Trigger Speed Shootout Archive

What is Trail Camera Trigger Speed?

Trigger Speed is defined as the amount of time elapsed from when a trail camera first detects motion until the camera captures a picture of what created the motion.  For example, when an animal walks into the detection zone of a trail camera, the camera is activated and prepares to take a picture.  The game camera then takes a picture and records it to a SD Memory Card.  The amount of time between the animal walking into the detection zone and a picture being recorded is the Trigger Speed of that particular camera trap.

So what does that mean for you?  Well, a trail camera that has a slow trigger speed won't work well on a game trail.  By the time a picture is taken, the animal may be completely out of the field of view!  Also, if you are using a trail camera for security purposes (i.e. trespassers - thieves), you will need a camera with a fast trigger speed to catch the thieves in action (especially if you are using video mode) or before they leave the picture.

How the Trigger Speed Showdown Works...

Charles, our tech genius, invented a device called The Triggernator.  The Triggernator is the most accurate form of testing a trail camera's trigger speed. 

Using the Triggernator, we set each camera and then take 7 sample trigger times.  Of the 7 samples, we drop the slowest time and the fastest time. 

Each trail camera's time is posted under their respective camera.  We then average the 5 remaining times, giving you the average trigger speed. 

Below are the scores and rankings.  To view complete details, click the link to the right of the camera you are interested in.

2014 Trigger Speed Results

2013 Trigger Speed Results