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Archive 2013 · Spy Camera Recommendations

  
 
ryan00013
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Hey guys,
I am looking for wearable spy camera recommendations. I have a photo project that I want to do and some sort of miniature wearable camera would be perfect. The issue I am running into is that the cameras in this category are all designed for video, whereas I am wanting one that takes high quality photos.

The things I am looking for in a camera are:
1. Wearable (preferably on the head so that framing the shot is easy - vs a lapel worn camera where I would have to turn my entire body).
2. discreet and unnoticeable (I want to capture raw moments with my loved ones without the known presence of a camera beforehand)
3. highest quality camera possible (5mp minimum)
4. A way to trigger the shutter via a cable or wirelessly.
5. I am willing to carry a portable DVR (as long as the camera meets the above requirements)
6. $2,000 or less for the setup


Does anyone have any recommendations? I have done a lot of research and so far I have been unable to come up with a reasonable solution. The KJB DVR505 and C1164 seemed promising, but the KJB rep I just talked to couldn't even tell me the camera image resolution and there is conflicting data listed on the internet. (their website doesn't list them either).

Another option is disassembling a mini cam and placing it in a ball cap or knit cap. However, I'd only do this if I could find a way to still have some sort of shutter remote.

Basically, I want a tiny camera with a shutter release cable (or wireless remote)


*Note: I already own a Fuji X100s for street photography and a Nokia Lumia 1020 for somewhat discreet shooting.

Edited on Nov 08, 2013 at 07:41 PM · View previous versions



Nov 08, 2013 at 03:29 PM
ken.vs.ryu
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Smartphone in your pocket?


Nov 08, 2013 at 07:28 PM
ryan00013
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Spy Camera Recommendations


ken.vs.ryu wrote:
Smartphone in your pocket?


The issue arises when I remove my cell phone from my pocket or hold it out to take photos. That kind of kills the whole discreetness / not impacting the scene. The idea is to be able to take photos at conversation range without the camera impacting the interaction.



Nov 08, 2013 at 07:40 PM
intimistic
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Maybe this would work
It has a wrist remote and is 5 mp

Monoprice

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=117&cp_id=11704&cs_id=1170401&p_id=10629&seq=1&format=2



Nov 08, 2013 at 07:47 PM
intimistic
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Or this might work

Go Pro with remote
http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero3-black-edition

It might just be to big..



Nov 08, 2013 at 07:49 PM
Spyro P.
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Spy Camera Recommendations


google parashoot and unieye

not sure if they even do stills or what is thelens/sensor spec but parashoot has some cool skins and doesnt look like a camera at all



Nov 08, 2013 at 07:55 PM
Lee Saxon
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Spyro P. wrote:
google parashoot and unieye

not sure if they even do stills or what is thelens/sensor spec but parashoot has some cool skins and doesnt look like a camera at all


http://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2013/09/22842-parashoot-suspended-from-kickstarter-on-suspicions-moves-to-indiegogo/

Not sure I'd risk getting involved with these types.



Nov 09, 2013 at 05:20 AM
ytwong
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Spy Camera Recommendations


strange requirements...

anyway, how about one of these?
http://store.autographer.com/

http://lifestreamblog.com/4-wearable-cameras-for-lifelogging/



Nov 09, 2013 at 05:46 AM
wuxiekeji
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Spy Camera Recommendations


How high quality do you need? If cell phone quality is enough, there might be some apps (or you could write one) to take photos on timelapse or via some other sound-based (every time you say the word "the"?) or acceleration-based trigger (stomp your foot to take a picture?) so you don't need to take out your phone. You could then mount it inside your shirt with a tiny hole. If cell phone quality isn't enough, what about the Sony lens camera (QX10 or QX100)? I'm sure you could mount it inside a hat or inside a jacket without being too noticeable, and if I'm not mistaken (hearsay; I don't own one; please confirm) it can take pictures without necessarily being connected to the phone, though you'll have to deal with pressing a button, or doing some DIY modification to have a remote shutter button in your pocket.


Nov 09, 2013 at 08:47 AM
intimistic
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Here are some more I have found again it is hard to find still photo capable at higher mp.

1.) Panasonic HX-A100 is pretty cool looking 5.3mp
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/910281-REG/panasonic_hx_a100k_hx_a100_full_hd_wearable.html

2.)replay xd 1080 5mp again might be too big
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=xd1080&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

3.)canon VIXIA MINI 12mp an odd device and shape
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/998465-REG/canon_8455b003_vixia_mini_camcorder_black.html

4.) ion Air pro 2 kit 14mp
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/985640-REG/ion_air_pro_1023_ion_air_pro_2.html

5.) ion Air pro 5mp
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/885767-REG/ion_AIR_PRO_1011_AIR_PRO_WiFi_Full.html

6.) Samsung HMX-W300 5.5 mp
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838837-REG/Samsung_HMX_W300BN_XAA_HMX_W300_Pocket_Camcorder_Black.html

