Motion Activated Camera: All You Care About

Looking for a motion-activated camera that won't trigger false alarms from wind, sunlight, or snow? You've come to the right place! Security cameras with motion detection are an essential solution for home security. These cameras with motion sensor can detect people, movement, and even pets.

If you're interested in an outdoor camera with a dedicated motion sensor light or a wireless camera to capture wildlife, keep reading to find the best options.

What is a Motion Activated Camera?

Motion-activated cameras, also known as motion detection cameras or motion sensor cameras, are designed to start recording or capturing images when it detects movement within its field of view. These cameras have built-in motion sensors for detecting changes in the environment, such as the movement of people, animals, or objects.

When motion is detected, the camera automatically begins recording video or taking snapshots. Most motion detector cameras are battery-powered because this feature helps save energy and storage space.

How Do Motion Activated Cameras Work in Outdoor Space?

Many users choose to install their motion triggered cameras in outdoor spaces. Technically, you will find two major types of outdoor motion sensor cameras: software-based motion sensor cameras and PIR based ones.

And here is how a motion activated camera work respectively:

Software-based motion detection

The software based cameras detect motion by comparing pixel changes between successive frames. If a human or animal passes by, the different pixels will be counted and the software inside will trigger motion alerts.

Well, the software-based motion sensor cameras are mostly traditional IP cameras that you could normally see in the neighborhoods. Usually, these cameras enable continuous recording as well as motion detection mode with pre-recording (3-5 seconds) and video delay (as your schedule) to capture the whole event.

PIR sensor-based motion detection

The PIR motion activated hidden cameras can detect the infrared body heat. So when a warm body (like a burglar) passes by, the ambient infrared energy levels will change rapidly and set off the motion alerts.

Cameras with PIR sensors are mostly battery powered IP cameras, which will wake up and record in less than a second when motion is detected. So you’ll know all that matters even when you are not there, like the package delivery, break-in or attempted break-ins. And the farthest PIR distance of security camera varies between PIR motion activated CCTV models.

The quality ones like Reolink Argus 4 Pro can hit up to 30 feet long range even in 0 Lux conditions (in complete darkness), so that you can use it to watch your front door, backyard, driveway, garage, etc. day and night.

Reolink Argus 4 Pro

4k 180° Wire-free Color Night Vision Camera

4K UHD 180° Blindspot-free View; Color Vision Day and Night; 30% More Battery Life; Dual-band Wi-Fi 6; Smart detection.

Learn More about Argus 4 Pro

Check the table for a quick understanding of outdoor motion cameras:

And it’s worth noticing that the outdoor activated camera works without WiFi actually. By this I mean, the camera will still record and save motion events to the SD card (make sure you get one inserted in place) without WiFi network so you can take out the SD card and view the recordings on PC when needed.

Types of Motion Sensor Cameras

• Motion activated outdoor camera: These cameras can withstand harsher environments compared to indoor motion cameras. They are typically weatherproof and can detect movement in a wide range of outdoor conditions (more 150-degree).
• Motion activated spy camera: Sometimes are small motion activated cameras for covert surveillance. They can be concealed and hidden in everyday objects.
• Motion activated trail camera: Often using cellular data, these cameras can capture images or video of animals in their natural habitat. They are typically rugged and camouflaged to blend into the surroundings.
• Motion activated doorbell camera: Video doorbells can also monitor and record activity and send you notifications once motions are detected.
• Motion activated game camera: Similar to trail cameras, game cameras are used to monitor wildlife, but they are specifically designed for hunting purposes. They help hunters track game movements and patterns

How to Pick the Best Outdoor Motion Activated Camera

A lot of features may occupy your mind in choosing a best outdoor motion sensor camera, like the mini body, WiFi connection, SD card supported, sound enabled, and most importantly, accurate alarms.

Feel confused or get lost in the endless choices? Read on if you want to learn more details about every specific feature.

1. Wireless Connection

Wires are a dead giveaway to your outdoor motion camera, and the easiest fix would be getting a wireless camera in the first place. But remember that the wireless doesn’t mean 100% wire free – you still need one cable for power.

