Spy Camera Mysteries Explained: What Is a Spy Camera?

Spy cameras are devices that can either take pictures or film people secretly. The intention of installing it is to monitor or supervise the goings-on in a certain room or area, especially concerning with the behavior of the people in it. These cameras became extremely popular during World War 2, which is when they underwent great developmental strides.

They are also popularly known as hidden cameras or nanny cams, when they are used to monitor the activities of people who manage young children.

Types of them

Today, several kinds are available. The common element of distinction between them is about their ability to record pictures or videos.

There are spy cameras with or without sound record abilities available as well. Distinction is also made on the basis of size and on how they are camouflaged.

Spy Camera Mysteries Explained: What Is a Spy Camera?

For instance, there are spy cameras designed in pens, known as spy pen cameras, or within clocks, electronic devices and even children's toys.

They can also be wired or wireless; and they can have their own memory or need to be connected to a computer to reproduce their pictures or videos.

Choosing one of them

You should choose your spy camera based on the kind of recording you want it to do.

You can choose a camera that takes only still pictures or a camera that records videos and sound. Some cameras are equipped with night vision if you want the monitoring to be done chiefly in the nighttime. There are also cameras that are motion-activated; i.E. They set to work only when there is a movement in the area of their scrutiny.

Spy Camera Mysteries Explained: What Is a Spy Camera?

Check how much memory it has, because that decides the extent to which it can record.

Also, you will need to check how you will receive the output of what is recorded by the camera.

The size of it is a further element that you will need to take into consideration. The general rule is that if you choose a smaller one, the quality of their pictures or videos might be reduced.

Sometimes you may come up against a compromise involving size and quality

A smaller one can be easily hidden but then the quality may not be what you desire. On the other hand, a bigger one may afford you great quality of audio and visuals, but you may have problems in keeping it hidden.

Who Needs a Spy Camera?

The greatest demand for them is among families who must leave their children with nannies.

Hidden cameras are installed in their quarters so that the nannies' activities could be monitored later or even instantly using modern remote technology. These cameras are tiny and camouflaged in toys or electronic devices kept around the room.

Other locations that require spy cameras include stores, banks, airports, gyms and similar places.

Storehouses use hidden cameras to keep a check on their goods. Nowadays, these items have become all the rage with household owners as security devices.

Spy Cameras - Costs

Costs of them vary widely depending on their designing and quality. Overall, smaller ones are more expensive. Cameras that are hidden in other innocuous objects are more expensive too.

They tend to me more high-priced than security cameras with similar or better functionality due to their size. Sometimes they can cost twice as much.

Wireless cameras are more high-priced than the wired ones, and if you go for features such as night vision and motion-activation, you may have to pay proportionately more.

Spy Cameras - Legalities

Due to the features of their function, the usage is governed by laws concerning privacy.

Installers of spy cameras have been sued by people for recording them without their knowledge. Before installing one in a public area, you need to know about the local laws governing them.