Click picture to enlarge
 

    

 

Reconyx
Reconyx Trail cameras have the fastest trigger times in the industry accompanied by an enormous detection zone.  Reconyx has sized their detection zone to precisely match the angle of their camera lens.  This combination allowed the RM45 to detect and capture a photo (see below) of the test subject the instant he walked into the camera’s field of view.  Although not shown, the RM45 using its Rapid Fire technology also captured 4-6 additional photos of the test subject at each distance. Often, cameras do well in one performance category, but fall short in others.  Reconyx cameras consistently receive top scores in all performance categories and this is why the RM45 won the shootout the 3rd year in a row.  Also available from Reconyx, but not tested are the RC55, RC60 and RC60 HO.  The RC55, RC60 and RC60 HO test virtually identical to the RM45 with the exception of trigger time.  While the RM45 has a 1/10th second trigger, the RC55, RC60 and RC60 HO have a 1/5th second trigger due to their larger mpxl rating.  The RC55, RC60 and RC60 HO would produce a marginally lower score in the shootout if tested.





    



   

 Bushnell Trophy Cam 
The Bushnell Trophy Cam hit the market in April of 2009.  It is very similar to the Scoutguard as you can see from the scores.  The Trophy Cam takes advantage of a wide detection zone and 1.0 second trigger.  The only limiting factor is its detection range, which still grades out to above average.  Overall, the Bushnell Trophy Cam takes 4th place and remains the best value on any game camera under $300.



    

Leaf River
The Leaf River IR-7SS did not change from 2008 to 2009.  The 1.8 second trigger time along with their proven detection zone allowed the Leaf River IR7-SS to capture 5th place in the 2009 Shootout.  Other 2009 models available, but not tested are the IR5, DV7SS and DV5.  All Leaf River models use the same detection and triggering circuitry and should perform similar to the IR-7SS.



     
Wildview
Wildview is definitely the surprise of the 09' Shootout.  It even beats its more expensive brother, the Stealth Cam Sniper.  Wildview (a product of Stealth Cam) has a very wide detection width which helps make up for their slow trigger times (4 seconds).  With solid scores from 20-50', the Wildview Extreme 5 takes 6th place in the 2009 Trail Cam Shootout.


    



     

Stealth
The Stealth Sniper has the traditional super-wide detection zone Stealth is known for.  However, it is severely held back by a 4 second trigger time which limits its scores at every distance.  Stealth Cam remains a game camera that is most effective on feeders/bait and to some extent, food plots.  All Stealth Cameras have the same detection circuitry.



     

Cuddeback
Last year, Cuddeback introduced the Capture as an inexpensive alternative to their existing No Flash, Expert and Excite models.  The Capture model was designed to be easy to use and work out to 40’.  Although the Capture has a fast trigger, it utilizes the same narrow detection zone all Cuddeback cameras use.  As a result it didn’t do as well as other models in the Shootout.  Cuddeback will also manufacture the Capture IR with similar test results anticipated.



      

Moultrie I45
Moultrie completely revamped its trail cam lineup for 2009 with the introduction of the I45, I65, M45, and M65.  The cameras are supposed to have received a wider detection zone and a trigger time in the 1.5 second range.  We have several more tests that we have to run before giving a definitive opinion, but, the results so far are underwhelming. 







Wildgame Innovations S2
If you walk by a camera 8 times and it takes 2 pictures...  It explains itself.