Spy Cameras for Home Use
Spy cameras – nothing new here, right? Hidden cameras have been around for years and have slowly made it from the upper echelons of the security services down to ordinary consumers like you and me. This roundup will give you a taste of what’s available right now.
Kicking off our list is the calculator spycam. It’s a desktop calculator with a very small video camera embedded in its side. It is well hidden, because it really works as a calculator. Look for a camera that records at least 25 FPS (frames per second) at 320×240. Also look for multiple video and photo recording formats, such as AVI, MPEG4, and MP3.
Next up are spy camera watches. These wrist watches have been inspired by spy movies like James Bond. They typically look like pricey analog watches and have the camera lens hidden in the face. In one example, the lens is deftly hidden in the numbering. While the video quality may not be as good as in a larger spycam, it is amazing what you can get for less than $200.
No roundup of spycams would be complete without a pair of spy camera sunglasses. Look for those that can take both photos and video. You should be able to find a pair that takes at least 1.3 Megapixel shots. For under $200, you can turn into a secret agent fast.
Now let’s say you need to get some ariborne shots. Then get a spy plane! Perfect for reconnaissance! The best part is that most folks don’t stop to think spy plane when they see/hear a RC aircraft up in the sky.
There are also ground-based remote controlled vehicles (cars, trucks, etc.). Some will even instantly transmit video wirelessly to a headset or other screen.
If you have kids and want to keep an eye on the nanny or babysitter, then you’ll want something a bit different. A desktop calculator may not cut it as it won’t fit in in a child’s bedroom or the living room. Look around for toys that also have spycams embedded in them. Some of these will even record and transmit live video (like a webcam). Some can even be viewed over the Internet. You can then view that from any computer with a Web browser.
For more specific examples of devices with embedded spy cameras, take a look at this popular electronics reviews blog.