Chapelhouse Persian Rescue Web Store

Written by Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson, the Rescue Owner/Manager:

In this section I outline some quality tiny cameras I have been importing for other business applications. I have been so taken aback by the quality and results of these, that I thought I'd bring them to the CPR shop. At the very least, all pet owners will love to capture their pets' antics on one of these - but of course they have many more serious uses.

You will find it amazing what outstanding (video or still) results you obtain with these tiny 'covert' cams, and whether you use them for 'nanny cams', business purposes such as employee observation, or other applications, we are sure you will never again want to be without one. I was impressed by the speed of set up (seconds) and the clarity of results, in terms of both film and audio - the latter is crystal clear, and the range very good.

I have tried various types, manufacturers and storage capacities before I selected what I consider to be the preferred single camera, below. Please be aware that many look similar but I have sourced a good quality item. The camera offered is as follows:

Clothing camera - designed to be buttonholed into a garment but also outstanding for placement on a still surface for truly amazing footage.

What's Different About Covert Photography?

Clearly, there are so many instances in which covert or at least unobtrusive photography and videography are very useful. These days everyone has camera fuctions on their phones, but believe me, phones do NOT replicate owning one of these specialist devices. With a covert or surveillance camera, you can easily film unobserved at disputes, meetings, around the home (children and babysitters?), at car accidents or incidents, and at family gatherings. It's great for recording of phone calls too, as a memo for yourself or a formal record.

Footage obtained with a covert camera is very different to what you will get if using a 'point and shoot' device, where people (and pets) become highly aware of your presence and modify their behaviour accordingly. So even when people see you trying to film on your mobile phone, they will change their behaviour and modify what they say.

When I left the camera running in my own home, I was amazed even at how I behaved and found myself thinking - do I really do THAT!? It's highly amusing - you'll see what your pets get up to in your absence too - but of course there are also many very serious applications.

Unlike footage obtained on a mobile phone or similar, you will also get many hours of videography or stills on these cameras.

How Big Are the Cameras?

Whichever format of camera you choose, they fit into every handbag, pocket or wallet, and in our opinion one should be kept in every home, handbag and car for unexpected incidents. They are smaller than a chewing gum (outer) wrapper.

How Easy Are They To Use?

Each camera runs for 1.5 - 2 hours on one battery charge. Charging couldn't be easier. They all come with a USB cable (or integral USB connector) so they can charge from your laptop or PC. Or you can mains charge using a Blackberry type charger. Some only come with a USB charger, others with a mains plug - see each one for details.

Set-up and use are astonishingly easy: I suggest that you try the camera out as they are very idiot proof. That's a good thing. The instructions from the Far East are very peculiar indeed! In some cases the user guides require access to 'an elephant'...oh dear, where can I get one of those!

You will be up and running in less than a minute from receipt. You need to:

Plug the device into your laptop
It will recognise the camera and install its integral software (however an installation mini-disk is sometimes also included, but we find it's usually not needed and in seconds the camera is recognised and installed - there's not even any set of instructions to follow, no need to click to accept anything...it just auto runs)
Connect camera to laptop or PC to charge
And it's ready to go.....

Taking videos is as easy as press a button once to start, once to stop.....small LED lights will show when recording is happening. The devices are silent at all times.

To download videos or stills to your laptop - simply connect the device to the laptop again and the software will immediately open and list the videos you have captured. Long sections of footage will show as asveral shorter, more manageable files.

If you want to edit your footage, the program provides a link for a very inexpensive Apple Quicktime upgrade - again installed in minutes and so easy to use. Then you can save the films as Quicktime videos and send to friends, place on a website etc.

Laws

The devices are designed to be genuine surveillance items as sold also through UK surveillance firms; we are selling most to news agencies and employees within detective agencies and legal practice.

It is up to each buyer to ensure they use the cameras responsibly and do not contravene any UK privacy or filming laws. We accept no responsibility for how these items are used. As we also sell internationally, you need to check relevant laws in the country in which you are buying.