Posts Tagged ‘hidden camera’

Placing the Clock Radio Nanny Camera in the Right Places

A clock radio nanny camera can allow you to watch what your nanny is doing. Position it in a corner, on a stable surface, and out of anyone’s easy reach.

Having a nanny to take care of your child can be a great way for you to not only relax, but to get yourself time to do other things. It can be stressful to care for a child while doing other things at the same time, so you could hire a good nanny to help you out, even with the other things that you are doing. The problem with this strategy is that you may end up hiring a substandard nanny, or one that appears professional on the outside but is actually your worst nightmare when your back is turned.

To help you watch over your nanny, you can install hidden cameras in your house. You can do this by buying small cameras that you can hook up to your computer for recording, or that can feed footage to an outside source. You may also do this by buying equipment that has hidden cameras installed in them so that you can unobtrusively monitor your nanny without her knowing about what you are doing. One such camera can be bought along with a clock radio, and you can keep this device in the room that you are watching your nanny in.

One good way to position it is to put it in a corner. This gives you a wider angle view of the room, and it will allow you to monitor all sides of the room. The disadvantage to placing the camera on one side of the room is that you may lose a lot of possible footage and space that could be important in how well you monitor the nanny. Another disadvantage is that anything on the sides of a room can be easily knocked over if they are not positioned well. Your nanny could wreck your camera if she tips the clock radio over!

This brings us to the second position. You should position this device at a height so that your nanny cannot easily nudge, move, or reach it. The clock radio should not be too high to make the clock radio itself useless. A clock radio too far from seeing will make the fact that it contains a hidden camera all the more obvious! The clock radio should not be too low so that you capture only people’s feet and have the camera nudged and moved around too often.

Third, and last, put your clock radio on a stable surface. You might want a gadget that has an adjustable camera inside, so that the camera can be moved while the clock radio remains in a stable position. If you can, glue the radio to the surface. Keep the clock radio with a hidden camera lodged between heavy articles such as books, so that your nanny will not be tempted to move it.

These are only a few suggestions that you can use as you install your clock radio hidden camera to monitor your nanny. You cannot trust your child to anyone, so make sure that the person you have at home with you is the most trustworthy one that you can find.

The Hidden Camera in Your Exit Sign has Use

The Most Basic Spy Gear is the Digital Spy Camera

The popularity of spy gears have risen over the years, thanks to the rising concern regarding security.  Learn what to expect from your basic digital spy camera.

A few decades ago, spy gear was exclusive to an elite group of people, such as the military and those that perform covert operations. However, that technology has gradually migrated to civilian use, resulting to a wide range of products. Today, the digital spy camera is considered the number 1 spy gear, thanks to its use and functions.

What qualifies a digital spy camera as spy gear?
Spy gear are so named because their main purpose is to observe, monitor and track, ideally without the knowledge of the target. As such, this device is designed to be used unnoticed, which explains their small sizes. Mini cameras are probably the best models for spy gear because they are easy to conceal and can be installed or attached to virtually anything.

This product is a wireless device, which means it will transmit signals to a remote receiver which will then convert them to images. That way, images captured by the spy camera may be viewed from a remote location or saved to a storage device.

Basic parts of a digital spy camera
A digital spy camera has several basic parts. These are the lens, the video receiver and the sensor chip. Parts may be added to or enhanced depending on the make, model and intended functions. Some features to consider before purchase include:

Resolution
Resolution refers to the camera’s ability to produce sharp, clear images. This is usually expressed in numbers and translated to pixels or megapixels. In general, higher megapixels mean better imaging. Resolution matters if you want clearer images, although low resolution spy cameras can usually produce decent pictures or video.

Color
Most spy cameras on sale today process color images, although there are also models that may be set to capture in black and white.

Range
Range refers to the effective area within which a camera will work. It can also refer to the frequency at which the digital spy camera transmits signals. There are digital spy cameras that can work from several hundred feet away, which can be advantageous if there are no other options to install them at a more ideal area.

