What exactly is a mini digital video recorder?
This is an electronic device designed to capture audio and video signals, convert them into electronic data and store them for later viewing.

A mini digital video recorder or DVR is a smaller version of the more traditional (and sizable) DVR.  It has the same design and functions packed into a small casing to make it easy to carry, install and conceal.

When do you need one?
This gadget is an excellent choice for capturing and storing images.  Their connectivity makes them easy to use, provided of course that there are no compatibility issues with an external device.  While they may not be the best choice for all video capturing activities, they do offer certain advantages.  Here are some situations when a mini digital video recorder is the better choice:

Its portability and convenience
Because it is small, the mini digital video recorder is handy enough to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand.  There are even DVRs that are small enough to double as pendants or as key chains.

If handling and portability are your main concerns, the mini digital video recorder can offer you digital recording functions in an easy to carry and lightweight package.  It’s also unobtrusive enough to be used conveniently even for tight spaces or awkward positions — something that you cannot readily expect from the more traditionally sized (albeit handy) DVRs.

When you need to record information secretly
Because of its size, this device can be worn on the body and remain unnoticed even while it is turned on.

Beware, though, that not every recording done using this type of recorder may be considered legal.  There are federal and state laws that will limit the kind of recording you make, particularly if you are making it surreptitiously without the knowledge and consent of the subject/s.  Make sure you understand what your legal limitations are before making any recordings.

Its reliable image recording feature
Images produced by the digital video recorder are easier to store, edit and save.  Although mini DVRs don’t store as many hours of playback as their bigger sized versions, there is enough memory in these gadgets to allow you to record several hours of activities.  Since images are digital, they are sharper, clearer and will remain as such even after a long time.

This is of utmost importance – when people purchase a pocket digital video recorder, it’s so they can use a digital recorder that is portable enough to be carried around or they simply need a gadget that can record activities secretly.  The pocket-sized digital video recorder has all the basic features that can meet these requirements, with several nifty functions thrown in.  This makes it a prime candidate for earning a high rank as the gadget of choice for covert recording.

The good stuff

High resolution camera
The camera is a built-in feature that allows the pocket digital video recorder to capture images that are sharp and clear.  This is an excellent feature that assures you of good quality images each time, important particularly for surveillance purposes.

Fast image capture
One of the issues regarding smaller DVRs is that they don’t always produce high resolution video images.  This often leads to pixelation, which can produce distorted images.  Fortunately, the pocket digital video recorders today have a higher number of frames captured per second, which results to smoother movements.

Expandable memory
To ensure continuous recording, the unit comes with an SD card slot that allows you to use more memory and record longer hours.

Automatic recording
Another great feature of the pocket digital video recorder is that it can be set to motion-activated mode.  This allows it to automatically record images when its sensor detects movement within range, so there is no need for frequent or continuous interaction with the device.  You can pretty much leave it to work on its own.

The bad stuff
The pocket digital video recorder is designed for short-term recording due to its limited memory.  Some units come with as low as 2GB of memory that may not satisfy some users.  As long as the memory is expandable, however, this problem is easy to overcome.

Audio is also sort of an issue with the pocket digital video recorder.  Although it can boast of a range of 10 – 15 feet, noise reduction can sometimes be a challenge.  All in all, though, this is an excellent, portable and very useful surveillance tool.

This device offers a variety of advantages. First, it records in known audio formats, so that you can simply transfer files to a computer for storage when you are done. Second, many digital audio recorders are fashioned so that you can record hours and hours of sound without having to transfer files. This can be convenient if you plan to be on the road for a while with your recorder and have no means to bring a computer with you for easy and instant transfer.

When purchasing a digital audio recorder, inquire about its features. You will want something that can store a lot of hours of audio, and at high quality. Sometimes, this device can be advertised as having a lot of recording capacity, but the sound quality will be poor. Also, get digital audio recorders that are sensitive, but that can filter out background sound that will tend to ruin your recording. There are many recorders out there that have good sound and sensitive microphones, but that do not pick up background sound. You can tell if you test record, and come up with static or high pitched noises.

