Over the past several weeks we've received an unusually high number of calls and emails from people having questions and seeking advice regarding our line of security cameras and hidden nanny cams, wanting to know which one would work best for them in solving their particular need. This month I would like to address some of those questions. By far, questions about choosing the right hidden camera come up the most. Each customer has their own need for wanting to monitor a certain area of the house, and each area presents its own special set of circumstances. One of the first things people look at when browsing the images under “Hidden Cameras” or “Nanny Cams” is which one would best fit into the area or room intended? Hidden cameras can be made into just about any “every day” object imaginable, and we have over 100 such cameras to choose from. One of the things I encounter most, though, is people who start second-guessing themselves on a model. By that I mean, once they know where the lens is on a disguised camera and they go to place it in a room, they feel others will be drawn to it immediately and realize that it's in fact a hidden camera. This is seldom the case. People, for the most part, are not observant. Question 10 people what they saw at the scene of an accident, and you'll get 10 different answers. One illustration I give out is magic. Ever been left wondering after watching David Copperfield? Many years ago when I began practicing magic as a hobby and doing some local shows, my main concern after learning a new trick was that my audience would see exactly how I did it. Of course this is where practice comes in, but once I had all the moves down pat I would fret unnecessarily that the audience would follow those moves exactly and hence know how the trick was done. Because I knew, I gave undue credit to the audience for knowing too, and the simpler the trick was, the simpler it had to be for the audience to see through it. Nothing was farther from the truth, and in fact the simpler the trick the more amazed was the reaction. I was over-thinking my act. Likewise, people are not going to recognize a hidden camera because they're not expecting one; just as an audience isn't expecting you to pull out the Ace of Spades from their shirt pocket at the conclusion of the trick. Most people will hardly give a second glance to a new object placed in a room, even a clock radio that you've placed on the bedside table. How many of you became extremely curious when your parents put up a new smoke detector in a room, or added a new book to the bookshelf, or plugged an outlet into the wall, or hung up a new mirror? Not many I would imagine. Don't over-think the camera. Only you will know what it really is. There are three basic types of cameras;wired, wireless, and Stealth Cams (or those with built-in DVRs).     Teddy Bear Nanny Cam (Stealth Cam)   Mini PTZ Wifi Security Cam         Exit Sign Hidden Camera (wired)   CCD Security Camera (wireless)     Wired cameras are mostly seen in security cameras, especially in businesses and commercial use buildings, although we do carry wired hidden cameras as well. As the name implies, these cameras require cable connections running back to your recording device, such as a TV, VCR, DVR or PC. Security cameras also come in different styles as well, including domes, bullets, infrared and hidden, and can be used both inside and outdoors. Security cameras tend to have a fixed 4mm lens that can detect facial features out to 90 feet, and some even have pan/tilt and zoom features. And with wired cameras, there is no chance of outside interference hindering the picture quality, as can sometimes occur with wireless. Wireless cameras send a video signal to a receiver which is connected to the recording device. The advantage with wireless is that it eliminates the need for cables, but is susceptible to interference (like from a cordless phone that's placed too close and if that phone happens to be on the same 2.4GHz frequency as the camera.) 2.4GHZ is the standard frequency at which data and video is transmitted. The distance at which a wireless camera can operate will vary slightly between cameras, but will usually transmit between 700 and 1000 feet back to the receiver. It has also been asked if the wireless signal can transmit through walls and cement block, and the answer is, yes, providing there isn't too much metal within. Wireless cameras themselves can be powered either by battery or AC. In models such as alarm clock radio hidden cameras which are plugged in, the AC powers both the functioning clock as well as the camera. In the mini wireless systems – those that use a board camera or button camera the size of a dime, they can be operated both ways. The battery option here is usually a 9-volt, but the battery life is only about 5 hours. Some wired and wireless camera set-ups also come with software that provides remote viewing capabilities. These become IP cameras, which allow you to log into the Internet from anywhere in the world and see exactly what the camera is seeing in real time. This not only lets you keep an eye on your house