Best Motion Activated Camera | Motion Sensor Security Cameras

About Motion Activated Spy Cameras

Need to keep a better eye on your home or office? What’s your favorite way to spend a few hours? Sifting through video so you can see who broke into your property and stole your stuff? We didn’t think so. So in the unfortunate event that your home or business gets burglarized, Motion Activated Spy Cameras only record video that contains real evidence.

A Motion Sensitive Spy Camera kicks in only when motion is detected, in order to capture only the footage that’s valuable. When you need to protect multiple areas in your home or office, place a Motion Activated Spy Camera in every room and in every corner. Then, they’ll all begin recording when a trespasser moves within their range, offering you many angles of view for potential evidence of the activity.

A quality motion sensor security camera will have a number of features that make it an invaluable security tool for your home or business. A good quality motion sensor security camera will have night vision capabilities, which will allow you to see what is going on even when there is little or no light. Many of the newer cameras also come with remote viewing capabilities, which will allow you to view the footage from your camera from anywhere in the world that has an Internet connection.

When shopping for a motion sensor security camera, it is important to find one that has a wide field of view. This will ensure that you can see as much as possible when the camera is activated. Many of the newer cameras also come with zoom capabilities, which will allow you to get a closer look at what is going on.

Capture Only the Footage Yo Need

Just like motion sensor alarms lay dormant until they need to go into action, motion-activated spy cameras don’t record until someone walks into the room. Let’s take a look at some of the best features for this type of recording device:

Internal Memory: Home spy cameras with motion-activated sensors often have internal memory saved to an SD card. You can remove the card and put it into your computer to review the footage. 

HD Clarity: Whether you choose a spy cam wall charger or a camera hidden in an air purifier, most models offer HD-level clarity. Despite their tiny size, you can still capture crystal-clear images with a hidden spy cam. 

Real-Time Streaming: If you want to see what is happening in real-time, choose a motion-activated camera that sends footage to a smart device. You’ll be notified when the camera is activated and can see if it’s just your pet or if there is an unwanted guest in your home. 

Motion-Activated Spy Cameras look like:

• USB devices
• Alarm clocks
• Wall clocks
• Traditional clocks
• Regular cameras that can be hidden on a shelf

Since they operate only when triggered, they save you time searching for actual evidence and money spent on batteries and digital storage. Don’t be left without surveillance, and don’t get tied up watching hours of benign footage. Are you ready to up the security on your home or office?

Choose a motion-activated camera for sale on The Home Security Superstore site to better monitor what is happening around the house or your workplace. From a Blu-ray player spy camera to a phone charger, spy cams are covert and effective. If you still have questions, contact us today. Get your motion-activated spy cameras today!

Regular cameras that can be hidden on a shelf!

The 5 Best Motion Sensor Cameras (And What You Need to Know About Them)

Sifting through hours of footage to find the suspect who stole a parcel from the doorstep isn’t practical or enjoyable. Hence, one of the most important features of modern security cameras is motion detection. 

Cameras with motion sensors capture footage only when sufficient movement occurs, while AI-based features like person detection can eliminate unnecessary footage altogether.

Discover our top 5 motion activated security cameras below, and find out more about how they work and how they can be used.

Read our in-depth overview of AlfredCam that details everything you need to know about AlfredCam, the first indoor security camera from AlfredCamera.

Table of Contents

What Can Motion Sensor Cameras Do?

Motion activated cameras detect movement through a motion sensor, starting to record only when sufficient movement is detected. This makes them perfect for use in a security context, since they are able to notify users of unusual movement and record short clips rather than record continuously.

PIR, or ‘passive infrared’, is used by most motion activated security cameras. It detects infrared energy given off by objects, be it human or animal. If there’s a rapid shift in infrared energy detected as the object crosses the field of view, the smart camera will start recording.

Prefer the idea of recording continuously rather than just relying on motion detection? Find out how to use continuous recording with AlfredCamera.

