Kicking off our list is the calculator spycam. It’s a desktop calculator with a very small video camera embedded in its side. It also functions as a desktop calculator making the illusion complete. Expect to get at least 25 frames per second at a 320×240 resolution. Also look for multiple video and photo recording formats, such as AVI, MPEG4, and MP3.

Of course, we had to include a spy camera watch. These wrist watches have been inspired by spy movies like James Bond. They typically look like pricey analog watches and have the camera lens hidden in the face. In one example, the lens is expertly hidden in the numbering. While the video quality may not be as nice as in a larger spycam, it is amazing what you can get for less than $200.

No roundup of spycams would be complete without a pair of spy camera sunglasses. These should take both video and photos. You should be able to find a pair that takes at least 1.3 Megapixel shots. For under $200, you can turn into a secret agent fast.

Now let’s say you need to get some air to ground shots. Then get a spycam plane! This is perfect for reconnaissance. Most people wouldn’t even stop to think that a remote controlled plane could take photos or record video.

If you would rather keep things on terra firma, then there are lots of options for RC cars and trucks with cameras. You could even attach your own camera to an RC toy. Some will even instantly transmit video wirelessly to a headset or other screen.

Perhaps you have children and have babysitters or nannies take care of your children periodically. A desktop calculator may not cut it as it won’t fit in in a child’s bedroom or the living room. In this case, there are toys (teddy bears for example!) that have embedded cameras, some of which can be hooked up to your home computer network and that can transmit real-time. You can then view that from any computer with a Web browser.

For more specific examples of gadgets with embedded spycams, take a look at this popular electronics reviews blog.