The most common types of spy equipment and spy gear are recording devices such as video cameras and audio recorders. Now that everything has gone digital it is possible to make these devices very small. So small, in fact, that it is now much easier to hide a video camera or voice recording device where it won’t be seen.

In spite of its size, the new breed of surveillance equipment is much more powerful, versatile and less expensive than anything you might have purchased even ten years ago. It is really quite an eye opener to visit an online spy shop and see all the different spy gadgets available for surveillance work.

One of the most common uses for surveillance equipment is for business owners or managers to keep an eye on staff. It is not uncommon for employees to spend their time doing non-business activities, or even pilfering from the cash box. There is no easier or simpler way to keep an eye on employees than with a small hidden video camera system.

Another popular use is for one half of a married couple to spy on the other. The usual reason has to do with sex or money, or both. There are also surveillance gadgets to keep an eye on children. Hiding a “nanny cam” in some inconspicuous place is a common way to make sure the nanny or babysitter is doing their job correctly. And outfitting your child with a tracking device is a very easy way to keep tabs on them.

There are all kinds and sizes of spy gadgets, and different types of devices are better than others for different situations. Usually you want your spying to remain hidden, so often the best surveillance equipment is small and inconspicuous. Video surveillance, for example, is much more effective if the camera remains hidden in a strategic spot.

You will probably be surprised how small today’s spy cams [http://www.active-spy-shop.co.uk/mini-spy-cameras-8-c.asp] can be. These tiny cameras come in both wired and wireless models. Wired units can be connected right to a television monitor or video recording device, with the wires carefully hidden so they don’t raise suspicions.

Wireless video cameras have onboard batteries for power and small transmitters to send the images and sound to a digital recorder located somewhere close by. These cameras can be hidden in different everyday objects such as a ball point pen, a man’s belt buckle, the face of a clock, a watch or even a special can of air freshener or shaving cream.

Another useful device for spying on your spouse is a telephone voice recorder. There are the classic phone bugs that pick up and record the voice at one end of the conversation. And then there are devices that can be connected right to the phone line and record both ends of the conversation.

Remote audio recording devices will also let you listen in on conversations happening anywhere from a few feet to thousands of miles away.

Tracking devices are another useful spy gadget. Not only do they give you a good way of keeping track of property, but can actually save lives. For example, you can have your small child carry one where it won’t be easily found.

Small tracking devices can also be mounted out of site in cars, boats, trucks, luggage or parcels. Especially useful for protecting your vehicles is a combination tracking and audio listening and recording device. The newer units are small enough to be hidden in the most inconspicuous places, but powerful enough to keep your vehicle always within striking distance.

By: Rick Hendershot

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