How to Build a Spy Cam With a Regular Camera

You don't have to be James Bond to have a spy camera anymore. It's now possible to engage in secret surveillance without a lot of expensive equipment. Spy cams can offer an added sense of security, provide an opportunity to keep private records, or just be a source of insidious entertainment.

Things You'll Need

• Web camera or similar small digital camera with USB cable
• Screwdriver
• Hoodie (hooded sweatshirt)
• Laptop computer
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Unscrew the casing that surrounds the camera's lens and circuit board.

2. Take the lens and circuit board out of the casing and set the casing aside.

3. Cut a small hole in one of the hoodie's front pockets for the camera lens to peer through. The smaller the hole the better, since the point is to make it as inconspicuous as possible.

4. Cut a small slit in the back of the hoodie's front pocket for the camera's USB cable to slip through.

5. Position the camera inside the hoodie pocket so that the circuit board is concealed in the pocket and the lens peers through the hole in the front.

6. String the camera's USB cable through the slit you created in the back of the hoodie's pocket.

7. Connect the camera's USB cable to your laptop.

8. Turn your laptop on and start your video recording software.

9. Make sure the camera is recording.

10. Close the laptop and place it in a book bag or laptop case. The camera's USB cable should still be connected and the laptop should remain on.

11. Put the hoodie on and travel wherever you want with your laptop by your side. Whatever the lens in your pocket sees will now be recorded onto your laptop.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to be extremely covert, consider buying a wireless Web cam for this project.

• Many states prohibit the recording of individuals without their consent.