You can buy a digital spy camera that will fit pretty much anywhere—hidden in a desk fan, an ashtray, an air purifier, a picture frame—and it can stay there undetected, recording what the person who is being spied on is saying. These mini spy cameras also take video as well, allowing the person who is doing the spying to see what the person on the other end is doing clearly.  Smoke detector spy cameras seem to be a common way of putting in a spy camera as then the spy camera can be wired instead of having to run on a battery, which gives it an indefinite life span.

It goes without saying that there are endless ways that this technology can potentially be misused and abused.  Not only that but in many situations installing spyware of any kind in another person’s home or office is not only immoral but also illegal.  However, there are a few legitimate uses for the spy camera, such as a company or homeowner using a night vision spy camera to protect the workplace or home from break-ins.  If you are looking for a night vision spy camera, they are easy to find and not only that but they will film in color as well, making it easier to see what is going on than the old black and white night cameras allowed.

A number of shops sell spyware, although this name has a broad meaning as it also includes normal security cameras and alarm systems—items that we would not normally think of as ‘spyware.’  If you are new to buying a spy camera of any type then you will likely want to go to a shop where you can actually see and feel the product you are considering buying, as well as have a salesperson answer your questions, as opposed to shopping for a spy camera on the Internet. If you are a bit more familiar with the whole spyware market then you may find that shopping on the Internet allows you to find cheaper prices, or more easily find exactly what it is that you are looking for. Many Internet retailers will throw in free shipping as well.  After all, spy cameras, be they digital spy cameras, spy video cameras, night vision spy cameras, or another type of spy camera, are all small and light and thus easy to ship.

Spy pen cameras are made by dozens of manufacturers, usually as part of a product line that includes surveillance equipment, mini spy cameras, nanny cams, and others.  Companies are constantly improving on the spy pen market, as well.  What once was the fictional gadgetry of James Bond and other spy movies is now available for anyone doing a search on the Internet.  Realistic, thin DVR pens store up to 16GB of video and audio and look like any nice writing instrument.

Spy camera technology can trace its roots back to the beginning of photography, when daguerreotypes were made on copper plates through a chemical process.  Even during WWII, the idea of fitting a video camera into a pen pocket was the stuff of science fiction.  The closest approximations may have been the cameras disguised as cigarette boxes that took a picture when an extended cigarette was depressed.  As the  1930′s and 40′s camera technology advanced, smaller and smaller film cameras were produced for the purposes of spying, including the French Lumiere ELJY, the popular petal camera, which was the size of a coin, and a coveted camera called the Micro 16 which could be hidden in a packet of cigarettes.

Today, spy cameras can be made to fit anywhere, and even spy camera glasses are made to keep an eye on the unsuspecting.

There are a number of reasons a company or individual may need or desire the use of a spy pen camera or other surveillance device.  The most immediate thoughts that come to mind are use for undercover surveillance, either of suspected criminals, cheating spouses, or another situation in which evidence is needed against the other party.  Industrial or government espionage can certainly find a use for these devices as well.

For the average person who may not have multiple enemies or countries to spy on, there are still legitimate uses for spy cameras.  Keeping valuables safe at home or at the office may require low-profile surveillance equipment like a spy pen camera or spy surveillance camera.  Normal security cameras that serve to keep an eye on multiple areas of a home or office are easy to spot, and therefore, easy to avoid.  Place a spy video camera in the exact location of a safe or computer for example, and it has the ability to record hours of digital data while remaining concealed.

Spy surveillance cameras in their many shapes and forms are not just for big budgets.  For less than $100, an average consumer can choose from mini spy camera packages, spy pen cameras, and even sunglasses fitted with a recording device.  With technology making it so easy to keep tabs on someone, the potential for crossing legal boundaries is always there, right?  Not necessarily, because the use of spy surveillance cameras in the United States is legal, although there are statutes against other forms of surveillance, but that is for another article.

If you want a basic wireless spy camera or one that is less costly, then you may consider the new line of spy security cameras, such as the pen cameras. These cameras are affordable and they function on a wireless platform. The cams are recommended for those who work in the investigation field. The camera works as if a real pen, but it transmits high quality and virtual reality color video images, capturing scenes, people, actions, and so forth. This pen must be attached to a receiver to work and you can affix it to your VCR or TV to monitor security activities.

Some of the many spy cams sold today include the selection of CCTV spy camera. In this line of technology, you will find the night vision IR, dome security, weatherproof security, vandal resistant, IP security, box security, and other types of spy cams. In the event you are curious about the vandal cams, these cameras are built to be vandal resistant from ruggedness. If you plan to install the camera where vandalism is higher than average, i.e. if you intend to install the equipment on a ceiling that hangs low, in a public environment, such as a school then this is a good choice of equipment, since it is built from sturdy material. The camera has analog and weatherproof features as well.

Another Type of Camera to Consider is the Spy Video Camera

These wireless spy cameras include hidden cams, DVR, cool spy, home security cameras, and dash cams. The cameras were built on the latest technology, which means that they have improved surveillance. You can choose from phone recorders, digital/analog, digital voice recorders, and so on too. There is also a selection of time-lapse recorders, night vision cams, DVR digital video security cams, GPS, Vista key logging, counter surveillance, and much more.

Technology has advanced to the level of creating wireless jean jacket cameras. You can wear the jacket and feel at ease, since there is a hidden camera and transmitter built-into the jacket. This jacket has a CCD video cam that functions on high-resolution combined with low light lux. It is an amazing invention.

Other choices of spy security cameras include sunglasses. These surveillance DVR kits come with a small DVR that handles about 256 Megabytes. Sunglasses and a colorful button cam are included. If you want surveillance while walking around, this is a unique camera to have. You can purchase an additional memory card with these spy cameras to increase memory.

There is also the mini spy camera that is built into a briefcase. Be sure to shop online where you will have a variety of options on wireless spy cameras and security cameras.