Wouldn’t you feel fantastic if your writing pen worked as a camera, audio, and video recorder simultaneously? Undoubtedly, it is not impossible in this modern era. Spy pen cameras can fulfill several requirements. For instance, students can record their class lectures while taking notes with their camera pens. It gives the students a great benefit.
On the other hand, the pen spy camera is the best option for employers since it helps them record the meetings as a backup set. Above all, a spy pen camera is an inevitable tool for criminal investigations.
However, if you want to buy a pen spy camera for the above purposes, you should look for some features to choose the right one. To begin with, the most crucial function of spy pen cameras is a good quality camera: make sure that the camera pen you choose has a 1080p camera.
To help you with this, we researched the features of those pens and their reviews. As a result, we found some features that you should look for while buying camera pens. For instance, you have to choose those camera pens that are easy to use.
Based on the research and global reviews, we choose CABLE4U Pen Spy Camera as the best camera pen. This mini hidden spy pen camera serves you with 1080p HD videos and photos. It is designed with a simple setting. So, you can use it without any trouble.
Our Favorite Best Camera Pen
How Does Camera Pen Work?
A spy camera pen provides a hidden mini camera that allows you to record videos and audio and take photos. A mini spy pen camera does not look different from an ordinary pen. But some unique features make it special from regular pens. Now, we will show you how it works:
Camera and Button
A mini camera is set into the well-hidden pen. You can start and stop recording the video with one click. Moreover, different camera pens come with various resolutions. But the higher resolution makes the camera work better. Usually, some buttons work for several purposes. However, many camera pens come up with one single button.
Memory Card
Some spy pen cameras have fixed memory cards. On the other hand, some others have slots to put the memory. A camera pen cannot do its job without a memory card. All of your recordings get saved in memory. You can also insert the memory on your laptop, computer, and phone to check the recordings. Besides this, you can delete the files after saving them on your laptop for reusing the memory card.
Rechargeable Battery
Another significant quality of the camera pen is built with a rechargeable battery. Typically, a pen camera lasts for a maximum of 2 hours. Then you need to charge the pen camera occasionally to keep it running. Some camera pens have a fast charging feature.
Top 7 Best Pen Camera Reviews- 2022
1. SIR GAWAIN Camera Pen
SIR GAWAIN camera pen comes up with a 1080p full HD spy camera. It has a 90 angle recording system with a maximum of 70 minutes of recording time. We choose this camera pen because it has a fast-charging method. This camera pen is also writable. So in your class or meeting, you can write down notes and record everything simultaneously.
Key Features:
Spy Recording Pen with HD quality: SIR GAWAIN Pen Camera has one mini 1080p camera, which allows you to capture pictures and record videos with full HD quality. The spy camera will let you make an explicit shoot like in real life.
Wireless Design: This pen has a wireless hidden mini camera system. So the pen easily fits into your shirt pocket. Besides, you can also attach it to a book or desk.
Fast charging Battery: This pen camera has been designed with a lithium-ion battery which can last a maximum of 70 minutes. But the battery contains a fast-charging system. So, you do not have to wait for long to charge your pen when you run out of battery charge.
Compatibility: The SIR GAWAINmini spy pen camera provides a USB plug. You can connect this USB cable with any device like a laptop or computer and transfer the recording from the pen camera to that device.
Writable Pen: Although it is a mini camera pen, it can write like a regular pen. So, you can easily use it to write your journals in notebooks.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: SIR GAWAIN
- ASIN: B0842TKJ99
- Item model number: P7i
- Item Weight: 1.16 ounces
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Polymer battery required
Pros:
- Able to capture HD 1080p quality pictures and videos
- Fast charging battery
- Battery ability is utmost 70 minutes
- Compatible with PC and MAC
- Writable pen
- Easy to use with one button
Cons:
- Not as thin as a regular pen
2. CABLE4U W8 Spy Camera Pen
CABLE4U is a mini hidden pen camera with one button function. It is the best pen camera with 1080P camera quality, perfect for business meetings.
We consider CABLE4U the best camera pen because of its excellent HD video quality with a 32GB memory card. The pen’s body is formed with a rubber grip which is easy to hold. In addition, the one-button operation makes it easier to use.
Features:
Easy to use and carry: This ink pen spy camera has a one-button system. When you click the button, it starts recording the video. When you want to stop the recording, click the button for a second time. As it is a mini spy pen camera, you carry it everywhere.
High-quality video: The CABLE4U spy pen comes up with 1080P HD video. It can create a life-like color video. However, if you want to take a picture, double-click the button.
Long-lasting battery charge: You have to charge your camera pen when it is out of charge. But the good news is that you do not have to charge your camera pen now and then because this spy pen camera can run for a maximum of 150 minutes!
