About the size of a golf ball, the Camball is a 1 camera surveillance system that takes clear video with audio, and large color photos, recording them to tiny SD cards you can view later.

Made by Starnex International, a South Korean company, the latest version of the CamBall features improved motion activation, accepts a maximum 16GB of memory, and includes many accessories that were previously sold separately.

If you love gadgets, the CamBall has everything you could ever want in a spy camera, and there are two versions, depending on your needs. The big difference is the SC-30 does not have motion activation, and the SC-31 does.

If you want to record action sports, parties, weddings, meetings, or your cat, you might not want the motion activation. If you are trying to watch your Nanny, or cutting your cars tires, you need the motion detection.

The motion detection has been also updated over the prior model, specifically they are using a better chip, so it’s not just a software upgrade. Previously, the camera was so sensitive that clouds moving in front of the sun would set off the motion.

The CamBall records up to 16 hours of video, more on motion detection. The internal batteries last about 100 minutes, hours with light motion, and if you use the optional Surveillance Pack, you can run the camera from the electricity of the building.

The CamBall is simple to set-up and use. After you charge it for three hours, and turn it on by pressing the big button for 2 seconds. After the lights blink two times, it goes into stand-by mode. Once it’s done, you can either push the large center button to take photos, or or start recording by pushing up the top arrow for 2 seconds, and it will record until you turn it off or the battery dies.

The photos are large and very clear, as is the video. While the recorded video is 320 x 240, its 30 fps and very clear, as is the audio. Audio is optional, and you can even record when the Camball hears sounds.

Setting up motion detection is a snap; you just have to hold down the “Left Arrow” button for 2 seconds until its Red, and then press record (Up Arrow) for 2 seconds. Set it down and it will start recording when motion is detected.

You can set all the options using the CamBall manager software, or a TV, as well as automatically updates itself, and performs software & firmware updates on the device.

Every possible setting is adjustable, including time/date, motion activation, and turning on the "Night Vision" feature.

While you can hook the camera up to a Mac to watch the video, the CamBall manager software only works on a PC, or you can hook the camera up to a TV, and you can change the settings there.

To view the videos, you can plug the CamBall into your Mac or PC, and find the video files. KM Player works great on a PC, and on a Mac, the movies play just fine in QuickTime. Removing the micro SD card and using a reader will also allow you to view the videos.

Starnex also released 4 different accessory packs, depending on your needs. There is the Surveillance Pack mentioned above, there is a Sports Pack that has a handle bar and clip mount that can be interchanged with a weatherproof housing, or a standard holder.

The Vehicle Pack allows you to operate the camera in your vehicle, running off the lighter, and it also integrates with most GPS monitors. The LCD Pack is used to watch your videos when you are away from a computer.

If you love gadgets, or need a small and easy to hide Spy Camera, check out this CamBall review article, to learn more about the SecureShot Micro Eyes SD Card Recording Ball Camera CamBall, a one camera surveillance system for home, work, sports, events, or your car.