Nanny Cam Technology Review
A practical guide for selecting the right camera for your home
 

Working parents are increasingly turning towards hidden surveillance cameras within their homes to keep a watchful eye on their children and their caregivers. Surveillance cameras used for this purpose have garnered their own section of the market and are often referred to as nanny cams. These hidden camera devices were popularized further with the 2007 release of the comedy-drama film The Nanny Diaries, where the nanny, played by Scarlett Johansson, is being spied on by a nanny cam hidden inside a teddy bear.

Typically, these cameras are covert in nature and come in a variety of technical platforms such as wired, wireless, and IP-based models. In addition to the various camera styles available, the hidden configuration options are virtually endless. This article acts as a guide to the leading nanny cam technology available, and provides some practical tips to consider when selecting this style of camera to install within your home.

Which technology is right for you?

We will briefly consider the three main technology formats nanny cams come in. These include wired versions, and wireless versions. We will review some of the positives and negatives that may be associated with each style to assist you in the selection process.

Wired nanny cams -- This is the oldest style of covert camera, which typically consists of a hidden spy camera concealed within an object that is connected to a nearby video recording device. This is a very reliable method of video capture and recording. However, there are drawbacks to this style of camera. Because both the camera and recording device require a direct connection and close proximity to one another, it can be difficult to conceal two units instead of one.

Wireless nanny cams -- This style is generally a more popular choice than wired versions because they are easier to conceal without wires to hinder the process. They are customer installable and with today's nanny cam/dvr combination technology, which embeds the recording capability within the nanny cam unit itself, there's no need to connect the camera to any outside recording device.  The video can be captured and saved on to an SD card, hidden within the unit, which will let you view the occurences of the day on your PC as soon as you get home, or return to your office.

Wireless with Internet Access -- The newest generation of digital (encrypted) wireless covert cameras provides a remote, real time view of your home or business from anywhere in the world.  Many units can record and view up to 4 cameras SIMULTANEOUSLY with one "thumb size" USB receiver plugged into any internet connected PC ~ up to 700 ft. range.  Being digital also means that the wireless signal is ENCRYPTED, so no one will be able to pick up on your camera signal the way older wireless systems could.

Choosing the right hidden configuration for your home

A simple search on the Internet for hidden nanny cams will reveal a wide selection of configurations and choices. Once you determine which technology is most appropriate for your surveillance plans, you will need to determine the most fitting way to conceal your camera. Some important considerations include:

Stay with the practical -- You can find hidden nanny cams that come hidden behind objects as simple as a digital clock to something as bizarre as an electrical outlet . When choosing which type of object to go with, it is best to stay with the practical. You want to select something that will truly blend into the surroundings, and that can realistically remain in one location without seeming out of place.

Select an object that can realistically monitor critical areas -- Another important aspect to consider is selecting an object that is capable of viewing the widest possible area. A hidden nanny cam disguised as an air freshener that is plugged into an electrical outlet near the floor may be too limiting for a larger room. Perhaps a smoke detector placed in the ceiling in the center of a large room is more appropriate.

Carefully consider placement -- Proper camera placement can be the defining difference between a successful surveillance system and an unsuccessful one. You will likely have to consider installing multiple nanny cams concealed in various locations throughout your home in order to ensure thorough monitoring. In addition, pay careful attention to camera placement to ensure all areas of interest are thoroughly covered.