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.

Manufactured by the Korean company Starnex International, the improved SC-31 CamBall features improved motion activation, uses micro SD cards up to 16GB and now comes with more accessories.

Gadget lovers drool over this cool 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 need to record your bike rides or parties, you might not want to spend the extra $ for the motion activation.. If you are trying to see what your kids are doing when you are not there, or keying your car, you need the motion detection.

The motion activated recording has been vastly improved over the prior model, specifically they are using a better chip, so it’s not just a software upgrade. Before, a moving tree branch would be considered 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 with the optional Surveillance Pack, you can run the camera from the electricity of the building.

The CamBall is very easy to use. Charge the device for 3 hours, and turn it on by pressing the big button for 2 seconds. The lights turn on and blink 3x. Once it’s done, you can either push the large center button to take photos, or press the record button (Up arrow) for 2 seconds, and it will record until you turn it off or the battery dies.

It has clear video and photos. The video @ 30 frames per second is real time, and while its 320 x 240, its very clear with no dropped frames. 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.

The included CamBall manager software lets you change settings, or plug it in the TV, and it automatically updates itself, and the camera, whenever you connect the CamBall to a PC.

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

The software is not Apple compatible, though you can watch the movies by connecting the USB cable to your Mac. If you don’t have a computer, hook it to your TV to change settings.

To view the videos, you can plug the CamBall into your Mac or PC, and find the video files. On a PC, use KM Player or VLC Media player, and on a Mac, QuickTime plays the videos. 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, the Sports Pack allows you to film your bike or motorcycle rides, and protect it from rain or water.

The Vehicle Pack is a great way to record your trips, or watch your car when you leave it in a tough neighborhood, 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.