Spy cameras - nothing new here, right? Embedded cameras have been around for years and have slowly made it from the upper echelons of the security services down to ordinary consumers like you and me. This article will give you a taste of what’s available right now.

First up is a desktop calculator spy camera. Just think of a standard desktop calculator with a small embedded video camera. It is well disguised, because it really works as a calculator. Expect to get at least 25 FPS at a 320×240 resolution. These will be able to record in multiple audio, video and photo formats including MP3, AVI, and MPEG4.

Next up are surveillance camera watches. These wristwatches look like those straight out of a James Bond movie. They typically look like pricey analog watches and have the camera hidden in the face. One model, for example, has the lens neatly hidden in one of the numbers. Due to the smaller size, the video quality isn’t quite as nice as in a larger device. It is still remarkable for something you can get for under $200.

Another very spy movie-like device is spy cam sunglasses. These should take both video and photos. Look for a model that can shoot at least with a 1.3 Megapixel resolution. For under $200, you can turn into a secret agent fast.

If you need to take images or video from afar or above ground, then get an RC spy plane. This is perfect for reconnaissance. The best part is that most folks don’t stop to think spy plane when they see/hear a RC aircraft up in the sky.

There are also ground-based remote controlled vehicles (cars, trucks, 4×4s, etc.). There are even models that will beam live video to a remote screen or headset.

Perhaps you have kids and have babysitters or nannies take care of your children periodically. Then you may want something more appropriate that would blend into a kid’s room or perhaps the living room. Look around for toys that also have spycams embedded in them. Some of these will even record and transmit live video (like a webcam). Some can even be viewed over the Internet. Then all you need to check in, is a computer and Web browser hooked up to the Internet.

You can see a nice roundup of specific examples of these embedded spy camera devices at this popular electronics gadget blog.

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