Many hunters use the game camera which helps them see animal movement patterns. With advancement in technology, the trail camera has become an essential tool for hunting. Other than hunting, outdoor photographers and security-conscious homeowners have taken advantage of this camera. Since there are so many of them in the market, it can get challenging to choose the right one for your needs. However, with this guide, your purchasing task will be easier and straightforward. Their specifications, essential features, and what to look out for are all detailed here to help you make the right choice. The following below is the list of the 10 best trail cameras reviews.
10 Best Trail Cameras Reviews:
1. AKASO 12MP Trail Camera, The Best One
Specifications:
- Trigger time: 0.5 seconds
- IR flash: 24 LEDs
- Triggering distance: up to 65 feet
- Detection angle: 1200
- Screen: 2.4-inch colour LCD
- Photo resolution: 12M
- Video resolution: 1920×1080
- Water resistance: IP66
- Connections: Mini USB 2.0
- Power supply: 4 or 8 LR6/AA
- Standby time: approx. 6 months with 8 batteries
- Storage: supports SD card up to 32GB
This model of trail camera delivers high performance in terms of video and photo capture. It records videos with sound, both day and night. Also, it is waterproof, making it suited for the outdoors to record wildlife movements, and iot has a fast trigger speed and records the date, time, temperature and features replay. Keep your recordings secure with password protection and a secure mounting.
Bottom line: the right trail camera for studying the animal movements in the wild.
What We Liked:
- Fast trigger time
- High resolution
- Long IR distance
What We Didn’t Like:
- Develops condensation due to temperature changes
2. Distianert Trail Camera
Specifications:
- Resolution: low 1MP, high 12MP
- Flash range: 65ft
- Video resolution: up to 1080p
- Trigger intervals: 5-60 seconds, 1-60 minutes
- Trigger time: 0.6 seconds
- Detection range: 80 ft and 1200
- IR: 47 pieces LED
- Power: 4/8 AA batteries, 1.5A external power option
- Screen: 2.4-inch LCD
This game camera has super fast trigger time of 0.6 seconds so there is no delay between triggers. Its multi-shot feature takes three stills per activation. Whether night or day, this camera delivers high-quality pictures with clear coloured pictures during the day and black and white captures at night. It provides 1080p videos with audio for a complete information about your hunting targets.
Bottom line: with a super-fast trigger time, high-quality pictures and an excellent detection range, this camera will give you what you want.
What We Liked:
- Viewing screen
- Super-fast trigger time
- Long and wide detection range
What We Didn’t Like:
- Its navigation is a bit clumsy
3. X-Lounger Game Trail Camera
Specifications:
- Flash range: 65 ft
- Flash technology: 24pcs 940nm
- Trigger time: 0.5 second
- Still image size : 12M; 8M; 5M; 3M; 1M
- Video resolution : 1080P; 720P
- File format: JPG/AVI
- LCD Display: 2.4” LCD screen
- Memory: External memory (SD card, up to 32GB
- Audio Recording: Yes
- PC interface: Mini USB 2.0
- Auto power off: Auto power off in 3/5/10 minutes of inactivity
- Power Supply (not included): 8 x AA; Expandable to 8 x AA; external 6V power supply, at least 2A
- Waterproof: IP56
Your hunting trips will never be the same again once you acquire and install this trail camera. It has all the essential features to make your wildlife monitoring as hassle-free as possible. The camera takes high-quality photos and high-resolution videos to help you see what goes on in the wild. It can detect from a long range and take shots even at night due to the IR vision.
Bottom line: the camera has a waterproof construction and delivers quality results any time of day.
What We Liked:
- High-resolution videos
- Crisp quality photos
- Waterproof
- Long IR range
- One year warranty
What We Didn’t Like:
- Steep learning curve with the camera
4. APEMAN Trail Camera
Specifications:
- Resolution: 1080p full HD
- Photo: 12MP
- Trigger speed: 0.2 seconds
- Detection angle: 1200
- Viewing angle: 1300
- Waterproof: IP66
- IR: 42 pieces 940nm LEDs
Technological developments have made it possible to capture wildlife activity without ever disturbing or scaring them. With the right trail camera like this one, you are certain to get adequate information to help you plan your hunting trip. It features a perfect detection range and angle to capture more activity.
