Audio eavesdropping device

I just wanted to ask, does such a thing exist?

Basically, it's a handheld device that allows you to pick up conversations from a far distance without needing to place a bug. But I don't know how possible that is.

I think I saw something like this appear in an episode of the new Hawaii Five O, but I don't know if that's real or not.

edited 7th Sep '11 5:02:48 AM by Exploder

You can use a high-gain directional microphone.

You could also use a parabolic microphone which has a parabolic dish with a sensitive microphone at the focus point - it's a bit bulkier and more obvious.

And, yes, they're real.

edited 7th Sep '11 6:05:49 AM by Wolf1066

If it's inside a building, you can bounce a laser off the window and convert the movement of the window into sound with the correct computer program.