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How To Choose A Trail Camera
trail cameras are usually also called hunting cameras, which use pyro-sensing animal (human body) technology to automatically take high-definition pictures and smooth videos when warm animals pass by. trail cameras are generally fixed on trees to facilitate hunters or observers to understand animal movements. So how to choose the function of trail camera reasonably?
Pixel
I believe that when many people mention trail cameras, the first thing they think about is the pixel problem. After all, the primary parameter for the public to choose a camera is the pixel. There are many gimmicks such as 20 million pixels and 16 million pixels on the market. It only advertises the interpolated pixels of the trail camera, but the pixels of the trail camera to take pictures/videos are determined by the CMOS (photosensitive chip); so the best way to judge the image quality of the camera is to look at the sample photos in the trail camera review. Identify photo pixel issues based on sharpness, color, contrast, and resolution.
No infrared and red light outside the line
Night photography requires artificial light. Trail cameras offer three flashes: white, which is increasingly rare; "red" or "low-light" infrared; or "no light" infrared. Infrared options are by far the most popular as they are less likely to startle the animals being photographed. Low light flashes work above the visible spectrum (wavelength around 732nm), so they do throw some light at the source, but not much, and while it has the potential to scare the animals, it also produces better photos. Operating above the visible spectrum at wavelengths around 864nm, the non-glow flash is completely invisible; the animal goes about its business without panicking. White flash is rarely used as it may scare the animal and cause it to flee. Considering the concealment factor, non-infrared light is more concealed than red light.
Trigger speed, recovery time and detection area
Trigger speed is the time elapsed from when the camera first senses motion to when it captures a photo that causes said motion. Recovery is how quickly the camera stores the first photo and is ready to take the second photo. The detection zone is the area where the camera is able to sense motion and trigger a photo. The two factors that determine the detection area are detection length and detection range. Generally, the common trigger time in the market is 0.8s, 0.5s, 0.2s, 0.1s. It is recommended that the faster the trigger speed, the better, and the shorter the time, the better. Never miss a photo opportunity because of an animal passing by quickly.
Recovery time, or the time it takes for the camera to be ready to take another photo. Not every camera manufacturer specifies recovery times, but it's worth considering when they do. Cameras often offer a burst feature, where multiple shots are fired in rapid succession, or a multi-shot mode with selectable intervals. You can also set the interval between triggering events so your memory card doesn't fill up with photos of the same animal. Good cameras have recovery times of 5 seconds or less, common recovery times are usually 10 to 15 seconds or more.
Common detection angles and distances in the detection area are 65°, 85°, 110°, 120°, etc. The larger the detection angle and the farther the distance, the higher the probability of detecting animals. Naturally, longer (further) detection ranges will capture more wildlife movement, but will consume more memory storage space.
Battery
Battery life often affects the length of the camera standby time and shooting time. The longer the battery life, the longer the camera works, the less you miss the opportunity to shoot animals, and the longer the battery life of the camera will save you money during the entire life of the camera.
Advantages of NiMH rechargeable batteries: They extend the battery life of the camera during the cold winter months. However, the camera suffers in temperatures above 80°.
Lithium Batteries: Eight AA batteries are a typical requirement, with some cameras requiring as many as twelve. But there are cameras that also accept power from an external source, usually a 6 or 12 volt battery or power bank, which will give you the longest battery life and will be the most reliable. No matter what the weather is, it will not have any effect on the camera. Cons: More money to buy batteries, and time to replace batteries in the camera to keep the camera charged.
The solar battery is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly battery; you only need to pay attention to the installation location, and it is best to install it under the sun. In this case, you don't need to buy extra batteries, it can provide a steady stream of power for the camera . But it is more susceptible to the influence of weather. Generally, you can choose to use solar cells and lithium batteries together to maximize economic benefits.
SD card
Most off-road cameras store images on SD cards. The size of the SD card you need depends largely on how often you check the card and the resolution of the photos you take. Obviously, if you plan to check your camera weekly, you don't need as much storage space as you do monthly. Plus, if you're shooting 8 MP photos, a 16 GB memory card can hold nearly 6,000 photos. But only about half of the 16 MP photos can fit on the same card. HD videos also take up a lot of space. Be sure to check what SD card storage capacity the camera you're considering is compatible with before purchasing, as not all cameras will work with larger SD cards.
