Want a discreet way to film when having a conversation or attending an event?
Glasses that record could be the solution and are becoming a very popular way to film discreetly in public.
Eyeglasses cameras can be used for capturing live events, recording travel, or at work, offering a hands-free, convenient way to record on the move without having to hold a camera.
We’ll break down exactly how these eyeglass cameras work, the main features, who should use them, and more in our ultimate recording glasses guide below.
What Are Eyeglass Cameras?
Eyeglass cameras look exactly like real glasses, with a tiny camera attached that can discreetly record images, video, and sometimes audio while you’re wearing them. Most of the time, you’ll find the small camera in the bridge of the frame.
These glasses that record provide excellent POV footage, ideal for when you want to document real-life situations without having to get your camera out or reveal to people that you are recording.
Over the last few years, recording glasses have grown in popularity since they offer a way to record easily, making them great for social media clips or documentaries. You’ll see them worn a lot by travel creators, professionals like law enforcement, or vloggers.
Newer glasses that record have developed and now offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity so you can transfer footage straight to your phone in seconds.
Main Features Of Recording Glasses
Recording glasses are still being developed, but for now, you can still get some great models or even install your tiny camera onto your glasses (we’ll discuss this in more detail later).
Here’s what to look for when buying your recording glasses.
Resolution
There are models ranging from 720p all the way up to 1080p and even 4K, depending on your budget. High-quality footage is key if making travel videos for example.
Camera placement
Most cameras will be placed on the bridge of glasses for a real POV looking footage. However, you can find models where they are placed on the corners of the frames instead. Make sure the field of view is wide enough. Our tiny camera has a wide-angle view of 70 degrees.
Storage
Having enough storage is key for recording glasses so you can continuously record without interruptions, which is also essential if you plan to record in high resolution. Most cameras support 64 GB up to 256 GB. Some can also be expanded all the way up to 512 GB, like our wireless model.
Battery
For continuous recording, your camera glasses must have enough battery life. They will have various running times according to the size of the battery, with most offering upgradable versions for longer recording, or removable batteries you can switch out.
Design
Most recording glasses have tiny cameras that are undetectable, but the design of the glasses themselves is also important. You want to feel comfortable wearing them, and they should look like normal glasses; some even support prescription lenses. Consider the weight of the frames if you will be wearing them for long periods or tinted lenses when wearing them outside in the sun.
Audio
Having audio is important when documenting events such as interviews or meetings. The microphone should be high-quality. Audio recording isn’t always legal in public; therefore, check before recording.
Connectivity
Recording glasses offer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection as well as USB; some models may even sync with the cloud. Choosing a tiny camera with app control is useful for viewing your footage and uploading it from your phone, ideal for content creators.
Usage
Ensure the recording glasses are weather-resistant and easy to start with a simple button. Some glasses will have a light to show whether or not they are recording.
The Pros and Cons Of Glasses That Record
Pros
- Hands-free recording allows you to stay in the moment without having to worry about holding a camera.
- Discreet design allows you to record your environment without people noticing.
- Easy to use.
- It can be used for a variety of purposes, whether for professional or personal use.
- Good for POV social media footage.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Battery life can be an issue when continuously recording.
- Legal restrictions, especially when using recording glasses with audio in public.
- It can be expensive.
- The audio quality isn’t the best due to the compressed size.
Are Camera Glasses Legal?
Before wearing and recording with your eyeglass camera, you must check if it’s legal where you are to record in public without people knowing.
Most of the time, recording in public places is fine, whether you’re using a spy camera in your glasses or not. Recording video inside homes or bathrooms where privacy is expected is illegal, however.
Using recording glasses with audio is more complicated. For example, in Germany, the BDSG (Federal Data Protection Act) has strict rules about recording people without consent, especially with audio.
How To Make DIY Camera Glasses
If you want to use an eyeglass camera for a special occasion, it might not be worth buying an expensive pair of camera glasses when you could buy a separate tiny camera and attach it to your glasses.
All you need is a tiny camera like this one, a good battery life, enough memory, glasses, and some thin wires.
- Carve a hole into the frame bridge, secure the lens, and glue the camera body on the inside of the frame.
- Solder the battery to the camera, then route the wires around the glasses’ arms with some black tape to keep it discreet.
- Test and record, and cover any obvious parts with paint or more black tape.
Get Recording Glasses With Tikva-Tech
Whether you want button cameras, spy cameras disguised as tree stumps, or a tiny camera to make recording glasses with, Tikva-Tech is a leading supplier of tiny cameras in the UK for professional and personal usage.
Our spy cameras have the highest quality builds with app connectivity to remotely view footage, wired and wireless options, and 4G/Wi-Fi connectivity.
Find our range of high-quality tiny cams here to add to your glasses.