There are also digital audio recorders that lets you record landline phone conversations, or that allow you to record from a cellular phone. You may want to use such recorders especially if you are doing phone interviews. This can keep your hands free for taking notes. Also, you may want one that have long lasting batteries, so that you do not have to keep on charging after every recording. Lastly, check out the price: digital audio recorders should have a price concomitant with what they have to offer.

These are only some of digital audio recorder features that you should consider when buying. Make sure that you get a good brand that will last a long time. Ask your audio retailer for details, and choose the best among as many brands as you possibly can get.

People who are being stalked
Being stalked is one dilemma that can have serious consequences. People who have stalkers feel unsafe and unprotected and have to live with the possibility that they could be attacked at any time. Many stalkers even phone their victims, usually to make small talk in an attempt to make a connection. However, most stalking incidents escalate and become violent or threatening at the very least.

With the help of a phone recorder, threats made over the phone by a stalker will be recorded and used as evidence later, in case the victim requires police protection or decides to sue.

People who get prank calls
Prank callers don’t need a rational reason to do what they do. If you have been a victim yourself, you know how troublesome they can be. If prank calls are frequent and involve threats or inappropriate statements, consider using a phone recorder to make a record of the incidents.

People who are suspecting their spouses of cheating
Phone recorders are often used as part of a surveillance system to catch cheating spouses. Since this device can record incoming and outgoing conversations, people will be able to determine whether or not their spouses are being unfaithful.

People who want to protect their children from predators
Child predation is a very serious threat. Predators have hundreds of ways to find, locate and communicate with their potential victims – calling them up personally is just one of them.

If you are suspicious that your child is being stalked or is potentially at risk from a child predator, you can use a phone recorder to record phone calls. You can later review the recording to determine if the conversation is unsafe or questionable and use it as evidence that your child is in danger.

People who are being harassed
Harassment can come in all forms, the most common of which involves verbal threats or abuse. It can also involve anyone from ex-spouses and troublesome relatives to rowdy neighbors and determined scam artists. If the harassment occurs verbally, it may be difficult for you to prove that you are being badgered unnecessarily unless you are able to produce proof. With a phone recorder, you not only record the conversation, you can also record the time, date and frequency those harassing calls occur.

No Phone Recorder is Allowed in These States
Take note of these states: Pennsylvania, Montana, Maryland, Washington, Florida, Nevada, Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. If you live in any of these states then you would have to require the verbal or written consent of all parties involved in a phone conversation. This law is commonly referred to as the two-party consent but in a conference call, be clear that every party’s consent – regardless of their number – is required prior to making a phone recording.

You Received or Made the Call
Now, in all other states, you may record a phone conversation without any legal issue as long as you are one of the parties involved. This is commonly referred to as the one-party consent law. No matter where you are and whose phone you’re using, you can record any or all phone conversations you have, regardless of who’s at the other end of the line.

The Other Person at the end of the Line Knows
For instance, your friend is being harassed by another individual. You wish to help her and you wish to provide actual proof of the harassment. Tell your friend that you intend to record her phone conversation and with her consent, you can then legally record her phone conversation. Hopefully, one of the recordings will produce the proof you need.

You can do the same in many other instances. You can record phone conversations of loved ones with their consent to obtain proof of slander, blackmail, and any other criminal activity.

Business Line Phone Recording
Phone conversations made by your employees using the phone line/s of your business may be recorded without any legal issue. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule and if you intend to do this, it’s best to consult an attorney prior to taking any action. In the event that you are within your rights to record phone conversations of your workers, this could be one of the effective ways to find out who’s been leaking pertinent company information to your competitors or performing any other activity that has been proven to be detrimental to your business.

The Recorder is Obviously Placed
Your phone recorder is in plain view and the caller is aware that his phone conversation is being recorded. He knows that any recordings won’t be considered legal. He’s wrong. He knows that he’s being recorded and by allowing the recording to continue, he’s virtually giving his consent to the recording.

If you are in doubt of your situation about this, don’t record. Consult before pressing that Record button.

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.