What Are Internet Spy Cameras?
Before you jump to conclusions, it doesn’t mean what you think it means. Using an internet spy camera doesn’t involve hacking someone’s Logitech PC cam, or their laptop cam.
Internet cameras, or wifi spy cameras, are optic devices which can record a video of a designated area, as they remain hidden and out of sight. “Internet” means that they can be directly connected to a spy camera wi-fi and you can monitor the recording from a distance by using your cell phone or PC. How cool is that?
Internet cameras come in many shapes and sizes, with a plethora of different utilities. Some people prefer their cameras disguised as everyday objects.
We also have miniature spy cams that are not internet-connected, but they can be worn on clothes and backpacks’ handles. These cameras are on-the-go and can be very useful.
So, to help you pick the right spy wi-fi camera for you, we’ve decided to write this internet camera buying guide.
We’ll go over the types of hidden cameras and give you tips on which factors to consider when you’re buying your very first internet cam.
The Three Types of Hidden Cameras
There are three basic types of hidden cameras. Wearable cameras; which operate while you are out and about, spy cameras; designed for static vigilance, and wi-fi spy internet cameras; which are the undisputed powerhouse of the bunch.
Spy cameras are regarded as classic old school, and they get the job done, as long as you need a simple static spy camera. Internet cameras do the same thing exactly, but they give you the added benefit of real-time monitoring.
They’re usually a bigger investment and they are worth the money. Same as the other types of hidden cams, they can come as all kinds of mundane objects - teddy bears, wristwatches, alarm clocks, thermostats, phone cases, etc. It all depends on the ingenuity of the designer.
The Difference Between Hidden Cameras and Internet Cameras
Simply put, hidden cameras are covert optic devices made to record videos. Once you’re done recording, you need to retrieve the cam, connect it to a PC and access the footage from there.
Internet cameras, on the other hand, are optic devices that don’t rely on analog transfer. You can monitor the recording while you’re away, in real-time. Just connect the device to a cell phone or PC, and you have a personal surveillance security system! It’s THAT easy.
In contrast to regular hidden cameras, spy wi-fi cameras allow you a more hands-on approach. It’s for those of you who are required to act ASAP and don’t have time to lose.
Either way, if you truly believe that you need spy equipment, you must ask yourself again: “Would real-time monitoring solve this particular problem?”
If yes, we’ll show you how to choose between all the types of internet cameras out there.
What Are Internet Spy Wi-fi Cameras Used For?
Hidden cameras can be our “second pair of eyes” for that extra vigilance. Internet spy cameras rely on real-time monitoring. You just decide the perfect spot for the camera, set up the software, kick back, and relax.
You won’t have to trudge through the hassle of retrieving the camera and copying the files onto a PC in order to view them. Why do that when you can just watch the surveillance on the spot, while it records? There’s no special spy camera wifi antennas for it, they just work on regular internet wifi, contrary to popular belief.
It’s perfectly legal to place them in our homes for safety purposes. If you live in a dangerous neighborhood, or you believe that you don’t have enough protection around your yard, a hidden internet camera might make you feel safer.
Hidden internet cameras do all the work while you’re away. They can:
- Help catch burglars in your home;
- Monitor a family member with Alzheimer’s;
- Keep a watchful eye on your children.
Choosing the Right Internet Spy Wi-fi Camera for You
Browsing the convoluted mess of the internet for a suitable spy camera can be a drag. The variety of spy equipment nowadays can be very confusing.
Providers rarely give a detailed, sincere overview of their products’ battery duration, function, etc. There’s a lot of overpriced equipment for a very resolvable problem that can be solved with a $100 dollar budget.
So if you’re having trouble choosing what type of spy equipment you need, we suggest you consider the following factors.
Budget
If you’re looking for something simple like a regular spy camera and don’t feel that you’d benefit from real-time monitoring, then spy cameras are the way to go. They are far more affordable than internet-connected cameras which can go up to $420 dollars.
We have cameras that are in the $60 dollar range and can still do a very good job.
Features
Apart from the internet-connected real-time monitoring, our internet cams have a battery life that lasts. All of them have a standby mode that preserves the battery and they can go up to 16 hours of continuous recording.
If you’re looking to catch thieves in the night, choose the cameras that have a night-vision feature. All of them come with instruction manuals, and essential things like USB cables, or in some cases, Micro SDs.
Do You Need a Static Camera or Something on the Go?
Static cams can only do so much. Most people just need a static camera to monitor a certain area in their homes.
If you really need some cams attached to you, then you should consider purchasing a body-worn camera. It’s perfect for secret shopping, recording police encounters, or workplace harassment.
Internet Cameras for Every Situation
Now let’s show you a few examples of the types of situations you’d want to use a spy wi-fi camera for. You’d want to use smaller and simple-looking devices if you want to monitor your living room, kitchen, yard, or the garage.