Portable pocket pen: The hidden portable camera pen is small enough to fit in your pocket or to set on anywhere. Besides this, you can also keep it in a pen holder on your office desk to record something important.
Specifications:
- Brand: CABLE4U
- ASIN: B09PR7GZZX
- Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
Pros:
- 1080P HD Camera for pictures and video recording
- 32GB SD card
- One button function is easy to use
- Easy to carry anywhere for the portable hidden camera function
Cons:
- Pictures are not good in less light
3. INSPIRATEK HD Camera Pen
The INSPIRATEK HD camera pen is a mini spy camera with 1080P quality with HD recording. This hidden camera pen has a micro camera for spy gear and comes up with a 32GB memory card.
We added this video record pen to our list because it is usable indoors and outdoors. Besides, the miniature camera is designed with only one button, making everything easier.
Features:
HD video quality: INSPIRATEK provides a 1080P high-resolution camera. It helps you to take clear pictures and record high-quality videos. However, the only thing you may find annoying is restrictions on video sound via AMAZON policy.
Simple setup: This camera pen has only one button to turn on and off the camera. Meanwhile, it takes only a few minutes to set up the functions.
A unique camera pen: Rather than other spy camera pens, the INSPIRATEK HD camera pen does not have any additional materials. But the camera pen consists of 5 ink Refills and a 32GB SD card.
Fit in everywhere: The single-body structure of this camera pen is perfect in size. Because of this, you can carry it easily and even use it as a body camera.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: INSPIRATEK
- ASIN: B07 DJ SW1
- Item Weight: 2.08 ounces
- Batteries: 1 Lithium-ion battery required
Pros:
- 1080P high-resolution camera
- Portable hidden spy camera
- Easy to set up and use
- For indoor and outdoor use
Cons:
- Audio restriction on AMAZON policy
4. BILYARA Camera Pen
BILYARA camera pen is a mini hidden pen with an HD quality video camera. You can use it for office meetings, class lecture recording, and personal purposes. This video record pen has a gear body portable pocket camera with a 32GB memory card.
The camera contains only one button, which is easy to use. It also has a USB cable which enables the recording files to be accessed on PC and MAC.
Features:
Single-button operation: This video record pen has one single button, which works for multi-purposes. You have to press the button to start the record and press again to stop it.
1080P camera pen: The HD 1080P camera comes with a small lens slide. It allows you to capture a high-quality camera and record videos.
Miniature portable camera: The BILYARA camera pen is designed with a mini portable hidden camera. Because of this, it is pocket-friendly and carriageable to everywhere.
Including materials: The camera pen set includes-
- One camera pen
- Five ink refills
- One card reader
- One USB cable.
Specifications:
- ASIN: B09JND84GN
- Manufacturer: BILYARA
- Item Weight: 3.2 ounces (90.72 grams)
Pros:
- High-resolution video recorder
- Portable hidden camera
- Compatible with Mac and Windows
- Simple setup
Cons:
- The battery is not long-lasting
5. MIYORY INDI Camera Pen
MIYORY INDI camera pen contains a portable mini camera with a 1080p HD video recorder. The battery life is a maximum of 150 minutes which we found incredible.
In addition, this camera pen has a 32GB memory card. You can easily use it to take pictures or record anything important.
Features:
Perfect as a spy pen: The portable camera system makes it a perfect spy camera pen. Just because the camera is hidden, you can carry it in your pocket or set it on your desk to record important stuff.
High-quality battery: The battery comes up with 350mAh power. In addition, the battery can last for 150 minutes.
No shutter sound: The unique feature of the MIYORY INDI camera pen is no shutter sound. So you need not worry about the sound while taking pictures.
Mini spy camera with video and audio: This regular-looking pen does a fantastic job. It records video and audio with its high resolution, an ideal solution for your daily life.
Specifications:
- Item Weight: 2.89 ounces
- Manufacturer: MIYORI Indi
- ASIN: B08NZZX744
- Batteries: 1 A battery is required
Pros:
- 1080P video recorder
- Maximum 150 minutes of battery life
- Shutter soundproof
- Portable mini hidden camera
- Including 32GB SD card and 1 USB cable
Cons:
- The English instructions are not well written
6. LTMADE HD1296P Spy Camera Pen
LTMADE spy camera pen is one of the 7 top listed camera pens because of its excellent 2K video resolution. It also has additional HD 720P and 1080P modes.
The LTMADE spy camera pen came up with some unique configurations. To begin with, it displays the time and date of recording videos. Besides, you can also remove the clips if you feel unnecessary.
