Abstract: A photometric monitoring device for detection and surveillance of objects entering and leaving a light field is provided wherein a monitored light source is compared with a reference light source in such a manner that abrupt or rapid changes in monitored light are detected and gradual changes are ignored. A first photo cell for monitoring a light source is coupled to the input of an operational amplifier having a feedback loop which includes a reference light source coupled to a second photocell. An RC network delays the reaction of the operational amplifier in balancing the voltage across both of said first and second photocells when abrupt changes occur, allowing a signal to be developed. Additional circuitry includes a comparator responsive to such developed signals which exceed predetermined limits, producing an output signal for use by a utilization device, such as a camera, recording device, alarm system, or the like.