All of the cameras are built within everyday objects, purposed to stay out of sight and out of mind.
The Rectangle Clock - For The Living Room
Oh, you’ve bought a new wall clock for this room? Awesome. Nobody will suspect the hidden camera in the living room.
The Rectangle Clock is for those of you who value style and have a more traditional room so that your new internet spy wi-fi cam doesn’t look out of place.
It’s perfect for your home and can go up to 90 days with a standby motion-capture feature, meaning the camera only records when someone walks by. When it detects another motion, it starts another recording. Otherwise, continuous recording lasts 16 hours.
You can then view the footage via iPhone, Android, Mac, or PC. We’ll send you a link to download the software app for the surveillance. Just mount the camera where you want to, ready your devices, and voila. They come with an SD card with 32GB memory.
One of the best things about the internet clock camera is that you can log into it from anywhere in the world to see what’s happening at that exact moment. You'll be able to view the camera in real-time to look at exactly what the camera sees, in addition to viewing the recorded footage, which is fantastic if you need to monitor activity live or just want to check-in from afar.
The Digital Clock Radio Internet Camera - For Adventurers
The Digital Clock is a jack of all trades. It’s perfect for Airbnb enthusiasts since its design is inconspicuous when you use it in hotel rooms.
Doubt your Airbnb host snooping around your room? No problem. The best part is, you can monitor your room anywhere in the world. The 12 FPS delay depends on your location and internet connection.
The device perfectly mimics the regular alarm clock and records a crystal clear 1280x720 high-resolution video with a motion-capture feature that starts anew every time it detects somebody moving. After you’re done recording, remove the memory card and plug it into the PC using the adapter, and that’s all there is to it.
All of the Alarm Clock’s features are worth the $400 price tag. So, if you’re traveling a lot, just grab one of these and be on your merry way.
We forgot to mention an important detail. The reason why the Digital Clock is perfect for travelers, hikers, and you adventurous types out there, bless your souls, it’s because it has a night vision feature. You can catch thieves with presentable evidence, and you can sleep soundly.
We hate to burst your bubble, but the only thing it can’t do is catch ghosts of former residents on tape.
The Smoke Detector Internet Camera - For The Kitchen
This one goes to the kitchen. The Smoke Detector is built for convenience and utility, placed just over the oven. This model is similar to the others, with a motion-capture feature, and software apps for remote surveillance, it can catch thieves as it also has a very valuable night-vision feature.
The angle width is perfect, but you need to figure out how and where exactly should the Smoke Detector go. Location is everything, so be careful. You can easily stop thieves, acquire proof of vandalism, catch infidelity, or keep an eye on the kids.
It’s date/time-stamped, and we can’t praise this feature enough - it lets you know the exact second when something happens. Many products come without a date and time stamp, and the providers don’t even mention the absence of this feature.
Proper date & time give great importance to the empirical evidence of video proof, and you shouldn’t buy a spy wifi camera that doesn’t have this feature.
The Wall Clock Internet Camera - Our Top Pick
We can confidently recommend the nifty Wall Clock for most customers because it records the most frequently visited room - the living room! It’s motion-activated, records high-quality 1280x720 video resolution, and the tiny camera lens has a 75-degree angle.
It works on Android, iPhone, Mac, and PC, and this is why it’s so popular. The real-time monitoring is essential and really comes in handy if you’re away or unavailable. It’s a very flexible spy camera that works well with wifi.
Additionally, the night-vision feature allows surveillance at night. The recorded videos are date & time-stamped, and the video is saved to a standard SD memory card. This little internet cam can record up to 90 days with the standby battery and has 16 hours of continuous recording.
FAQs
What Happens If the Memory Card Gets Full?
If the card runs out of memory, it overwrites video on older recordings. They get automatically deleted to make room for new ones. It’s a hefty feature, but you must be aware of the duration and memory space at all times.
Can Employers Watch You on Camera?
The legality of this issue is very complicated and it depends on your state’s law.
If they choose to monitor employees, company managers must have a legitimate reason why they’re recording them in the first place. Regardless of their choice, there must always be a consensual deal between the parties.
Depending on their company, job, or position, employees generally must be aware that their work is being monitored at all times.
Can My Neighbor Point a Camera at My House?
Whatever the case, you must always ask why your neighbor records your property. He has a duty to inform you. Usually, this issue depends on your state’s laws, and you must first consult the authorities for any matter.
Why Choose SpyGuy
Workplace and school harassment, important business conversations and lectures, catching thieves, and other dangerous incidents. Many people have problems with common trivialities, and these problems need a specific solution in order to be solved.
This is where we come in. We did all the math between what works and what is redundant, and we heed our customers’ demands. SpyGuy has been in this game for 5 years now, and we have the top-notch equipment to show for it.
Our products are for everyday people - and we price them accordingly.
You can always contact us if you want to learn more about our products - our support team is happy to help via mail, chat or phone!
