How do I pick a Trail Camera?
After testing dozens of scouting cameras I've learned most cameras are usually good in one area of testing but weak in another. Only a few rank at the top of every category and as you can imagine, they're not cheap. So, when purchasing a scouting camera on a budget, you must look at the particular setting in which the camera is placed and choose the model best suited for what you're trying to accomplish.
What Factors Should influence your decision?
Trigger Time
The time elapsed between when the camera first detects motion and when an image is captured. Test results vary from almost instantaneous to as long as 6 seconds.
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'.
Detection Width (Angle)
Cameras tested 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.
Flash Range
The range at which a camera's flash is able to capture a discernable image at night. Some models tested were incapable of reaching past 15' while others worked out to 80'+
Flash Type
Does the camera use a standard incandescent flash, or an invisible infrared flash?
Battery Life
How long you can leave your camera out in the field before you must swap out batteries
Security
When you go out to retrieve you photos will your camera still be there?
Possible Scenarios
I'm going to list several types of scouting situations and explain what test criteria are important for each. Then I'll list the top performing cameras that address each scouting scenario.
Feeder
In this type of application you may use just about any type of camera available. Because animals are being drawn in to a very specific area, detection width is not an issue. If your trail camera has a weak flash you can position it to compensate. However, I would consider the impact of the flash type. Finally, since animals will be coaxed into staying put while feeding, slow trigger times are usually not a problem.
Food Plot
When placing a scouting camera overlooking a food plot, your expecting it to cover a broad area. First and foremost I would use a camera with a wide detection zone. You want to capture a picture of anything that steps into the camera's field of view. Secondly, I would use a model with a strong flash. When I'm testing cameras with weak flashes it's very common to see nothing but a set of glowing eyes in the middle of a food plot. Finally, I would look for a model that has a long detection range that reaches out as far as it's flash range. Both Stealth and Leafriver brands incorporate wide detection zones and have strong flashes. Most models from either of these companies make great food plot cameras.
Trail
Trigger time is really the most important criteria here. Animals will be moving fast enough to elude slow cameras. Typically most trail situations do not allow setting the camera further back to compensate. Also, if this is a trail you plan on hunting I would highly recommend using an infrared flash. The IR flash won't spook game and it's faster than a standard incandescent flash. Bushnell and Cuddeback models have fast trigger speeds, but Reconyx models rule the trigger test. The Reconyx RM-45 is my top pick for trail placement. It has a trigger time of about 1/10th second and will take up to 2 pictures/second for as longs as it detects motion. The end result is the maximum number of images possible of whatever is walking down your trail.
Public Property
Where you place the camera will have a significant bearing on which model you choose. However, a camera placed on public land should possess these 3 attributes or you may never see it again.
1. It should be well camouflaged
2. It should use an infrared flash to not draw the attention of would-be thieves
3. Most importantly, it should have stout security provisions incorporated into the design
Models from Leafriver and Bushnell come with good security provisions at no extra charge. The Leafriver IR-3BU has a Mossy Oak finish, a powerful IR flash and a locking bracket and lock bar, however no lock or cable is furnished. The Bushnell 11-9901C comes in Mossy Oak shadow branch, ships with a locking bracket, cable and padlock. Plus, it gives you the option of either infrared or incandescent flash. The 11-9901C also has a much more slender profile and as I said, it almost disappears when placed on a tree.
Remote/Distant Hunting land
If you can't make frequent trips to your hunting land, you want to make darn sure you don't run out of batteries in between trips. Recon, Stealth and Wildview brands are good choices in this category. All Recon models are very energy efficient and can last for months on (6) d cell batteries. Stealth and Wildview models have great battery life on D cells, but also incorporate an external battery jack. This jack allows you to hook up any size 12 volt battery for almost unlimited life in the field. Add a solar charger and they can run indefinitely.