Knowing exactly what the mice are up to while the cat's on vacation is easier than you think. To help you get some peace of mind, "Fresh Gear" takes a look at three types of cameras that spy on your personal domain.

Eagletron TrackerPod

An easy, affordable setup should use a computer, an always-on Internet connection, and a webcam. Virtually all webcams include software that can detect motion and capture video or stills. These images can be automatically emailed or uploaded to a website.

The TrackerPod does this plus more. Our package included a Logitech QuickCamPro 4000 webcam, which mounts onto the robotic TrackerPod. With the help of TrackerCam software users can pan, tilt, and digitally zoom the camera from any Web browser (160 degrees pan, 110 degrees tilt at 100 degrees per second).

The ability to lock onto a subject and follow it around makes this robotic cameraman unique. TrackerPod's intuitive software interface makes it easy to track a moving target, and you can also customize the TrackerPod to capture periodic "sweeps" of a room while you're away. Although it can stick to a moving subject, especially one with human skin tones, the TrackerPod can be confused by like-colored objects, low-light environments, and busy backgrounds. The Pod's motor is also a bit noisy.

Price: $199.99 (including webcam)
Available: Now

D-Link Air DCS-1000W and DCS-2000

Both VGA (640x480) cameras have built-in Web servers, meaning they don't have to be attached to a computer to transmit color images and video over the Internet. Once they're set up (this can be a tricky process), you can monitor a live video feed from any Web browser or have images automatically uploaded to a site or emailed. Triggers may be attached to either camera, and included software can display up to 16 feeds on a single screen.

The $330 DCS-1000W uses 802.11b, giving it much more placement flexibility than the wired DCS-2000. It can be mounted on anything as long as it's dry, near a power outlet, and within range of a wireless access point. The DCS-1000W includes an Ethernet port and users can configure the heck out of it. Although it's not made for easy concealment, you have the option to turn off the 1000W's LEDs, which indicate that the camera is active.

The 2000's built-in microphone lets you also monitor sound. The $300 camera also has the ability to encode MPEG-4 video to any designated hard drive for archival purposes and has built-in motion detection and an email notification system.

Price: $330 for DCS-1000W; $300 for DCS-2000
Available: Now

(DCS-1000W)
(DCS-2000)

SeaView SecureView Camera

The SecureView Camera is a miniscule security camera built into the body of a standard floodlight bulb. The bulb screws into any light socket but doesn't light up. Inside the dummy bulb is a low-light monochrome camera and infrared lamps that make it easy to monitor dark environments at a range of up to 50 feet.

SeaView's patented Induction Radio Frequency System (IRFS) circuit encodes the video signal and then sends the data through the power lines of your home or office. A small signal decoder (included in the package) plugs into an electrical outlet, which is then connected to a television or VCR using an RCA-type video cable.

Voila! You have clear black-and-white video anywhere there's a TV and a power outlet. You've got to be on the same power-line network -- the closer the power source is to the camera the better the signal quality. SeaView claims that the signal can be transmitted at more than 2,000 feet, but we experienced fuzzy pictures when we plugged it into a distant outlet in the same room. Don't worry about SecureView decoder-toting neighbors -- the system is designed to stop at the service drop where your building's electrical system connects to the utility company's meter.

We had major fun with this camera. This is a great idea that works well and without the fuss of messy wires or (sometimes) unreliable wireless systems. Simply plug it in and watch.

Price: $150
Available: Now