What Is a Motion Detector Camera?
Find out how motion detection works in security cameras
Find out how motion detection works in security cameras
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What is motion detection? |
Motion detection is a technology that allows cameras, lights, and other devices to sense someone (or something) approaching them. This is how automatic lights are able to “know” you entered a room, and how home security cameras can sense and alert you of someone at your door or in the backyard. |
How motion detection works |
Appliances with motion detection (including motion detector cameras), use different types of sensors to get information about their environment. It’s a complex process that happens faster than a blink of an eye — and is the magic behind your security camera’s live feed, which begins recording as soon as it detects motion. Motion detection works using different kinds of sensors: Passive Infrared (PIR) Motion Sensors are very common in motion detector cameras. These sensors pick up thermal energy or heat emitted by living things or running vehicles. While they are typically very reliable, they cannot work through walls or glass doors. That’s why if you’re installing a camera to monitor your front yard, it’s better to do so outdoors. Microwave sensors send out waves and measure how long it takes for them to come back. When an object wanders into the sensory field, the “echo” a camera gets back changes, which gets classified as motion detection. These types of sensors are more powerful and can work through some glass doors. Ultrasonic motion sensors send out sound waves (not audible to humans) and analyze the waves that bounce back for changes. Because they are incredibly sensitive, these sensors are more often used in commercial applications instead of the average motion detector camera at a residence. Here at Arlo our indoor and outdoor security cameras use the PIR sensors for advanced motion detection and instant alerts. |
Benefits of motion detection |
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Make the most of Arlo’s motion detection cameras with Arlo Secure |
An Arlo Secure subscription multiplies the benefits of a motion detector camera ten-fold. In addition to instant alerts when something (or someone) triggers your camera, you also get the ability to customize Activity Zones — areas of your camera’s view you want actively monitored (great for reducing notification fatigue) — along with 60 days of cloud storage to review your feed. Smart Vehicle Recognition, Person Recognition, Package and Animal Detection, and even 24/7 Professional Monitoring with the Arlo Premium plan all combine to give you greater peace of mind. In addition to Professional Monitoring and One-Tap Emergency Response, the Arlo Premium plan is paired with an Arlo Home Security System, which can mean savings on home insurance premiums. |
The best way to ensure your phone is not going off for trivial matters (like your neighbor’s cat crossing the street) is to look for cameras that allow you to set Activity Zones. The camera then sends a notification only when an event happens in this designated zone.
Modern motion detection cameras integrate with AI detection. This means that your camera (depending on your device and plan) should be able to recognize known people and vehicles, and will know the difference between a package and a bird hopping on the porch.
Most motion detector cameras use PIR sensors which may not work well through glass. Another reason to avoid placing a camera where its view is obstructed by glass, is the potential for glare which results in blurry footage.
