What to Look For in a Trail Camera

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A buying guide for wildlife cameras
Some people aren’t fond of being photographed. Likewise, wild animals are particularly camera shy. Nocturnal creatures elude our sight because they’re on different schedules than most of the world. Incidentally, if you’ve noticed unexplained damage to your landscaping overnight a wild animal might be the culprit. Frequently, deer and other forest friends might wander into your backyard during the day when you’re awake, allowing you to enjoy the surprise visit. Being able to safely witness wildlife in their natural habitat close is an exceptional experience. Unfortunately, evading the human eye is one of the natural instincts of wildlife. Whether you want to record nature for pleasure, for a safe way to monitor outdoor spaces or as part of your profession, you may benefit from the use of trail cameras.
But how are you able to tell what is the best wildlife camera for you? This guide will help you learn what to look for when deciding on a critter camera for your specific needs.
What is a trail camera?
A trail camera is a specific type of remote digital camera that captures candid images of wildlife. Also called game cameras, these devices are helpful during many activities including hunting, conservation and nature photography. Trail cameras can work around the clock, using an integrated flash or night vision to record nocturnal creatures in low light.
These devices feature durable construction for outdoor use with a rugged housing that allows the unit to endure exposure to the elements. Some camera traps are fully waterproof for the harshest environments. High-tech housing also minimizes noise for quiet performance that won't scare animals away.
Camouflage designs help keep wireless trail cameras discreet, so they blend in with their surroundings. Experienced hunters appreciate having a deer camera that monitors the environment for activity while they stay out of sight. The device straps to a tree (or other landscape feature) in a location suitable for maximum performance. Some cameras can also mount on a tripod.
Camera traps offer various levels of security, such as password protection and physical locks, so you can keep them in place for a long period of time. While most wildlife won't try to access the device, these security features ensure that unauthorized persons won’t be able to remove your animal camera.
How do trail cameras work?
A sensor, typically a passive infra-red (PIR) detector or a motion detector, activates the camera when anything enters the device's range. These are the same type of sensors used in security cameras to detect motion. Once activated, the camera takes pictures or video, and some even capture audio.
A memory card in the trail camera stores the images, which you retrieve physically or through a wireless connection. Some devices have integrated screens for quick and convenient viewing.
Wi-Fi trail cameras as powered with standard or rechargeable batteries, but some trail cams require a direct power connection. If you live in a remote wooded area without an outlet nearby, consider buying a portable solar panel to provide enough electricity to operate your bear cam. These are also helpful for wireless trail cameras that are installed for extended use, eliminating the need for regular charges or battery replacement. Some animal cams come with a solar panel but if not, you can purchase one separately. Either way, you can be a far distance away for periods of time and still be able to view the bear activity at your cabin via an app on your smartphone.
Uses for a trail camera
Trail cameras can offer as much to homeowners as they do for game hunters. They bring recreational and professional benefits to many areas of outdoor living. They even provide a straightforward way to keep an electronic eye on your outdoor living area. Trail cameras have shown their utility in fields like:
- Hunting
- Wildlife monitoring
- Land or farm management
- Nature viewing
- Conservation
- Home security
Whether you’re an avid hunter who wants to scout a prime location or a wildlife reserve manager monitoring the population of animals without disturbing the area’s inhabitants, deer cameras are helpful to many interests and professions. Critter cams help rangers and other land managers track the animals without upsetting their natural rhythms. Wi-Fi trail cameras help farmers keep an eye on their herds or flocks remotely, being alerted to activity in the fields when the motion sensors are triggered.
For hobbyists like birdwatchers and animal trackers, trail cameras provide a deeper experience by revealing the wildlife activity in their surroundings. Nature enthusiasts enjoy being able to witness the unique, uninhibited behavior of creatures that are unaware of the trail cam’s presence. Aside from being a fun leisure activity, wildlife cameras have been beneficial to scientists and naturalists studying animal populations and their behaviors.
Not only can private landowners use trail cameras to take part in wildlife data collection but they can also use them as part of an integrated home security system. Depending on the region where you live, bear cameras can be used to track unwanted visitors of the animal and human varieties can be a vital part of protecting your home and loved ones. If you live in a state where grizzlies are native, being aware of their presence is a vital part of protecting your home Even if you’re just traveling to a campground or nature preserve, trail cameras make a unique addition to the camping experience. Plus, they combine an element of security with a way to take interesting nature shots and memorable pics while on vacation.
What to look for in a trail camera
Components: Choose a trail camera with a good sensor. A reliable sensor represents a crucial element of a functional trail cam. The last thing you want is for an impressive ten-point buck to stroll by undetected. The larger the sensor, the crisper the image. Additionally, some models have high-tech sensors that prevent false triggering of the camera.
Quality: High-quality images can make all the difference when attempting to identify wildlife. Clear photos allow distinguishing between individual animals, allowing for a greater understanding of the wildlife in the area. If critter cam doesn’t have optimal zoom and auto-focus features, you might end up with blurry snapshots.
Speed: A good trail camera takes pictures quickly. Fast detection and fast image capture maximize your device's viability. Look for a trail camera with a fast shutter speed (models can vary between 0.3 and 1.3 seconds), and short recovery time between captures, so you can take multiple snapshots in a short amount of time.
Versatility: The best trail cameras offer a variety of images ― still and video ― while functioning well in low light, darkness and broad daylight.
Connectivity: Determine if connectivity matters for your image capturing. If you want to be able to view data remotely, you’ll want to choose a Wi-Fi trail camera. Bluetooth capability allows for downloads that you can access on the internet or via an electronic device. Even if you’re placing the wildlife camera in your backyard, you might need a Wi-Fi extender to ensure a strong network signal to the device.
Compatibility: Make sure that the deer cam you choose is compatible with existing recording equipment you might be using. For example, if you’re producing elaborate hunting videos for your social media channel, find a camera that dovetails with your action camera shots. Is this device for casual recreation? Perhaps you need one for your found-footage movie? Find one that easily pairs with your camera drone.
Once you've found the best wildlife camera to fit your needs, you'll be ready to get out and start tracking mother nature.