Hey folks! I've been playing around with the new Campark TC30 wifi trail camera for the past week, and I'm really impressed. This camera is all about no-frills functionality and ease of use. It's simple to program and gets the job done without relying on Wi-Fi or phone apps. It's a nice, compact camera with a pretty traditional Campark design.
I've been using Campark trail camera for about 7 years now and have had really good luck with them. I've never had one completely fail, and they've helped me create some amazing videos over the years.
No-Frills Design, Great Performance
The TC30 has a cable lock on the back, a strap mount, and a traditional bracket mount for attaching it to a tree or wall. It also has a tripod mount, which is a nice touch. The single lens captures both photos and videos, and I was really happy with the quality of both, especially considering the price. The images are clear, and it uses 850nm low-glow IR lights, so you don't get a lot of that red glow at night. The sensitivity is excellent, with a 1-second trigger speed.
Long Battery Life, Solar Panel Compatible
The camera runs on 8 AA batteries, and the battery life is pretty good in standby mode and for taking photos. However, if you're shooting a lot of video, especially at night, it'll go through batteries quicker. I use Amazon Basics or any available alkaline batteries, and they've worked well for me. To save on battery costs, especially for extended deployments, I recommend using a solar panel. The TC30 has a port for an external solar power source. I've been using the Campark BC 643 small solar panel with other Campark cameras like the TC6, and it works perfectly with the TC30 too. It just plugs right in. The solar panel is sold separately, but it's a worthwhile addition if you plan on capturing a lot of nighttime video.
The microphone port is right here, and the sound quality is exceptional for an entry-level camera. Sound is really important to me. Capturing the visuals of wildlife and birds (my main focus) is great, but the added dimension of sound really helps tell the story.
Simple Setup, Easy to Use
Setting up the TC30 is super easy. You switch it to setup mode, and you get a live view on the screen. You can take pictures and videos in live view, and navigation is simple using the buttons. Because there's no Wi-Fi or app, you set everything up directly on the camera. You can get a good idea of your framing using the live view, then test it out and adjust as needed.
The TC30 uses a Micro SD card up to 128GB. I recommend using a high-quality card like the SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB for its fast write speed and reliability.
Impressive Video and Audio Quality
Let's talk about the menu. It's very straightforward. You have your video resolution options, ranging from 4K down to 720p, and recording length from 10 seconds up to 3 minutes. I usually stick to 30 seconds or a minute. You can also enable audio recording (which I highly recommend), and there's even an audio volume setting! I set mine to high to capture all the details. The camera settings let you adjust the photo resolution from 5 megapixels up to an interpolated 48 megapixels. Keep in mind that higher resolutions mean larger file sizes.
Straightforward Menu and Settings
In the basic settings, you can choose between capturing video, photo, or a combination of both. I like to capture both when I'm testing. The interval setting is great; it has a minimum 5-second reset, which is helpful for capturing fast-moving action. You can also set up time-lapses, use a timer for specific recording times, add a timestamp, and format your SD card (always format a new card in a new camera!). There's also an economy mode for extending battery life, adjustable PIR sensitivity (I usually set it to high), loop recording, and even password protection.
To start recording, just switch out of setup mode. It'll count down for 5 seconds, and then you're good to go. The camera comes with a USB cable for connecting to your computer, but I find it easier and faster to just pop out the Micro SD card.
Perfect for Backyard and Security
Overall, the Campark TC30 is a basic but high-quality trail camera that's functional, effective, and incredibly easy to use. It's a great budget-friendly option for documenting wildlife, backyard activity, or even security. It's compact and unobtrusive, and the video and sound quality are excellent for the price. Highly recommended!
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About Campark
Campark is dedicated to providing outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality, reliable, and durable action and trail cameras. We focus on innovative technology and user-friendly design, striving to capture every exciting moment. From crisp image capture to intuitive operation, Campark products are designed to enhance your outdoor adventures. We offer a diverse product line to meet the needs and budgets of various users. If you have any questions about our products or require technical support, please don't hesitate to contact us at support@campark.net.