A Hough based motion detection image recording system includes an image sensor operable to view a surveillance site and output real-time image data corresponding to the site. The system also includes a processor operable to receive the image data from the image sensor and a memory coupled to the processor. The system includes a transformation application residing in the memory and executable by the processor. The transformation application is operable to detect a real-time feature segment associated with the site from the image data. The system further includes an analysis engine residing in the memory and executable by the processor. The analysis engine is operable to compare the real-time feature segment with a baseline feature segment and initiate recording of the image data if the feature segment comparison exceeds a predetermined criteria.