Original Article: Best Hunting Video Cameras – Top 5 of 2021
Stalking an area before a hunt can make the difference between getting on your quarry or not. The use of modern-day technology allows us to see the outdoors while we are not even there. Using hunting video cameras can give you a huge advantage.
Consider hunting a food plot or the wilds of a national forest. You are having a hard time finding any game at all and you are curious as to their habits and movements when you are not there. These handy cameras can be an asset that determines bagging a buck or not.
Hunting video cameras are great for the field but there are a few things you need to consider before purchasing one. We recommend that no matter what environment or weather conditions you hunt that you always keep these factors in mind when deciding on a hunting video camera.
With all that being said, let’s look at a few determining factors that should be looked at before buying any trail camera or camcorder for the field. Hold every device you look at to these factors when shopping and you will have a hunting investment you are happy with.
Durability
When considering durability in a hunting video camera, consider the beating it may take. From being packed into the field to the natural elements that will be wearing on it while it is left. With camcorders, consider the models that have sturdy frames and secure areas to hold them.
Consider what the device is made from and how that material will withstand the elements. Hunting in most regions happens in the fall with colder weather.
Here in Montana, temperatures can drop below zero when hunting elk. Plastic and metal materials change when temperatures drop so consider that factor when deciding.
If you hunt higher elevations, temperatures will always be lower in higher altitudes making cold resistant cameras an essential aspect to lean towards. Cracking can occur at different temperatures with different types of plastic material.
Always consider the shock resistance of any device especially a hunting video camera. It may be dropped or dinged against something and for this reason, you should always opt for a shock resistant device.
The durability of a hunting video camera is an essential to the longevity of a device. Most devices will work great out of the box, but the devices that last for the long haul are the ones built exceptionally durable.
Weather Resistance
This goes without saying, but the weather resistance of a hunting video camera is essential to the longevity and performance of any device. Consider things like the material it is made of as well as other little features that many trail cameras have.
One thing that you should always look towards is the video cameras that have waterproof sealing either by soft PVC materials or other weather-stripping materials. Consider these features in a camera for any hunting area but especially for the areas that have high humidity.
We recommend that you also look towards brands that offer a warranty in this area and possibly replacement sealing material. These warranties vary and will need to be thoroughly looked at so take your time.
Weatherproofing and weather resistance are crucial factors, and one thing that you need to realize is that humidity is everywhere, even in the driest regions. Humidity is at its highest in the early morning so if this is when you head to the woods, be sure to make this feature a priority.
With handheld hunting video cameras there are more moving parts which make weather resistance especially important. Researching the weatherproof design of a handheld video camera may take more time.
One thing that irritated me with a spotting scope that I had when I was younger was the moisture that would condensate behind the lens. It made it completely unusable in the early morning and it was very frustrating.
This happens quite often in optics and should be considered when purchasing any lens device. Look at the lens and what it is made of. Often, they are coated so that moisture does not stick and have a good weather seal around the lens itself to make a watertight fit to the camera itself.
Other things to consider as far a weatherproofing on handheld video cameras is the buttons and interface. Many are touchscreen which helps, but they even on these models consider the edges of the screen as well.
Most outdoor handhelds are made to withstand some degree of weather and moisture, but hunting is different. Your remote location does not offer anywhere to put it if the weather turns poor and so having a model that has good weatherproofing is key.
Now that we have seen the two important factors to consider with hunting video cameras, let’s look at a few models of handhelds and trail cameras that are worth noting. We will look at the good, and the bad of each model to hopefully aid you in choosing the right product for you.
Trail Cameras:
Neewer Trail Cam 16MP 1080P Waterproof Hunting Camera
The Neewer Trail Camera is a great model that offers a good wide-angle view. Because of its waterproof design, it is perfect for leaving outdoors for the night. The 1080P video is great for clear and precise images and videos which is especially useful in situations of wind and flying debris.
3 infrared sensors activate at game more than other movements which saves you the trouble of sorting images at home. This camera offers a good night image or video at 20 meters as well for extremely low light applications.
This camera is completely waterproof and dustproof and features a 6-month battery life while in standby mode. This is an impressive amount of time considering that it operates on only 8 AA batteries.
The camera itself uses a large panel of infrared sensors that allow clear pictures and videos without the need of a flash. Cameras that flash have the potential to scare game away. When using cameras for security purposes, this feature is great for taking pictures without the target knowing that the camera is there.
The pattern of this model is a general breakup camouflage pattern, but it is the only potion available which is unfortunate.
The case and frame of this camera is made of a hard plastic that protects essential components while offering the corrosion resistance that plastic materials offer. The plastic materials used may not be great for extreme cold however, whereas metal materials would not crack from low temperatures.
