Spy cameras used to be considered as advanced technologies that were out of reach to the common folk. While they certainly are feats of engineering, they are not nearly as elusive as they were before. The underlying tech has become so widespread and the components so cheap that they can be built more easily. The cost could even be as low as the single digits, though you will have to pay a premium if you want the best in class. The following is a brief discussion of the spy button cam, a popular form factor, including its appearance, method of use, and important specifications:
What It Looks Like
The actual product design will differ from one model to another but the basics are similar. Like the name implies, you have a button that will be the front and center of the operation. This will have a pinhole where the lens is located. It is the only visible part of the camera and is hidden in plain sight thanks to its disguise. It might come with additional plain buttons that you can sew into your shirt for the sake of uniformity. The lens may be attached to the main body or connected to it via wire. The former tends to be bulky but reliable.
How to Use It
The main body usually contains the control buttons. These will be few and simple such as record, pause, and power. Pressing down on them can be tricky as they are hidden inside your clothes during operation. A lot of practice may be necessary to get familiar and comfortable. This will prevent confusion and prevent issues with the recording. There are also models that have separate controls that you can look at as you press them. These may be wired or wireless depending on the implementation, like a key chain that you can put in your pocket and take out when you need it.
Which One to Get
There are plenty of options on the market right now from ones that are little more than toys to more serious spy cams. If you are just curious about them, then get the cheapest model you can find and play with it. It won’t hurt your pockets and you should have hours of fun. Eventually, you may get tired of it or yearn for an upgrade. Those who wish to take it to the next level should check the specs of their candidates. See if these have good image resolution and excellent reliability. Look into the battery’s capacity and usage time. Check what kind of memory card is compatible with the device.