Bottom line: with a wider angle of view and long detection range, this camera is designed to give you detailed information.
What We Liked:
- Wide viewing angle
- Long detection range
- Full HD resolution
- Timestamp
- Waterproof
What We Didn’t Like:
- The IR LEDs are visible to the human eye
5. Browning Strike Force Trail Camera
Specifications:
- Flash range: 100 ft
- Detection range: 55 ft
- Trigger speed: 0.4 seconds
- Recovery time: 0.8 seconds
- Viewing angle: 450 horizontal, 300 vertical
What can you not do with a waterproof, fast and reliable trail camera? It is designed to withstand the outdoors and deliver crisp photos to help you with your hunting research. The viewing screen has a backlit green to help you with the menu and navigation. It records the date, time, temperature, camera ID, and the moon phase with every shot.
Bottom line: if you want an affordable yet durable and reliable trail camera, this is your choice
What We Liked:
- Weather resistant
- Fast trigger time
- Time-lapse mode
What We Didn’t Like:
- Short detection distance
6. Moultrie A-Series Game Camera
Specifications:
- Decoration: Moultrie smokescreen
- Megapixel: 14MP
- Trigger speed: under 0.7 seconds
- Illumination type: long-range IR
- Flash range: 85 feet
- Video resolution: 720p
- Mobile compatible: yes
- Display: LCD
- Warranty: 2 years
With this trail camera, you will be prepared to capture your target animal’s movements and prepare for the hunt in style. It delivers high-quality shots and captures images from a long distance. Its fast trigger time does not allow any action to go without capture. The infrared illumination can reach 70 feet for a perfect shot at night.
Bottom line: when looking for a durable and reliable trail camera for game hunting, this model is worth your money.
What We Liked:
- Long range
- Discreet flash
- High video and photo resolution
What We Didn’t Like:
- The reaction time needs to improve
7. VENLIFE Trail Camera
Specifications:
- Image sensor: 8MP CMOS sensor
- Photo resolution: 16MP, 12MP,8M, 5MP, 3MP
- Video resolution: 1920×1080/25fps; 1280×720/30fps; 720×480/30fps 640×480/30fps; 320×240/30fps
- File format: AVI/JPEG
- Lens angle: f=3.09mm; F/NO 2.0; FOV=108
- Display: 2.31-inch TFT
- Memory: SD card up to 32GB
- IR flash range: 65ft
- Waterproof: IP56
- Triggering distance: 65 ft
- Detection angle: 1200
- Triggering time: 0.6 seconds
- Trigger interval: 5 seconds- 60 minutes
- Video length: 3 seconds to 10 minutes
Get detailed colour images and 1920 x 1080p videos with this camera. It has a wide detection angle and long PIR detection range to capture all that passes by.
Bottom line: the camera is built with quality results in mind so get it and be confident of the shots.
What We Liked:
- Energy efficient
- Waterproof
- HD quality shots
- 1-year warranty
What We Didn’t Like:
- Requires you to purchase an SD card
8. AUCEE Tracker Trail Camera
Specifications:
- Image sensor: 8MP CMOS sensor
- Photo resolution: 16MP:4608×3456(interpolated); 12MP:4000×3000(interpolated); 8M:3264×2448; 5MP:2592×1944; 3MP:2048×1536
- Video resolution: 1920×1080/25fps; 1280×720/30fps; 720×480/30fps; 640×480/30fps; 320×240/30fps
- File format: JPG/AVI
- Lens angle: f=3.09mm; F/NO 2.0; FOV=108; Auto IR filter
- CD Display: 2.31″TFT
- Memory: TF card or Micro SD card up to 32GB) / Internal memory(8Mx16 SDRAM)
- Range of IR flash: 65ft
- Waterproof level: IP56
- Triggering distance: 65ft
- Detection angle of sensors: 120°
- Triggering time: 0.6 Second
- Trigger interval: 5sec. – 60min; Programmable
- Video Length: 3sec-10Minutes.; Programmable
The trigger time is impressive for capturing every action no matter how fast. Its long detection range and angle mean you will not miss any action. Its low glow LED IR reaches 65 feet and do not scare away the animals.