Features:
2K video resolution: This camera pen includes a 2K video resolution camera. However, you can convert it into 1080P and 720P modes too. If you want a high-quality video camera pen, then the LTMADE HD pen camera can be the best option for you.
Single-button: The spy camera consists of only one button; it makes it easy to use at any time.
Removable clips: One advantage of this pen camera is its removable clips. When you turn up the clip, the lens gets hidden.
Other items in the package: Some additional items are –
- Two ink refills.
- 2 USB cables
- One pin
- One manual for user
- 1 AC Adapter
Specifications:
- Photo resolution: JPG 4352×3264
- Video resolution: 1296P, 1080P, 720P
- Pixel: 5.0 megapixel
- Memory: build-in 32GB
- Battery lasting time: 60 minutes continuous
- Video format: H.264 advanced version
- Audio format: PCM
- USB interface: 2.0
- View angle: 65°
- Charging voltage: (500MA）DC-5V
Pros:
- Camera with 2k video resolution
- One button operation
- Removable clips
- Perfect for outdoor use
Cons:
- The memory card and battery are not replaceable
7. PEACHTRON Spy Camera Pen
PEACHTRON Spy Camera pen includes a mini portable hidden camera with a unique lens slide. This pen camera provides 1080P HD quality pictures and video recordings.
This ink pen spy camera works with one button. Not only that, but it also includes a 64GB memory card.
Features:
Writing pen with a hidden camera: The camera is made with a miniature form. So, people cannot quickly notice that your regular pen can also record everything with its high-resolution video recorder.
Easy to use: The single clip operation makes this pen camera easy to use. Besides, the rubber clip also builds up a comfortable grip.
64GB SD card: The main advantage of this camera pen is that it provides a 64GB memory card. Because of this, you can record and put a large section of a file on the SD card.
Fit for every recording: Because of its portable camera system, this spy pen is suitable for any place. So, you can use it in meetings, classes, or any outdoor activities.
Specifications:
- Item Weight: 1.15 pounds
- Manufacturer: PEACHTRON
- ASIN: B09H67HXYD
- Batteries: 2 Lithium Polymer batteries required
Pros:
- Portable mini hidden camera
- 64GB micro memory card
- One action button
- Comfortable rubber grip.
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Capture is not good in dark places.
Buying Guide for Best Camera Pen
Buying a spy pen is nothing complicated today. However, it is not easy to choose the best camera pen for you when you see a lot of options. It may vary based on people’s needs. For instance, someone needs high-quality audio to record class lectures or office meetings. On the other hand, some people need HD quality video for spying and taking clear pictures.
In this guideline, we will try to show you some general features that you need to notice while buying a spy camera –
Video Recording Quality
Whether you spy on someone or operate a criminal investigation, you need a high-quality spy camera so that it can make clear pictures and record videos. For this purpose, your spy camera pen has to be high resolution, at least 1080P or 720P video camera. You can also easily find a 2K or even 4K resolution spy camera pen, although it is a little bit expensive.
Audio Recording Quality
Suppose you are a student and need to record class lectures. Or, you are the manager of an office and want to record the meeting as a backup and monitor the office employees. Then, a good quality audio recorder is inevitable for you. After that, you have to make sure that the spy pen has good audio recording quality. We give you a heads up because there are audio restrictions in many spy pen cameras, i.e., INSPIRATEK HD camera pen.
Memory Card with Enough Storage
Every spy pen camera includes either built-in or micro SD cards. You can choose anything easy going for you. But make sure that the memory card has enough storage. The bigger the space, the more files you can input on your pen camera.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is one of the essential features of a spy camera pen. Usually, a spy pen camera’s average battery life duration is between 60 and 150 minutes. You have to be concerned about it so that the battery duration of a spy pen is not less than 60 minutes. The fast-charging spy pen is better than other spy pens.
Transfer System
In most cases, the spy pen cameras provide a USB cable. Not only can you charge your pen with this cable, but you can also transfer the recordings and other files to PC and Mac. So, it costs you less effort. Therefore, you can choose a spy camera pen that provides you with a USB cable.
How to Use a Spy Pen
The spy pen camera is an exciting instrument for investigation and other personal purposes. Since it is a mini portable hidden camera, its functions are complex. But, it is not difficult to use a spy pen. Usually, every spy camera pen comes with a user manual. You can follow the instructions to use it. Or, if you do not understand their instructions, this guideline is for you.
Step 1: Charge and Recharge your Camera Pen
The first and most important thing you have to do is charge your pen camera. Before getting started, you have to charge your pen for at least 4 hours for the first time. Then, your camera pen is ready to serve.
- Insert one side of the USB cable into your camera pen’s USB port and another side into the computer USB port.
