We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What is a Motion Detector Camera?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

A motion detector camera is a device that is used for ongoing surveillance in the home, a business, or any type of public facility. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this type of video surveillance equipment is that the camera does not run continuously. Instead, the security camera activates and captures images when some type of activity or motion takes place within the range of the lens.

With home surveillance, a motion detector camera makes it possible to monitor any points of entry to the home with relative ease. For example, a set of closed circuit cameras could be mounted near the front and back doors of a house, and connected to a computer located inside the dwelling. When someone approaches either door, the camera would activate and send images to the computer. Many cameras of this type also save and date stamp the images, a feature that can be especially helpful if the homeowner wants to know who and how often someone approached either entrance while none of the residents were at home.

Another application for a motion detector camera around the house involves monitoring the activity of infants and toddlers. By setting up monitors in the kitchen and various other rooms, parents can be quickly alerted when a baby begins to wake up from a nap, or make sure that the kids are not engaging in any activities that are not permitted. Exterior cameras can also be used to monitor the whereabouts of children as they play in the back yard, thus helping to ensure their safety.

With commercial buildings, the motion detector camera makes it possible for a relatively small number of security personnel to constantly monitor activity in the building. Often, a series of monitors connected to multiple cameras allow a single security guard to be aware of movement on different floors, especially near entrances and exits, elevators, and other key sections of the building. Like the home cameras, a motion detector camera system in a commercial building is capable of capturing images that can be archived for later review if necessary.

While motion detector camera equipment can be very expensive, surveillance equipment for the home has become increasingly affordable. Newer designs include wireless models that are ideal for use in apartment buildings or other settings where running wiring would be inconvenient. Plans for creating this type of surveillance system using various components are readily found online, allowing just about anyone to create a customized spy camera system for use around the home, without incurring a great deal of expense.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum , Writer
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

Discussion Comments

Malcolm Tatum

Malcolm Tatum

Writer

Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Read more
WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.