Best Trail Cameras

Posted on the 01 January 1970 by Charlene Farwell

Want to take some cool pictures or videos? You need a good trail camera to help you with the same. Here are some of the finest varieties you really need to check out.

Trail camera or game cam are basically special types that are used to monitor activities. For instance, you can use them to check out some rare species or animals in a particular sanctuary of park. You can also use it to catch images of burglars, pretty much like a CCTV camera would. Some trail cameras have a capacity to send the footages instantly to your smartphone. Such are the cellular cameras. So, a quick recap of the types of trail cams include wildlife cameras, security cameras, and cellular cameras. There are some latest models that actually combine wildlife and security options. You’ve got to know what you really want to do with the cam before purchase. You don’t want to order a security trail cam when actually what you wanted was a wildlife or cellular cam, do you?

Factors to consider when buying an Outdoor Security Camera

There are certain definitive aspects you really want to check out when shopping for an ideal trail cam. Here are some pertinent details you need to check out in an ideal trail camera:

  • Battery capacity

The higher the battery capacity, the better. If your go for a low battery capacity camera, then you better be sure not to use it to record events over long durations.Therefore battery life in a trail cam cannot be overemphasized.

  • Activity detection circuit

This is another aspect you have to pay close attention to. The camera’s detection circuit give a rough idea of its imaging capacity. So you have to double check the same and confirm that upon delivery.

  • Infrared emitters

Well, if you are conversant with security cameras, you probably know that the IR function comes in handy at night. It helps with night vision. In trail cams, infrared emission can either be in the form of red glow infrared flash or undetectable “No Glow” types. For wildlife trailing, you can pick on the former or latter. For security trail cameras however, I insist on the later “No Glow” type.

  • Picture quality

You don’t want a trail can with poor picture quality, do you? No one does. Choose a camera that has good lens resolution capability. Such will give you good quality footages, night or day.

  • Set up & viewing screen

You also want to be sure the camera is very easy to set up and use. Luckily, most trail cams are supplied with user manuals. Be sure to use this to help with set up and use related concerns.

  • Megapixel count

Notice that I have already said something about picture quality and here again, “Megapixel count.” So what the difference? Actually, there is no big difference. Just a little bit of emphasis here. Some manufacturers indicate very high megapixel counts for their cameras, yet the picture quality is very poor. Be wary of such misleading megapixel counts. You should try to compare the said megapixels with the lens power to see if there’s any correlation.

Enough of the considerations. Next, let’s head straight to the different trail cameras in our review. We have tabulated all of them right below, in order to give you a quick overview of what to expect. In the table we have provided details about the trail cam’s video quality vis-à-vis the image quality in terms of megapixel counts. Have a look!

Top 10 Trail Cameras Video Quality Image Quality

Wild Game Innovations Buck Commander Nano 10 720p HD 10MP

Stealth Cam G30 720p HD 8MP

Stealth Cam G42NG 1080P Full HD 12MP

ECO Trail Camera with Solar Panel 1080P Full HD 16MP

Bushnell 24MP Trophy Cam HD 1080P Full HD 24MP

Wildgame Innovations 360 Cam 720P HD 12MP

Lixada Wireless 3G Trail Camera 1080P Full HD 12MP

Spartan 4G LTE GoCam 720P 10MP

AKASO 12MP Trail Camera 1080P Full HD 12MP

Browning Trail Cameras Dark Ops 1080P Full HD 24MP

What is a Trail Camera?

Trail cameras, as aforementioned, are basically used to monitor events. As such, you can use them to keep an eye on different wildlife activities. You can also monitor security situation around a property. Alternatively, you can do both from a single trail cam. My point is, there are different types of game cameras, all particularly suited for different purposes. You’ve got to know what exactly you want to do with the camera prior to the placing your order.

These cameras are very durable, waterproof, and can capture images and videos during night or nay. The things capture will immediately be saved in the internal memory of the camera.

The main customers of this camera are the researchers. Those interested in the animal activities, how they do things and how they work. They have invented this kind of the camera so that something would take record of the things that are happening when they are not there in the forest.

Do you need a trail camera?

Well, you really need one of these cameras. If you want to monitor animal activities in a park, sanctuary, or even around your home. You can also use them as security cameras to monitor events around your property day and night. If you are passionate about wildlife stuff or just want to catch a thief, then a good trail camera is all that you need.