FEATURES
- Hardened plastic case
- Non-flash picture taking
- Camouflage pattern
- 120-degree angle imaging
- Image sensors up to 20 meters
- Non-flash captures
- Long battery life
- Only available in one pattern
Coolife Trail Camera 21MP 1080P
The Coolife Trail Camera is a great all-around camera for clear images. The camera itself gathers media at 1080P for supreme quality images and videos. The camera itself is smaller in design for great concealment for hunting and security purposes.
This camera is completely waterproof as well and can withstand the elements very well. The smaller size of this camera is also especially useful for attaching to more surfaces and is much easier to pack. Consider this camera for the hunting area that you must hike to get to.
This camera offers the 120-degree angle as most do and can take noticeably clear images and videos at night. The camera itself comes with a 32GB memory card that can store a great amount of footage. The camera only captures images and videos when motion is detected which adds to the battery life of the camera.
You will need 8AA batteries to operate this camera (not included) and they will last a long time inside this camera. But it also has a battery of its own that can be charged via USB. This is a great feature that greatly extends the life of a single-use.
The one small flaw in this camera is the fact that the camera does have a red light that lights up once it detects motion. Because of this, it may not be ideal for security, but the light will likely not affect wildlife too much.
FEATURES
- USB charging
- Packable design
- 120-degree capture
- 20-meter night vision
- Lightweight design for easy packing
- Battery and USB power supply
- 0.25 trigger speed is fast
- Red light indication when detecting motion
Campark Trail Camera
SaleThe Campark Trail Camera is a good trail camera that collects clear images. The motion detection for this camera is extremely sensitive which is great for not missing a thing. However, this sensitivity may not be necessary for some applications. Try this camera for conditions that are very still such as low wind areas.
The 120-degree angle lens offers great imaging of a large area and this camera also works well in rain and high moisture conditions. It is completely waterproof with its great weatherstripping materials and can withstand dusty environments as well.
This model does not include any storage devices such as SD cards which will have to be bought separately which is unfortunate. However, this is still a particularly good camera and is worth some attention.
This camera has 3 passive infrared sensors that can detect animals very well without startling them. This is important for deer and other species that spook easily. This model has 42 LED infrared sensors in a circular pattern which enhances the field in which the sensors will detect.
FEATURES
- 42 LED infrared sensors
- Tan breakup pattern
- 26MP camera
- 120-degree field of view
- Extremely sensitive detection
- Good trigger speed
- Completely waterproof
- Does not include storage card
Camcorders:
YEEHAO Wi-Fi HD 1080P 24MP Camcorder
When capturing the hunt in detail, you will need something that produces a clear image and offers great durability. The YEEHAO Wi-Fi Camcorder is a great option for a durable camera that handles well in your hand.
This camera has a touchscreen display that adds to weather resistance and simplicity. The camera itself offers a sturdy build with high-density plastic materials that can withstand a beating.
The wide view lens allows you to capture the hunt in great clarity. This wide-angle imaging allows you to capture the whole hunt without missing things that may be just off out of view. The microphone attached collects clear sounds as well while keeping white noise such as wind and rain out.
The Wi-Fi feature allows you to use your phone to control the camera which can be especially useful for getting footage that you cannot while holding the unit traditionally. This does not mean the camera itself connects to a wireless network, but rather the phone APP can control the camera.
This camera comes with all these features and equipment and is ready to be used right out of the box. However, the unit is not completely waterproof such as a trail camera. Keep this in mind when shopping for these products.
FEATURES
- Microphone attachment included
- Camera APP for remote control
- Camera hood included
- Low-light recording
- High image quality at 1080P
- Wi-Fi feature for more custom control
- Camera hood for better images
- Is not waterproof
Actinow Video Camera Camcorder 2.7K
The Actinow Camcorder shoots videos at 2.7K which is not as high as its 4K competitors, but the handling of this camera is great. The camera itself is equipped with a handle that allows the camera to be held comfortably in many different angles.
Because of the handling, this is great for hunting in the stand and the high handling is great for a secure hold to prevent dropping the camera. The camera is made from hardened plastic material which is common for cameras of this design.
The weatherproofing of this camera is not that great, however, and can be an issue if you use it in high moisture environments. Overall, it is a great camera that offers versatility in how the camera is stabilized which is something that their competitors seem to lack.
FEATURES
- Stabilizing handle
- Lens hood
- Remote controller
- Microphone attachment
- Very stable due to handle
- Hood offers quality picture
- Remote control allows variable use
- Poor weather resistance
Trail Cameras vs. Handheld Camcorders
When scoping out an area for the hunt coming up, the trail camera is your best bet. Usually very waterproof, and very versatile, the trail cam can get you the information you need about an area before you hunt. This is useful in determining when to hunt as well as where.
A handheld Camcorder is great for capturing the hunt itself for future enjoyment and can be extremely useful in helping you hunt better. Try these in the blind or the stand for capturing the action. The weatherproofing is always less in handheld camcorders, but you can buy covers for them typically.
The future of the outdoors is changing and with it, new technology. Try these products to enhance your hunt and see the difference. The more information you have about your hunt, the better your chances and the more fun you will have.