while on vacation, but also an eye on the Nanny when you're at work. The last types are the Stealth Cams with a built-in DVR that captures all the recording. They are the easiest to use, and the most popular choice for a hidden camera. Most Stealth Cams are plug & play, while others operate on an internal rechargeable battery, where often times recharging is done by connecting the camera to the computer via a USB cable. These are the perfect all-in-one cameras. The internal DVRs are simply SD cards; the same SD cards you use in your digital cameras and video camcorders. This eliminates the need for cables, transmitters, receivers, and hookups to monitors. When you're ready to view the video, simply connect the camera to the PC by the USB cable. You can also remove the SD card and either insert it into the SD slot on your PC (if you have one), or into a card reader. Most cameras will also allow you to set film speed, schedule your recording time, and have a motion activation feature which will trigger the camera to come on only when its sensors have picked up motion in the room. Many of these cameras come with a 4GB or 8Gb card, but will take up to a 32GB SD card for even longer recording time. Depending on the speed and resolution you choose, you can record hundreds of hours on one card. Many also offer an overwrite feature so that once the memory has been filled, recording will continue from the beginning of the SD card again. Recently, technology has tweaked these last two types a bit more. New to our hidden camera lineup this month are 7 new wireless IP cameras. What makes these wireless cameras different is that the receiver is completely standalone. It doesn't require a computer! The IP receiver plugs directly into your wireless router, so there is no software or program to worry about. Not only can you stream your video over the Internet to view anywhere in the world, but each receiver also has a built-in DVR so that you can record directly onto your own SD card. It doesn't get any simpler than that! Two other new wireless models we've added now contain their own Wi-Fi transmitters. This allows you to transmit the camera's video signal directly through your existing Internet connection for remote recording or viewing from virtually anywhere. It's the perfect answer to any of your hidden camera or baby monitoring needs.     Clock Radio Hidden Camera (Wi-Fi)     One last note about choosing the right camera for you. If the room where the camera is placed will have varying degrees of light, then you'll have to select a camera whose lens can adapt to those light conditions. Color video needs to have adequate lighting conditions, so is best recorded during daytime hours or in a well lit room. If the room well be semi-dark, then you'll need to record in black & white with a lens that will adjust for low-light conditions. Low-light means there is some illumination, if only from a night light or the light cast from a TV screen. Camera specifications give a LUX rating, which is the amount of light needed for the camera to see. If the LUX rating is .003, then the camera will see and record in low-light conditions. Some camera are offered in color or B&W models, while others have the ability to record in color and automatically switch to B&W when the lighting conditions change. For night time recording or when wanting to record in total darkness, then you will need an IR camera built for that intended purpose. The IR (or infrared) lens is designed to see and record images in total darkness. To see these very special cameras in action, click here on our Nitespy Clock Radio DVR and scroll down to watch the video.        

For peace of mind you may want to consider a spy camera.  For most of us the decision to place an aging parent or grandparent in the care of others is a hard th...ing to do.  Are they being treated with care?  Have any possessions suddenly become lost?  We can't be there 24 hours a day to watch over them, but a inconspicuous covert spy camera can.  You'll be able to watch the interactions with nurses and staff, and capture how any items might have gone missing. A good many of the nanny cams we sell aren't necessarily for parents wanting to keep an eye on their children when away, but children wanting to keep an eye on an elderly family member.  Even if you're sure of the quality of care they are receiving, how sure can you be of others who are residing there also?    Families of patients being looked after in nursing homes and care facilities are now being advised to use spy cameras and nanny cams to ease fears of their loved one's well-being and safety. Although this article comes from the UK, the same advise from health care administrators here is being given, as well. If you, or someone you know, have set up a hidden camera in such a circumstance to watch over an elderly family member we would like to hear about it and what some of the concerns were to prompt you to use it.  To learn more about the types of cameras available go to www.thecoverteye.com or to see our line of covert spy cameras click https://www.thecoverteye.com/Covert_Spy_Cameras.

Mention the words “hidden camera” or “spy cameras” to ten different people and you'll likely receive ten different thoughts and opinions.  For many, it might mean a nanny cam for home to keep an eye on their kids while at work as well as to observe the behavior of a babysitter or nanny.  For others, it can mean collecting proof of a family member pilfering money out of a wallet or desk drawer.  A wife or husband may utilize a concealed camera to help confirm a suspicion their spouse could be fooling around on them.  Employers often utilize covert monitoring in order to watch over their employees,  while a number of employees will place a spy camera on their desktop or work space to safe guard possessions against theft by the nightly cleaning crew.  There are as many good reasons why people use a hidden camera as there are in the variety of cleverly disguised spy cameras to choose from.  The usage of video  is everywhere these days.  What was once associated only with spies and covert operatives employed by the government,  now can easily be found in several digital camera stores and bought by everyday consumers.  Today, hidden video cameras can be found in stores and retail shops, commercial offices, factories, airports, train stations, and on almost every street corner in the city.  In fact, it is virtually impossible not to be recorded somewhere in the course of a normal day, especially if you live in or near a metropolitan area.  Here are a few other popular or unusual purposes for covert spy cameras. We've practically all seen law enforcement shows on television where a meeting room is bugged with hidden audio and video surveillance equipment to gather evidence for a sting operation, or where an officer is wired when going undercover.  Likewise, investigative journalists may use a spy camera to be able to document proof regarding a scam artist, or in health violations taking place in the kitchen of a restaurant or food packing plant, or perhaps in a article relating to animal cruelty.  Many companies may use video recording as an effective training tool for their workers, especially with regard to their sales staff when practicing their presentations to clients.  Other companies utilize hidden cameras when launching new products and services to the market and want to obtain a sampling of consumer response.  This could be a taste test between Pepsi and Coke, or the release of a new and improved corn chip by Frito Lay.  An increasing number of employees today are resorting to spy camera recorders in the work place to document proof of verbal and physical discrimination.  Sadly, sexual harassment towards women in the workplace continues to rise, while the laws protecting us from all forms of discrimination and harassment continues to be watered down by the courts.  HR departments are usually caught in the middle of these claims, and without documented proof to support assertions of age, race, or sexual harassment, HR will always side with the company to avoid getting into legal entanglements.  This is where a hidden camera can supply the evidence you need.  With the occurrence recorded on video and audio, your proof now becomes irrefutable.  Last, but certainly not least, is the need to document eldercare abuse. The abuse of our elderly is significantly more prevalent today than a generation ago.  A newly released government investigation showed that 60% of all nursing homes in this country experience some kind of elder abuse. Often these victims are immobile, may suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's, and have a difficult time in verbalizing their abuse.  If you're a family member caring for an elderly parent or grandparent in a nursing facility, a hidden camera might be the only way to document that your loved one is being properly cared for and attended to.  The thing that makes these cameras so effective is that they can be hidden in everyday products found in your home or place of work.  In fact, they're so common most people don't glance twice at them, or would ever suppose there's a video camera found inside. Hidden spy cameras may be found in wall clocks, AM/FM digital clock radios, picture frames, room deodorizers, tissue containers, coat hooks, table lamps, desktop calculators, flower pots, smoke alarms, fountain pens, and stuffed teddy bears. There is virtually no object that can't be transformed to a hidden spy camera for home or work.  There is also a big selection of body worn covert cameras, such as spy watches, Bluetooth cameras, spy pen camera, and camera glasses. These, and hundreds of other widely used hidden cameras have become more simpler to use than ever due to the fact the DVR is built in. In discarding the necessity for wires and wireless receivers, these basic cameras can record the video and sound onto themselves using a normal SD card.  With up to 32GB of memory, they will furnish you with several hours of recording time.  Another aspect that's generally found is a motion detection setting, thus extending the recording time even further by only activating the camera to come on when movement is detected.  When you're ready to see the video, you can just simply connect the camera to your pc with the supplied USB cable, or remove the SD card and place it straight into the computer or SD card reader.   

  USB Charger Hidden Spy Camera with Built-in DVR   USB Charger Hidden Spy Camera with Built in DVR. In this age of electronics, everyone has a variety of adapters and chargers plugged into nearly every electrical outlet. No one will even pay attention to the USB charger hidden camera with night vision. It records in crisp clear 1920x1080p resolution at 30fps on a 32GB micro SD card which will store up to 7 hours of footage. This covert USB adapter is great for office security or a nanny cam at home. It is very easy to use and will do Loop or Motion Activated recordings. Easily connects to your computer to download and view video footage.  Features:  1920x1080p video resolution, 30fps motion detection, 32GB memory, works with Windows and Mac OS, dimensions 1 ¼” x 1 ¼” x 1 ½”. Includes:  HD Adapter Camera Micro SD Card Reader USB cable User manual         Standard shipping is FREE for all retail orders totaling $100.00 or more! (48 Continental US orders only) Flat rate of $8.50 shipping applies to orders under $100.00              

                          Weather Clock Camera   Now our Weather Clock Cam is updated with full HD! Equipped with a long life rechargeable battery, motion activated camera, and a built-in recording system you can capture video whenever and wherever you need it most.   Features:     Captures HD Video disguised as a functional thermometer and clock Motion captured video and long lasting battery life combine for up to 9 days of standby Recharge the battery or plug the system in for continuous power Large memory card space provides hours of reusable video storage Playback video on any PC or direct connect using USB transfer cable Time/Date stamped video files log important events 1 Year Warranty Best uses: commercial office, residential home, covered deck, master bedroom, covert law enforcement     Specifications: Recording Capability 1920x1080 JPEG Photos Camera 5MP CMOS Continuous recording time 160 min (16GB SD card) Stand by time 9 Days File format MOV, JPEG Lux 3.3 Micro SD card up to 32GB Mini USB 2.0 Time and Date Manual  Includes: Wall Mount Desktop Stand USB Cable 8GB Micro SD Card          Standard shipping is FREE for all retail orders totaling $100.00 or more! (48 Continental US orders only) Flat rate of $8.50 shipping applies to orders under $100.00.  

    Bluetooth Speaker Hidden Camera   LawMate is ready with the next generation of hidden cameras. The DVR278WF is a compact, portable hidden camera designed to look and function as a Bluetooth speaker. It seamlessly camouflages into any environment. The LawMate covert Bluetooth Speaker Hidden Camera is a 3 in 1 device: use it as a camera, video recording device and/or Bluetooth speaker, all while controlling it on a smart device. This covert Bluetooth Speaker camera is Wi-Fi enabled and IP based which can be remotely accessed and viewed with the PV Cam Viewer App on any smart device as well as recording directly to a memory card to avoid being hacked.   Designed for any environment and powered by an AC outlet or battery. For optimal battery usage avoid using Bluetooth functions during operation, reducing the video quality can also help with longer record time. For around-the-clock recording and reviewing live footage plug the hidden camera into an AC outlet. Features: 1080p HD | 720p | WVGA  | Up to 30 fps Picture | 2M File Type: .MOV or JPG Angle of View | 78 Degrees Auto, Continuous or Motion Activated Recording Bluetooth WiFi enabled IP base, Remote accessible, App Controlled Apple or Android Devices; smart devices, phones, tablets, etc. Time & Date Stamp Battery and AC powered Charge Time: 180 mins Battery Life | Bluetooth Off   150min | 1080p   165min | 720p   180min | WVGA Recording Time | 500 mins | 1080p | 16GB SD Card Includes 16GB Micro SD Card with Converter | Compatible Up to 32GB SD Overwrite: Once it fills up, it overwrites the oldest file LawMate part # PV-BT10i Every LawMate Bluetooth Speaker comes with its own unique identifier and QR code for quick and simple set up. Place the speaker in desired location, insert memory card and plug it in for all day surveillance. Get remote view by connecting it to a smart device over the Wi-Fi network. Control music playback with speaker buttons and/or phone or tablet and control the camera and recording functions in the PVCam Viewer App. Memory card can be removed to download footage directly to computer. Great for: Home Security, Office Security, Nanny Cam, Undercover operations, Heavy traffic areas, Law enforcement, Loss prevention, check in on loved ones or pets and more.   Specifications: Built-in Image Sensor: 1/2.9" Progressive CMOS sensor Photo Capability: 2M [1600*1200] Frame Rate: Up to 30fps Recording Capability: 1920x1080 | 1280x720 | 848x480 Recording: Continuous & Motion Detection File Format: .MOV, JPG H.264, JPEG Angle of View: 78 Sensor Sensitvity: 0.1 LUX @ F 2.0 Sensor Resolution: 2000x1121 Built-in Wifi Module Download PV-BT10i & DVR278WF Quick Guide Download Manual Included: Bluetooth Speaker USB Charging Cable 16 GB Memory Card with Converter Manual     Standard shipping is FREE for all retail orders totaling $100.00 or more! (48 Continental US orders only) Flat rate of $8.50 shipping applies to orders under $100.00.  

