Publisher Summary This chapter analyzes covert video principles, techniques, and unique pinhole lenses and cameras. Covert video cameras and lenses have become commonplace, and although these hidden cameras use small optics, they can produce high-quality video images. Covert video cameras are concealed in common objects or located behind a small hole in an opaque barrier. Cameras are camouflaged in common objects such as lamps and lamp fixtures, table and wall clocks, radios, or books. A very effective covert system uses a camera and lens camouflaged in a ceiling-mounted sprinkler head. Covert video ideally operates so that the offender is not aware of the surveillance. It can be recorded to produce a permanent video recording for later use in confronting, dismissing, or prosecuting the offender. Covert video systems using small lenses, pose unique optical problems as compared to overt systems that use standard lenses. Since the diameter of the front lens that views the scene by necessity must be small in order to be hidden, the lens is designed to be optically fast for collecting and transmitting as much light as possible from the reflected scene to the camera sensor.