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.

Built by Starnex International, the upgraded CamBall features motion activated recording, can use up to 16GB micro SD cards and has a ton of accessories.

The CamBall is one of the coolest gadgets we have seen, and there are two versions, depending on your needs. The SC-31 has motion detection, and the SC-30 does not.

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 monitor your sick parents, 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. Previously, the camera was so sensitive that clouds moving in front of the sun would set off the 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 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. After the lights blink 2x, its ready to use. 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. 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.

You can set the time/date, motion activation sensitivity, turn on/off the "Night Vision" capability, and if needed, flip the video 180 degrees if you have it mounted upside down.

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. You can also use a SD card reader to watch your videos on any computer.

There are four optional accessory packs to enhance the camera.. 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.

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 lets you see any recorded video.