PERSONAL BODY CAMERAS BUYERS GUIDE
Personal body-worn cameras have been used in the field since the early 2000s. Their applications, however, are much broader than we've been taught to think. These cameras can be used to protect law enforcement, security officers, Uber and Amazon drivers, DoorDash drivers, trail hikers, dog walkers, and anyone else who might find themselves in a situation where video capture could be invaluable.
Aside from the safety, having a camera on your body that you don't have to think about, with image stabilization and a rotating lens, can be a lot of fun. Cyclists, motorists, and runners love to record and collect highlights from their adventures. We are in the age of vlogging, and there's no reason that it can't be hands-free.
Whether you're using your camera for personal safety or just for fun is likely to change which key features you prioritize. For example, if you're using it as a dash cam, you might require night vision. If you're a runner, you might only run in the mornings, so you prefer image quality.
If you're concerned about the legality of gathering video and audio recordings, you don't need to worry. Civilians are allowed to wear body cameras, even if they're discreet. Every area and state has its own specific laws on the matter, but, in general, it's legal to record in public areas. Private conversations and places of business do often require consent to be legally recorded, with the exception of police, federal agents, and public officials who are actively carrying out their duties as public representatives.
No matter what, you need to be able to strap the camera on and forget about it. Luckily, in our day and age, there are lightweight, discreet, and durable options waiting for you.
What to Look for in a Body Camera
There are certain camera features that you want in every body-worn camera, no matter how you're going to use it. Let's look at some of the things you should watch out for while you're shopping.
Comfort When Wearing
Remember, these cameras are going on your body. If they're so heavy that it feels like you have a person strapped to you, that's too heavy. You need it to be compact, flexible, and low-profile.
Ease of Use
Along the same lines as not having to think about the battery, you shouldn't have to get a degree to work your camera. It needs to be quick, intuitive, and stress-free. You're going for speed and minimal manual operating time.
Video Footage Stability
The best body cameras capture your POV, and they stabilize it. We think it looks stable, but that's our brains adjusting. Cameras have to work extra hard to capture footage that is smooth and easy to watch.
Long Battery Life
No matter what you're up to, you don't want to have to worry about your camera's battery life. At most, plug it in each evening and take it off the charger each morning. Never pick a body-worn camera that's going to require you to stop what you're doing and check the battery. That defeats the purpose of a hands-off approach.
Our Recommendation
The WIFI Security Camera with Rotatable Lens is, in our opinion, your best bet for meeting all those requirements and more. We've seen firsthand how it can help drivers, pharmacists, delivery drivers, and police officers can avoid lawsuits and complicated situations simply by having it on their person at all times. The video camera is 1080P, with 4 IR LEDs, a 120-degree field of view, and 180-degree swivel capability! You probably don't have to guess how the footage that this camera captures is indisputable in court. The sensitive microphones can even pick up on conversations at normal speaking levels from up to 30 feet away, making this camera a no-brainer.
Police Body Cameras
You might wonder why a law enforcement officer would need to personally purchase a body-worn camera. Most officers have cameras that are assigned to them by their departments, it's true. However, not all officers get that opportunity. They may choose to purchase their own camera to help protect their personal liability.
Having something that's discreet but still functional and doesn't impede movement is absolutely crucial in this field of work. If you're an officer, you need good-quality footage, no matter the conditions. That means fast-paced, rough terrain, glaring sun, and even low light conditions. You need something that you can trust to work without you having to check it every five minutes. Our body cameras have the standout features you need to protect yourself and law-abiding citizens from miscommunication.