Waterproof level and working temperature
As an outdoor camera, waterproof and dustproof is an essential function, and the common waterproof grades in the market are IP65, IP56, IP66 and so on. The highest waterproof level achieved so far is IP66, which can truly and effectively prevent the intrusion of foreign objects. The working temperature of each camera is different, you can choose a suitable camera according to the local climate and temperature.
Concealment
I believe that many people mention trail cameras, will think of the issue of concealment, so trail camera body is generally hidden color, you can prefer gray, brown, green, yellow, easy to hide. Secondly, you can choose a camera that is not too large, can be completely hidden in the outdoor environment, not easily discovered.
Mounting
Most cams come with straps or brackets for tree mounting and some have 1/4"-20 threaded tripod style sockets for other options. Many have channels or holes for locking safety designed to be used with cables In order to prevent theft. From the consideration of easy installation, you can choose the belt or bracket. The detection position can be adjusted at any time, which is convenient for taking out or replacing the memory card at any time. In order to prevent theft, you can choose a more complicated locking device. The disadvantage is that you can install the camera, take it out or replace it It will be more troublesome when the battery or memory card is used.
Features
There are also new functions added to these basic functions in the market, such as the camera has wifi function, some cameras have added solar function, and there is one of the most popular functions - 4G function of trail cameras.
The feature of the Wifi function is that the mobile phone can be connected to the camera by downloading the APP, and you can download or browse pictures and videos in the APP. Through the APP, you can understand the basic information and settings of the camera. For example, the time axis, continuous shooting, resolution selection, etc. can all be done through the mobile phone. To a certain extent, it can reduce the effort and frequency of disassembling the camera for you. But WiFi has a distance limit, usually limited to 10M. Once it is not within the wifi range, the wifi function cannot be used.
The solar tracking camera panel saves power, making your tracking camera battery last longer. They are also very easy to use. All you have to do is keep the panel exposed to sunlight and it will provide a steady stream of power to your camera. Save battery costs and protect the environment.Solar tracking camera panels save power, which gives your tracking camera a longer battery life. They are also very easy to use. All you have to do is make sure the panel is constantly exposed to sunlight and it will provide a constant flow of power to your camera. Save on battery costs and protect the environment.
The features of 4G trail cameraare 1. View pictures remotely. 2. Remote control camera settings. 3. Set real-time or scheduled updates. 4. Collect hunting information in time. 5. Take incredible game photos. Whether you are at home or at work, you can receive animal pictures and videos from tracking cameras anytime, anywhere. It can save you a lot of time and energy retrieving SD cards and help you focus on the important things. There is no wifi distance limit, even if you are at the other end of the country, you can view and download videos remotely. No need to constantly go out into the field to take down the tracking camera. It is a very powerful trail camera.
Camera Recommendations
Campark TC03 4K 32MP Low Glow Flash Trail Camera
Specification:
- Image resolution: 32MP/6480*4860
- Video resolution: 4K/3840*2160
- Trigger time: up to 0.3 seconds
- IR Flash: 38*850nm infrared lamp
- Detection angle: 120°
- Waterproof: IP56
- Battery: low-power ultra-long standby 6 months
Reasons to buy: Can capture 4K ultra-clear video and 32MP clear images, 120° detection angle, low-luminescence infrared LED lighting light, low-power standby time of 6 months. The most important thing is that it is cheap, very suitable as an entry camera for beginners;
Campark T85 WiFi Bluetooth 24MP 1296P Trail trail camera
Specification:
- Photo Resolution: 24MP
- Video Resolution: 1296P
- Distance of Night Vision: 65FT(20m)
- IR Flash: 36pcs infrared LEDs (940nm)
- Trigger time: 0.3s
- APP: IOS: "Trail Camera Pro" &Android: "Trail Camera Pro 2"
- Screen: 2.3" color TFT LCD
- Waterproof: IP66
- Recommend using SD card Class 10 up to 128GB
- Recommend using an Alkaline AA LR6 battery.
