IR Find

Yes, one can identify many IR sources with a CCD (charge coupled device) camera. However, often the IR source is not the illumination for an IR camera. This might be a motion detector, an IR data link, remote repeater, etc. Also many CCD cameras in cell phones have an optical filter to stop IR light from reaching the CCD because the color balance at different light levels can get skewed if IR light is not blocked. So detecting a camera maybe possible but not detecting a signal may not mean you're not being watched.

Thanks for the enlightening lesson.

Actually it will detect IR sources not cameras.

Which means it will let you know if you are being illuminated which means someone might be watching you.

The comments on the filters are spot on. I'm surprised the OPs camera on his phone doesn't have a filter.

A side issue here.....

Cameras that don't have IR blocking filters, like CCTV cameras are really handy for determining whether or not your remote controllers are working if they are having issues. Point your remote at an IR sensitive camera (connected to a monitor of course) and you can see whether or not its LED is blinking when you press a button.

The webcam on one of my laptops could do this quite well. You know pretty quickly whether your remote controller batteries have expired.