Spy cameras – nothing new here, right? Embedded cameras have been around for years, but now they are becoming more affordable and in more products for the average consumer. This article will give you a taste of what’s available right now.
Kicking off our list is the calculator spycam. It’s a desktop calculator with a very small video camera embedded in its side. It also works as a desktop calculator making the illusion complete. Expect to get at least 25 FPS at a 320×240 resolution. Also look for multiple video and photo recording formats, such as AVI, MPEG4, and MP3.
Of course, we had to include a spy camera watch. These wristwatches look like those straight out of a James Bond movie. They typically look like pricey analog watches and have the camera hidden in the face. One such watch, for example, has the lens neatly hidden in one of the numbers. While the video quality may not be as good as in a larger spycam, it is amazing what you can get for less than $200.
Another very spy movie-like device is spy cam sunglasses. These should take both photos and video. You should be able to find a pair that takes at least 1.3 Megapixel shots. You should be able to find a pair for under $200.
If you need to take images or video from afar or above ground, then get a remote control spy plane. This is perfect for reconnaissance. The best part is that most folks don’t stop to think spy plane when they see/hear a RC aircraft up in the sky.
There are also ground-based remote controlled vehicles (cars, trucks, 4×4s, etc.). 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. A desktop calculator may not cut it as it won’t fit in in a child’s bedroom or the living room. In this case, there are toys (teddy bears for example!) that have embedded cameras, some of which can be hooked up to your home computer network and that can transmit real-time. You can then view that from any computer with a Web browser.
You can see a full roundup of specific examples of these embedded spycam devices at this popular electronics gadget blog.