There is provided a method for estimating motion between successive frames. A first motion vector is estimated using a measurement window and search range in a first level of hierarchy, defining a second measurement window and search range for a second level of hierarchy, the second measurement window and search range being smaller than the first measurement window and search range, providing an energy dependent value for the second measurement window, comparing the energy dependent value with a threshold value and determining as resultant motion vector: a) either the sum of the first motion vector and a second motion vector estimated within the second measurement window, if the energy dependent value exceeds the threshold value or b) the first motion vector if the energy dependent value does not exceed the threshold value.