Nowadays security camera systems come with various high-tech features which should be considered when purchasing a CCTV system. These features can play an important role, depending on what your security needs are.
One of them is the motion detection feature which enables the security system to record only if the cameras detect motion, otherwise, nothing is recorded. However, many CCTV companies use different terms or working when it comes to motion detection.
Probably you have read about the so-called advanced motion detection, smart motion detection or PIR motion detection.
They all sound similar, but there are specific differences between these CCTV terms. To help you understand the meaning of these terms, in this guide, we’ve listed and explained the major types of motion detection in security camera systems.

Types of Motion Detection
1. Standard Motion Detection
This is regular motion detection and is usually marketed just as “Motion Detection”. The standard motion detection has the ability to detect the differentiation of pixels as the object moves across the camera’s field of view.
The security systems that use the standard motion detention are able to pick up any objects that move across the camera regardless if it’s a person, an animal, a leaf, a vehicle, an insect or anything else.
In this sense, the system will get triggered by anything, even if the object is irrelevant for the user such as a tree moving by the wind.
However, most recent systems allow the user to customize the notion detection area through theri recorder or sometimes even through the phone app.
For example, you can make certain areas more sensitive and other areas (which are unimportant to the user) less sensitive.
Let’s say there’s a tree that triggers the camera, just exclude the tree from the motion detection area or make it less sensitive.
Sensitivity is the amount of motion needed to register that movement and threshold is how much motion is needed before creating a motion event.
2. PIR Motion Detection
PIR (Passive Infrared) motion detection sensors are another way that security cameras (or systems) use to detect movements.
This sensor is designed to detect moving heat signatures. Basically, it will detect things that emit a lot of heat, such as cars, people, and animals.
Unless the other types of motion detection are software-based, the PIR sensors are physical which means they’re able to detect the heat coming from the objects.
This is a big advantage since it avoids false alarms coming from unimportant objects such as trees, leaves, bushes, small insects etc.
If you are concerned about the motion detection not capturing movement, then you should go for security cameras with built-in PIR. In these cases, the motion detection is triggered by heat (and not pixels) which is more reliable.
3. Advanced Motion Detection
With advanced motion detection, things start to get a little bit more precise. Security with advanced motion detection will send notifications whenever movement is caused by either a person or vehicle.
However, recently the lines between regular and advanced motion detection have been blurred, so you may get a notification even if the system uses just regular motion detection (the notification feature needs to be supported by the system and its app).
Usually, advanced motion detection helps reduce the number of unwanted motion alerts caused by animals, big insects or any random inanimate objects. Keep in mind even with advanced motion, the system cannot distinguish between a vehicle or person.
Technically, advanced motion detection deploys a more complicated algorithm which is supported only by the big manufacturers. The smaller companies are not able to financially support these kinds of software developments.
4. Smart Motion Detection
This is the most advanced form of motion detection available and delivers even more detailed security. Security systems with smart motion detection send intelligent notifications because they can distinguish movement between people and vehicles while providing separate alerts for both.
The way this kind of motion detection works is more complicated and, in many cases, involves using AI technology to constantly improve the software.
Basically, the system sends operating feedback to the manufacturer and they provide further software development.
Over time the smart motion detection gets perfected, hence reducing the number of false alerts. Apart from that, these systems allow for smart playback as well, where you can pull out the footage based on the number of people, vehicles, and other parameters.