Archive for the ‘Spy Cams’ Category

Car Key Hidden Camera with Audio – How to Use One

Hidden Camera, Spy Cams, Vehicle Surveillance | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 21 2009

The car key hidden camera with audio is one of the choice examples of covert surveillance equipment. It’s small and light enough to be carried just about anywhere and ordinary enough to blend with other stuff in your purse or pocket. Even better, it allows you to record images in secret. Handy and functional, this hidden camera with audio can be an excellent addition to your arsenal of surveillance gadgets. Learn how to use it properly with these tips:

Car Key Hidden Camera with AudioUser-Friendly
A car key hidden camera is perhaps the easiest hidden camera to use. It’s so ordinary and commonplace that no one would suspect you’re actually taking photos or footages with it. Carry it in your hands or dangling from your purse or belt, depending on the angle you wish to take. The buttons to start recording are found on the surface so you only have to press the record button to begin taking pictures.

You don’t even have to explain what you’re doing – haha!. To a casual observer, you’ll only look like you’re playing or fidgeting with your car key and no one ever has to know what you’re actually doing with it.

Audio Capacity
Since the car key hidden camera can take footages with audio, you must be careful about positioning it to ensure that you get the best reception that you can. Remember that the mini microphone it’s equipped with is not sophisticated enough to drown out unnecessary background noise. Remember, too that what the human ear hears will not be the exact same sounds that a gadget like a mini hidden camera will broadcast. The nearer you are to the source, the better audio you will get.

Its Limitations
Easily some of the most common limitations with mini surveillance cameras such as the car key are its memory, power and range. If you have been using this camera for some time, check if the power is still sufficient for more shots or footage. Otherwise, simply recharge the batteries so they’re ready to shoot any time.

Memory is one concern with small hidden cameras. Don’t buy a car key hidden camera and expect to take endless hours of footage. To give you an idea of how much footage you can expect, an 8GB car key camera can store a maximum of 3 hours of video.

Be aware of the car key camera’s efficient range as well. Because of its relative size, it’s usually effective only up to a few meters. If you’re taking footage of an activity that is farther away, don’t expect the same quality of audio you would get if it were just a few feet away from you.

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Nanny Cam – How to Avoid Misusing this Security Device

Hidden Camera, Nanny Camera, Security Camera, Spy Cams | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Dec 15 2009

Clock Radio CD Player Hidden CameraBefore buying and installing a nanny camera, there are certain considerations you have to keep in mind. This gadget can record footage quite easily and very often, surreptitiously – that is, without the other party knowing that they are being recorded. Although it’s meant to ensure the safety of young children under the supervision of a nanny, nanny cams by nature are spy cams in that they are meant to monitor activities without someone’s prior knowledge. Unfortunately, this can backfire and cause you legal trouble. Avoid this situation by using these tips:

Make the nanny camera easily seen
This step may seem to contradict the very purpose of this device but it’s one of the ways you can keep the use of a nanny cam legal. If it’s visible, it can easily be noticed by the person who will be supervising or taking care of your child and they will be aware that they are being monitored.

Keeping the nanny camera visible will be of great help in deterring any acts of abuse that could occur when the nanny is around. If the nanny you happened to hire is abusive or inattentive, they will be encouraged to be at their best behavior at all times.

Install in public areas
Another method to avoid a situation where the use of a nanny cam can backfire is to use this gadget only in areas of the house or building that is accessible by most people. These include the kitchen, the living room area, garage, porch and family den. A hidden camera in these areas will be legal to use and will be least likely to record private moments.

Never, ever install a nanny cam in the closet, the toilet, the bathroom or even in the nanny’s bedroom. These are private areas and must remain so.

Inform the nanny about the camera
You could also avoid an unpleasant situation by informing the nanny beforehand that you have hidden cameras installed. If the nanny you are about to hire has had prior experience on the job, there’s a good chance they have encountered parents that used nanny cams before.

In various cases, the nanny will probably not mind that there’s a nanny cam installed, as long as they know where it is. The important thing is that you are doing the right thing by informing them and that they have the choice whether to accept the job or not.

Turn off the audio
Depending on your location, it might be considered against the law to record audio. There are 15 states where recording without express consent is illegal, 12 states that require consent from all parties involved and 37 states where the consent of one party is acceptable. Always check your state laws for these restrictions when using a nanny cam so as to avoid a major backfire.

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Briefcase Surveillance System – What It Contains and How It Works

Spy Cams, Surveillance Systems | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 29 2009

Briefcase Surveillance SystemIt’s too usual that it’s almost often ignored. The handy briefcase has been the equipment of choice by a wide variety of professionals ranging from teachers to salesmen to detectives and yes, even spies.  The unassuming briefcase is every spy’s best friend, capable of keeping secrets, storing fascinating spy equipment and, thanks to innovations in recent years, even storing a complete surveillance system.  Thinking of buying a briefcase surveillance system?  Here is a short guide to its contents and how it works:

Camera
A briefcase surveillance system usually includes at least one camera integrated into its physical structure in order to record images.  These cameras are capable of producing high resolution images and may be played in color or black and white.

