candid camera

plural candid cameras

1. artsA camera which is concealed or unobtrusive, used to obtain candid photographs of people who usually are unaware; the practice of taking such photos.

   A candid camera’s role in higher education, with photographs of co-eds in the nude, commanded public interest today.

   1937 October 4, “Candid Camera Shots Of College Co-eds Minus Trappings Has Officials Disturbed”, in Prescott Evening Courier, retrieved 21 Nov 2017, page 1

   4 more examples

   Miss Rand . . . is wanted in criminal court to face charges of biting a theater customer who tried to take her picture with a candid camera.

   1938 October 11, Frederick C. Othman, “Sally Stole My Fan Act, Faith Says”, in Pittsburgh Press, retrieved 21 Nov 2017, page 12

   Dorothy Netherton, who with Grace Valentine went to Europe this summer, has more than 400 enlarged candid-camera pictures of scenes taken during the tour.

   1938 October 14, “Students Hold Short Impromptu Pep Rally”, in Daily Journal-World, Lawrence, Kansas, retrieved 21 Nov 2017, page 5

   Last week, after nine years of development work, Zeiss brought out a new camera with which it hopes to regain leadership in the high-quality candid-camera market.

   1954 January 18, “Business Abroad: Camera Comeback”, in Time, retrieved 21 Nov 2017

   Mr. Dorsky's Arbor Vitae conveys more acute feelings of sadness and ecstasy. . . . Mr. Dorsky's candid camera also catches people rapt in thought.

   2000 October 7, Stephen Holden, “Film Festival Review: Sparks of Lyrical Meditation Fly From the Cutting Edge”, in New York Times, retrieved 21 Nov 2017

2. A humorous television show that uses hidden candid cameras to play pranks on people.