To the naked eye or even to powerful telescopes, it may well look like a flying insect or bug. But it is much more than that: it is a tiny unmanned microvehicle. PhD candidates are working on different prototype designs for artificial flying creatures which will blend innocuously into the atmosphere.

The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base at Dayton, Ohio is the scene of this activity. There are many people working on such micro machines which have been inspired by nature. Major Ryan O’Hara created a carbon filter tobacco moth wing which can flap 30 times a second. O’Hara is basing his bugs on bioengineering, by using very thin carbon fibers, much thinner than the human hair, putting them in epoxy resin, and laying them in different orientations so that they look and act as wings.

Steve Ross, another PhD candidate has built a small quad-rotor helicopter which has four motors to keep it moving. This one, however, is big, being the size of a laptop. Ross is concerned about the battery power and so is exploring means to allow the microvehicles to ‘steal’ power from utility lines. These bugs would have a hook so that they can anchor themselves to the lines and get more power.

These covert gadgets have many potential applications, but the Air Force has still not decided how they will be used. While possible visual surveillance is one application, another one is audio surveillance. These microvehicles may even be used to carry chemical weapons.

Secretly recording videos can often become essential for the purpose of surveillance and monitoring or for acquiring recorded proof of an incident or an event. There are several spy cameras available in the market but they need to be installed in proper location ahead of exact timing of the event. This is impossible to do in public places like malls, theatres or other public places. This is where the Button Pinhole Video Spycam W/ Mini DVR becomes handy. You can make the recording preparations back at home. This provides ample time to make proper adjustments before the actual action!

Button Pinhole Video Spycam W/ Mini DVR allows covert style hands-free video capturing. This spy cam is camouflaged as a button of a shirt and works as a hidden surveillance Spycam. The camera comes with a DVR which is pocket sized and can easily glide into a pocket without others being able to notice the device. Every necessary piece of cable is provided with the camera to make it a complete kit.

The best thing about the Button Pinhole Video Spycam W/ Mini DVR is that the camcorder is high tech and is capable of directly recording onto a mini-SD DVR (digital video recorder). The recorder has a viewing LCD screen of 2”, which helps in experimenting with the set up before the field activity. Color video recording along with audio is allowed with a frame rate of 30 FPS.

Installation: This camera can be installed by the buyer on any jacket or shirt. The Button Pinhole Video Spycam W/ Mini DVR comes with multiple buttons which are matching and these buttons also have different sizes. Buttons of different sizes are included to ensure that modifications to the jacket or shirt can be made accordingly. The buttons can also be painted to get the perfect blend which can deceive the surrounding people.

Specifications of Button Pinhole Video Spycam W/ Mini DVR:

• Video recording at 30 FPS.
• Recorded video format is AVI.
• Capable of recording audio and color video.
• 1/3” color CMOS imaging sensor with audio capabilities.
• 45 MB inbuilt flash memory.
• miniSD card slot is available but external memory chip is not included.
• A rechargeable battery (Li-ion) is included with the whole unit.
• Overall dimensions: 65mm x 53mm x 16mm.

Things included in the kit:

• Camera and LCD Screen DVR unit.
• Buttons for attaching to the shirt or jacket.
• In/Out AV cables.
• Instruction manual.
• Li-ion battery.
• Cradle for charging battery (100-240V 50/60Hz).
• Driver CD included for old systems.
• Mini-USB.

The Button Pinhole Video Spycam W/ Mini DVR is a perfect spy surveillance camera that can help in capturing video footages with the notice of other people. This is a must have spy gadget for those who want to record videos in public places like malls, bars, casinos etc. You can view the product for purchase here: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/security/bef2/

Stylish and sleek, suitable for both men and women, the Spy Camera Glasses are all that you need for secretly recording videos in public! Guess what? The subject will never even come to know about your deeds and you can have ample recorded proof against someone! The only thing that could have been a factor for concern was your inability to see without the lenses prescribed for you! The best thing about the Spy Camera Glasses is that you can fit your own prescription lenses to the Spy Camera Glass that you own!