Credit: Security Camera King

Top 5 Best Wireless Motion Sensor Cameras

If you’re in the market for wireless security cameras, it’s clearly worth finding one with motion detection. 

Here are our picks for some of the best motion detector cameras on the market.

• Best motion sensor camera indoor – AlfredCam
• Best motion sensor camera outdoor – Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight
• Best motion sensor doorbell camera – Google Nest Doorbell
• Best motion activated camera for smart home – Google Nest Cam
• Best motion sensor camera for car – Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

How much does a motion activated camera cost?

Motion activated cameras are common, so there’s a wide range of cameras available at wildly different price points; Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight, for example, costs somewhere in the region of $200, while AlfredCam (our top pick for indoor motion detection camera) is just $29. 99. In other words, there’s something for everyone.

AlfredCam

Best motion sensor camera indoor

Available to order via AlfredCamera. $29.99.

Image via AlfredCamera.

Pros

• Excellent infrared night vision
• Super affordable
• Motion detection zones, schedules, and person detection (with Premium)

Cons

• Indoor only

AlfredCam is a Wi-Fi enabled motion sensor camera that alerts your phone when it detects movement. It marries quality and affordability, combining the great features found in the AlfredCamera app with new ones made possible only through hardware. Its easy plug-in-and-go setup makes it perfect for indoor surveillance. 

Premium users can enjoy person detection, which uses AI to only alert users when humans are detected. Users can then use two-way talk via the app to chat with whoever is on the other side. Other features, like night vision, capture every detail in 1080p HD even in environments with virtually no light.

Can motion sensors work in the dark?

Infrared night vision allows motion sensors to work in the dark. The field of view is flooded with infrared light produced by bulbs around the lens (the faint red light that might be noticeable around it). This allows the camera to create an image even when visible light is limited, which allows motion detection to continue to work.

Does this mean you need night vision? Find out if night vision is necessary for you. 

Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight

Best motion sensor camera outdoor 

Available from Arlo. From $199.99.

Image via Arlo

Pros

• Person, vehicle, package, and animal smart motion detection
• Spotlight maximizes visibility at night
• Emergency responses at the touch of a button

Cons

• Expensive

Arlo produces a series of popular home security devices. The Arlo Pro 4 is a wireless rechargeable camera that supports up to 2K video with HDR. Connect to Wi-Fi for easy setup, and then sync with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, or Google Assistant to take advantage of automated push notifications and other advanced features.

Its weather resistance makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor usage alike, but outdoors is where it truly shines thanks to the discreet spotlight and simulated night vision.

Looking for a run down on the best cameras with night vision? Take a look at our expert guide to choosing a night vision camera.

Google Nest Doorbell

Best motion sensor doorbell camera 

Available on Google Store. From $179.99.

Image via Google

Pros

• 3:4 aspect ratio maximizes doorway visibility greatly
• Distinguishes between people, packages, animals, and vehicles
• Sleek and contemporary design

Cons

• Expensive
• Facial recognition may seem invasive to some people

The Nest Doorbell is Google’s answer to video doorbells. The battery-operated version is wireless and attaches to either your door or the wall adjacent to it.

Much like the Nest Cam, by incorporating built-in intelligence, its motion sensing capabilities are quite advanced. It can tell the difference between people, packages, animals, and vehicles in real time, and send push notifications based on the information it gathers. ‘Nest Aware’ uses facial recognition to even notify you when a familiar face is at the door.

Two-way communication lets you communicate with whoever’s at the door, while the 3:4 ratio, displayed vertically, maximizes what you can see, from sky to ground.

For more of our favorite doorbell cameras, check out our top 5 picks.

Google Nest Cam

Best motion activated camera for smart home

Available on Google Store. From $199.

Image via Google Store.