If you are going for the wireless outdoor motion sensor hidden camera, here are some additional tips for you:

1. Make sure the WiFi is available in your installation place. (You may check it with your smartphone.)

2. Choose the dual-band Wi-Fi security cameras, if possible, to avoid signal loss and interference.

3. Remember to change the initial password to reduce the risk of being hacked.

2. Battery Operated

Want to get rid of all the annoying wires, and hide the motion sensor camera wherever you want indoors and outdoors? The battery operated motion activated spy camera is what you need.

Just put in batteries, it will start working. Without wires restriction, you can place the motion detection camera at any place and move it to spy on another spot freely if you want. It saves your time and camera installation fees.

3. SD Card Storage

Worried about the privacy issues of cloud storage? Or you simply don’t want to pay the monthly fee for it? Either way, the outdoor motion activated hidden camera with SD card would well settle your needs. Plus, it’s very handy and convenient.

But you may wonder how long a 16GB or 32GB SD card of the motion sensor camera can record.

That totally depends on your monitoring environment. Technically, a motion sensor camera with 32GB SD card can save up to 400 motion events for weeks even months recording.

However, there is NO need to worry about the recording space and you DON’T need to delete CCTV footage to clear the storage space – The old files will be overwritten automatically when the SD card is full.

Bonus Tips: It’s advised to set the motion activated security camera with SD card to the motion detection mode. If you want to spy on things continuously or without Internet, get an NVR as the motion detection recorder to work with it, which offers you larger storage space.

4. Night Vision

Night vision is a must-have feature for outdoor motion detector cameras. Just think about the burglars, intruders, thieves and drunken man hanging around the street.

With the night vision enabled motion activated spy camera, you will be alerted by the siren instantly when dangers occur, get clear video evidence to hand to the police, and even warn the intruders verbally if your camera is 2 way-audio enabled.

How to judge whether a motion sensor hidden camera have real & good night vision?
Starlight sensor is a good indicator to promise great clarity and details even in 0 Lux (completely dark) conditions. And if possible, choose a PIR sensor CCTV instead of the motion sensor camera with light in order to see the motion events clearly.

Night vision video sample from one of Reolink motion sensor cameras:

5. Weatherproof

For motion activated outdoor cameras, weatherproof is an important feature to consider if there is expected rain, snow or strong wind in your desired installation place.

A simple way to get rid of all your worries is to get the cameras with IP65 or IP66 weatherproof rating.

6. Wildlife Friendly

So you are keen on wildlife, and want to catch the movement of hummingbirds? Or just want to figure out who secretly visited your house and left their footprint around?

In either case, an animal motion detector camera definitely tops your list.

With the camera connected to your phone, you could just sit in your room and check animal clips anytime and even do a video live for your raccoon friends on Twitter.

For example, a late-night guest was caught messing up the plant by one of Reolink cameras:

Best Motion Activated Security Camera

What is the best CCTV camera that moves on activation? If you want a quick decision, choose one from these best value/budget motion sensor small CCTV cameras, all are highly sensitive to motion movements to record what you want.

PIR Motion Sensor Camera: Reolink Argus PT

This motion sensor PT camera works both indoors and outdoors (IP65 weatherproof).

With smart PIR motion sensor, Reolink Argus PT will wake up within a second to record both video and sound. And the built-in PIR sensor greatly reduces false alarms triggered by wind, sun, lights, snow, etc., so you’ll NEVER get it and only to watch the sun move across the plane of view.

Argus PT

100% Wire-Free PT Camera

2K+ 5MP Super HD; 5GHz/2.4GHz WiFi; Rechargeable Battery & Solar Powered; 355° Pan & 140° Tilt; IP65 Certified Weatherproof; Color Night Vision; 2-Way Audio; 122° Wide Viewing Angle.

Learn More about Argus PT

With its mini body, this compact camera is easy to hide. And compared with the outdoor motion sensor light camera, it has more security settings than at much more affordable price.

With built-in microphone and speaker, you can not only get the stream video through the motion sensor camera app, but also warn the intruders verbally if they are caught sneaking around in the act.

