Spy cams, those cool tools we used to love so much in The Avengers and other great shows, have come into the mainstream, and you can buy hidden cameras now that look like almost anything but a camera. What’s the appeal? Quite simply, spy cams are cool, and people find them useful for a lot of purposes, including:

1. Inventory control. Set up a camera in your warehouse, disguised as an emergency light, or in your office, as a computer speaker.
2. Catching goof-offs in the office. Computer speaker spy cameras and clock cameras are great for documenting what your employees are really doing on your time.
3. Getting evidence on a cheating spouse. The potted plant spy cam is a great way to keep an eye on your spouse and get evidence of infidelity.
4. Keeping an eye on your kids when you’re not around. Do you know what your kids are doing when you’re not around and they’re “watching a movie?” Set up a DVD spy cam or a mantle cam and find out.
5. Recording meetings. Make sure you’re clear on what’s been said and agreed to, with a pen cam in your pocket.
6. Catching intruders with a motion detector camera. Set up a security camera and protect your home.
7. Keeping tabs on your babysitter and kids. Nanny cams are the most popular spy cam around; who doesn’t want to protect their children?
8. Catching employees leaving work early. You should get what you pay for. Get an EXIT sign spy cam, and find out who’s exiting before the end of the shift.
9. Nabbing shoplifters in your store. Put a “WE ID” sign on your counter with a spy cam hidden inside, and catch people making off with your merchandise.
10. Record your roommate mooching or stealing. If you suspect your roommate is appropriating your money or possessions, or eating your food, put in a spy cam and find out.

However you use your spy cams, you’ll find that once you have one, you continue finding new uses for it. Spy cams are fun, as well as useful.