Safety is always an important issue in any residence and a great way to secure this is by using motion sensors with cameras. Motion sensors with cameras work by triggering video recording once motion is detected.
Home security can easily be enhanced through this method and so in case I’ll find myself buying one, I have gathered these five affordable yet effective motion sensors with inbuilt cameras.
Are there affordable motion sensors with cameras? Yes. Blink, Campark, Kamtron, HeimVision, and Swann are among the brands that offer budget-friendly motion sensors with cameras. They offer these products below $100.
The suggested products in this article are among the most bought motion sensors with cameras on Amazon. You’ll find out about the main features and the pros and cons of each product as you read this article. Aside from this, you’ll also get to know the benefits of using motion sensors with cameras.
Budget-friendly Motion Sensors With Cameras
In this section, you’ll know five options that you can choose from and also, what makes motion sensors with cameras different from cameras with motion detection.
Motion Sensor With Cameras Vs. Cameras With Motion Detection
Before looking into the product list, let’s first understand what motion sensors with cameras are. At first, I was also confused between motion sensors with inbuilt cameras and cameras equipped with motion detection. But they are actually different from each other.
A camera with motion detection is a single device that has an advanced camera. It can be called an advanced camera because motion detection is done by the camera’s software. The camera’s software inspects consecutive frames of the video in real-time. If a change is observed based on the frames, then the software will acknowledge this as a movement. Cameras with motion detection usually appear as a device with a camera lens.
A motion sensor with a camera is also a single device but it contains both a PIR (passive infrared) sensor and a recording camera. For this device, motion detection is not done by the camera. The motion detectors are PIR sensors that check motion through body heat or heat signatures.
This ensures that the detected movements are made by animals, humans, or other objects that emit huge amounts of heat. Motion sensors with inbuilt cameras appear as devices with a camera lens and a circular object placed above or below the lens.
Let’s now look into these five motion sensors that are all below $100. Despite their affordable prices, these motion sensors can also function as cameras even at night.
Table Of Product Comparison
| Blink | Campark | Kamtron | HeimVision | Swann | |
| Amazon Price | $79.99 | $69.99 | $79.99 | $79.99 | $79.99 |
| Supported OS | iOS, Android | Not applicable | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Smart Control | Voice, Mobile application | Not applicable | Mobile application | Mobile Application | Mobile Application |
| Third-Party Integrations | Alexa | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Motion Sensor | 1 Passive Infrared Sensor | 3 Passive Infrared Sensors | 1 Passive Infrared Sensor | 1 Passive Infrared Sensor | 1 Passive Infrared Sensor |
| Video Quality | 720p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
| Field Of View | 110 degrees diagonal | 120 degrees | 130 degrees | 130 degrees | 85 degrees |
| Streaming Mode | Real-time, Playback from cloud storage | Playback of recorded videos from micro SD card (not included) | Real-time, Playback from cloud storage | Real-time, Playback from cloud storage | Real-time, Playback of recorded videos from a smartphone |
| Cloud Storage | Yes (Free) | Not applicable | Yes | Yes | Not applicable |
| Weather Resistant | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Night Vision | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model Color | White | Yellow | Black, White | White | White |
| Power Source | Battery | Battery | Battery | Battery, Solar | Electricity |
Motion Sensor 1: Blink Indoor 1 Camera System
Its Features
The Blink Indoor 1 Camera System has a camera and a PIR motion sensor enclosed in a white case. When the motion is detected by the sensor, the Blink application in your phone will be notified and the camera will automatically save a short clip (10 seconds) of the motion in its cloud. The motion sensor and camera system are wireless and only suitable for indoor use.
Using its mobile application, live streaming of the video captured on the camera can be done. But it also has free cloud storage wherein you can store and playback any recorded short motion clip. Setting it up is easy, you just need to mount it on a flat wall or surface. Although it is not equipped with night vision, it still has a white LED illuminator which can be useful for low light settings inside the house. Each purchase of this device includes two non-rechargeable Lithium batteries that are said to last for two years.