Outdoor PoE Small Motion Sensor Camera: Reolink RLC-810A

This outdoor hidden camera performs best among the software-based motion sensor CCTV cameras.

This motion sensing camera detects and records motion events at 4K UHD resolution with audio at a very competitive price, making it the one of the Reolink hottest products. And it has a small white bullet body, only 7 inches long, and can be hidden under the eaves easily.

Reolink RLC-810A

4K PoE IP Camera with Person/Vehicle Detection

Smart Person/Vehicle Alerts; 4K UHD Day & Night; 100ft Night Vision; Time Lapse; IP66 Certified Weatherproof; Audio Recording.

Learn More Reolink RLC-810A Product Page

Check out how to use and set up this camera:

Indoor Wireless Hidden Motion Camera: Reolink E1 Pro

If you want a motion sensor camera for indoor uses only, like watching your pets, and don’t want it to be too obvious for visitors, then the black colored Reolink E1 Pro is your best choice.

Best Pick

Reolink E1 Pro

Wireless Motion Activated Indoor Camera

This motion spy camera could be easily blind in with your home decorations, with pan and tilt functions for wider coverage.

Take a look

How to Reduce False Alarms of Motion Sensor Cameras

The cameras constantly trigger motion alarms, with the slightest change in light, shadows, sunlight when a cloud moves over, etc. The last thing you want to get with motion activated CCTV cameras is definitely the false alarms.

Well, the first and most effective step to reduce false alarms is to get a quality and reliable motion sensor CCTV, like the above listed ones. And here are some additional tips you may try to get more accurate alerts:

1. PIR Outdoor Motion Activated Cameras

The installation makes a huge difference.

The motion detection will be more accurate if you put the motion detector hidden camera in the direction crossing the possible intruder instead of facing it, as the picture below shows.

That's because the PIR motion sensor will be much more sensitive to the objects when they are moving across the detection feild.

2. Software-based Motion Activated Cameras

You may schedule the motion detection settings to reduce false alarms.

For example, you can define different motion sensitivity values for different periods of day to best match the light conditions. Also, you are free to choose the specific motion detection area to target certain places.

Where to Place Outdoor Motion Activated Hidden Camera

According to the report, about 60% of convicted burglars stated the presence of a security camera influenced their decision. So we highly suggest you to place the motion sensing surveillance cameras in plain sight.

And here are top 3 places you should consider to secure your home:

• Front door (account for 34% break-ins)
• Backyard (account for 22% break-ins)
• Near the off-street windows (account for 23% break-ins)

If you are looking for the outdoor motion activated hidden cameras, and want to hide them without anyone’s suspicions, you may try the following secret places:

• Hide small motion sensor security cameras under eaves, ceiling or soffits.
• Disguise the mini hidden outdoor surveillance cameras in the birdhouse.
• Put software-based motion sensitive cameras behind glass window (PIR sensor will not work).
• Disguise indoor mini hidden surveillance cameras within everyday objects, like the desk plant and book shelf.
• Hide motion activated security cameras near trees and brushes.

Where to Buy Cameras with Motion Sensor

You can buy the best outdoor motion detection cameras on Amazon, Ebay, or official security camera online store directly. With free shipping and online technical support, you will have no trouble getting the cameras and service in different regions of the word, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, etc.

FAQs

Do motion cameras need WiFi?

Motion cameras do not necessarily need WiFi to function, as many can operate independently and store footage on internal storage or SD cards, particularly trail and game cameras used in remote areas.

Are motion cameras always recording?

No, motion cameras are not always recording; they start recording only when motion is detected within their field of view. This helps save storage space and reduces the need to review hours of unnecessary footage.

What is a motion triggered camera?

Motion triggered cameras use motion sensors to identify changes in the environment, such as the presence of people, animals, or objects. They begin recording or capturing images when it detects movement within its field of view.

Conclusion

With their ability to detect movement and start recording only when activity is present, motion activated cameras offer efficient and effective surveillance solutions. By investing in the right type of motion sensor camera, you can ensure peace of mind. What do you think of motion detector cameras? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below! Let's discuss it together!