7. kit version of above
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/890498-REG/Samsung_HMX_W300_Waterproof_Pocket_Camcorder.html

8.) veho VCC-005-MUVI-HD10 Mini HD Action Camcorder 5mp
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/733027-REG/veho_VCC_005_MUVI_HD10_VCC_005_MUVI_HD10_Mini_HD_Camcorder.html

9.)veho VCC-005-MUVI-HDPRO Mini HD Action Camcorder 5mp
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/732979-REG/veho_VCC_005_MUVI_HDPRO_VCC_005_MUVI_HDPRO_Mini_HD_Camcorder.html

Hope it helps It has be interesting seeing whats out there that I had never seen before.



Nov 12, 2013 at 04:55 PM
intimistic
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Liquid Image 5mp Goggles
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/913836-REG/liquid_image_339blk_apex_fhd_video_photo_snow.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/913852-REG/liquid_image_368blk_torque_series_offroad_goggle.html

Eye Of Mine 3mp glasses
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/945180-REG/eye_of_mine_eview_eye_view_720hd_video_sunglasses.html

Pivothead 8mp sony cmos Glasses
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1010785-REG/pivothead_3618403_aurora_black_smoke.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1010781-REG/pivothead_3618399_durango_smoke_glasses.html



Nov 12, 2013 at 05:09 PM
intimistic
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Google Glass is 5mp
Voice command "take a picture" to use though might not be discreet enough.

http://www.google.com/glass/start/what-it-does/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Glass



Nov 12, 2013 at 05:15 PM
intimistic
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Spy Camera Recommendations


BH Video review of the Panasonic HX-A100

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/indepth/video/hands-reviews/hands-review-panasonic-hx-a100-full-hd-wearable-pov-camcorder



Nov 12, 2013 at 05:25 PM
dasrocket
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Spy Camera Recommendations


intimistic, you have a curious knowledge of spycams...!


Nov 12, 2013 at 05:44 PM
philber
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Intimistic, you could try the Sony QX cameras. You can shoot them tethered to your smartphone even if not physically connected to them. So you could wear one on your back facing backwards, while composing via your smartphone, which nobody on the cameras's field of vision could see you looking at. And QX 100 has very good IQ, as it is the same as a RX100 II


Nov 12, 2013 at 05:56 PM
intimistic
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Just trying to help out the Original Poster Ryan00013 …Although for me researching is more then a hobby.



Nov 12, 2013 at 06:28 PM
intimistic
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Ryan00013
This might be more inline with what you originally wanted.
5MP .7 ounces
4,000 picture capacity
auto 2 shot a minute mode
tap to take a shot on the spot.
30 hour battery life
auto corrects which way is up

http://getnarrative.com

http://www.wired.com/reviews/2014/02/narrative-clip/




Feb 19, 2014 at 09:40 AM
basilwestrich
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Pen Cams are one on the many spy cameras that are popular among people. Consumers have given their patronage for the pen camera.

hidden surveillance cameras



Sep 26, 2014 at 06:37 AM
jasonyuen
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Spy Camera Recommendations


This link might interest you.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/09/24/htc-teases-something-remarkable-for-its-nyc-event-on-october-8th-re-camera-looks-like-a-possible-name/

HTC is rumored to release a periscope-like camera in the near future. If it's not time sensitive, you might want to look into it. Right now there isn't anything confirmed yet, just a few leaked photos but it does look compact and you can trust HTC build quality. You can see in one of the photos it appears to be attached to a backpack shoulder strap pointing forward. It's supposedly called the HTC Re



Sep 26, 2014 at 12:07 PM
J.D.
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Spy Camera Recommendations


Without prejudice

The first recommendation I make is that you familiarise yourself with the law in your jurisdiction. The second recommendation I make is that you consider the potential consequences.

There is a place for edgy photography but you have to face the possibility that you may be detected and even prosecuted. It's not merely a matter of what you are taking pictures of either. The act of secret recording is illegal in many jurisdictions and you could be facing significant penalties and even jail time if you are detected and put before the courts.

This is not merely a matter of the pitch being queered by upskirters, paedophiles and wanna-be James Bonds either. In these times of heightened security tensions and increased public awareness, even someone trying to do something laudable could easily find themselves in hot water.

As a media worker for nearly 30 years I can tell you that the current climate is not sympathetic to this sort of thing - even if well intended - and that the courts and the public take a dim view of it. I strongly recommend you consider the potential consequences. That you are merely a private citizen going about your own pursuits is not a very effective defence either. In fact, in some ways it works against you.

You also need to consider the environment you intend to undertake this in. Private property is probably going to be off limits and presumed right of entry does not apply. Government facilities, including places like railway stations and airports, can be problematic too.

Seek legal advice.



Sep 26, 2014 at 03:05 PM
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