Pros

• AI-based person, animal, and object detection
• Extremely fast notifications from AI functions
• Attractive device

Cons

• Expensive
• Nest Aware Plus required for 24/7 continuous video

Google’s flagship Nest product, the Nest Cam is a battery-operated wireless motion sensor camera. Chic and discreet, it’s suitable for use indoors and outdoors.

Motion sensing goes a step beyond most competitors by incorporating facial recognition and other intelligence-based technologies, with the intention being to streamline and automate home security. 

Unfortunately, 24/7 continuous video history requires a ‘Nest Aware Plus’ subscription (and since it’s a security camera, it’s probably wise to record footage), but 24/7 live view is available out of the box. 

Prefer to do without monthly fees? Here’s a list of security cameras that don’t require subscriptions. 

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

Best motion sensor camera for car

Available on Amazon. RRP $129.99.

Image via Zmodo

Pros

• Very discreet
• High quality footage
• Parking Mode uses motion detection to look after stationary vehicles

Cons

• Doesn’t automatically send footage to phone
• No GPS

Motion detection cameras for cars function in the same way as security cameras, but the use for the motion detection is more specific.

Garmin’s Mini Dash Cam, one of our favorite dash cams, features a super useful ‘Parking Mode’. This is enabled when the vehicle is stationary, and works via both visual motion detection and the motion sensor inside the cam.

When it detects movement near to the vehicle, it starts recording. If an incident occurs, it will automatically store the footage both before, during, and after the event. This means that vehicles are adequately observed even when stationary/unoccupied, and users can be notified if anything occurs.

Credit: Techs You Can’t Live Without

Can You Turn Your Phone Into a Motion Sensor Camera?

AlfredCamera makes it possible to turn phones into motion sensor cameras.  

Launched in 2014, Founder and CEO Alex Song developed the app to address a major shortfall in the market—ultra-affordable security cameras that boast the features of some of the most expensive available, including motion detection.

Alfred can be used on old phones, tablets, computers, or alongside AlfredCam, a dedicated indoor security camera with infrared night vision. When a viewing device detects motion, the user’s phone will be instantly notified. 

Premium users also have access to person detection, which uses AI to trigger motion recording only when a human is detected, thereby reducing unwanted notifications.

Still not sure if motion detection is for you? With AlfredCamera, you don’t need to spend a dime to find out. Grab an old phone, download the app for free, and try it yourself.

Advanced Motion Detection Features

Some motion detection cameras, including AlfredCamera, do more than just start and stop recording based on movement. Advanced features can make it a lot more useful to users in the long-run. 

Here’s the advanced features to look out for.

Person detection – the most important motion detection feature is person detection. Using software based AI, the security camera is able to recognize  motion caused by humans and ignore motion caused by nature, animals, or other objects. This can make it much more useful for everyday security, significantly reducing unwanted notifications caused by strong wind or animals.

Motion detection notifications from Wyze and AlfredCamera.

Facial recognition – less common than regular person detection is the incorporation of AI that learns, memorizes, and distinguishes faces. Some might find this a little dystopian, but it is a great way to be instantly notified of who is standing at the front door.

Nest’s ‘Familiar Face’ setting (available only with an Aware subscription) learns and eventually distinguishes faces that the user knows from one’s they don’t.

Motion detection zones – cameras facing the driveway might also pick up some of the street beyond the property. In such cases, establishing a motion detection zone is useful in eliminating unwanted notifications caused by people walking down the street. Some devices, including AlfredCamera, allow users to establish the specific areas of the frame that they want motion detection to apply to, thereby reducing pointless triggers.

Motion Detection Zone on AlfredCamera

Motion detection schedules – motion sensing cameras can be made even more useful through scheduling. Schedules automatically arm and disarm motion detection on specified days and times. If leaving for work in the morning, motion detection can be enabled for cameras viewing the doorway while the house is absent, for example. Likewise, some periods of the day may see extensive traffic, in which case continuous recording is preferable to avoid excessive notifications.

Motion detection scheduling on AlfredCamera.