Bottom line: the long flash and detection range coupled with a fast trigger time ensure the camera captures every action.
What We Liked:
- Fast Trigger time
- Wider Detection Sensor
- 65ft Infrared Night Vision Distance
What We Didn’t Like:
- No wireless transmission/notification
9. Bushnell Trophy Cam HD Essential
Specifications:
- Resolution: 3, 8 or 12MP high-quality full color
- Adjustable PIR (Lo/Med/High).
- Trigger rime: 0.3-second
- Programmable trigger interval: 1 second to 60 minutes.
- Multi-image mode: 1-3 images per trigger.
- Video length: 5 seconds to 60 seconds, programmable
- Temperature range -5° F to 140° F
- PIR sensor range: 80 ft
- Battery life: 12 months
The Bushnell trail camera is designed specifically to serve hunters in their animal movement observation. A fast trigger time and long detection range give it the immeasurable power to capture plenty of activity.
Bottom line: it will give you enhanced night vision and bring images of the wild.
What We Liked:
- Date stamp
- 1-year warranty
- Hyper night vision
- Field scan 2X
What We Didn’t Like:
- Flying birds can trigger the camera
10. TEC.BEAN Trail Camera
Specifications:
- Display Screen: 2.0″ Color LCD
- Resolution: 12.0 MP
- Detection angle: PIR: 65°
- Lens: F=2.4; FOV=60°; Max View 62°; Auto IR-Cut-Remove (at night)
- IR-LED: 36PCS/940nm
- Memory: SD-card up to 32GB
- Video Size: HD:1920×1080,15fps / 1080×720,30fps (AVI)
- Audio Recording: Available
- Digital Zoom: 2x, 3x, 4x
- Trigger Time: 0.6-0.8s
- Triggering Interval: 1s-60min programmable
- Video Length: 5-90s programmable
- Power Supply: 8 x AA Batteries or 12V or solar panel or 12V power bank or storage battery.
- Weight: 0.34Kg
- Password Protection.
- Waterproof IP66.
The camera produces stunning images and HD quality videos with audio. This is adequate to deliver vivid wildlife imagery to help you plan your hunting trips. It is waterproof and has password protection to keep others from accessing or interfering with your data collection.
Bottom line: for a perfect collection of wildlife activity, this is the right camera.
What We Liked:
- High resolution
- Waterproof
- Low power consumption
- Lon detection range
What We Didn’t Like:
- No contact information for the manufacturer
How to Choose The Best Trail Cameras:
1. Photo capability
- Megapixels: the more the MP of a camera the sharper the images taken. Megapixels, however, should not be the only deciding factor when considering the photo quality. Very high MP is necessary if you want the trail camera for outdoor photography, but for observing animal movements, even a lower count will do.
- Burst mode: this mode allows the camera to take multiple shots very quickly. This gives you a better look even if the animal is moving fast. Some have a set number of shots while others allow you to select the number of burst shots.
- Time-lapse mode: in this mode, the trail camera snaps pictures at a set interval, for example, every five minutes. This mode allows you to get more information about how long the animal lingers once it enters the camera range.
- Time and date stamps: many people attach importance to dates and time so should your camera. Such a trail camera will attach the date and time the shot was taken. Some even add the camera ID and moon phase.
Video features
- Resolution: a high resolution will produce crisp pictures. It is much like the megapixels in photos. The standard in video resolution is 640×480 while a higher definition is 720 or 1080p. Some models are available in 4K resolution.
- Duration: some cameras allow you to choose the video length for each recording. They range from three to 300 seconds depending on the model you buy.
