Roundup of Consumer Spy Cameras

Written by bmlengel on June 26th, 2009

Spy cameras - nothing new here, right? Embedded cameras have been around for years and have slowly made it from the upper echelons of the security services down to typical consumers like us. Here we’re going to feature some of the various types of cameras that are available right now.

First up is a desktop calculator spy camera. Just think of a standard desktop calculator with a small embedded video camera. It is well hidden, because it really works as a calculator. Look for a camera that records at least 25 FPS (frames per second) with a resolution of 320×240. These will be able to record in multiple video, audio and photo formats including MP3, AVI, and MPEG4.

Next up are surveillance camera watches. These wristwatches look like something straight out of a James Bond movie. Expensive looking, with the camera lens embedded in the face of the watch. In one example, the lens is deftly hidden in the numbering. Due to the smaller size, the video quality isn’t quite as nice as in a larger device. It is still remarkable for something you can get for under $200.

Another very spy movie-like device is spy cam sunglasses. Look for those that can take both video and photos. 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 air to ground shots. Then get a spycam plane! This is perfect for reconnaissance. Most people wouldn’t even stop to think that a remote controlled plane could take photos or record video.

If you would rather keep things on terra firma, then there are lots of options for RC cars and trucks with cameras. You could even attach your own camera to an RC toy. Some will even instantly transmit video wirelessly to a headset or other screen.

If you have children and want to keep an eye on the nanny or babysitter, then you’ll want something a bit different. Then you may want something more appropriate that would blend into a child’s room or perhaps the living room. In this case, there are toys (teddy bears for example!) that have embedded cameras, some of which can be connected to your home computer network and that can transmit live video. Then all you need to see what’s going on at home, is a computer and Web browser hooked up to the Internet.

You can see a full roundup of specific examples of these embedded spy camera devices at this popular electronics gadget blog.

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