FAQ

Do motion sensor cameras record all the time?

No, cameras with motion detection do not record all the time. They will only start recording when sufficient motion is detected. This motion also needs to occur within the assigned motion detection zone if one has been created, which AlfredCamera makes possible. Likewise, schedules and person detection will also affect how often it triggers.

Do motion cameras need WiFi?

Usually, motion detection cameras require a Wi-Fi connection to send push notifications to phones, meaning the true benefits of motion detection are derived from a camera connected to a stable internet connection. This doesn’t have to be the case, though. They can simply save footage to storage without sending a notification.

What is a PIR sensor?

A PIR sensor (passive infrared sensor) detects infrared energy given off in the scene it observes. Everything that emits heat also emits infrared energy, but infrared is invisible to the human eye. The PIR observes the shifting wavelengths. This information can then be processed to reveal information about movement, depth, size, and heat.

How far can security cameras detect motion?

Generally, security cameras detect motion somewhere in the vicinity of 15 to 25 feet. AlfredCam is able to detect motion up to 32 feet in daylight, and up to 22 feet in night vision mode.

What do motion sensors see?

In the context of cameras, motion sensors see infrared. A PIR (passive infrared sensor) is the type of sensor that detects general movement, but an imaging sensor is needed as well in order to gauge information about who, or what, moved, and these sensors are in all cameras. This compares sequential images from the footage, frame by frame, to determine information based on changes to the pixels.

How far can security cameras detect motion?

Generally, security cameras detect motion somewhere in the vicinity of 15 to 25 feet. AlfredCam is able to detect motion up to 32 feet in daylight, and up to 22 feet in night vision mode.

Why is motion detection not working?

Issues with motion detection could be down to a number of different things, including incorrect settings/setup, lights or other obstructions confusing the sensor, or even a damaged circuit board.For more on troubleshooting motion detection, check out our dedicated guide and FAQ on motion detection issues. For a more general guide, learn how to tell if a security camera is on and recording.

Can a mouse trigger a motion sensor?

A mouse is unlikely to trigger a security camera motion sensor, but in theory, it could. The factory settings of most commercial security cameras with motion sensors would purposely have the sensor ignore something so small. It would trigger it if it came very close to the lens.

Conclusion

Improving safety and security isn’t just a matter of installing any old camera. The tech we choose must be truly useful to us, and that requires convenience. With that in mind, motion detection is a vital feature many users will need to get the most out of a security setup.

Motion detection means efficient surveillance, streamlining and significantly improving the security of a space.

Recommended reading:
Types of Security Cameras: The Essential Guide
Security Camera 101: What Features to Look for When Buying One

Motion detection in video surveillance systems: how it works and what features it has

“Hello! Let’s play?” – a chilling voice was heard in complete darkness and an empty closet. The doll with round eyes woke up from the movement and smiled predatoryly. The man screamed in fear and ran away. No one else stole anything at this plant.

It is possible to scare an intruder who has made his way to the territory of the object. But it is much more effective to react in a timely manner and prevent an offense. If improvised means can be used in private houses, then such methods will not work when protecting industrial enterprises, municipal and housing complexes. Spending large sums on round-the-clock video surveillance is not always wise. Is there a solution? Yes. Today we will tell you everything about motion detection and its benefits.

Contents

Features of cameras with a built-in sensor

The principle of operation of such devices is simple – a highly sensitive detector activates recording if a previously recorded image has changed in its field of view. For example, there was a movement of the vehicle or someone passed. In this case, the camera is in sleep (offline) mode all the time. It is turned on, but consumes energy resources at a minimum level. You can find out all the features of video surveillance in our article.

Which cameras have motion sensors?

All modern cameras have built-in motion sensors. This is one of the most important conditions for the production of such equipment. For the first time they were installed in analog cameras. However, before they did not have a recording function, which is why the introduction of a motion sensor was an extremely dubious undertaking. But in modern analog cameras, this problem is solved.

