Nanny Cam Frequently Asked Questions:
By: SpygearGadgets
Q. I'm new to nanny cameras and hidden cameras - where do I begin?
Great question! (And one we hear a lot!) Chances are you haven't seen a nanny cam or hidden camera at your favorite electronics store, or probably any store you normally shop at. One of the main reasons that these type of devices aren't sold in stores is because if everyone knew what they looked like, they wouldn't be as effective!
The second option is a wireless streaming hidden camera. The most common wireless streaming camera is one that you can live view or "remote view" over the internet. These cameras take a little more set up, and usually require a broadband internet connection to stream live.
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Battery Powered or AC Powered. The next step is to decide whether you want a battery powered camera or a hardwired/AC powered hidden camera. There are benefits to each type of camera, and the type of situation you wish to use your camera in will usually dictate which to get.
For example, battery powered hidden cameras are portable, and can be placed almost anywhere, since they don't need to be plugged into a wall outlet. The one consideration to take into account is how long the battery will last. Some will last only a few hours, while some can last a full year.
With AC powered hidden cameras you never have to worry about battery life concerns, but you are more restricted on where they can be placed. For example, if you need to monitor something outdoors, or in a vehicle, or just somewhere without an AC outlet nearby, an AC powered camera might not be the best choice.
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Macintosh Compatible? Macintosh users are probably used to running into issues with certain products and software being designed for PC computers only, and hidden cameras are no different. Luckily, the vast majority of hidden cameras are now Mac compatible. This is because videos are recorded to universal AVI or MPEG formats that can be played on any computer - Windows PC, Mac, or even Linux.
However there are some cameras that only work with Windows-based computers. The most common type are internet-streaming hidden cameras. This is due to the fact that many "live view" cameras need to have a software program running to enable streaming over your wireless network. So be sure to check the compatibility before you purchase a hidden camera to ensure it is compatible if you have a Mac.
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Still can't decide? Contact one of our product experts. We understand that most people aren't very familiar with hidden cameras and nanny cams, which is why we're here to help! This guide is only a start, so if you are still a little confused, or just want to get some expert advice before deciding on a camera, give one of our product experts a call. We also offer online chat and email support, and will be glad to answer any questions you have, and help you pick out the perfect camera to suit your needs.
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Last Updated: March 28, 2014
