Spy Pen Cameras – Types of Spy Pen Cameras, How to choose them and how they are used
When it comes to cameras, hidden ones, and those that aren’t, there has been a lot of controversy around them. Still, many people choose to install them in their homes in the form of nanny cameras to check on their kids, or on the other hand, as a part of a security system to improve the safety of their family.
Well, in the following article, we will focus on pen cameras. As you can assume, there are a few types of these, although we expect more of them to be available in the future. We will also provide you with a list of things you should consider before buying one of these, and also give you a short guide on how to use them.
What are the different types?
Firstly, let us tell you a little bit about the different features that these pen cams possess. Depending on the one you choose, you can get audio or both audio and video recording. As you can assume, the ones that have the latter feature are more expensive, but if it is one of your requirements, they are worth the investment.
Secondly, when it comes to the storage unit, you will have to purchase a micro SD card separately. Naturally, this mainly depends on the device you choose, but generally speaking, the storage is around 32 GB, which can be more than enough if you go with the one that only records around tapes. In addition, some of these support additional storage up to 128 GB, which means that they can keep up to 16 hours of recordings.
Furthermore, there is a matter of video and audio quality. These features depend on how much money you are prepared to invest in one of these. As already mentioned, some can take photos and videos, others can record audio, and those of the highest quality include all of these features.
Finally, there are those that have the motion detection feature. Basically, it means that you can start recording when you choose to, or on the other hand, switch to this mode, and the camera will activate as soon as it detects movement.
How to choose the right one?
Now that we have introduced you to some of the most frequent features spy pen cameras possess, the question arises – how to choose one? Well, obviously, you are the only one who can answer this inquiry. However, we will tell you about some requirements that should be on your list.
Video and audio quality
We have already discussed that this depends on the device you use and that your options may be limited due to the fact that these are yet to be fully developed. Even though there aren’t many spy pen cams that can record 2K or 4K video, most of them have 1080p resolution. If you are restricted money-wise, you can go with the 720p one, but nothing less should be an option.
Moreover, when it comes to the sound, let’s be realistic, you cannot expect wonders. Still, you should go over customer reviews and choose the one that can provide you with a clear sound. There is no point in investing in one of these if you cannot understand the conversation, right?
Storage
This is the second important requirement, and as already mentioned, storage units can greatly differ. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t forget to think about the data transfer method. Some of these incorporate a micro SD card that has to be removed from the pen to retrieve the data. Others can be connected to a USB flash drive, while some possess a USB plug that can be slipped directly into your laptop.
Battery and durability
Lastly, when it comes to battery life, it is quite restricted. If you have done the research, surely you have come across pens that can record for only 30 minutes, but there are also those that can be active for up to two hours. This is a major requirement that you have to consider, even though some of them can record while being charged, but still, think about the potential situations and whether this will work for you.
Also, don’t forget about the quality of the pen itself. Does it write? Can you refill the ink or no? Keep in mind that due to their design, these are fatter than regular pens, so you should always have one of these with you to write with.
How to use it?
Before we conclude this article, we will give you short instructions on how to use a spy pen cam. First of all, you have to charge it. You can do this by simply plugging the cable’s one end into the camera’s USB port and the other one in your computer’s port. Keep in mind that the first charging will take a few hours.
Next, you have to insert the micro SD card. These work just like with smartphones, but don’t forget that a spy pen cam cannot work without it. None of these have internal storage, meaning that if you don’t insert it, the camera won’t collect data.
Now, it is time to turn the camera on. The green light indicates that it is ready to go. Nevertheless, if the light blinks red, it means that you haven’t placed the SD card properly, so go back to the previous step. When it is in the READY MODE, all you have to do is click the On/Off button for a couple of seconds, and it will start recording. To get the best video and photo quality, you should try to hold the pen as steady as possible. Also, make sure not to cover the lens. At the end of the session, all you have to do is press the On/Off button once again to turn off the camera.
The last thing that is left to do is collect the data. Simply connect the pen with the laptop via USB cable, or use some other method, copy all the files, and go over them on your computer. In order to save storage and reuse the card again, you should always erase all the files once you have transferred them.