What is a Spy Camera?
What is a Spy Camera?
Spy cameras are a range of cameras that are hidden in plain sight, specifically designed to capture audio and video footage discreetly. A spy camera will record audio and video and store the footage onto a memory card, into the cloud or if it has, its built-in memory with some having the wifi option to live stream onto your smartphone from anywhere in the world. There are many different types, shapes, sizes, models and features spy cameras have and this article will look at some of those to see what sets a spy camera apart from other types of cameras (cctv cameras, nanny cams).
Difference between a cctv camera, nanny cam and a spy camera?
All cameras are designed to record videos and some have the option to take photos and record audio with video, but unfortunately majority of the cctv cameras do not have a built-in microphone are unable to capture people talking. Most nanny cams do have a built-in mic and a built-in speaker, allowing the user to listen in and also speak to the person being monitored, this is known as two-way audio. It’s a very useful feature, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your kids or pets at home and you’re at work or gone on holiday. Spy cameras on the other hand, all have built in microphones and certain models have a voice activation feature, which will record audio when noise in the room is louder than a certain decibel range. CCTV cameras are not hidden, they are cameras designed to be seen, so as to deter a robber or more so, make them think twice about their actions. Nanny cams are also obvious cameras, usually not hidden as they have been designed to be seen and keep an eye on your children, the nanny, your pets BUT they are a lot more modern and easier on the eyes than cctv cameras and blend into your home or office furnishings. Spy cameras are designed into everyday objects and appliances but more focused on secret recordings, mostly used to catch a lover cheating, catch staff stealing, verbal abuse at the office, physical abuse at home. So, there is a significant emphasis on making the camera not look like a camera to be able to capture footage in a covert and an undetected manner. Some hidden spy cameras have built in wifi modules, allowing the user to take pictures and videos remotely via a smartphone app, the user can also stream live audio and video through the mobile app. Some spy camera models have built in motion sensors, aka motion detection recording which (when set correctly) tells the camera to record only when movement has been detected within its range. Motioned detection recording is one of the best features on a spy camera, as it not only saves space on the memory card but also saves the user time when playing back footage.The different designs, shapes and sizes of spy cameras:
Spy cameras don’t need to be hidden, as the camera itself has already been built into something like an appliance, housings and objects that we see and use every day like digital clocks, wall mounted clocks, picture frames, kids soft toys, air fresheners, buttons, watches and pens. If you the client doesn’t find a spy camera better suited to your/their application, then we would suggest using what we call a “module camera”. This is a spy camera in its raw form, meaning its not hidden in anything and allows you to hide it yourself into something, creating your own version spy camera. The module camera is the most versatile of the spy cameras, as it can be designed and fitted into almost anything you can think of, meaning the applications and options are endless! It's basically a shape shifter camera. Here are some examples of nanny cams:
CCTV cameras explained:
CCTV cameras are blatantly obvious cameras, either installed on the walls and/or ceilings, obviously this depends on what the client wants but also the type of viewing angle you want. CCTV cameras are usually all wired and linked up to one system, all within range of the dvr (digital video recorder), where the footage is stored and viewed on a monitor next to or near the dvr. If the dvr has a lan cable in out option and you have a decent stable internet line nearby, you can plug the lan cable into the rear of the CCTV dvr, download the compatible app and you can watch on your phone. It sounds tedious and time consuming, because it is. Think about it, you have to physically install the CCTV cameras, fix them onto a wall, run wires into the ceiling, setup the dvr, get the camera angles right, ask for permission to drill holes etc etc. These cameras are generally used to deter burglars and robbers before they have 100% committed to robbing your house, office or warehouse. CCTV camera footage can be used against the person that committed the crime in a court of law, provided there are signs on the exterior of the premised (wall, fence) notifying guests and unwanted guests, clearly stating “premises monitored by CCTV cameras” Examples of CCTV Cameras:
