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How do I pick a Trail Camera?
What factors should influence your trail camera decision?
Detection Circuits
- Trigger Time
Trigger time is the amount of time a camera takes to snap a picture once the object has entered the detection zone. In general, a quicker trigger speed is an indicator of a higher quality camera.
Not every person needs a quick trigger speed. If you are putting the camera on a feeder or bait station, where the animal is expected to hang around for a while, a quick trigger is not necessary. Conversely, If you are putting the camera on a game
trail, or using for security, you need a quick trigger speed in order to
snap a picture before the animal/person leaves.
We use a device called The Triggernator that scientifically and accurately tests the trigger speeds of any camera trap. If you would like to view the trigger times from the different cameras, read the 2010 Trigger Speed Showdown.
- Detection Zones
Every camera trap has a Detection Zone. A Detection Zone is essentially just the area in front of the camera that the game camera is "monitoring." When an animal or person steps into the detection zone, a picture will be taken shortly thereafter (how long depends on how fast the trigger speed is!).
The two factors that determine the detection zone are Detection Width and Detection Range.
- Detection Width
Game Cameras have anywhere from a 5 degree beam up to a full 90 degree
detection zone. At 30' this varies anywhere from narrow 3' horizontal
detection width all the way up to a monstrous 60' wide detection width.
- Detection Range
The furthest distance at which a
scouting camera is able to detect motion. Distances range from 30' on
the low end to out past 100'.
If you want to put a camera on a food plot, and cover a huge amount of area, you need a game camera with a wide detection width and long detection range.
- Recovery Time
Recover time is the amount of time a camera takes to store a picture after a photo has been snapped.
Some cameras will only take a picture every 30 or 60 seconds. These cameras will work on a feeder/bait station, but not on a fast moving game trail. If you want to see everything that is walking down a game trail, you need a camera that recovers in 10 seconds, at a minimum. If you want the best recovery time, Reconyx recovers in under a single second.
Conclusion on Detection Circuits
Every year, we do our trademark test to determine which cameras have the best Detection Circuits. The test combines trigger speeds, detection zones and recovery time. If you would like to see which camera companies scored the highest, you need to review the 2009 Trail Camera Shootout.
Quality of Picture
- Picture Quality
Before you purchase a camera, you need to be aware of what the pictures from that camera trap look like. We obviously test and review nearly every camera out there and one of the biggest tests revolves around putting a camera in the woods and seeing exactly what it does.
Our collection of trail camera pictures will give you an excellent representation of the quality of picture to expect from each model. You can also view our customer photos to for both educational and entertainment value!
- Infrared vs. Incandescent
Does the camera use a standard incandescent flash or an invisible infrared flash? To determine which flash type you need, please visit Incandescent vs. Infrared.
- Flash Range
The
range at which a camera's flash is able to capture a discernible image
at night. Some models tested were incapable of reaching past 15' while
others worked out to 80'+.
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Good Flash Range (60ft)
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Poor Flash Range (10 ft.)
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Battery Life
Battery life is often overlooked, until you have been using the camera for some time. If you make the wrong decision, your camera could cost you a small fortune in the future. If you make the right decision, (buying a camera with good battery life and using rechargeable batteries) batteries will be the least of your concern.
We are huge advocates of Nimh Rechargeable batteries. Why?
- They save you bushels of money in the long run (check out this chart for proof).
- They increase your battery life in the cold winter months.
- Less batteries in the landfills = cleaner environment for you and your kids
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Rechargeable Batteries
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Battery Chargers
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Security Options
When you go to retrieve you photos, will your camera still be there?
Much like batteries, this is something that is often overlooked until it is too late. If you plan on putting the camera in an area that receives traffic from anybody but you, do yourself a favor and lock your camera up.
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Security Enclosures
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Cable Locks
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Padlocks
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Putting it all together...
A great resource, if you haven't already been there, is our Trail Camera Shootout. The Shootout gives you the raw data for determining which cameras have good detection circuits.
If you want to read more on the different tests we perform, or to compare and see how the cameras stack up to each other, visit our Trail Camera Tests. This will help explain many of our testing procedures and will have tons of information to familiarize yourself with how the cameras work and which ones outperform their competitors.
Finally, if you would like to see which camera is right for you, complete our Trail Camera Selection Guide. Enter your preferences and find out which camera matches your needs!
As always, if this is too overwhelming, never hesitate to Contact Us. We are here to answer your questions and get you started on the path to taking photos of your favorite animals!
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We Value Your Privacy!
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