behaviour when they are under surveillance or being watched.
Dummy Cameras vs Real Cameras
Dummy Cameras are often favoured by smaller businesses and private usage. If you get the right Dummy CCTV camera then it will be highly effective and do exactly what you need it to do.
There is no doubt that Dummy Cameras improve your security, and are a worthwhile, inexpensive option.
The major drawback, if you can call it that, is that you will not be able to record anything with your Dummy CCTV Camera, but this is fairly obvious.
If you are concerned about this, then you are looking for the wrong products and should be on the market for a CCTV system.
A Dummy Camera will not compare to a full CCTV set-up but it was never designed to be a rival or direct competition, it is just a cost-effective way to provide an additional layer of security at a fraction of the cost.
Although you should never cut corners with your security, budgets will always dictate our business decisions.
So if you are looking for something that will increase your security easily, read through this guide to get the background information you need to make an informed decision.
What Do You Look for in the Best Dummy Cameras for CCTV?
Making a decision on a Dummy CCTV Camera may seem fairly simple, but there are a few factors you should look out for. Let us have a quick look at a few of them below.
Style – the actual aesthetics of your camera will have both an impact on its effectiveness and its placement. To oversimplify, having a Bullet Camera for an outdoor location and a Dome Camera for indoors is the standard set-up.
Size – similar to the above point this may be determined by where you want to place your Dummy Camera, so ensure that the camera will fit in your selected location and check the sizing of it.
Price – as with any business decision, price will be a major factor when selecting the right model. Luckily due to these cameras being a facade, they are often very fairly priced and even the high-end models will not break the bank.
Weatherproof – finding a Dummy Camera that is protected from the elements is important when choosing your model, finding one that is both dust and water proof is typically the best approach.
Lights – some of the models will come with either a static or a timed flickering light to further increase the ruse of active recording and a live stream. Looking for Dummy Cameras with these is a factor that can help you decide.
Additional Features – keep an eye out for any extra features that might make the camera more effective or better value for money. Features such as solar powered over battery or if the camera moves or pans could be something to look out for.
Best Dummy Camera for CCTV Reviewed
Determining which Dummy CCTV Camera is the best is a fairly subjective topic because different businesses will have their own agendas, budgets, and preferences when it comes to their decision making.
With this in mind, we have selected our overall top pick, along with a few other options and our suggested usage of them (i.e. outdoor or indoor usage).
BW Dummy CCTV Camera (Our Top Pick)
This is a perfect example of realistic looking Dummy Camera that is affordable for any business size. It is simple to install and gives a lot of freedom which way it is facing with the 360 degree mount.
The sleek black design of this camera makes it look very realistic, and with the addition of the flickering LED you have a convincing mock camera.
The very simple but effective inclusion of a yellow CCTV sticker means you can place that somewhere noticeable to further increase its effectiveness.
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
| + Blinking LED light + Simple & quick setup + Realistic looking + Comes with CCTV sticker | – Light and plastically feel |
Solon Security Dummy CCTV Camera (Best for Outdoor Use)
This weather and dust proof Dummy CCTV Camera is a great model for businesses looking to install their camera outside. The silver design and flashing LED make it look realistic and convincing.
Everything you need to install this Dummy Bullet Camera is in the box and it is easy to do regardless of your skill level or technical prowess.
There is a bright yellow CCTV warning sign included too, so you can deter criminals prior to even entering your premises.
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
| + Great for outdoors (Environmental Proof) + Long lasting battery (1 Year Life) + Modelled after Infrared Cameras for realism + Flashing red LED | – More expensive than similar models |
Kwmobile Dummy Camera for CCTV (Best for Indoor Use)
In the second major style, this dome Dummy Camera can be placed either indoors or outdoors.
It is more traditional to see these types of cameras either inside or in a covered outdoor area, so that would be the recommended usage.
This model looks very flush and would work wherever you put it and seamlessly increase your security with very little effort. It is easy to install and is powered by AAA batteries (for the LEDs).
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
| + Easy to mount & setup + Environment proof + Flashing LEDs + Realistic looking | – Lightweight – Plastic feel |
AlfaView Dummy CCTV Cameras (Best for Larger Businesses)
To add a little variety to this list we have included a set of cameras too, which would be perfect for protecting a larger area.
Note: These AlfaView cameras come in a few different styles and sizes (1-4 in both colours and 2-4 in the dome style).
This set of cameras will create a better illusion of an integrated security system and if you have multiple points of entry, you can ensure they are all protected (or at least have the guise).
The addition of the solar panels on the top of this model gives it a little more usability but does lean to being installed outdoors.
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
| + Solar powered (+ 2 x AA Batteries) + Waterproof style + 360 degree rotation on mount + Genuine looking with wiring | – Better for outdoor usage due to solar power |
Pho-R Imitation IR Dome CCTV Cameras (Best Budget)
In a similar vein to the model above, we have selected another multi-camera listing. This set is incredibly good value for money and would suit any size business.
If you are not looking for 4 cameras you can always keep a couple back as spares for this price. The Dome Style Cameras can be placed either inside or outside and look convincing, but often they are put in corners to look more realistic and give the impression of wiring going into the wall.
By the description it looks to be more designed for indoor or sheltered outdoor conditions due to no formal mention of its weatherproofing.
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
| + Flashing LED (2 second interval) + Amazing pricee for 4 units + Comes with CCTV sticker + Quick installation | – Replacing batteries is very fiddly |
Final Thoughts on Dummy Cameras for CCTV
All of these models would make a great addition to your current security, so in the end, the choice is your personal preference. As we have discussed above, there are plenty of merits and usages for these Dummy Cameras for CCTV.
Finding the right model for you and your business will be your choice, but hopefully, this guide gives you a better understanding of what is available and which might work for you.
If you are interested in learning more about the Security Industry and CCTV check out our Security Blogs and Guides. We try to break down more complex topics into bite size chunks and make an overly ‘jargonised’ industry easier to understand.
