It used to be that spy cams were the stuff of spy novels. Even now, though, the small camera with its fish-eye lens and compact transmitter is looked upon as more of a novelty gadget than a functional tool for everyday usage.
The influx of cheap imports from China made it possible for spy cameras to be available today in all shapes and sizes on the market. Before, only the people who are working for Q and the Central Intelligence Agency could use this device, but now everybody can use it. There are now spy cameras embedded in silver pens, key chains, eyeglass or sunglass frames, neckties, and even “harmless” items like teddy bears and fake cereal boxes. Unfortunately, not many people find a use for such items, apart from corporate espionage or confirming a spouse’s infidelity. For most people, it seems to be a case if inventing a need for a product without one: “Hey, this seems like a nifty toy. I’m sure I’ll find a use for it.”
Vehicle Backup Cameras
It’s commonly used by corporate people to spy on competitors or by married couples to confirm if a spouse is cheating or not. Aside from those, it doesn’t have much any practical use. Most people still haven’t got any idea to use this “nifty toy.”
Video Cameras: More Than a Spy Contraption
Clarion CC4001U Rear Vision Camera Review

Clarion CC4001U Rear Vision Camera Feature
- Compact, color rear-view camera with CMOS sensor technology
- 130 degree horizontal and 98.8 degree vertical viewing angles
- Sealed unit construction with UV-resistant materials and finishes
- Automatic gain control and white balance
- Tilt and swivel mount included
- Compact Automotive Color Camera. CMOS Sensor Technology. Tilt and Swivel Mount Included.
- Compact Connector. Sealed Unit Construction.
- 2.5 Meters (8-feet) Camera Pigtail.7 Meters (23-feet) RCA and Power Connnections.
Clarion CC4001U Rear Vision Camera Overview
rear vision camera
Clarion CC4001U Rear Vision Camera Specifications
Keep an eye on what’s behind your vehicle with this color CMOS rear vision camera from Clarion. Complete with mirror image view, auto gain and white balance, and a 130 degree wide viewing angle, it’s an affordable and self-contained backup camera solution.
Keep an eye on what’s behind your vehicle with this color CMOS rear vision camera from Clarion. Click here for a larger image
Get a clear view of what’s behind your vehicle on compatible head units.
A tilt/swivel mount is included, or you can use Clarion’s CAU001 license plate mounting kit, pictured above.
CMOS Sensor Technology
The CC4001U uses CMOS sensor technology for quality imaging at a cheaper price point than other sensor technologies.
Wide Viewing Angle
Get a clear view with a 130 degree horizontal and 98.8 vertical viewing angle, allowing you to effectively avoid obstacles behind you.
Mirror Image View
If your head unit/monitor does not feature a mirror image (aka reverse image–to duplicate the view you would get in your rear-view mirror) you’ll still be set with the CC4001U.
Auto Gain Control (AGC) and White Balance
This camera features Auto Gain Control, which automatically adjusts gain according to the brightness outside, avoiding glare and getting you a better image when it’s less bright outside. Auto White Balance ensures you also get accurate colors.
Self-Contained Construction
The CC4001U boasts a compact, one-housing, sealed-unit construction, built with UV-resistant materials and finishes. There is no need for an external power supply box. A 2.5 meter (8-foot) camera pigtail and 7-meter (23-foot) RCA and power connectors are provided.
Mount Included
A standard tilt and swivel mount is included, or you can add Clarion’s rugged CAU001 license plate camera mounting kit.
What’s in the Box
Clarion CC4001U Rear Vision Camera, Camera Pigtail Cable, RCA/Power Connectors, Tilt/Swivel Mount, Documentation
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 03, 2012 11:00:19
Here are just some of the ways you can make use of the tiny cameras out on the market today.
Athletics
This application alone can take an entire article all its own.
There are many ways to record your performance either from different point of views. The so-called “sports cameras” can be used to record activities for sporting events which require a helmet like skateboarding, free-boarding and cycling. They can be also used in combat sports like airsoft and paintball. These tiny cameras can provide viewers an action-packed replay of the game, which might even look like they’re footage is taken from an actual battlefield.
Cameras for sports applications are generally tougher than the fragile ones used for IM chat. These feature toughened exteriors with rubber “armor”; waterproofed electronics, and anti-shock and vibration dampening technology. Unfortunately, these cams come at the cost of increased weight on the head or whatever part of the body they are attached to. The videos can also be a little nauseous to watch and can cause perceived motion sickness for most people.
Driving
A variety of rear view cameras are now available for motorists. These make parallel parking and backing up much easier. Previously, they were only available with an included monitor, which drove up the price. However, standalone cameras are now available so you can choose where to pair them. Most car entertainment systems and GPS units today come with an AV outlet, so you can use them as a monitor when you engage the reverse gear.
Different models are available, depending on the placement. There are backup cameras embedded in license plate frames, or designed to be mounted with the license screws. To prevent theft, there are also ones that can be hidden in the bumper, but will require drilling. The latest ones come with wireless technology: they only need to be attached to the reverse lights to act as the sensor and power source. The receiver is clipped inside the cabin itself, beside the DVD or GPS monitor. This means there are no messy wires to handle and complicated wiring to solder.
Entertainment
Who says your spy camera has to be confined to the rear bumper? Nowadays, some people are installing them on their front bumpers, to provide the backseaters a view of the road ahead, or on the dashboard to record that scenic stretch of West Coast highway.
You don’t need to drive a car to try using this camera. RC enthusiasts put them inside RC cars, trucks, boats and airplanes to record their flights or travels. DIY people have even installed them to model airships and helicopters to act as home-made UAVs.
Hunters, meanwhile, are attaching theirs to hunting rifles and game pistols. Combined with a high-powered scope, this setup allows them to record their kills.
Security
And of course, there are the security applications. Cameras can be used at home: as a babysitting camera or on the front porch. There also office applications: monitoring employees, keeping an eye on your store or business after working hours, and recording a building’s front door visitors.
And with modern technology, you no longer need to be confined to the wired cameras of old. In fact, thanks to the new communication mediums, you have your choice of radio frequency, GSM, HSDPA, 3G and even Wi-Fi to keep in touch with your remote eyes.
Video Cameras: More Than a Spy Contraption
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