They look like ordinary glasses but they are excellent for covert video recording. These Spy Camera Glasses are made for law enforcement undercover agents, secret shoppers and more. The design being simple plug and play, extra wires and battery packs are no longer required. You can test the camera before the actual recording with the portable DVRs or you can also use an existing DVR that has AV input! All you need to do is to attach the AV adapting cable and the 9 volt battery pack and you are ready!

These Spy Camera Glasses are the best surveillance video cameras available in t he market and they have high resolution for clear recording. The features and specification of the Spy Camera Glass is given below:

Features at a glance:

• High grade sunglasses and eyeglasses.
• Suitable for both male and female. These glasses look sharp on both male and female agents.
• They can be fitted with prescribed lenses in any optic shop.
• They are super stealth and super attractive.
• Available in high resolution video.
• PV500 Digital Video Recorders are used to power up the cameras.
• The Spy Camera Glasses are capable of functioning in the dark as they have a low Lux rating of 0.05 LuxF1.2.
• They work really great with PV500ECO and PV500EVO DVRs.
• The subject can be right next to you but still the camera cannot be noticed.
• Glasses have Optometrist type quality.

Specifications of Spy Camera Glasses at a glance:

• 480 TV lines video resolution.
• PAL: 720 X 625 max, 640 X 480 (standard).
• NTSC: 720 X 525 max, 640 X 480 (standard).
• Illumination sensitivity is 4V.
• Focal lens is 0.99mm.
• Viewing angle is 60 plus 2 degrees and 60 minus 2 degrees.
• Lens F/No is 2.8.
• Field Depth is 1-10 cm.
• Power supply (current): 110 mA.
• Power supply (Voltage): DC 5V.
• Dimension: 5.75mm x 43.5mm
• Overall weight is 20 gm.

The Spy Camera Glasses in Sunglass Style or Eyeglass Style Law-mate Covert Video. Both sets have combo offers and offers are available with PV500ECO and PV500EVO DVRs. User manual, adapters and chords are also available.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/security/c3eb/

Spy cameras as well as security cameras play a major role in home security system or business security system. The Spy cameras are available at affordable prices and are widely used by private individuals, law enforcement agents and private detectives. These spy cameras are capable of capturing videos, jamming signals, recording conversations and taking footage and can play a crucial role in surveillance. Spy cameras work in a similar fashion to their conventional counterparts which are none other than the Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras and are popularly known as security cameras. The CCTV cameras are generally found in business and commercial establishments. However, there is a huge difference between the spy cameras and security cameras.

Security cameras:

Security cameras can be very often seen in banks, malls, buildings, houses and groceries. These cameras can be wired or wireless. If wired, they will use wires to connect to the monitoring consoles. If wireless, they will make use of Wi-Fi or radio signals and the video footages will be broadcast to DVR (digital video receiver) or PC located at a huge distance from the installation point of the camera.

For outdoor use, the security cameras are provided with weather-proof and vandal-proof surrounding so that the external elements can be kept away from the main components. They have an electric outlet to power them up without any delay and a DVR or PC can be used to directly download the video footage. These cameras are really useful for monitoring irresponsible employees, burglars and shoplifters.

The drawback of these cameras is that the innovative burglars can work around them because of the apparent installation location of the cameras. For wired cameras, the monitoring stations and the receivers need to be installed in close locations. In case of wireless versions, there can interruptions to signals and interference can increase as the distance of the monitoring station increases from the camera.

Spy cameras:

Once majorly used for covert operations, the spy cameras can be hidden from the view of others or they can be camouflaged as different objects or devices which can never be associated with a camera. These spy cameras allow secret video and audio recordings because they can be placed very close to the subject without notice.

The advantage of spy camera is that they can be installed in places where wires are unpractical and these cameras are capable of detecting motion so that they turn-on on their own whenever physical movements are detected. They are also GSM/Wi-Fi enabled so that the owners can be alerted through mobile phones.

