Hi there, yes it has a few functions like video, still pics, 1 frame per second or 3 shots a second, also it can be set to trigger on PIR only, or you can put your choice of times to trigger, either way its totally independent, I guess it all depends on battery life n size of storage card, I've had it a month now and batteries are fine and the 4 gb card supplied still has room, the idea I guess is that if there was an incident it would capture it all, as I have an iPad it's so easy to attach sd card n watch the action, ( not that I really want any !! ) but its reassuring to know its there. the only problem I had was getting the right angle to pick up moving objects, in fact my neighbours thought I was a practising burgler up n down the ladder.