The tiny Camball packs a video camera, digital video recorder, and battery in a golf ball size, and records clear surveillance video with sound, as well as takes great photos.
Made by Starnex International, a South Korean company, the improved SC-31 CamBall features improved motion detection, uses micro SD cards up to 16GB and now comes with more accessories.
The CamBall is one of the coolest gadgets we have seen, 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 scratching the paint on your car, you need the motion detection.
The motion detection 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.
And the 16 GB memory increase allows you to record up to 48 hours of video. The batteries will allow you to record video for over 1.5 hours, many hours with motion activation, and if you use 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. After the lights blink two times, it goes into stand-by mode. Once it’s done, push the big button to take pictures, 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 recorded video has no dropped frames, and measures 320 x 240. Audio can be turned on or off, depending on your needs.
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, 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.
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. 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.
Choose from 4 different accessory packs to increase the usefulness of your CamBall. We covered the Surveillance Pack 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.
Use the Vehicle Pack to monitor your car or truck for vandals, and viewing the video on a GPS navigator. The LCD Pack allows you to watch your videos on a color 2.5” LCD screen.
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.