Trail cameras are automated outdoor cameras that help you spot, track, and scout wildlife activity when you’re not around. They spend most of the time in stand-by mode, using very little power. But when the motion sensor detects activity, the camera wakes up and gets to work.
Common trail camera features
Trail cameras often go by different names depending on how you use yours, so you may see them referred to as game cameras or hunting cameras. Whichever way you use yours, they all share similar functions and capabilities.
For example, most of them are weatherproof so you can leave them outdoors in any kind of weather. Trail cameras usually have some sort of motion sensor, though passive infrared (PIR) is the most popular kind and uses changes in temperature to detect motion.
Most trail cams also feature flexible power supply options, allowing you to use AA batteries or an external power source, so you can keep snapping photos without worrying about the small things.
What to look for in a trail camera
Your ideal trail camera will balance budget and features. If you’re primarily interested in daytime activity, you can focus on less complex models. However, if you’re hoping to see nocturnal animals, then night vision is a vital feature. Start by considering what you’re hoping to capture with your trail camera.
Also think about the level of image and video quality you need. Of course, the higher the number of megapixels, the better image quality. And for video, you can likely get by with 1080p (or Full HD) video resolution, but there are options with 4K to really make your video stand out.
So you’ve decided to get a wildlife camera for your next hunt or animal watch in the woods. But before you make that purchase, here are a few things you should consider:
Storage
A trail camera with high storage capacity can capture more shots. This factor will come into play if you’re using one for days or weeks. It’s also great to purchase a hunting camera that accepts memory cards, as it’ll let you change cards and leave it in place.
Battery Life
There are game cameras that use AA batteries as their power source, and there are other cameras with external power sources. It all depends on how long your camera will stay in its position.
Image Quality
Determining image quality is difficult. Getting a notion of this factor from the megapixel count and other raw numbers is not that simple. Even other characteristics, such as lens quality, will affect your choice. Reading reviews and possibly testing some game cameras out will help you find a suitable camera.
Flash Technology
You’ll find different types of LED flash units in most hunting cameras. A white flash is the most affordable and simplest unit to purchase, but it can scare off animals and alter movement patterns. Red lights on other flash units won’t upset most animals, while invisible infrared flash consumes less battery.
Viewing Options
Most trail cameras will let you see images when you connect them to your computer. You can also remove memory cards from these devices and insert them into a card reader. But if you want to see your shots instantly, getting a wildlife camera with a built-in screen is your best bet.
Other Features
Multiple options are now available on the latest trail cameras. Most cameras boast video and still capabilities. Adding more data to your images is also much easier with newer hunting cameras, offering more options for wildlife analysis.
Best Trail Camera for You:
Best for affordability: Browning Defender Ridgeline 20MP
Coming in under $200, the Browning Defender Ridgeline 20MP is a solid trail camera option. It’s a great introduction to the world of trail camera scouting because it’s capable of shooting both 20MP photographs and 1920 x 1080 FHD videos.
With an adjustable trigger speed of 0.135 to 0.7 seconds, you can determine just how fast its reflexes are. It can also shoot up to eight rapid-fire images in a row, or up to two minutes of video, giving you plenty of opportunities to view aand capture wildlife. The built-in flash and 80-foot motion detection range make it easy to spot and illuminate close or distant animals at night.
Best feature balance for day and night: Browning Dark Ops Pro XD 24MP
With an upgraded sensor capable of taking high resolution images, the Browning Dark Ops Pro XD 24MP is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts who want functionality regardless of the time of day or lighting conditions. This model features dual lenses calibrated specifically for day or night shooting. With a fast trigger speed of 0.15 seconds, there’s virtually no lag between animal detection and image capture.
Best trail camera for flash-free nighttime viewing: RECONYX HyperFire 2 HF2X
When it comes to photographing or filming nocturnal animals, it helps to capture footage without calling attention to the camera. Thanks to RECONYX HyperFire 2’s infrared night vision, you can record nocturnal animal activity flash-free.
The No-Glow High Output Covert IR illumination option lets you capture authentic animal activity at any time of day. And with the power of the optional 150-foot range flash, you can also choose to illuminate your subjects for optimal clarity. It also comes with the option to record up to 15 seconds of 720p HD video with audio, and a quarter-second trigger speed.
Best for balance of function and price: Bushnell Core DS
The Bushnell Core DS comes in at a reasonable price point and with plenty of competitive features. Dual sensors let this 30MP camera capture beautiful, sharp, detailed images day or night. Plus, you can capture 1080p video at 60fps.
A battery life of up to six months, SD card storage capacity of 32GB, and improved weatherproofing and durability give the Bushnell Core DS a long, low-maintenance field life while still letting it create high-quality images.
Best trail camera for maximum resolution: Browning Recon Force 4K Edge 32MP
If resolution is your primary concern, this 32MP trail camera is the right choice for you. The Browning Recon Force 4K Edge 32MP has adjustable IR flash settings, adjustable trigger speed, and an adjustable detection range of up to 80 feet, letting you customize the type of footage you capture. It also shoots beautiful 4K video.
With up to a 512GB SD card, you’ll amass plenty of footage and still images without worrying about overwriting or running out of space. This compact and covert trail camera offers plenty of feature customization and use flexibility, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes.
Feature image via Shutterstock