Something to note is that these cameras are super easy to use. Absolutely no need for training. In fact, all trail cams are supplied together with a user manual to help you with the set up procedure. And because the modern varieties come with dedicated mobile apps, using these cameras is becoming easier by the day. They can be used by nerds and novices alike. Experience using these cameras before, does not give you any form of advantage, anyway.

Types of Trail Cameras

There are different types of trail cameras out there. Particularly, they differ on the basis of use. Like I mentioned earlier, trail cams are often used to track wildlife activity, security among other functions. On the said basis, we can therefore classify trail cams as follows:

  • Wildlife cameras

Wildlife trail cams are used to monitor wildlife activities. For instance, you can use them to catch a notorious nocturnal hunter. They can also be used to estimate the number of animal species within a defined area. If you love animal stuff, like I do, this is a must have camera to add to your collection.

  • Security cameras

Security trail cams, like the name suggests, are used to monitor security situations around your property. Depending on the power of the lenses, resolution, and megapixel count, you should be able to get the right footage quality from your trail cam. Also remember to check the camera’s IR function. This is what determines ability to record quality images at night.

  • Cellular cameras

Cellular trail cams on the other hand, can be used for security as well as monitoring wildlife activities. The only difference with the other two types mentioned earlier is that cellular cameras come with dedicated mobile apps. You can therefore send the footages to your phone for previewing and even sharing with friends.

That’s it for the different types of trail cameras. Next, let’s head straight to the different  wildlife cameras in our collection. Just remember that these editorial picks are selected after a thorough market research and evaluation of different leading brands. Using our collection as a buying guide is therefore, a quality and performance guarantee.

Best Trail Cameras of 2020 Reviews with Pros & Cons

<Best wireless trail camera>

  • Wild Game Innovations Buck Commander Nano 10

The design and construction of this trail cam speaks volumes about its use. The Buck Commander by Wild Game Innovations is used to track wildlife. Be on the trail of that midnight hunter by simply installing this cam strategically somewhere in the wild.

This trail cam comes with a 10MP video quality capacity. This will be able to give you a clear and up-close footage of your target games. A set of 36 high intensity LEDS improve visibility and image quality in the dark. These lights automatically power on whenever an animal is within range. This allows you to get colored footages for better identification of organisms.

This one is a wireless game camera. You can use this one outside confidently because it comes with very durable construction. Comes with that is that the ability to be water and weather resistant, which makes you absolutely more confident at all. It also has 36 LED lights that flash up to 80 feet.

It supports high quality photos and 720p HD videos, thanks to the inbuilt Flextime and time lapse capabilities. All footages and photos are stored safely in a 32GB MicroSD card. The beauty with this is that you can always adjust the memory size with a different memory card.

What’s more, Buck Commander trail cam has a 1-second trigger speed. This ensures you get to record all images of animals that come within range as soon as they are detected. It features a trademark Trubark HD textured finish making it blend well with wild surrounding. Just set it at a vantage tree bark, sit back and relax as you wait for the footages.

Why We Like It:

  • 36 high intensity LEDs with 80ft flash range.
  • Trubark HD textured finish blends well with any tree bark.
  • Flextime and time lapse technologies ensure better quality photos and 720p HD videos.
  • Supports a 32GB MicroSD memory card.
  • Capture photos and 30-second videos.
  • Powered by durable and affordable 4 AA batteries.

Why We Hate It:

  • Does not support infrared night vision

<Best viewfinder trail cam>

  • Stealth Cam 8MP G30

If you are looking for a high performance hunting camera that also comes with some of the best features, this game camera from Stealth Cam is worth checking out. With a manual shot and secure password lock capabilities, you will be able to record footages whenever you feel like. The secure lock feature keeps all your recording safe and secure free from any form of tampering.

It comes with a MicroSD card slot that supports a max of 32GB memory. Stealth Cam supports up to 3 video resolutions including 8.0MP, 4.0MP, and 2.0MP for HD videos. A set of 30 infrared emitters with an 80ft range capacity allow you to record over animal activity for longer distances and radius. An inbuilt Matrix Blur reduction feature ensure all images are crisp clear. This trail camera has a 0.5 second reflex trigger capability. You can therefore be sure to get the best photo or video shoots of target animals as soon as they are within range.

This one is manufactured by Steal Cam, one of the best names in terms of making trail cameras. Its case will be able to protect the sensitive internal parts that come from different elements so you could just use it to any type of weather without any care at all.

What’s more, this trail cam supports different video modes. These includes video output, test mode, and USB output options.