- Audio: you can record video without the audio, though most cameras with video capability will have an audio function too. For game tracking, audio may not be necessary, however, for home security, you will need it.
- Time-lapse video mode: this mode allows the camera to record short videos at a specified time interval, for example, every hour. The time-lapse for photo and that for video are different things and one may not be available in a specific model.
- Hybrid mode: in a hybrid mode, the game camera will take both video and photos once activated by a passing animal. This feature is usually available only in the high-end models.
Detection range
This measures how far from the camera the animal can trigger a shot. A camera with a longer detection range is ideal as it can help record a wider field of wildlife movement. However, if you want to observe an enclosed area of game activity, a shorter detection range is recommended.
Trigger speed
This is how fast the camera takes pictures on detection of animal motion within range. A faster trigger time is best as it can capture a shot before a fast-moving animal gets out of camera sight. This goes hand in hand with wake-up time.
Recovery time
This is the amount of time the camera takes before it is ready for another shot. This time ranges widely among camera models, but a camera with the fastest recovery time wins since it allows the fast trigger speed to be felt. Some have a fraction of a second recovery time while others will take up to a minute.
Flash:
- White flash: this uses a white bright light to illuminate the area and results in a full-colour image day or night. This type of light will, however, spook the wildlife that may have triggered the photo. Animals are known to spook for just a few seconds before they can continue with their activities.
- Low glow: this is referred to as infrared or red glow. It produces a dim but visible red glow that does not scare away the animals. It produces black and white photos at night.
- No glow: this is at times referred to as a black flash or black infrared. It emits no visible light and does not scare the animal at all, and it works so well in surveillance as it does not alert the subject of your observations. Also, it produces only black and white photos at night.
- Flash range: this measures how far from the camera, the flash will illuminate the subject. The higher the flash range the better the picture quality and the more information you will collect.
Viewing the footage:
- Integrated viewing screen: some cameras have a built-in viewing screen that allows you to flip through the footage just like on a digital camera. This is convenient when you want to check the contents in the field without removing the storage. These screens are usually small but convenient for quick image review.
- No screen: many camera models do not have the inbuilt viewing screen. This is a way to save on purchase cost, but will mean you have to remove the SD card to view at home, or view using an adaptor on your smartphone in the field.
- Wireless download: some trail camera models allow you to download the capture over the internet. The camera can email or text you the images as they are taken. This type is ideal if you have no time to go to the field to get the recordings and photos. Some special trail cameras allow you to network all your cameras in the field and monitor the content from the comfort of your home.
Storage
Almost all trail cameras use SD cards to store images and videos. The higher the storage capacity, the longer it can record and store the shots and videos. Higher megapixel and resolution cameras require large storage. The mode you plan to use to take the photos will also determine the size you need and how long it will take to fill up. Ensure to check what capacity the trail camera is compatible with before purchasing the storage card. Go for class 10 card which has better read/write performance and allows the card to write and read over and over.
Power
Since the camera will be in the wild for extended periods, you need reliable and long lasting power source. You can go for the lithium batteries which perform better in extreme temperatures, are long-lasting, and deliver a more consistent power. You can also consider a solar-powered camera. This type has a rechargeable battery that accepts solar power from the panel. They, however, require a concealed setup since the panel is more noticeable.
Conclusion
This trail camera review provides adequate information to help you choose the best camera for your hunting activities. The mentioned models have the best features to make your observations complete and enhance hunting operations. The best camera should be durable, encased in a rugged housing, have a fast trigger, high image resolution and excellent recovery time. These features, in addition to a powerful battery, reliable IR and large storage will make your hunting observations reliable.
List -Best Trail Camera Reviews:
[amazon box=”B074BZFJ8C,B01F9XTRA6,B075YD2JT3,B071RCVG95,B01ATRNQB8,B01N6ZXE22,B078BF3418,B074TZD4Q6,B01CQBYU1U,B01D82NDG4″ template=”table”]