Hidden Spy Cameras: I Spy, You Spy…is this any way to live?

The hidden camera, or Spy Cameras as they are called, is an industry that's growing in leaps and bounds. One industry source estimates sales exceed 300 million dollars annually. And it's not the large corporations that are driving this market. Rather, it's individuals and small companies that see the spy camera as a valuable security tool.

The fact that they can also be used for purposes not related to security, apparently is a main attraction. Spying on individuals using hidden, wireless cameras, may be reprehensible to most people. But the moral considerations of their use don't seem to hamper sales volumes.

How you use these cameras is something that, frankly, is none of our business. Just be aware that if you place a hidden camera where it violates someone else's privacy, and it can be traced back to you, jail time may be in your future.

Meanwhile, there are lots of legitimate uses for these devices, including protecting your home and family. And identifying a bad guy who violates the sanctity of your home and personal possesions. For that, you need to know what's out here. Here's a small sampling. For lots more details,  and a wide selection of spy cameras, click on any of the pictures.

 Hidden spy camera in base                                                                 Panasonic camera-viewer

As mentioned above, hidden spy cameras have their practical uses. The most common is the nanny cam, installed in homes where working parents want to be sure the hired help is not mistreating their kids.

Sometimes the nanny is told about the camera(s); other times it’s hidden. A hidden camera can be used for many purposes including catching abusing care givers, cheating spouses, nosey landlords, thieving roommates, employee theft, to name just a few.

There are some legal restrictions on hidden spy cameras. It is illegal, for example, to hide a camera in a women’s restroom or shower for purposes of viewing women in the altogether without their knowledge. I would imagine it is just as illegal to hide cameras in the men’s shower room.

Spy cameras come in many configurations these days. Anybody can buy them, and a lot of people do.