The frequency will also matter, particularly because it usually translates to the this technological invention ability to produce high quality images with low noise or interference. This is a concern, particularly since spy gears are often wireless. When buying a digital spy camera, try to look for a higher frequency. Low frequency types are rather susceptible to occasionally interference.

Audio
Not all digital spy cameras are equipped with an audio function. If you need to record sound, you might want to consider buying one that has this feature.

Never Let Your Guard Down with Spy Glasses

Cool spy gadgets used to be exclusively available to detectives and the law enforcement, but not anymore. If you have your own mystery case to pursue or if you want to defend yourself better without having to resort to physical violence, spy glasses are what you need.

Rear View Spy Sunglasses
You can use them to track your target or prevent others from tracking you. Rear view spy sunglasses look no different from any other ordinary pair of sunglasses at first glance. But try it on and you’ll realize that it works exactly like a rearview mirror, allowing you to see who and what’s behind you.

Rear view spy sunglasses are perfect if you have a feeling you’re being followed. One look through its special frames will be enough to confirm or reject your suspicions. These special spy glasses are also ideal for cyclists and runners as wearing rear view spy sunglasses will prevent them from becoming vulnerable to any attacks from behind.

Rear view spy sunglasses also come with UV protection and its own carrying case.

Camcorder Spy Sunglasses
Are you about to meet someone intending to blackmail or threaten you in any way? Are you about to witness or do something you’d rather have proof of? If so, what you need is a pair of camcorder spy sunglasses.

Camcorder spy sunglasses possess a modern, sleek design that makes them quite a fashionable accessory to have. But of course, they have special functions that go beyond protecting your eyes from harsh sunlight.

These extraordinary spy sunglasses are equipped with a pinhole CMOS camera and microphone. Its built-in micro controls are wireless and its lens do not come with any telltale glow, allowing you to perform a completely covert operation. Your subject will not have a single clue when you commence video surveillance with a single touch of a button.

Product Features and Specifications
Its one-size-fits-all frame and user-friendly controls make camcorder spy sunglasses suitable for all individuals.

Its pinhole camera is capable of delivering 320 x 420 images of high resolution as well as recording five hours of video with its 2GB internal memory. You have the option, however, of upgrading to 8GB for sixteen hours of video recording. An external memory card slot is also provided, which is capable of managing up to a 2GB micro SD card.

Captured photos and footage can be easily transferred to a computer or other storage devices with its USB cable. Charging is done via its USB connection as well.

Alertness is the first step in self-defense and there’s no better way to be and stay prepared when you can see everything with covert spy glasses.

Top Benefits of Using a Hidden Camera DVR

Threats come in all manner of forms.  With every technology invented to combat them, they evolve and adapt, becoming problems that very often are such a challenge to resolve.  However, there are a number of options for both homeowners and businessmen to minimize threats to their lives and property.  The hidden camera equipped with a DVR can be a very efficient means to ensure protection and prevent crime.  Here are just some of its top benefits:

Provide a means to record and monitor activities covertly
One of the best reasons why people use a hidden camera with a DVR is that it is a way to observe activities surreptitiously.  Although this may be sneaky by nature, using a hidden camera allows you to observe people behaving naturally, something that is near impossible to do if they are aware that a camera is observing them.

Easy to conceal
Hidden cameras, unlike their more traditional cousins the video cameras, are built for stealth.  They are generally smaller which makes them easy to hide behind virtually anything and can even be built into an ordinary object.  This is how you could have a hidden camera within stuffed toys, alarm clocks, air fresheners, humidifiers, books, picture frames, even small items like fake pens and beepers.

The benefit of hidden cameras of this type is that they can be placed anywhere without anybody suspecting that there’s more to them than what they appear.  They can be placed readily in the target area without raising any suspicions.  Depending on the model, these hidden cameras usually record images remotely to a DVR, so their design do not actually interfere with their function.