The Downside
Despite its good features, this product also has its drawbacks. It does not have two-way audio and it is not weather resistant so it is strictly for indoor use. It also does not come with infrared night vision so the footage that it can provide at night might not be of the highest quality. Lastly, it offers free cloud storage but this can only store a total of 2 hours of video. It will delete the oldest video once it needs extra storage for new videos.
Why You May Want It
There are still lots of reasons why you’d like to purchase this item. It is the only motion sensor in this list that can be voice-controlled and integrated with Alexa-enabled devices. Even though it does not have two-way audio, it can still record videos including its audio so you can fully understand what’s happening when the motion was recorded. Its push notification alerts already include a link to the video of the detected motion so you can check it first before responding. In addition to these, it boasts a long battery life despite regular use because of its own Blink technology.
Motion Sensor 2: Campark Trail Camera
Its Features
Among the products on this list, the Campark Trail Camera is the only device equipped with three motion sensors. This feature allows for the instant triggering of the camera once motion is detected. It is said to be able to detect motion up to 20 meters from the sensor. This motion sensor is best to use for outdoor activities because it can detect and record movement even during rainy periods. Aside from recording 1080p videos, it can also automatically capture 16MP images. It can also provide high-quality footage even at night because it has 42 pieces of LEDs for illumination and infrared technology for night vision. Each purchase includes one trail camera, belt, tree mount, USB cable, three screws, user manual, and a support card.
The Downside
The Campark Trail Camera has a lot of unique features yet it does not have any mobile application which makes it less convenient to view its recorded videos and images. You will also need to provide your own batteries and micro SD storage to be able to use this device.
Why You May Want It
From its three motion sensors to its 42 pieces of LEDs, this motion sensor with an inbuilt camera is guaranteed to be perfect for outdoor purposes especially with its night vision and waterproof abilities. The three motion sensors also ensure increased sensitivity for movement which is great for wildlife activities. Aside from these, its image and video resolutions are high.
Motion Sensor 3: Kamtron Wireless Security Camera
Its Features
Kamtron Wireless Security Camera is another wireless device that has a rechargeable 6000mAh battery. It can be easily installed without drilling holes both indoors and outdoors because it is waterproof. With its PIR motion sensor, it only records and notifies motion that is caused by animals and people. You can use its encrypted cloud storage but you can also store 1080p of recorded videos in a micro SD card. Viewing of camera footage can also be done in real-time through its CloudEdge application that can be installed in your smartphone. Motion notifications are sent directly to your phone through this application. Each purchase of this product includes two Lithium-ion batteries.
The Downside
Although this product has its own cloud storage, it is not free of charge. Another downside of this product is that it will not work with Alexa or any other smart home technologies.
Why You May Want It
People buy this device because it provides almost similar image quality for both day and night footage. It can even monitor motion for up to 32 feet in the dark. Another great feature of this sensor is that it has two-way audio so you can communicate with others while monitoring an area.
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Motion Sensor 4: HeimVision HMD2 Battery Camera
Its Features
Another wireless device that can be controlled using a mobile application is the HeimVision HMD2 Battery Camera. It has a 1080p video resolution and can also capture motion even in the dark. You will also be notified of movements in the area under surveillance through its mobile application, HeimLife. Its notifications are triggered by the motion sensor’s smart PIR body detection which detects movements only done by mammals. It is also safe for outdoor use and takes less than five minutes to set up. Recorded videos can be accessed anywhere and anytime because it also has its own cloud storage. Batteries for the device are also included for each purchase.
The Downside
Just like the previous motion sensor, the HeimVision HMD2 Battery Camera requires a monthly fee for the use of its cloud storage. It also needs to be connected to the WIFI to work. So if you need to leave your house but you’d like to continue monitoring, you need to make sure that the device will be continuously connected to your WIFI.