Reasons to buy: 36 940nm invisible infrared rays will not attract the attention of animals at all and scare them away. 0.3s fast trigger speed, can quickly capture wild animals; with WiFi function, you can set up the camera and download videos and pictures through the APP. The 2.3-inch screen is easy to view; the highest waterproof rating is IP66. The price is moderate, which is very suitable for beginners who are buying trail cameras for the first time.
Campark TC05 4k 48MP Wifi Night Vision Trail Cam With 32G SD Card
Specification:
- Photo Resolution: 48MP
- Video resolutions: 3840 x 2160 P (4K Native)
- Detection angle of sensors: 120°
- Trigger time: 0.1s
- Memory: It is recommended to use SD/SDHC U3 Card up to a capacity of 128GB.
- IR flash: 40 Pcs 940nm infrared LEDs
- IR LEDs range: 20m (65 ft)
- Photo Formats: JPEG;Vedio Formats: MP4
- Screen: 2.4" color TFT LCD
- Waterproof : IP66
- Operating Temperature: -20°C~60°C
Reasons to buy: 40 940nm invisible infrared rays, which will not attract the attention of animals at all, and will not scare animals. Whether it is day or night, it can be equipped with ultra-clear 4K video and 48MP crystal image. With a trigger speed of 0.1s, you will not miss any animals; with WiFi function, you can set up the camera and download videos and pictures through the APP. 2.4-inch screen for easy viewing; IP66 highest waterproof rating. Also comes with a 32G SD card card. A complete set of accessories can be installed and used immediately upon receipt. This is a great option for a tracking camera if you're on a budget.
Campark TC07 4K 60MP WiFi Solar Power Dual Lens Wildlife Camera Trail Camera, The Highest-Definition & Performance Game Cam
specification:
- Photo resolution: Daytime:60M ;Nighttime:8M
- Video resolution: Daytime:4K
- Screen: 2.4"colour TFTLCD;
- Sensor: 1/3"CMOS sensor
- Lens: F=4.3:F=2.0
- IR flash: 24pcs 850nm
- Triggering time: 0.1s
- Photo: JPEG:Video:MP4
- Sensor angle zone: 120°
- Triggering distance: up to 20m
- Storage: SD card (U3 or V30 higher, up to128GB)
- Waterproof: IP66
Why you should buy it: 4K 60MP is a higher resolution than most other trail cameras. Restore the most realistic real-time video and images; 120° ultra-wide-angle detection angle, 20 meters long-distance detection; non-luminous infrared night vision, 0.1s trigger time, WiFi, the highest waterproof level of IP66, and a detachable solar panel Battery board; less expensive to maintain and power than cameras that use more batteries. Metadata such as time, date, moon phase and temperature are included in the files to help better inform photographers/hunters, providing greater accuracy when researching subjects.
Campark TC17 2K 4G LTE Cellular Solar PTZ Trail Camera & Security Camera With SIM Card
Specification:
- Power Supply: Solar powered and built-in 8000mah battery
- Built-in 8000mah rechargeable battery
- 2K HD video for day and night
- Viewing Angle: Pan 355°, tilt 90°
- Night Vision Range: 32ft
- Vision Mode: Black &white night mode, color night mode, full light day mode
- Playbck: Support playback on the APP "UCon"
- Mobile System: Support Android / iOS
- Storage: Cloud storage and micro sd card storage
- Waterproof: IP66
- Multi-party sharing: Supports many users' sharing
Reasons to buy: An innovative trail camerawith cellular transmission, no wifi distance limit, and can remotely view and download videos. Whether you are at home or at work, you can receive animal pictures and videos from tracking cameras anytime, anywhere. Saves you a lot of time and energy retrieving SD cards and helps you focus on the important things. Support AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobil data cards of the three major operators. 4W solar panel, saving battery cost; 2K video and 3 visual modes; 355° pan and 90° tilt controllable by mobile phone, free to adjust the detection angle. 0.5s trigger time and instant alarm, IP66 highest waterproof. It can be used for hunting and home security detection to achieve multiple functions.