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The Do It Yourself Detective
Cameras
The next item for your spy kit is a camera of some sort. For still photography I advise a 35MM camera with at least a 75MM lens attached. The camera should have a day, date stamp to prove what time and what date you were shooting pictures, but that is not absolutely necessary. If you have a camera and it has this function, great, use it. If not, don't worry, your target will remember with minimal prodding when and what happened.
If you don't have a camera, there are some very good cameras at very good prices at every discount department store. I have even seen one that is 35MM, fully automatic with a built in telephoto zoom lens, for about half of what you would pay for a camera with interchangeable lenses. Be sure that you have film in your kit and that your flash unit is turned off. For medium, low light conditions a film of about 400ASA works for us nearly all the time. If your camera is digital, make sure you have plenty of room on your memory card or carry a spare. In both cases make sure you always have batteries charged fully and carry spares. You're not trying to get a great portrait shot here, you're trying to identify who is whom and what they're doing.
The subject of video cameras comes up all the time when I discuss amateur surveillance. I realize that video cameras are fairly costly, but if you already have one they can be useful on a stakeout and for setting up a room surveillance for a nanny problem or for theft they are absolutely necessary.
You might be surprised at just how good a standard home video camera can be. They usually have a pretty good lens and many have a low light button that is adequate for moderate light conditions and actually some of the camcorders have built in night vision. Also the tape does not have to be developed. Once again the video camera is not critical for the stakeout, but it is helpful for documentation, but for setting up surveillance in a room at the office or at home there is no other way.
Another helpful hint about using a camcorder is about disguising the camera. A simple paper bag with a small hole in it is an excellent cover for the camcorder. A purse, a backpack, a pile of clothes on a table or a bed. A scarf, towel, or a Kleenex box can hide a camcorder. You will be limited by your imagination and the length of time your camcorder can shoot and record. It will work well to disguise your camcorder whether you place your camera in a room or are carrying it. As long as it is hidden it is a powerful surveillance tool.