Because this is used for surveillance purpose, the cameras are capable of handling images in low lighting.  In some models, black and white cameras have the advantage of having lenses with maximum illumination of as low as .003 lux, a feature that allows it to produce good images even in near darkness.

Dependent on the model, the lenses on a briefcase camera are auto-focal lenses, although there are others that may be equipped with zoom lenses that can be manipulated remotely.

Microphone
The microphone is also included in the briefcase surveillance system so it can receive audio transmission during a video recording.

DVR
The briefcase also has a mini digital video recorder connected to the camera.  All images captured by the camera are recorded by this device and may be uploaded onto a computer or viewed through a monitor later.

Power supply
Each briefcase contains cables, battery packs and power supplies.  Because the briefcase surveillance system is essentially a wireless device, it derives its power from a battery pack.  Batteries are generally rechargeable and capable of running the briefcase for a few hours.

How it works
The briefcase surveillance system is used basically to obtain and record information.  It has been used for many years but only by professionals.  Recently, though, it has been made available to private individuals.

The most usual function of this surveillance system is for recording still and video images using cameras built into the bag.  The cameras are activated by a hidden switch or by way the bag is carried.  One model, for example, uses its side camera if it is lifted and carried by the user.  If the bag is laid on its side, it automatically switches to the camera located in its bottom panel.

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Hidden Camera DVR – What it is and how it Works

Hidden Camera, Home Surveillance, Spy Cams | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Nov 01 2009

Amongst many covert surveillance gadgets, the hidden camera DVR is probably one of the most commonly used. In a world that requires constant vigilance, this type of DVR has become the silent partner in the fight against crime. But what is it really and how does it work? More importantly, would you need one?

HC exits dvrThe hidden camera DVR has the best of features that are basic for covert surveillance – the ability to monitor, view and record images in a small, virtually unnoticeable package. This device consists of a miniature camera and a digital recorder. It is capable of capturing images and storing them for later viewing.

The DVR feature offers a better resolution than what the more traditional VCR has. A DVR can record digital images at high resolutions, producing high quality videos that are sharp and clear. Recording digital images also prevents degradation of quality since digital images tend to be more reliable than VHS tapes.

How it works
This DVR uses an SD memory card with which to store information – in this case, images. This memory card is a small, stamp-sized device. It can be easily slipped into the body of the hidden cam where it will remain unnoticed. To view the images, the SD card can be mounted onto a separate device and played back.

Does it work like a wireless hidden camera system?
This security gadget does not require wireless technology, so there are no issues regarding signals, transmissions and receptions. Wired connections are also not a concern since the hidden camera DVR is a stand-alone gadget.

Its Uses
This DVR is designed to look like an ordinary object to escape detection. This allows manufacturers to mount them onto items such as alarm clocks, wall clocks, picture frames, air ionizers and stuffed toys, among others. They are difficult to detect and will often require the use of an electronic device such as a hidden camera detector in order to locate them.

Hidden camera DVRs are extremely useful for security and safety purposes. They can be mounted from any area and used to monitor areas such as the front door, patio, bedroom, the living room, kitchen, den and garage. They can be used to watch over the house in your absence or record any suspicious activities in the vicinity.

These DVRs are also excellent for use as nanny cameras. Their size and design allow them to be installed anywhere in the house that is allowable by law. They not only monitor your premises, they can keep watch over your loved ones as well.

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Nanny Cam Tips on How to Hide it Well

Hidden Camera, Spy Cams | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Oct 26 2009

Nanny cams are known for surreptitiously monitoring your service provider. This product has been proven to be a very effective means to keep track of the nanny’s performance and to ensure the safety and security of children. But a nanny cam will only work to your advantage if you know how to use it. Here are tips on the best ways to hide a nanny cam:

Wall Clock Hidden CameraWhat Exactly to Monitor
Know exactly what it is about your nanny’s activities that you want to monitor. If you want to ensure that your child is not being mistreated, you might want to hide it in the child’s bedroom. If you want to monitor if the nanny is sticking to the required diet of the child, this gadget should be located in the kitchen. If you wish to know the type of recreation the nanny has with your child, a good place to hide a nanny cam is in the living room.

Selecting a Strategic Place Where to Hide Your Nanny Cam
Choose a place or an object that your nanny will have no reason to move or will find difficult to lift or adjust. An object or a location that is generally permanent will be a good choice, such as the TV or an entertainment center, a large plastic flower pot in the corner or a decorative item such as a sculpture, a pot or a painting. That way, in case someone in the house decides to re-arrange anything, the view from this product is not changed or obstructed.

Avoid hiding the nanny cam in an object that will normally get the attention not just of the nanny but also your child. The cookie jar, for example, is off limits because there’s a good chance someone will come and check its contents. The same is true of the diaper drawer or the remote control container. A live plant pot might be a good hiding place, although someone might just come and pour water into it just to keep the plant healthy. That can easily damage this gadget.

An nanny cam disguised as an ordinary object
A great way to hide a nanny cam is to keep it in plain sight. This product is built into common objects such as alarm clocks, wall clocks, books, small furniture, small sculptures and stuffed toys. This allows spy equipment to be integrated effortlessly with other everyday objects. As a result, something like a nanny cam is more likely to be ignored, allowing more ‘natural’ behavior on the part of the nanny.