Easy to use viewing features
The main challenge with older analog video cameras or those that used tapes to record images was that they produced blurry pictures.  What made reviewing the tapes more difficult was that the images were mostly in black and white.  If they came in color, the recording device simply wasn’t sophisticated enough to preserve the true colors of these images.

There is also the question about the quality of the tape itself.  Images tended to deteriorate with older tapes, making them difficult to store for future playback.  Tapes also tended to produce lesser quality images through repeated viewings, rewinds and fast forwards.

With the newer hidden camera DVR, images are stored digitally, so they are reproduced in greater detail, with better clarity and color.  Digitally recorded images using hidden cameras are also easy to view since they can be set up to record only when motion or activity is detected.  Otherwise, the recording function is turned off.  What this means is that there’s no need to waste several hours of tape or memory on a blank screen.  Viewing is also easier because only images showing activities on them will be recorded.

The President Did It: How a Nanny Cam Caught a School Board Head Stealing

When Pam Bombien installed a nanny cam in the kitchen, all she wanted was to catch a thief — and confirm her suspicions.  Bombien, a resident of Franklin, had lost money on several occasions before under mysterious circumstances but did not really take it seriously until she lost $60 in April and $50 the next month.

What made Bombien suspicious was that an old friend, former school board president of Franklin Roseann Lewandowski, was always with her each time money disappeared.  To make sure she wasn’t just placing her suspicions on an innocent person, Bombien began using a nanny cam.

The nanny cam provided Bombien the evidence she needed.  When Lewandowski came to visit, the cam recorded the woman leafing through Bombien’s purse.

However, it was not until the nanny cam caught Lewandowski stealing the funds supposed to be used for the local Little League that Bombien decided enough was enough.  Lewandowski made off with $880 from Bombien’s purse and again, she was caught on the nanny cam doing it.  Bombien asked for assistance from the police, who promptly arrested Lewandowski.

The nanny cam knows
It has been said that cameras are unforgiving — they will show what we sometimes do not wish or expect to see.  This is probably the best move that one person did to finally stop the sneaky ways of a former school board president, catching her performing the act without placing any doubts as to the authenticity of the evidence.

As the Franklin case shows, the correct placement and use of the nanny cam was instrumental in helping a woman to finally find out the truth about her missing money.  Bombien was smart enough to consider the circumstances that proved to be the common denominator each time she lost money — that is, the location and the person she suspected was involved.  By placing her nanny cam in the kitchen, she finally proved her suspicions right.

Using the nanny cam
Something that works as an all-seeing eye such as the nanny cam is most effective if its advantages are optimized and its limitations minimized.  Nanny cams or any hidden camera used legally for reasonable surveillance rely on unobstructed vision in order to monitor and record any activity that may be of interest or prove to be illegal.

A good first move when using nanny cams would be to start with areas that are most likely to be where an activity could occur.  In Bombien’s case, it was the kitchen, the same area where she frequently left her purse and entertained guests, one of whom happened to be the guilty party.

Since there are legal restrictions to the use of hidden surveillance devices such as the nanny cam, take note that proper placement also requires that they are only installed at publicly accessible places, such as the living room, family den, dining area and kitchen.  Nanny cams are not allowed in private areas such as the bedroom or the bathroom.

The view from the nanny cam should also be clear of any obstacles such as plants, walls, dividers or curtains.  The angle of viewing should also be carefully considered.  While most nanny cams are positioned at a slightly higher angle to overlook an area, setting a camera at eye level or even slightly below might also be effective, depending on what the user needs to monitor and on the availability of space.

Hidden Cameras Should Be Used to Protect and Not to Abuse

Hidden cameras are generally considered as ideal gadgets for surveillance — they’re unobtrusive, easy to carry and install and can be quite effective for monitoring and recording activities.  They have been used to catch a variety of law breakers, ranging from thieves and shoplifters to drug dealers and philandering spouses.  Unfortunately, these very characteristics also make hidden cams prone to misuse.  Due to their availability, many people forget that hidden cams are meant to be used to protect and not to abuse.

