Swann HD PenCam 720p Camera Preview

Aside from video displays and televisions, we like to check out some other video gadgets. The Swann HD PenCam Mini 720p Video Camera & Recorder is a ballpoint pen that's like a real-life high-tech spying device. You can capture video and images with the push of a button. It's like walking around with an executive-quality black ballpoint pen that secretly houses a pinhole video camera. It's called a pinhole camera that's so small you almost can't see it. The HD PenCam shoots AVI video files at 720p (1280 x 720) resolution or JPEG still images at 1600 x 1200. The HD PenCam's memory card slot holds a swappable MicroSD card (not included), up to 16GB.

Unscrew the top of the pen and you'll see a USB plug that connects to your computer. You can also, of course, use the HD PenCam as an everyday USB thumb drive, but the real power of the USB plug is to allow you to recharge the pen's lithium-ion battery for up to 45 minutes of operating time before needing recharging again.

The HD PenCam is fully compatible with Windows XP, Vista and 7 and Mac OS X and once recorded, files can be played back on all the popular video playing software formats including Windows Media Player, Quick Time, Real Player, VLC, WinDVD and PowerDVD. Swann is pitching the HD PenCam 720p Mini Video Camera & Recorder for sales people, lawyers, law enforcement, mystery shoppers, covert surveillance, family get-togethers, parties, spy games, home movie making, internet fun and more. It's like endorsed voyeurism, and it's kind of creepy to think that thousands of people could be walking around recording everything you do. Of course, with the invention of Google Glass, who knows if this simply isn't the future of privacy—or the lack of it. The retail pack includes 3 black ballpoint ink refills and everything you need to get started at the push of a button.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.