Hidden cameras have been the source of controversy recently, with some AirBnB hosts unknowingly crossing a legal line in their attempts to make sure nothing bad happens when they rent out their apartments.
However, there are often legitimate and legal reasons to use a hidden camera:
- You’re a spy or private investigator.
- You are suspicious of your babysitter.
- You want to keep an eye on your dog when you’re away.
- You’re concerned about break-ins.
- You are a landlord and want to monitor hallway traffic to make sure tenants aren’t subleasing their apartments.
- You’re a secret shopper for a local TV network and want to record a nefarious transaction.
- You’re a detective.
If you install a hidden video camera, many states require that you inform your babysitter, dog-walker, house cleaner, etc. It’s a good way of letting them know to be on their best behavior.
With that in mind, here are some cleverly hidden cameras, many of which work on your Wi-Fi network so you can get live views from anywhere in the world on your mobile device.
Watch Yourself
It might not be a Patek Philippe, but this watch looks like something out of a Bond flick. It records 720k video, has 8GB of internal memory, and is waterproof. Secondary use? Flash drive. You’ll never lose your files when you wear ’em on your wrist.
Coffee Talk
This looks like a coffee cup, but the lid conceals a built-in 720p video camera that can record up to 115 minutes of footage. The lid fits on most on-the-go coffee cups.
I Am A Rock
Wi-Fi enabled for remote use, this is a clever hidden camera within a landscaping rock that provides live streaming of 1280×720 resolution video.
Made In The Shades
With 1080p HD video capture capabilities and waterproof to 3.3 feet, this sunglass/camera is great not just for snooping on the go, but for action adventures as well. The 135-degree wide view ranks up there with the big brands.
Do You Like My New Hat?
Can you find the hidden camera in this baseball cap? Ideal for private investigators and law enforcement, this clever hidden camera has a secret pocket that holds the DVR in the visor.
Teddy’s Watching
The iconic nanny-cam, this hidden-in-plain-sight bear’s stuffing includes a 720p indoor night-vision hidden camera. Footage is stored on memory cards. A motion trigger starts it up.
I’ll Drink To That
If you don’t look too carefully (and they’re counting on most people not noticing) this camera, made from an actual water bottle, can capture hours of 1280×960 HD video. Designed for home surveillance, office monitoring, and checking in on the babysitter, it holds SD cards and has 10-hour battery life.
Bird’s-Eye View
This bird feeder actually does two things: First, it offers 720p video with night vision—and 90 days of sensor-activated operation, so it can keep an eye on the exterior of your home if you go away for a while. Second, it feeds the birds.
This Pen Is Mightier
A pen with a built-in camera, this is great for recording video up to 1080p, 12MP snapshots, and audio, and stores it all on micro SD cards.
Wake-Up Time
It looks like a regular bedroom alarm clock, but it actually has a Wi-Fi hidden camera that can capture 5MP stills and 1080p video. Live footage can be viewed from anywhere via your smart phone. It’s ideal for checking up on elder care, home monitoring, and office surveillance.
