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.

Manufactured by the Korean company Starnex International, the latest version of the CamBall features improved motion detection, accepts a maximum 16GB of memory, and has a ton of accessories.

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. Record motion activated surveillance video with the SC-31, and straight video with the SC-30.

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 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 internal batteries last about 100 minutes, 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 records very clear video and pictures. 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.

The free CamBall manager software allows you to change the settings, 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.

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. KM Player works great on a PC, and on a Mac, the movies play just fine in QuickTime. You can also use a SD card reader to watch your videos on any computer.

Starnex also released 4 different accessory packs, depending on your needs. We covered the Surveillance Pack above., the Sports Pack allows you to film your bike or motorcycle rides, and protect it from rain or water.

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.