Choosing a hidden spy camera requires some homework on your part because there are so many choices. It can get confusing. This guide will get you thru the hard part and increase your knowledge so you can make a good decision when it comes to getting a hidden spy camera.
A spy camera is really nothing more than a board camera inside an everyday household or office item. They are used to catch somebody doing something illegal or illicit or something they shouldn’t be doing. They have home, office and business applications. The cameras are virtually impossible to detect.
Because of price competition and technological advances they are smaller then ever and inexpensive compared to just a few years ago.
Hidden spy cameras come in as many as 30 varieties to suit a wide variety of needs and settings so they blend in well. Some of the choices are mantle clock, desktop speakers, exit sign, emergency light, motion detector, thermostat, tissue box, electrical box, screw, down view smoke detector and many more.
Most of the hidden cameras are inside actual working products which enhances the deception.
Here are some considerations to help guide you
1. Color or back and white.
2. Wired or wireless. Some wireless models work off the power of the item, some are battery powered. Wireless models have a built in transmitter to send the signal. A free receiver is provided to get the signal.
3. Transmission distance. An option that gives you an additional 1500 feet on your wireless transmissions up to 2500 feet-nearly one half mile is the high power option.
4. Night recording Most models have night vision capability that allow for viewing/recording in complete darkness for black and white cameras.
5. DVR. You need some type of recording device for your camera unless you just want to monitor what is happening on your TV or computer monitor. There is a new line of cameras with a built in DVR. Images are recorded on an SD card for ultra easy playback.
6. Prices. Anywhere from $89.00 to over $500.00 depending on your option choices.
7. “Body Worn.” These products give you audio capability in addition to video and DVR. They are legal in all states. Some example are the famous ball point pen, ’stick cam’, wrist watch and more.
8. Remote Surveillance. Simply the ability to log into the internet and view from anywhere in the world and see what your camera is seeing. You need a DVR with internet access.
Most cameras use a SONY CCD with a wide angle lens (3.7 mm) which yields a field of view of 60 degrees.
These are the most important considerations when selecting a hidden spy camera. One final one is customer service and tech support. What kind of help can you get if you have a problem?
All this should be considered when choosing a hidden spy camera so you can get the one that is best for you.
By: Jack Krohn About the Author: