Over the past decade there has been a marked evolution in the technology of surveillance equipment, along with a significant reduction in price among security cameras, tracking devices, and GPS units. Perhaps the biggest evolution of these has been seen in the area of hidden spy cameras. In less than 10 years, the “nanny cam” has evolved from a complicated setup of electronic equipment to a simple to use electronic work of art. So, what steps has technology taken in the evolution of spy cameras?   Wired to Wireless Hidden Cameras Like standard security cameras found today protecting homes, businesses, and found on nearly every street corner in the city, nanny cams were another wired camera needing video connections running from the camera unit back to a recording device, like a VCR or monitor. Along the way, micro chips got smaller and more powerful in creating miniature lenses, or what is today called pinhole cameras. These were easily placed into such everyday items, like teddy bears, clock radios, and nearly any household item. Although still available today and often seen in disguised hidden cameras, like smoke detectors, floodlights, and some wall clocks, they require two sets of wires to transmit power and signal to a TV or DVR. Concealing the wires was a bit cumbersome, but then a new generation of wireless cameras hit the market starting around 2000. First manufactured in such inanimate objects as planters, teddy bears, books, exit signs, and countless other items, wireless cameras eventually found their way into practical working components, like alarm clocks, clock radios, wristwatches, cell phones, fountain pens, and CD players. Inside the component was a tiny pinhole video camera and a small wireless transmitter. When a customer purchased a wireless nanny cam, they got not only a working electronic device but a receiver, A/V cables and power adapter as well. The tricky part came when it was actually time to set up the hidden camera system. The receiver that was provided had to plug into either a monitor close by or a VCR if they wanted to record events throughout the day. This required the user to place the VCR somewhere in the house within 100 feet of the camera, either in another room or on another floor altogether.   The receiver was then plugged into the VCR, and when the user was ready to start recording he just hit the “start” button. Voila!....well, not exactly. A standard VHS cassette can only record eight to ten hours max, which can create a problem. However, with the advent of PCs and DVR players this did greatly extend the recording time available. Let's say a mother wants to keep an eye on the nanny or babysitter while she's at work during the day. Just before leaving the house in the morning she would plug in the nanny cam and turn on the VCR or DVR to start recording. On arriving home at the end of the day and wanting to review what was recorded, she would have to sit for several minutes while fast-forwarding through hours of video, often looking at nothing at all. At the time, this was the only means available to monitor her child's welfare during the day, and the process at best was tedious. Motion Activated Spy Cams The concept of motion activation in video recording was a big breakthrough in the spy camera industry. Although the technology had been around for years, it wasn't until the mid 2000's that it became available and affordable to every day consumers. No longer did people have to sit through countless hours of viewing blank tape only to find nothing eventful was captured that day. Now, with motion activated hidden cameras, recording only took place when the camera's sensors detected activity in the room. If nothing moved, then the camera sat idle. As a result, the user might only have to watch 30 minutes to an hour of tape rather than 8 hours or more of static recording. Another technology feature that came along to compliment the motion activated features of hidden cameras was the increasing popularity of the DVR, which eventually all but replaced the VCR. With a DVR there was no longer a need for VHS tape, since everything that was recorded now was done digitally, frame by frame. The advent of motion activation together with the convenience of the DVR made spy camera and nanny cam users very happy. Then, when it didn't seem things could improve any further, technology came along once again to improve the spy camera one more time. Built-in DVRs and Micro SD Cards A growing need started to develop for a self-contained, all-in-one hidden camera system, which by 2006 saw a solution finally arrive. To the delight of everyone, the motion activated spy cam now came with a built-in DVR, which utilized a micro SD card for hours of additional recording time and expanded memory. Gone, were audio/video cables, wireless transmitters, receivers, VCRs and obsolete cassette tape. The new generation of nanny cams and spy cameras allowed the user to set the device and walk away; either for the day, or weeks at a time. When he returned and wanted to view what the camera had recorded, he simply removed the SD card and inserted it into a USB card reader or directly into an SD card slot on the computer. Since the camera only recorded when movement was detected, viewing what had been captured became quick and easy. These cameras, which can be built into any everyday item imaginable, and often include added features like variable recording speeds, low light apertures, still shots, and date and time stamps, remain as the most popular hidden spy camera dvr on the market today. It didn't seem that video surveillance could get any better or easier, but then technology advanced once again to bring us the latest generation of hidden spy cameras. Real Time Remote Viewing Just when you thought covert spy cameras couldn't get any better, the newest technology that's come out now allows live, remote viewing capabilities. With this new platform of video surveillance, your desktop PC or laptop now becomes a server and a DVR. The way it works is, the user places the spy camera in any room of his home, office, or other location he wishes to monitor, and the video is streamed live to his computer. As an example, say a guy owns a manufacturing firm in city “A” but has to travel to city “B” frequently to meet with suppliers. He wants to keep an eye on his business and workers while he's away, so he installs a few live, wireless remote-view cameras around the premises. Now, from wherever he is, here and abroad where he can establish an Internet connection, he can log into his laptop and remotely watch live what is taking place at his business in real time. He can also record directly onto his hard drive what the camera is capturing simultaneously 24-hours a day. All that is required is to load the included software program and to connect the receiver directly into the USB port of the computer located on the premises. This technology is also great for mothers who work and want to monitor their child and babysitter during the day while at the office, or for parents of teenagers who are left at home unsupervised, or perhaps for a husband or wife who may suspect the other of cheating and infidelity, or for family members who are responsible for the care and well-being of elderly parents or relatives who are residing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The uses and applications for remote live viewing spy cameras are virtually unlimited. Next on the Horizon? It seems that every time we think technology can't improve over what we have today, we are continually surprised in the next technological advance. This is especially true when it comes to wireless hidden spy cameras. We are always excited and eager when the next new spy device or camera is introduced to the market. When that happens, you can be sure The Covert Eye will be there to offer the latest and newest covert surveillance product to our customers.  

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.   

  Nanny Cam with Wireless Video Receiver   This digital wireless camera transmits up to 200m to the wireless receiver which comes equipped with a lithium-ion battery that has up to a 3 hour service time. The digital camera transmits video and audio and also comes with lithium battery so you can move the camera around in a pinch. It also comes equipped with a 10m night vision range. Two-way speaker allows you to talk between the camera and the receiver.   LCD Receiver:   LCD: 2.4" TFT LCD Receiving Frequency: 2.4 GHz Receiving Signal: Video and Audio Battery: Built-in 3.7V/1100mAh lithium battery Battery Service Time: up to 3 hrs Power: DC5V/1.5A   Wireless Camera:   Image Sensor: CMOS Pixels: 510x492 Definition: 380 TV Lines Transmission Frequency: 2.4 GHz Transmission Range: up to 200m Night Vision Range: up to 10m Power: DC5V/800mA   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.  

  Today, covert wifi spy cameras are a vital part of any fully modernized security system, allowing comprehensive home and business surveillance without the hassle of complex wiring schemes. A covert camera wifi surveillance network allows for remote viewing to your home PC, laptop, tablet. Android, iPhone or iPad. With a wireless wifi spy camera system with remote Internet access, you can be sure that your property... is safe and secure from anywhere in the world. And, because these spy camera via wifi systems set up through your home computer, you rarely need a dedicated digital video recorder. Hidden spy cameras with wifi come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. The Covert Eye's wide selection of hidden wifi spy camera DVR recorders enables you to monitor your home and office in nearly any situation. Choose from a host of features such as night vision, motion activation, and portability so you can bring your wifi recording device on the road to monitor a hotel room while on a business trip. These wifi direct spy cameras enable you to protect what matters most, giving you the peace of mind to confidently go about your business knowing that your family and property are in good hands.  To see and learn more about these wifi spy cameras go to http://www.thecoverteye.com/covert_wifi_spy_camera

  We can't always be around to keep an eye on our loved ones every minute of the day, and how confident can we be that the babysitter, nanny or care giver who we entrust to look after our child in our absence isn't mistreating them?  This is why the use of home hidden spy cameras are becoming more and more popular today.  Parents Paul and Julie Rowlands installed hidden cameras in their home after suspecting that their hired caretaker was abusing their disabled son. As they played the recorded footage, they realized it was even worst than they thought. Read more:  http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/crime/couple-catches-caretaker-abusing-their-disabled-son-camera  

    HD DVR with Button Camera Set   The Covert Eye's answer to the covert body worn DVR and Button Camera kit, this system is an affordably priced, high quality hand held DVR. Equipped with 1080P resolution, motion activated recording, and enough battery for mobile surveillance, nothing beats this durable HD DVR kit. All the Features and Quality You Need But Pocket Sized and More Affordable.     Features: Portable 1080P HD surveillance suitable for covert and off-site security HD DVR and HD camera link up to record and store video on a removable memory card   Changeable camera lenses provide button and screw disguises Multiple recording modes offer users more than one way to record surveillance Pre-Event Recording: up to 5 seconds of pre-recorded video can be capture More power than most, users can record for up to 4 continuous hours Adjustable Video Frame Rate: 30 or 60 FPS Optional vibration alerts indicate operation during body worn surveillance Selectable photo resolution Selectable video resolution Memory card provides removable and transferable storage Tamp/Date stamped video files RF remote control operates DVR from all directions Optional extra and extended batteries add even more power to your kit Best uses: Undercover surveillance, secret shopping, police-cam, undercover journalism, and drop cam  Specifications: Video Resolution: 1080P, 720P, 480P Rechargeable Battery: 2400 Mah 3.7V Li-Ion Battery Life: 4 Hours Standby Time: 35 Hours Memory Card (max size): 32GB Time and Date Stamp DVR Display: 960 x 320 HD LCD 2.7 inch Video File Format: H.264 Display Format: NTSC/PAL PC File Transfer: USB 2.0 interface RF Remote Control(connects wirelessly to DVR) Dimensions: 3.313 L X 1 W X 2.125 H Weight: 20ozs Includes: DVR and Camera Button and Screw Lens Covers USB Cable Headphones AV Output Cable DVR Carrying Case HDMI Camera Cables           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 Handheld Wifi DVR   Stream live video over the internet with this handheld DVR that connects to LawMate CCD and CMOS cameras.   Set up your own sting with this handheld DVR. The DVR542WF can connect to your smart device via the LawMate app making it easy to review and control your video stream remotely.    Features: IP enabled for remote viewing D1 video quality in a lightweight DVR Standard and motion detection recording 4 hours of battery recording life Date and time stamp on video Works with analog cameras   Specifications: Built-in Wi-fi Module Battery Life: Up to 240 minutes recording with CMOS camera with wi-fi off Power: DC3.7v Power Consumption: 450mA-500mA (wi-fi off) / 510mA-560mA (wi-fi on) Camera input: DC 5V Output at 2.5mm AV input jack Storage: Supports up to 32GB File format: MOV, JPG Frame rate: NTSC 30fps / PAL25fps Video Resolution: NTSC 720x480 / PAL 720x576 Wi-Fi Protocol: RSIP Battery Charging time: 4 hours Includes: Li-ion battery USB cable DC 5V Charger Pouch European Adaptor Head AV-In Cable Memory Card Great for Law enforcemnt, PI's, Loss Prevention pros, sporting events and much more. 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.