Stewie Mac

I want to do some discreet filming of conversations, street scenes, etc, and am thinking about getting a baseball cap with a pinhole camera for video/stills.

There are literally hundreds out there, ranging from $50-$500... can anyone share any experience/opinions as to which to go for?

I don't need or expect massively high quality, and therefore am not that worried about memory (most use micro-SD anyway); however, I'd ideally like a replacable battery so I can take a spare with me, as I would likely be out all day with no opportunity to recharge. Also, some mechanic to discreetly start/stop filming would be very useful. I don't need a screen to review footage, I'd be videoing people as I talk to them, for review much later.

Anyone?

cblaisd

My first stop would be an attorney to find out exactly what the legalities are where you are and your intentions in such recording.

gfunkdave

UK probably has different laws on the expectation of privacy than the US, so I'd echo the "get legal advice" advice.

That said, I didn't know this was a thing!

Often1

Remember, not just an attorney in the UK where you happen to live, but an attorney licensed in each location where you intend to secretly record audio and video.

LAXlocal

every tourist in the world now seems to have a knock-off Go Pro or a selfie stick ,

I think the real problem is hiding the camera , and some places could get you beaten up !

Doc Savage

"Talk into the hat, please!"

Stewie Mac

Guys,

I'd be recording on the street, in public places, where there is no 'expectation of privacy'. In addition, I'm going to very non-lawyered-up places.

The 'not getting beaten up' bit is more relevant here - the people do/may have cultural hesitation in being filmed, so just trying to get natural reactions, and I'll take my chances on the getting beaten up.

So please - no comments on legality/morality, just insight into the technology.

Thanks

trooper

Does that sound really sleazy to anyone else?

(I know you demanded no comments on morality, but you aren't going to ask folks if you can film them so...it seemed fair to ignore that...)

Moderator2

Let's not venture into Bad Omni territory. It would be reasonable to discuss the legalities of this type of filming, but try not to stray into ethical or moral considerations.

The OP is a longtime respected FT member. Why don't we just assume he'll make the appropriate decisions after gaining info on the hardware and legalities.

Thanks

Need

Do they have spyshops in UK? Nannycam shops? There are so many options.. pen, watch, coat button, glasses, neck tie, etc...

If you just want to film people on the street.. just use smartphone.. they will just think you are catching pokeman to taking a selfie.

Stewie Mac

Yes, there are spy shops in the UK, but not any anywhere near where I am, and I won't be going near any. Therefore this is going to be an online purchase.

I will be filming in the street/in markets... more like 'secret shopping' than anything sleazy, but in a very informal atmosphere where a tie/briefcase would be exceptionally out of place. I found some nifty looking glasses cams, but I already wear prescription lenses and don't have time/resource to swap prescription lenses into spycam glasses -> so baseball cap seems like the best choice.

I have used phone in the past, but honestly it's not possible to film people's natural reaction as you speak to them while holding your phone up at them.

Anyone?

PS longtime okay, but respected? are you sure?

Silver Fox

Normally when I am undecided I just go to Amazon, search, pick the spy cam hat with the highest rated feedback that is sold/fulfilled by Amazon (not a seller on Amazon), buy it, test it, send it back if no good.

Stewie Mac

In the absence of any FT opinions, I have gone with this option. Won't have time to send it back if no good, sadly, but thanks for the input, Silver Fox.

I know that no-one (else) on FT would ever consider using such a device () so I won't bother posting back with my experiences.

msm2000uk

Possibly too late, but my cousin owns a well-known 'Spy' store in London which probably sells these things - I'd need to message him and ask.

Did you find one, or should I ask him his advice?

M

BobbySteel

Is that the posh one just north of Selfridges? I walk by that all the time and it looks super cool