Spy cameras – nothing new here, right? Hidden cameras have been around for years and have slowly made it from the upper echelons of the security services down to ordinary consumers like you and me. Here we’re going to feature some of the various types of cameras that are available right now.

Kicking off our list is the calculator spycam. Just imagine a standard desktop calculator with a small embedded video camera. It also works as a desktop calculator making the disguise complete. Look for a camera that records at least 25 FPS (frames per second) at 320×240. These will be able to record in multiple audio, video and photo formats including MP3, AVI, and MPEG4.

Next up are spy camera watches. These wristwatches look like those straight out of a James Bond movie. Expensive looking, with the camera lens embedded in the face of the watch. In one example, the lens is deftly hidden in the numbering. Due to the smaller size, the video quality isn’t quite as nice as in a larger device. It is still remarkable for something you can get for under $200.

Another very spy movie-like device is spy camera sunglasses. These should take both video and photos. Look for a model that can shoot at least with a 1.3 Megapixel resolution. You should be able to pick up a set for under $200.

Now let’s say you need to get some air to ground shots. Then get a spycam plane! This is perfect for reconnaissance. Most people wouldn’t even stop to think that a remote controlled plane could take photos or record video.

There are also your typical remote controlled vehicles (cars, trucks, 4×4s, etc.). Some will even instantly transmit video wirelessly to a headset or other screen.

Perhaps you have children and have babysitters or nannies take care of your kids periodically. Then you may want something more appropriate that would blend into a kid’s bedroom or perhaps the living room. In this case, there are toys (like teddy bears!) that have embedded cameras, some of which can be hooked up to your home computer network and that can transmit real-time. You can then view that from any computer with a Web browser.

For more specific examples of products with embedded spycams, take a look at this popular electronics gadget blog.