The major disadvantage of spy cameras is that they run on batteries and hence, they can be used for a limited period of time. They come with built in memory chip to record the footages and clips. Lengthened outdoor use is not suitable because of their dependence on battery and also because they are not weather-proof. They also have limited camera resolution and hence, they cannot properly record faraway videos and images. In case of the absence of proper lighting, they are not properly functional. Most of the spy cameras do not have night vision capabilities.

A comparative study of security cameras and spy cameras

It is very difficult to say which one is better. This is because of the fact that both of them have their specific application and their performance will depend on the situation at hand. However, they can be compared on the basis of their price. Spy cameras with the basic video and audio recording can be priced as low as $25 and yet they are bundled with wireless receiver and transmitter. On the other hand, security cameras with equivalent features can be priced at $100 and they come bundled with wireless transmitters, infrared LEDs and weather-proof casings.

Spy cameras in mid-range can cost $40-$60 and the security cameras can have a price tag of $150-$350. The exact price will depend on parts which are included and the features which are available.

The most expensive spy cameras can be priced at $120 and they can detect motions and are night vision enabled. The high-range security cameras can cost up to $1700 and they are generally wide-angle hi-def cameras and are capable of digital video and image recording and they are completely wireless!

Buying spy cameras and security cameras:

Both CCTV cameras and spy cameras are available at a number of outlets as well as online store. The prices are generally cheap when bought from online retailers and the products can be acquired from international or local sources. Chinese products can be another alternative because of their low prices and also because, over the years, the quality of Chinese products have increased considerably.

Both spy cameras and security cameras can enhance the security of your house and business. Even though local vendors can supply the cameras, you can actually get the best quality products at competitive prices from international manufacturers and vendors using the internet.

We have spy cams of all types which can be used in every which way, whether they are discreet pens or toys or clocks, manual or advanced, using motion sensor technology. This is a new one, though. Built into a T- shirt, which looks like a message T. Except that it has a picture of a man holding a camera. And the picture of the camera has a lens which is real. But there is really a camera hidden behind, which is not visible.

It is manually operated, and the wire to the device can be put in your pant pocket. So when you want to take a picture you discreetly put your hand into your pocket and click. The little camera can take 150 pictures and these can be uploaded via USB into your computer.

However, the camera is at chest height – so your pictures will also be taken accordingly. You cannot control the height or depth since the camera is not exactly mobile and cannot be angled. In fact you will have to change your position and the distance from the subject to get a good picture.

Not meant for serious spying activities, it can definitely be used by students or youngsters who want to capture any kind of action. The accompanying video, for instance, shows a person raiding the fridge for food not meant for him. So if someone is doing something they should not, you can catch them on camera!

You may wonder what you would do when the T gets dirty. The camera and wires are removable, so you can throw it into the wash with other clothes and later clip the gizmo back on. Oh yes, and if you see someone wearing this T, you better not get caught!

For covert surveillance recording, the turbo PIR motion sensor DVR hidden camera is a good bet. It is a total security system with a DVR, a built-in color camera, completely portable and wire free.

It can be used in the home, office, property or land or even a nanny camera. You can either use the motion detection function or scheduled time recording. Though it comes with a 1 GB SD card, its memory can be expanded to 32 GB. Though it comes with an AC adaptor jack, if you use 4 AA batteries, you can record up to 17 hours in stand-by mode or 12 hours of continuous recording if you use lithium-ion batteries.

With the extra extended memory, you can use it for almost two years of continuous recording (though you would need to change the batteries or if you use electricity it may go off if there is a power cut). It comes with a time and date search function as well and record very high resolution images, though you can change the resolution according to your needs.

