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Why Do You Need Camera Traps?
All over the world, Research Scientists are discovering camera traps as a way of enhancing their research projects. Putting camera traps in the middle of a desert, jungle, savannah, mountain, etc. will quickly help you create an "inventory" of the species in that particular ecosystem. Not only that, but you will be able to track and identify animals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in the most remote locations with very minimal maintenance and/or supervision.
Many researchers find camera traps greatly reduce the amount of "legwork" required to observe some of the most elusive species alive.
What To Look For In A Camera Trap So what goes into knowing which camera trap is best for your project? There are many variables. One of the first questions we always ask is "What kind of situation will you be putting the camera trap in? Will it be over a game trail? A watering hole? A bait station?"
Knowing the answers to these basic questions helps narrow down the options.
1. Are you using the camera at a bait station?
2. Are you using the camera on a game trail?
3. Are you using the camera on a large, open area (i.e. field)?
For instance, if you are placing a camera trap on a bait station, you are already assuming the animal will eventually be at the bait. More then likely, you will set the bait in the center of the picture. Presumably, the animal will be at the bait station for an extended amount of time and will be somewhat stationary during this time. For a situation such as this, a trail camera with a narrow detection zone and slow trigger speed is not a bad thing.
On the other hand, if you place a camera trap on a game trail - where animals will be moving somewhat briskly and will definitely NOT be stationary - you will need a camera trap that not only triggers quickly and has a wide detection zone, but is also able to take multiple pictures of that particular species as it walks by.
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Snow Leopard - Mongolia
Courtesy of: Dr. Tom McCarthey
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Leopard - Namibia
Courtesy of: Andre
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Here are a few links to help you understand the relationship between trigger speeds and detection zones:
• Trigger Speed Showdown
• Detection Zone Test
Now, to put both detection zones and trigger speeds together, check out the Trail Camera Shootout
Another thing to consider would be the size of the camera trap. Some trail cameras can be 4-6 lbs (or more with batteries) and up to 10" tall x 6" wide. If you will be trekking off into the distance, you would only be able to carry 2-3 in a backpack at a time.
On the flip-side, some cameras are smaller than the size of your hand and may only weigh a few pounds. You could easily fit a dozen into a backpack.
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| Moultrie I60 vs. Bushnell Trophy Cam
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Moultrie I60 vs. Bushnell Trophy Cam
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Different Climate Variables How do camera traps do in severe weather? Every camera trap that we carry and/or review is considered weatherproof. However, none of the cameras are waterproof. Waterproof means you could dunk a camera under water for a certain amount of time and it would be unaffected. Weatherproof means that under normal weather patterns (i.e. heavy tropical storms, snow, desert climates and etc.) it will continue to operate correctly.
One game camera to take note of is the Scoutguard SG550. The case on the SG550 is not sealed. The bottom cover does not have a rubber seal and in extreme high humidity areas, moisture could eventually damage the camera.
Most trail cameras will operate to about 0-10° F. Reconyx is the lone exception. Reconyx camera traps will operate at -40° F. I feel for the scientists that have to be in that weather!
What does a good camera trap cost? Great question! Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer. Most camera traps range anywhere from $100 - $650. There is an increasing number of quality trail cameras at the $200 range. If you want the highest quality possible, consider a Reconyx camera trap, they range from $450 - $550.
Quantity Discounts As an added bonus, we offer quantity discounts on orders of 5 or more cameras. If you have questions regarding pricing, shipping, availability or discounts, feel free to call us at 1-800-791-0660 - or email at info@trailcampro.com. Or click "Request Quote" below.
International Shipping Does Trailcampro ship internationally? Yes! We have shipped to just about every country out there (only a slight exaggeration), and we have an experienced international shipping manager that will help you find the most affordable and insured shipping method available.
Since we do ship internationally quite frequently, we have acquired several nice discounts from FedEx that we pass on to our customers. Feel free to Contact Us for a full international shipping quote.
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Leopard eating an Eland - Kenya
Anthony Childs - Stealth Cam
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Western Grey Kangaroo - Australia
Mick Davis/DEC - Moultrie I60
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What about Manufacturer Warranties? Most Camera Trap companies offer a one year warranty against defect. Bushnell offers a two year warranty.
I would highly suggest visiting our Trail Camera Selection Guide page. It will take you through a step-by-step process of choosing the benefits that you need and matching it to the camera trap that is right for you.
In the meantime, here are some of the camera traps and accessories that researchers have had great success with.
Popular Research Camera Traps
Reconyx Hyperfire HC600
Price: $549.95
The Reconyx Hyperfire HC600 and the HC500 are the best camera traps on the market. Programming is a breeze, picture quality is unbelievable and it is the fastest camera trap on the market.
The camera casing is fully sealed and will protect the camera from any type of weather or environment.
The HC600 is the completely covert model. It has no visible infrared flash at night. You can use up to a 32 gig SD card. Camera uses 12 AA batteries (Tenergy Nimh batteries recommended).
Reconyx Hyperfire HC500
Price: $449.95
The Reconyx Hyperfire HC600 and the HC500 are the best camera traps on the market. Programming is a breeze, picture quality is unbelievable and it is the fastest camera trap on the market.
The camera casing is fully sealed and will protect the camera from any type of weather or environment.
The HC500 is a red flash infrared camera. The red flash is very faint and hard to notice unless you're looking directly at the camera. You can use up to a 32 gig SD card. Camera uses 12 AA batteries (Tenergy Nimh batteries recommended).
Bushnell Trophy Cam
Price: $199.95/249.95
The Bushnell Trophy Cam is a very small, compact camera. This has been one of the most popular research cameras for the last several years.
The trigger time is 1.3 seconds, the detection width is the same as the field of view, and it recovers in 4-7 seconds. The detection range is 52 feet.
You will also find the programming to be very user-friendly. Just as important, the Trophy Cam averages 3 months of battery life.
This is among the best cameras in the $200 price range.
Scoutguard SG565
Price: $179.95
The Scoutguard SG565 is, quite possibly, the best incandescent (flash) camera on the market.
The ability to take a color nighttime photo can be incredibly useful if you need to identify individual animals based on spot, color or other markings (i.e. Big cat surveys).
This little camera has an excellent detection circuit, good battery life and is a great value camera.
Rechargeable Batteries
If your base camp has electricity, rechargeable batteries will save you time and money (let alone the environment). Rechargeable batteries will give your camera traps longer battery life, improved night pictures for a longer duration of time, and will save you from having to bring buckets of batteries into a country.
It is generally recommended that you bring two sets of rechargeable batteries per camera trap unit. This allows you to switch out batteries when you go to the camera trap site and keeps you from staying in that area too long.
Full Rechargeable Batteries Description and Recommendation Page
 A Great Example
We have worked with many fantastic Research Scientists over the years. Each study presents its own unique challenges.
For an example of a fantastic camera trap wildlife study, please read about Verónica Quiroga's Endangered Jaguar Study.
Verónica's study proves just how valuable a camera trap can be, especially when you are going after the endangered and elusive Panthera onca !
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