IP and AHD equipment may still not have a motion sensor in their device. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to separately pay attention to this nuance when buying. Otherwise, you will have to allocate additional hard disk space for storing recorded materials. However, such devices have a notification function via SMS if something happened at a given point.

How does motion detection work in video cameras?

If we analyze the issue more deeply, then there are two methods for detecting a moving target: hardware and software. In the second case, the camera constantly monitors the image as it is being formed on the matrix. Another way is possible – when detection occurs directly on the server that performs the processing. Then a computer with a special video card analyzes the image capture data and compares how much it has changed.

Hardware detection is carried out by a sensor and occurs using infrared rays from a detector built into the camera body. When an object is in the tracking zone, the rays are refracted. This is a signal to the device to start fixing the actions of an unidentified object. As soon as the situation levels off and the movement stops, the recording stops and the devices go into standby mode.

The choice of surveillance system in your company depends on the tasks, characteristics of the object and device. Detailed information can be requested from our employee at a free consultation. Write your question in the chat. We will contact you.

The breadth of choice makes it possible to choose components for a video surveillance system for almost any task. Adapt it to the location and specific wishes. We are ready to offer not only equipment, but also to mount cameras or mount a complex with detectors for the enterprise. We will select devices of any functionality:

• a video camera with a sensor and saving to the card memory;
• simple model plugged in and with battery;
• analog equipment, motion detector + IP video camera;
• outdoor device with modem and transmitter;
• is a modern tracking device with remote control and broadcasting of signals via web resources.

External and built-in motion detector

In the past, the sensor was a remote infrared module. He reacted to the heat source and transmitted a signal to activate the shooting. Today, the detector works in the same way, but with one key difference – it is installed inside the chamber. Thanks to the achievements of modern microelectronics, this has become possible. Moreover, the installation of the sensor inside the device has significantly reduced the cost of production and the final price of video equipment.

What are the motion detector settings?

Each camera manufacturer provides its own set of adjustment functions. They may differ even from the same company, depending on the model. However, there are general settings for all cameras. These include:

• zone setting;
• size setting;
• sensitivity setting.

Zone allows you to define the desired area on the image, which needs to activate the motion sensor. By adjusting the size, you can prevent the equipment from responding to glare, drops, rain, foliage, etc. Sensitivity is measured as a percentage, it affects the conditions under which the detector will turn on. If you set this indicator to a minimum, then the device will not respond to movement, and if you turn it on to the maximum, the sensor will begin to pick up the slightest changes in the picture.

Motion detection functionality in video surveillance systems

Video cameras with a detector are in most cases autonomous. They do not have additional power – they function due to the built-in high-capacity battery. Therefore, they are able to work for a long time without maintenance. The engineering solution is implemented in such a way that it is easy to move the camera to a convenient place or relocate the entire tracking system. But the advantages of cameras with a detector do not end there:

• work in sleep mode, which means energy saving;
• light weight;
• mobility;
• unpretentiousness in service;
• is suitable for large objects.

Another key difference between fixed and wireless camcorders is how the image is broadcast and saved. The first option is rather outdated. The second requires an uninterrupted source of remote Internet connection. It will ensure a constant flow of information and its protection.

When installing a video surveillance system, pay special attention to the Wi-Fi adapter. The quality of transmission and image saving depends on its operation and stability of the connection. Remote access to cameras via the Internet connected to the network occurs by installing a special extension for a regular browser. No other software or pre-installed programs are required. It is enough to configure the camera software. An experienced specialist installs and adjusts the video surveillance system in a short time.

What can the camera do?

Hardware capabilities, as well as settings, vary by model and manufacturer. They are determined at the stage of automation and dispatching of engineering systems, with the help of which it is possible to control technological processes throughout the building. However, in addition to individual opportunities, there are mandatory ones. These include:

• record activation;
• save screenshots;
• sending data to mail or phone;
• connection to external devices (eg sirens).