Legal implications of hidden cam abuse
Before deciding to use hidden cameras, there are certain restrictions you have to keep in mind.  Hidden cameras are considered legal provided they are:

- used to monitor and record activities that may be detrimental to general health and safety of persons concerned
- used with permission from a legal authority
- used to monitor and record activities performed in publicly accessible areas, if the hidden cam is to be used in a home or establishment

If used to monitor the nanny, cleaning lady or the mailman, for example, the hidden cam may only be installed in an area where no privacy issues may be raised.  They cannot be used in areas such as the bathroom, locker room, toilet, hotel room or even the bedroom of the concerned party.  These rooms are areas of the house where people will require personal privacy, so unless express consent is given, no hidden cam should be placed there.  Without the other party’s permission, installing a hidden cam where it could violate privacy rights will be considered abuse.

There are also laws that require the consent of at least one party to use the hidden camera, something that most states require.  There are also states that require consent of all parties, so you might have to inform people that cameras are in place.  You may not choose to inform them where these gadgets are located.

Need audio?  Check if it’s legal
There is also the concern of using hidden cams that record audio.  There are laws at the state and federal levels that protect against illegal wiretapping and eavesdropping.  Should you decide to include an audio function with your hidden camera, make sure you do not violate anyone else’s rights.

The bottomline: hidden cams are supposed to be used to deter, prevent or at least provide evidence of illegal activity in order to protect.  They should not be used as an abusive form of surveillance, such as when they become instruments of malicious spying or blackmail.

The Nanny Cam: A Self-Recording Hidden Camera

Much as we would like to be there personally for our children, circumstances don’t always allow for it.  There are chores that need to be performed, tasks that need to be completed, a job that needs to be finished and clients that need our attention.  Thank goodness for the nanny cam, a hidden camera that records onto itself.  It’s an independent security device that watches over the kids even when parents are not around.

Nanny cams and your child’s security
Nanny cams are so-called because they were primarily used to monitor the activities of a nanny with their wards.  They were also used to take the place of a parent or guardian to watch over the children from a remote location.  A nanny cam, for example, may be used to monitor the kids playing in the backyard while the parent is in the kitchen preparing meals.  It may also be used to watch over kids young enough to be left at home while the parent is at work.

A hidden self-recording security tool
The nanny cam is generally a hidden device – usually a tiny camera that monitors and records onto itself from a remote location.  It often comes with a recording device, usually a DVR that automatically records activities to be viewed later.

Nanny cams come with the advantage of being automatic and independent of human intervention.  Some may be set up to record activities within a specific time period or to automatically record only when motion is detected.  The images are then stored in a digital storage device, usually a disc or an SD card.

Choosing the right nanny cam
There are several features you need to consider in a hidden camera that records onto itself like the nanny cam.  Here are some of them:

Resolution – this refers to the ability of the camera to record images of high quality.  Low quality images look grainy and blurred and will not be of much help in case there is a need to identify the persons or objects in the video.  Higher resolution nanny cams can assure you of excellent imaging.

Memory – this refers to the capacity of the nanny cam to store a large number of images, particularly video.  A robust memory capacity is a good feature to look for.  Depending on your needs, consider getting a self-recording nanny cam that has at least 4 Gb or even 8 Gb or higher.

A higher memory capacity will give you many hours of recording time, which can be an advantage if you will be away from the child for at least 8 hours a day or if you will be leaving your child in someone else’s care for several days.

Connectivity – the nanny cam you purchase should be compatible with what systems you already have.  Depending on its functions, a hidden nanny cam may be connected to a TV, a computer or even a mobile phone.  Connection may either be wired or remote, which allows you to view images from a distant location.  The playback function is also important so you can view images immediately.

