Authorities said the camera was attached to a power bank and positioned facing the house, presumably to monitor the residents in preparation for a burglary or other criminal activity.
SJPD Burglary Unit detectives opened an investigation, later finding a second camouflaged device near the area of where the first camera was located.
The second device is believed to be a Wi-Fi powered device, according to officials.
Following the shocking discovery, the department told residents it had received "several" reports of deceptive tactics used to case unoccupied homes, signifying a trend.
Suspects are known to plant hidden surveillance devices, or pose as delivery service providers or landscapers to determine when homes are unoccupied before committing burglaries.
"As a reminder, remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity helps keep our neighborhoods safe," the agency wrote in a statement.
Authorities also said to watch out for people ringing doorbells to see if anyone answers, packages left at doors to test whether a home is vacant, and unfamiliar vehicles or people repeatedly passing by a house.
If a homeowner finds a suspicious device, the department said not to touch it and call law enforcement.
No arrests have been made in the recent San José case, according to the department.