Also, many cameras can work with preset settings. If necessary, in a certain period of time, the device will change its viewing angle. This feature is optional. However, it is found on almost all cameras.

Where are cameras equipped with a sensor used? With their help, video surveillance is carried out both within industrial zones and in private areas. For example:

• Retail outlet or large chain stores – security and recording of events at night, as well as for monitoring the surrounding area and the work of personnel. Video cameras with different functionality are relevant in the cash register area, self-service halls and the entrance group.
• Offices – placement of motion detectors at checkpoints and checkpoints, in meeting rooms and utility rooms. Events are recorded in accordance with the wishes of the customer. The inclusion of video image capture allows you to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner.
• Installation in industrial and commercial enterprises of various types of ownership and type of activity to ensure the safety of the facility and property.
• Municipal institutions, kindergartens, private and public schools – you can track all movements in real time and throughout the territory. In addition, motion detectors help ensure the safety of not only staff, but also visitors.
• Entrance and entrance to the territory of cottage settlements and apartment buildings – motion detectors integrated into security and fire-fighting complexes will become a convenient tool for preserving property.
• Parking lots, gas stations and individual stations, rest areas, repair shops, service stations — allows you to monitor entry and exit zones, and control compliance with the rules at the facility.

In addition, there are special micro-cameras with a motion sensor. They are used in monitoring what is happening in vast street areas. The model is imperceptible, so damage is unlikely, and the sensor will help weed out the whole hours of unnecessary footage that appears in any case when using a conventional device. A smart device guarding property and human life.

“PozhSystemStroy” – Professional installation and installation of a security video surveillance system with a guarantee. Do not waste time and contact our specialists right now! Remember, a high-quality video surveillance system is a guarantee of your safety.

📹 CCTV cameras with motion sensors

• Complete kits
• Temperature cameras
• Video cameras
• Video recorders
• Video intercoms
• Access control
• Alarm
• Network equipment
• Power supplies
• Audio intercoms and intercoms
• Everything for CCTV installation
• CCTV Peripherals
• Special solutions
• Accessories
• 3G/4G Signal Booster

News
Technical support
CCTV Dictionary
Maintenance
Engineering
Photo album
Video Gallery
Quality control

Video surveillance cameras with motion sensors can significantly save hard drive space, increase archive depth and storage time, and reduce power consumption. As soon as a moving object enters the camera lens, the motion sensor is triggered and the picture recording starts. Some devices may have an image buffering function that allows you to save information that precedes the movement (for ten seconds). This increases the information content of the archive and makes it possible to understand the situation in more detail. Unlike analog video cameras, IP cameras with motion sensors are able to inform about the appearance of a moving object via SMS, email or local network. If you are at a distance, you can always connect to the camcorder via the Internet using a mobile application, for example, and control the situation. In addition, if the motion sensor is set to a specific area of ​​interest to you (a car in a parking lot, an entrance door, or something else), the video surveillance camera will only record when you move in this area, and not in the entire frame.

If, in addition to the motion sensor, the device is equipped with IR illumination, they are triggered simultaneously. That allows you to effectively use such cameras for night video surveillance.

There is a fine-tuning to exclude false alarms of the motion sensor. The user can set parameters such as an alarm response when moving objects that look like a human figure or have a certain size are detected.

If you decide to buy a video surveillance camera with a motion sensor, you should know their advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages are that the device allows you to record in high quality only when it is needed, thereby saving not only electricity (or an autonomous battery), but also hard disk space. Often these cameras have compact dimensions (less noticeable) and slots for memory cards (savings on buying a DVR).

Minus – if the setting is incorrect, frequent false positives can occur, which nullifies all the pluses. Therefore, a specialist in this field should set up a video surveillance camera with motion sensors.

Conclusion: These devices are great for indoor and outdoor monitoring with little traffic.