- Disconnect the cable with your camera pen and PC when the charge is complete.
- You have to recharge your pen camera whenever needed.
- The fast-charging battery system takes only 10-15 minutes to charge the camera.
Step 2: Setting Up the Memory Card
Without a memory card, you cannot record anything on your spy camera pen. Some pen cameras have a built-in memory card. But some other camera pens provide micro SD cards, which you have to insert into your pen.
- Insert the memory card gently into your camera pen slot.
- Ensure that the micro SD card is completely set into the slot; otherwise, it will not process the data you record.
Step 3: Power On the Spy Pen
Nowadays, most camera pens have a single-button operation. So, the process is much more accessible.
- Press the clip and hold it for 2/3 seconds.
- When the indicator shows green or blue light, that means you turn on the pen camera.
Step 4: Start and Stop Recording
Recording video and audio with a mini spy camera pen is much easier than you think. The only thing you have to do is click the button again after turning on the pen camera. The video recording will eventually start. On the other hand, when you want to stop the recording, press the button one more time.
Step 5: Taking Pictures
After turning on the camera power, double click the single button to take a photo.
Step 6: Transferring the Recordings and Erasing its Files from the SD Card
To view the recordings and photos, you must transfer them to your PC or Mac. Most of the pen cameras have a USB cable.
- Connect the USB cable with your laptop and spy pen.
- When you see the SD card icon, double-click it to open the device.
- Download the files on the laptop device.
- Then you can see the recordings on the screen.
- Click the SD card folder files and then click the delete key on the PC keyboard to clear your SD card.
How to Operate a Spy Pen Camera
Using a spy pen is not enough. You have to keep some knowledge about how to operate your spy pen. There are some instructions below for you –
Video and Audio Recording Quality
Set the video on a high resolution to ensure clear sound and vision recording. Make sure you set your high camera resolution (at least 1080P) to get a sound-quality video recording. Usually, a spy pen is designed with more than one resolution system option.
Battery
Almost all the spy camera pens come up with built-in batteries. If you want to make your spy pen long-lasting, you certainly have to take care of the battery. For this purpose, charge the battery for at least 4 hours right after purchasing the spy pen.
USB Cable and SD Card
Without a memory card, you cannot record something or take pictures on your camera pen. But you also need to clear the SD card by deleting the files to save the new recordings. If it is a built-in memory, then transfer the recordings into your computer with the USB cable,
Keep the Camera Pen Safe
Although the mini spy camera pen looks uncommon, it is a susceptible device. So, you have to be extra with that. Please do not drop it or allow the water to get into the device; otherwise, it can be damaged.
FAQs:
How Long Can a Spy Pen Record?
Typically, a spy pen camera can record the average operation mood for 60 minutes to 150 minutes. So, the time is enough for you to record any meeting or conversation. But, the spy pen may reduce 30 to 50 minutes at night because of the low light.
Do Spy Cameras Need WiFi?
In most cases, the security cameras use WiFi. But that does not mean that your security camera does not work without WiFi. For instance, you can use your spy pen camera without a WiFi connection. However, people always prefer WiFi for their spy cameras.
Can Hidden Cameras Work in the Dark?
Some hidden spy cameras can work in the dark. Those spy cameras use an invisible IR night vision function that brightens the dark place. In this way, a night vision spy camera can record video in the dark.
How Can I Fix My Spy Camera Pen?
If the spy pen doesn’t work for a while, you can try some options to fix it. Most of the time, the spy pen gets fixed after reset. Connect the USB cable directly with your computer’s USB port if it does not work because the USB hub gets out of power sometimes. Besides this, you can take the camera pen into video mode. Finally, you can delete and reformat your spy camera pen to fix it as the last attempt.
How Long Does a Pen Camera Last?
On average, a spy pen camera lasts for at least 1 hour. However, a high-quality pen camera can even last for 3 hours. On the other hand, the pen camera may not work for that long in night vision. But it is applicable for full-light recording.
How Do Spy Cameras Get Power?
The spy cameras get the power in two ways: either battery charging or a wireless transmitter. Some spy cameras come with a battery. So, you have to charge the battery with an adapter or cable to get power. On the other hand, you can place a wireless transmitter in your office or home. The camera will get the power as long as it is within the transmitter’s range.
Conclusion
A pen spy camera is getting popular daily because of its availability and unique portable camera feature. In a few years, you could not imagine having a video record pen. Hopefully, this article will help you find the best camera pen according to your basic requirements.
However, it is now not impossible to get this fantastic tool through gadgets and online shops. Although the structure is a little complicated, using the pen is not tricky. But you have to be aware of how you should take care of your spy pen for long-term use.