    Dual Camera Dash Cam   Cover everything happening outside and inside your car. The 2nd camera rotates so it can be moved all around. You can get the best angle for any of the action you are trying to capture.   Two is always better than one! This Dual action car camera is equipped with two cameras. One is fixed facing the front, and the other rotates so you can position this dash camera just they way you want. Packed full of features to meet anyones car cam requirements   Features: • Wide angle lens 130 Degreess • Built in screen to watch all the action • High resolutions cameras • Automatic collision recording with G-Sensor automatically save and lock • video taken just before and after a crash • Time and date for evidence • IR for better video in dark places • Large recording capacity up to 64GB • Rearview Resolution| 720P@30fps 1280*720P • Front Lens Resolution| 1080P@30fps 1920*1080P • Seamless loop recording • Override recording (old footage is erased to make room for new footage)   Some advanced features of this Dual 720P Dash Camera include two 720P HD cameras that rotate 180 degrees to record front, back and side views inside or outside your vehicle in sharp, HD video quality! Another advanced feature is the built in G Sensor that will trigger the cameras if the vehicle is involved in an accident. Use this top of the line Dual Recording Dash Camera to capture your drive for safety and insurance purposes. Or with this small, unobtrusive unit you could capture the cause of a crash or the face of a car thief in HD video! Best uses: insurance purposes, crash monitoring, car theft, monitoring teen drivers, delivery trucks, taxis, fleet management, monitoring parked cars for vandals and much more.   Specifications: Duals Lens Dashcam 1080P/720P Car Cam Built-in polymer battery 3.7V, 200mAH Camera lens:1.3 mega-pixel DC 5V 0.8A Loop Recording / Cyclic Recording Built-in microphone/ speaker(AAC) Videos Format H.264 Code MOV Format Language English(Default), Simple Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Russian, German, French Spanish, Italian G-sensor Motion Detection Screen Size 1.5" 640*360 LCD Rearview Lens Resolution 1280*720@30fps 720P Videos Resolution 1920*1080@30fps 1080P IR's Included: USB Cable Cigarette lighter AC adapter 12V Suction cup mount     Standard shipping is FREE for all retail orders totaling $100.00 or more! (48 Continental US orders only) Flat rate of $8.50 shipping applies to orders under $100.00.  

    LawMate iPhone 6 & 7 Case Wifi DVR   The LawMate iPhone 6 & 7 Case is the perfect solution for undercover spy surveillance while on the go or at home. This DVR hidden camera with an extended battery is concealed inside a common, functional case for your iPhone 6 or 7. The extended battery life gives you up to 180 minutes of recorded footage on a micro SD card. Record, control, and download video footage from the free App using your local P2P Wi-fi for your smartphone or tablet.   This LawMate iPhone 6/7 case hidden camera can be used for just about any covert surveillance situation you can think of, anywhere you need it because of its portability and size and common usage. Place it on a coffee table, retail counter, cubical, bedside table in a hotel room, restaurant, home or car. This spy camera will blend into any surrounding. Also, there are no beeps, lights or noises indicating recording. Completely covert! • WiFi based iPhone 6/7 battery case design as astand-alone DVR • Control the camera using the free App - PV Cam Viewer • 3 resolution choices - 1080p / 720p / 480p @30fps • Continuous / Motion Detection mode • Motion detection notification always keeps you  informed • Battery powered for portable use or A/C powered for stationary use • Includes: 16GB and Supports up to 32GB MicroSD card • 120 minutes record time with overwrite function • LED indicators can be turned off when you work undercover LawMate extended battery operated spy cam comes with a built-in DVR with time and date stamped footage saved to a micro memory card.   This on-the-go hidden camera also comes with motion activated technology that saves battery life and storage space! Be assured your camera won’t record idle moments and waste valuable memory card space. Once motion is detected you will receive an alert and recording will begin.   Some best uses for this iPhone 7 case Style Wifi Hidden Camera and DVR: Nanny Cam, business use, travel, loss prevention, retail counter. Corporate workplace investigations, spousal infidelity. Specifications: Built-in Image Sensor: 1/3" Progressive CMOS Sensor Sensor Sensitivity: 3.3 Lux @ F2.0 Focal Length: 4mm Angle Of View: 66 degrees File Format: MOV, JPEG Recording Types: Auto/Manual/Motion Detection Recording Capability: up to 1920x1080 Frame Rate: Up To 30fps PV Cam Viewer App - Download App Guide Resolution: 1080p/720p/480 Wi-Fi: Built in Wi-Fi Module (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) Memory Card (max size): 32GB Data Interface: Mini USB 2.0 Date/Time Table: YYYY/MM/DD, HH:MM:SS Power Input: DC 5V Battery Life: Up to 170min. Battery life will be less when using the WiFi feature. Vibration Alert: Power On/Off, Recording, Low Battery DC 3.7V / 1400 mA high polymers battery Memory Type: Micro SD Card Fits iPhone 6/6s/7 Download DVR273W Quick Guide Included: iPhone Case 16GB Micro Memory Card and Adaptor USB Cable     Standard shipping is FREE for all retail orders totaling $100.00 or more! (48 Continental US orders only) Flat rate of $8.50 shipping applies to orders under $100.00