Why You May Want It
This is the only device on this list that can be solar-powered. If you are using this for outdoor surveillance, you can buy solar panels and then connect them to this device as a power source. It can also automatically switch to night vision once it detects that it is getting dark. Another useful feature of this device is that it has two-way audio for convenience.
Motion Sensor 5: Swann Thermal Sensor Outdoor Security Camera
Its Features
Swann Thermal Sensor Outdoor Security Camera is the only wired dome-shaped sensing camera in this list that uses electricity as its power source. It offers 1080p video surveillance that can also be used at night. Its motion sensor can work up to 30 meters and detects movement through heat sensing. Remote viewing of the footage can be done conveniently through your smartphone. It also has a mobile application where your notifications are received. This device can be used outdoors because it can withstand any climate. Aside from the device, each purchase also includes a 60 feet cable and power adapter.
The Downside
The sad thing about electrically powered devices is that it will not function during a power interruption. The Swann Thermal Sensor Outdoor Security Camera does not have any audio feature too. And since it is a wired device, the cable placement must also be considered.
Why You May Want It
If you want a motion sensor with a camera that completely relies on electricity, then this is the perfect device for you. Its dome shape also makes it discreet and hard to vandalize or grab by other people.
Inwerang 1080P POE IP Security Hidden Camera
Its Features
This motion sensor with inbuilt camera takes a different approach to the design. It actually looks like a motion sensor! You’ll notice the small black dot in the grill below the motion sensor. That’s where the camera is placed.
Pretty cool right! The benefit of this device is that it won’t arise any unnatural behavior as the potential intruders won’t know they are being monitored.
The Downsides
The quality of the video feed takes a hit. You are paying for the domestic camouflage here. So don’t expect any super high resolution video feed from it.
Why You May Want It
For its low profile of course! For this camera you are paying for the fact that it doesn’t look like a motion activated security camera, it just looks like a regular home alarm security sensor.
NightKing Indoor 5MP 1920P Hidden Spy Onvif IP Security Camera
Its Features
Similar to the Inwerang, this motion activated camera uses camouflage to its advantage. In this case, it looks like a smoke alarm. You’ll get some of the same strenghts as the Inwerang, however you’ll also get the flaws. Such as the camera system not being very high in quality.
The Downsides
This one might be a little confusing if you get it confused with your actual smoke detector!
Why You May Want It
For its low profile of course! For this camera you are paying for the fact that it doesn’t look like a motion activated security camera, it just looks like a regular home alarm smoke alarm.
Benefits Of Using Motion Sensors With Inbuilt Cameras
I have previously mentioned that motion sensors with inbuilt cameras are a good addition to your home devices if you want to increase security. And here’s how these devices will help you.
Most motion sensors have night vision which can help you easily monitor your house even without turning on the lights.
The presence of these devices alone can also drive away any attempts from intruders to trespass your house. The LEDs present in the sensors make them visible even at night and it makes other people aware that there is a device that can detect their movements.
Remote monitoring anytime and anywhere through the mobile applications linked to these sensors is also an added convenience. Pair this with being able to let your voice heard through the two-way audio feature of most sensors and you’ll surely scare away all your house intruders.
You can ensure that the alerts you’ll receive are mainly due to suspicious activities because of the PIR motion sensors. Alerts and video recordings are only triggered based on heat sensing. This also lets you save electricity and data storage since the cameras are only fully awakened once the motion sensors detect movement. There will be less recorded footage which can speed up an investigation when needed.
Conclusion
From solar-powered to wired motion sensors with cameras, you have it all here! Through these devices, you’ll have an extra set of eyes either indoors or outdoors for added security.
Just remember that motion sensors with cameras are different from cameras with motion detection. So the next time you’ll need an additional motion-sensing feature in your house, you don’t need to worry because there are products you can choose from at affordable prices.
If you’re enjoying this article then why not check out these related articles after finishing this one:
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