Tips for Preventing Your Nanny from Manipulating Your Nanny Cam

Hiring someone to take care of your children is essentially like asking someone to take your place. This is why having a nanny is really as much an issue of trust as it is of necessity. If you suspect that this trust is breached, then you might want to consider using a nanny cam to keep your children safe and your nanny in line. But how do you prevent your nanny from manipulating the nanny cam? Here are tips you can use:

Buy a nanny cam that can be hidden
Most nannies will take it personally if they find out that you’re using a nanny cam. This can affect her relationship with you and your child. Furthermore, if she knows exactly where your nanny cam is located and has plans of harming your child, she could manipulate your nanny cam in such a way that it won’t show her in a bad light.

For example: if you keep your nanny cam only in a specific place in the bedroom, the nanny could avoid hitting your child in that area, since she knows the nanny cam is watching. But what’s to stop her from hurting your child in another area of the house where no nanny cam is present?

To make sure your nanny won’t be able to manipulate the nanny cam to her benefit, buy one that resemble a common household item. Or, use a nanny cam that can be integrated into things that are inside the room such as the child’s crib, stuffed toy, books or furniture. If she doesn’t suspect it, she won’t be able to do with it as she pleases.

Use dummy cameras
Dummy nanny cams can work in your favor in case you have a clever nanny in your hands. In case she goes around searching for a hidden camera that spies on her, you could place multiple cameras in the room, preferably hidden in an area where she either would not think to look or cannot easily reach. Place the dummy camera in an obvious area and the other camera/s in a more conspicuous location.

Tell your nanny that you have a nanny cam installed
Another way to prevent your nanny from manipulating the nanny cam is to simply inform them that you have one installed. Explain that it’s not that you don’t trust her to take care of your child, it’s just that you like to check on your child yourself. However, do not tell your nanny where the nanny cam is located. That way, she won’t have an idea which places in the house she could be in her best behavior in and which areas she can let loose.

cube clock radio camera image

Tips for Buying a Hidden Camera: Important Features to Look For

A hidden camera can be a very efficient device to use for security purposes. It has been very effective for households and businesses that require evidence of a certain act, violation or even crime. Hidden cameras are getting smaller and can be mounted on just about anywhere or anything. However, not all hidden cameras are built alike. If you want to be able to tell a quality device from an average one, here are some features you need to look for:

Resolution
Resolution refers to the capability of the camera to produce a clear, sharp image. This is expressed in figures. The higher the number pertaining to the resolution, the sharper and better-looking the image will turn out.

When buying a hidden camera, look for models that have a resolution of AT LEAST 400 lines. This should give you sufficient image clarity even from a distance. If you want the sharpest image, go for 470 resolution lines or higher. Just remember, though, that the higher you go, the more expensive the unit will be.

Lighting
A camera works by processing and capturing ambient light. This is why in less than ideal conditions, a digital camera will automatically fire off a flash to illuminate the subject.

When buying a hidden camera, check its ability to manage light, expressed as the LUX rating. In this case, the higher the rating, the less the camera is capable of producing a good image in the absence of light. So if you will be using the hidden camera in low light conditions, look for a .05 LUX rating. Lower ratings mean it can operate efficiently in semi-darkness. For total darkness, you might need a camera with a night vision.

Range of transmission
A hidden camera will work with a receiver, which will process the video images being captured by the lens. Determine how far away the receiver will need to be from the hidden camera. Depending on the camera’s transmission range, the receiver could be from as near as the next room or as far away as the next building a few thousand feet away.

Wireless or wired?
That really depends on where you intend to mount the camera. A wired camera will be physically connected to a recorder such as a computer or a VCR using a cable. A wireless hidden camera, on the other hand, is independent but will run on batteries. If you intend to record for longer periods of time, a wired camera may be better. For shorter periods of time (or at least for as long as the batteries will hold up), a wireless hidden camera will be ideal.

book hidden camera image