5 IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF WHILE BUYING A SPY CAMERA
If you are aiming to purchase a spy camera for home or workplace, there are five things you need to consider before making a purchase. By considering these things, you will be sure of getting the right product for your particular situation, and avoid the "buyer’s remorse" of buying a hidden spy camera that doesn't work up to your expectations.
Not All Spy Cameras are Manufactured Equal:
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of models of hidden cameras available on the market right. Chances are if you've searched around the internet, you've come across cameras that range from $50 to $2000. The price doesn't make a difference as much as the brand and specifications. Cheap cameras from China are flooding the market, but the quality is so terrible that they either produce bad video images or just don't last long. Look for a quality name brand, like Sleuth Gear, so you will know that you are getting a quality product.
Camera Lens, Resolution, Frame Rate:
When comparing cameras, here are the three specifications to look for. A camera lens is of two types- CMOS and CCD. Lower and medium end cameras have CMOS cameras, while the better quality ones have CCD lenses. The second thing to consider is the resolution - and in this case, bigger is usually better. Avoid 320x240 video if you want to get any good quality. 640x480 resolutions should be a minimum, and 720x480 is preferable. D1 resolution and HD recording is the best choice. The frame rate is also important. A real-time video like you see on TV or get from regular video cameras is 30 frames per second. Be watchful of the hidden cameras that offer 15 or fewer frames per second, because your video just won't turn out as well.
Battery Powered or AC Output Powered:
If you're looking for a spy camera, maybe to use as a nanny camera for home, you'll have to put the battery-powered or AC output powered into consideration. If you need the camera to be recording more than an hour, chances are you'll need a camera that is powered by the wall. Also, if you're looking for video wireless transmission, you'll also need a wall-powered camera. Take this into consideration when choosing a form factor. A teddy bear with a wire coming out of its back is a little suspicious, but an alarm clock or DVD player that's connected to a wall outlet is not.
Do You Need Wireless Streaming or Self Recording:
If you want to be viewing the video you are recording live (such as over the internet), then you'll need a few things. First, you'll need an active internet connection. You'll also need to leave your computer or router on to stream video. These types of wireless "remote view" nanny cameras for the home often require a little knowledge of the computer to set them up. If you don't need (or can't have) wireless streaming, then you'll have to get a self-recording camera, which will record to either an internal hard drive or to a removable SD card.
Know the Jurisdiction Laws for Hidden Camera Recording:
Most people who purchase a spy camera for the home are aiming to monitor their babysitter or nanny, or simply provide home protection. In most states, this is completely legal, as long as the camera is in a common area such as a living room, and not a place where there is an expectation of privacy, such as the bathroom. Be perfectly sure that you research all state, federal, and local laws before purchasing a spy camera for home.