Surveillance Systems (CCTV, Smart Doorbells, Motion Sensors)
One of the most powerful and cost-effective uses of Raspberry Pi is in surveillance and security systems. With its compact size, low power draw, and camera support, Pi makes an excellent foundation for DIY CCTV networks, smart doorbells, and motion-activated monitoring setups. Unlike commercial systems, Pi-based solutions are private, customizable, and affordable.
1. CCTV with Raspberry Pi
The Pi can act as a standalone security camera or as the brain for a multi-camera setup.
Software Options:
- MotionEyeOS – One of the most popular CCTV operating systems for Pi. Offers motion detection, recording, and remote viewing.
- ZoneMinder – Feature-rich surveillance system for advanced users.
- Shinobi – Lightweight, modern alternative to ZoneMinder with a clean interface.
- Kerberos.io – Open-source video surveillance with AI integrations.
Features:
- Live video streaming (local or remote).
- Motion detection with automated recording.
- Email/SMS alerts on suspicious activity.
- Cloud or NAS integration for storage.
A Pi 4 or Pi 5 with multiple USB webcams or Pi Cameras can serve as a home CCTV hub.
2. Smart Doorbells
Commercial smart doorbells can be expensive, but a Pi-based one offers flexibility and privacy.
Core Components:
- Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W (compact, low power).
- Pi Camera or USB webcam.
- Microphone + speaker for two-way audio.
- Push button or capacitive touch sensor for the doorbell trigger.
Software & Features:
- Video streaming to phone or computer.
- Motion-triggered recording.
- Notifications via Telegram, Discord, or email.
- Integration with Home Assistant for smart home automation.
Some projects even add facial recognition using OpenCV or TensorFlow Lite to identify family vs. strangers.
3. Motion Sensor Security
Motion detection adds an extra layer of security while saving storage space.
Popular Sensors:
- PIR Motion Sensors – Detect human movement by infrared heat.
- Ultrasonic Sensors – Detect presence via sound waves.
- Pi Cameras with Motion Detection – Use software like Motion or OpenCV for image-based detection.
Use Cases:
- Outdoor lights triggered by motion.
- Cameras that only record when something moves.
- Smart alarms sending alerts to your phone.
4. Advanced Features with AI
AI integration is taking Pi surveillance projects to the next level.
- Object Recognition – Detect people, pets, or vehicles.
- License Plate Recognition – Monitor parking lots or driveways.
- Facial Recognition – Identify known vs. unknown visitors.
- Behavior Analysis – AI models trained to detect suspicious activity.
With Google Coral TPU or Intel Movidius accelerators, Pi 4/5 can handle real-time inference for AI-powered CCTV.
5. Networking & Storage Options
Surveillance systems generate lots of video data, so storage and access matter.
- Local Storage – Save clips on SD card or external USB drive.
- NAS Integration – Store recordings on a home server (e.g., OpenMediaVault).
- Cloud Uploads – Send clips to Dropbox, Google Drive, or AWS S3.
- VPN Access – Use PiVPN to view cameras securely while away.
6. Example Surveillance Projects
- DIY Smart Doorbell – Pi Zero + camera + push button + Home Assistant integration.
- Garage Security System – MotionEyeOS with PIR sensors for car protection.
- Pet Monitoring Camera – Two-way audio and motion alerts when pets move.
- Multi-Camera CCTV Hub – Pi 4 running MotionEye with 4+ cameras.
- AI Driveway Monitor – Pi Camera + TensorFlow to detect vehicles.
Conclusion
Raspberry Pi empowers anyone to build professional-grade surveillance systems at a fraction of the cost of commercial products. Whether it’s a CCTV hub, a custom smart doorbell, or a motion-triggered camera, the Pi offers privacy, flexibility, and full control. For those who want advanced features, AI integration makes it possible to add face recognition, object tracking, and intelligent alerts — capabilities once reserved for high-end security setups.
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