But this type of camera may not be suitable for serious covert stuff even though the camera is hidden because the item needs to be planted in an open area and may not entirely avoid detection for someone who knows a thing or two about spy equipment and they may be able to guess that it it may hide more than it may appear at first sight, but it could still do a good job for everyday operations. Click for the product page

The Zippo lighter is an innocuous item which anybody (who is a smoker or pretends to be one) can easily carry without it being obvious. But under the lighter is a hidden camera which also has a colour and sound digital video recording system.

It is so simple to use that it has only one button to stop and start recording. The recordings are time and date stamped. And the covert camera can be charged via USB cable through your computer or laptop – two hours of charging gives one hour of recording.

It gives excellent resolution for video recording and comes with a 2 GB memory card. So if you fancy yourself in the spy mode, or you have a real reason to do some short-term recording, you could get yourself one of these nifty lighters, which is simple to use, but does require your presence for recording, though you could switch it on and leave it someplace and retrieve it after an hour.

What’s good about this product is that it looks a very standard lighter, nothing fancy, which is good given that it is supposed to be a covert piece of equipment, however, its not so reasonable from a price perspective as similar devices are available for a lot less, even if they are not as quite as good as this one, but then again, perhaps the higher quality and very discreet nature of the product is worth the extra price.

Its available from SpyCatcher for just under £225.

The Wireless Shoe Covert Camera by Omejo is actually a sports shoe which is fitted with a camera and it is not exactly wireless either, because there is a wire which leads to a transmitter and which will go under the trousers.

The receiver also works as a tri band GSM cell phone and the camera records in real time and records audio and video, with a date and time stamp. The wireless video signal can be recorded from 250 feet away and can be viewed on a 3” display screen.

It comes with 1 GB built in storage and an SD card reader. What’s more you can listen to music on it as well. All this for $329, which is not cheap by any standard.

What boggles the mind, however, is what you can record with a shoe camera – its angle of vision is upwards after all. Covert spy operations? Unless you want to record something from ground level upwards, or record audio (and there are many other gadgets available for that) it seems to have little more than novelty value, unless you are recording up women’s dresses – and that can surely get you arrested!

Also, the camera lens is on the top of the trainers which can look slightly abnormal even though its very small.

A Sony clock radio which looks like a regular one, but functions as a covert spy cam, this one can record high resolution video or still pictures night or day. With motion detection sensors which can detect motion up to 30 feet away and automatically switching on when it is dark, the Sony cam offers more features than many similar spy cams. It can also help in assess your sleep patterns if you have any sleep disorder.

For instance, you can set it to come on at specific times on specific days only, or when it detects motion or record continuously if that is your requirement. You can also set it to ignore unwanted motion like a fan. It transfers all the images on to an SD card which can be between 1 GB and 16 GB.

The SD card can then be attached to a monitor or television with the cables the device comes with for easy viewing. The beauty of this piece is that it is quite innocuous – a commonplace item which everybody has.

However, at almost $600, the Sony Dream Machine Camera is an expensive piece of equipment. You can probably get a cheaper spy cam with similar features if you do some research.

However, I must stress that, despite the quite discreet nature of this gadget, I have seen products that serve the same purpose that are much more discreet looking when it comes to secret audio/video recording in the home. This looks a bit too high-tech/gadgety in my view and therefore loses a few marks in that innocuous department.

Another from SpyequipmentUK. It is a wrist a watch; it is a camera; it is a mobile phone; it is also a video and music player. It has a touch screen and is Bluetooth compatible as well. It also has a hands free kit and on board speakers.

The GSM watch is not only a new gadget but also a covert gizmo. The camera can take still photos or video and as it is Bluetooth compatible, you can use that to make and receive calls. All the data can be transferred to a computer via a data cable which comes with the kit.

The watch comes with 128 MB of flash memory and has multiple tone settings. It is light in weight despite all the features that it has, weighing only 55 gm. This multiple use device is a handy gadget to have because it has many ‘normal’ functions as well as function as a covert spy gadget.

A lot of watches designed to be spy gadgets are not very fasionable looking and some may not want to be seen wearing them, but this one definately looks pretty good.