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Car Key Hidden Camera with Audio – 3 Reasons Why They’re the Best for Covert Video Operation

Hidden Camera, Spy Cams | Posted by hiddencamerablogger
Oct 14 2009

Car keyA car key hidden camera with audio are the best to use for video surveillance because no one’s going to wonder why you have them in your hands all the time.

You’ve heard about electric fans, lipsticks, and all sorts of objects that double as hidden cameras. The important question, however, is whether these objects really fit your character. Would it truly look nothing out of the ordinary to have any of these items in your pocket all the time? Hidden cameras work better when people have no reason to suspect them for being what they actually are. If you are not into writing but you have a hidden camera pen, that’s going to give you away. If you want something that truly works behind the scenes then invest in a car key hidden camera with audio.

Anyone with a Car Often Brings His Car Key with Him
It’s plain common sense to take your car keys with you all the time. Even if you’re at home, it’s best not to leave the car keys inside the car or, worse, in the ignition. If you do, of course, the same old reason – it’s possible that someone could get in and drive away with your car…for good.

Thus, no one’s going to be suspicious why you have your car key in your bag or pocket all the time. No one’s going to suspect that it’s actually a hidden camera…well, not unless you inadvertently reveal you have two sets of car keys.

It’s a Common Sight to Bring Your Car Keys
Fiddling with car keys is ordinary as twisting a lock of your hair, playing with your earrings, or twirling a pen between your hands. It’s a common mannerism when you’re anxious or just bored. Because of this, you won’t have a hard time capturing video footage with the car key hidden camera.

You don’t even have to be a great actor to carry this through. Just take it out and play with it. You can even focus your attention completely on your car keys and no one will realize that you’re actually making sure you have your targets smack in the middle of the video!

Hidden Camera Shopping Tips
When shopping for hidden cameras, you have to consider so many factors. How many hours of video would the camera be able to record? Does it have built-in audio capabilities? What about memory capacity? How about power or battery source?

Features of a Car Key Hidden Camera
With this type of hidden cam, however, you need not worry about any of the abovementioned features. It can record up to an hour’s worth of video footage and with its built-in audio capability, you can both see and hear your target. With 8GB of internal storage, you can also record up to three hours worth of video and play it in any computer or device that can read AVI files. Charging issues? Just plug it to the computer and it will recharge immediately.

So what are you waiting for? Buy your car key hidden camera with built-in audio and never have to worry again about successfully getting covert video footage.

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The Hidden Pen Camera That You Can Really Write With

Body Worn, Hidden Camera, Self Recording, Spy Cams | Posted by hiddencamera
Aug 29 2009

Another ingenious idea for a hidden camera – built right into a Ball Point Pen. One of the most discreet hidden cameras on the market – almost everyone carries a pen with them. The full color hidden pen camera is great for body worn applications. The high sensitive microphone allows for clear audio recording up to 15 feet away.

This spy cam cSelf Recording Pen Cameraan record for two hours, and when it needs to be recharged, it just needs to plug into a USB port on a computer, or other equipment that supports USB.  The Pen Cam records video and audio with 2GB of storage.  When video is ready to be viewed, just plug it in to a computer USB port and download the video.  Video files are downloaded in AVI format.

In addition to being able to use the pen as a pen, it can also be used as a flash drive. If important things need to be stored from a computer to the pen, just as you would to charge or download video, plug it in to the USB port and start transferring.

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Car Key Hidden Camera

Hidden Camera, Spy Cams | Posted by hiddencamera
Aug 26 2009

This hidden camera is a perfect way to covertly record video and audio in almost any situation.  The car key hidden camera can go practically everywhere going unnoticed, therefore allowing for complete discreetness.  Car Key Hidden Camera

It will record for up to an hour before needing to be recharged. It does not require any external power source, so once it is ready to be recharged, it just needs to be plugged in to a computer with a USB cord. The car key hidden camera will record up to three hours of video and audio and can be view on any media player that supports AVI files.

The car key hidden camera can always tag along, right with the rest of keys on a key ring. Whenever a situation appears where there’s a need to record video and audio without anyone else knowing, this spy cam is right at the fingertips.

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Spy Cams are not just for Nannies

Hidden Camera, Home Surveillance, Spy Cams | Posted by hiddencamera
Aug 10 2009

There are more uses for spy cams than just for nannies and babysitters. Many homeowners hire different contractors out to do work on their homes.  Some of these included cleaning services, painters, electricians, and the like.  These people are likely perfect strangers.  Its discomforting wondering what these people are actually doing in your home while you are not there.  Have things come up missing, has the work a contractor you hired taking longer than expected, and did the hired help actually come to your house at all?

A hidden camera can answer all these questions. You can keep track of exactly what has been going on in your home while you are at work or otherwise.  In the event something has been stolen, you have proof.  You can catch service employees doing other things, like watching TV or talking on the phone, instead of working.  And you know that they have actually come to your home because you can see them there.

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