Portable Body Worn Cameras

What are portable body worn cameras?

A spy camera is a working everyday object with a camera module inside it. Most of the range records to a memory card; many also connect over WiFi so you can watch live from your phone rather than retrieving the card later. Some run on a battery for a few hours, others sit on continuous power and record indefinitely.

Where people use them

• Home — front rooms, entrances, a nanny or carer you want to check on
• Office — a desk or cabin where equipment or stock goes missing
• Shop — a counter or storeroom
• On you — pen, watch, glasses and button cameras for when you are moving

What to consider before buying

Power

Battery models go anywhere but need charging. Mains-powered models record continuously — a charger or clock camera is powered by the thing it is disguised as.

WiFi or not

WiFi lets you watch live and get alerts. Without it, footage stays on the card until you collect it — which is simpler and works where there is no network.

Night vision

Only some models have it. If the room is ever dark, check before buying — this is the specification people most often get wrong.

Storage

Most take a micro SD card. Card size decides how many days you keep before it loops.