Why We Like It:

  • Sturdy case
  • Intuitive backlit menu
  • Three resolutions; 8.0MP, 4.0MP, and 2.0MP
  • 30 IR emitters with an 80ft range for excellent night vision.
  • Can go through any weather type
  • Matrix Blur reduction feature ensure crisp photos and videos.
  • Can record short video clips
  • Reflex Trigger with 0.5 second activation capability

Why We Hate It:

  • No warranty coverage

<Best No Glow IR camera>

  • Stealth Cam G42NG

If you love the small sized trail cameras, this gray variety by Stealth Cam will certainly appeal to you. Like other Stealth Cams, this one is best for tracking game. It comes with a 0.5 second Reflex Trigger function and a Matrix Blur reduction function that ensures all images are crystal clear.

A set of 30 infrared emitters make it easy to monitor animal activity in pitch darkness. The emitters have a range of up to 80ft long. You will be able to trail and monitor animal behavior from a far and wide area.

This one is very durable at all, it may not have the best video and image quality out there, but this can make sure that you will be able to do what you are aiming for, together with its long battery life. This one is considered as one of the best deer cameras out there.

What’s more, it supports up to 3 video resolutions. These include 8.0MP, 4.0MP, and 2.0MP. You will be able to vary image quality by selecting from any of these options. Its intuitive backlit menu allows you to take select recording parameters among other settings with ease.

Why We Like It:

  • Crystal clear images day or night
  • 30 no Glow Infrared emitters with 80ft range for night vision.
  • All weather trail camera.
  • Supports 8.0MP, 4.0MP, and 2.0MP video resolutions
  • Snap picture at set intervals
  • Intuitive backlit menu
  • High capacity rechargeable Li-polymer battery.

Why We Hate It:

  • The design is not so cool.

<Best Detection zone/ range>

  • ECO LLC Trail Camera with Solar Panel

This is one of my favorite trail camera brands. It has everything I like about an ideal camera. Most notable of all is the portable solar panel for charging the camera. That a side, Eco LLC trail camera comes with a 16MP photo and 1080p video resolutions. A set of 46 Infrared LED emitters facilitate night vision.

You will be able to track activity within a wide radius, thanks to the 120 degree wide angle lenses. When recording is over and done and you want to preview the footages, this trail cam has a 2.4” LCD display screen to help you out.

All footages will have crisp sound quality along with unbeatable 1080p Full HD video quality. All photos and videos are automatically recorded within a 3 second to 10 minute interval. All this is programmed and you only need to set your preferred interval appropriately.

With a lightning fast trigger time ofbetween 0.2s and 0.6s, you can rest assured of recording every moment and activity of your favorite animals. It captures solid and amazing full HD video. You won’t be that scared about the battery life though because of the ability to charge because of solar power.

ECO LLC train can has a super sensitive long range 120 degree PIR sensor with an 82ft range. This ensures you get footages of your favorite animals from a wide area.

What’s more, it is powered by a high capacity 1500mAh Li-polymer battery. The portable solar panels keeps the battery charges throughout the day so you can use it conveniently at night.

Why We Like It:

  • Powered by a 1500mAh Li-ion battery that is recharged by the portable solar panel.
  • 16MP photo and 1080p video resolution
  • Affordable
  • 120 degree 82ft range PIR sensor for night vision
  • 2.4” LCD display screen for footage previewing.
  • IP66 waterproof rating
  • 1 year limited warranty

Why We Hate It:

  • No tripod mount
  • Battery charge capacity dependent on daily light intensity.

<Best Recovery time>

  • Bushnell 24MP Trophy Cam HD

The longest battery life amongst every single camera out there. Leave this one out for a year and this will run smoothly and perfectly. Comes with that is an outstanding 24mp and HD video that can just be the trigger in under a 5th of a second, very convenient.

Why We Like It:

  • Outstanding Resolution
  • Amazing Battery Life
  • Very long sensor and IR range
  • Amazing battery life

Why We Hate It:

  • No warranty

<Best trigger time>

  • Wildgame Innovations 360 Cam

This one is a panoramic game camera, which makes it very amazing. It has a full and complete 360-degree camera that captures everything in great quality. If you could just pair this one with your stand feeder, then this one would get every single thing that happens in the woods.

Why We Like It:

  • True effective 360 degree images
  • Decent trigger speed
  • IR mode is sensitive to a range of 80ft.
  • Good resolution for better image quality
  • Long battery life for protracted recording

Why We Hate It:

  • Tripod mount sold separately.

<Best battery life>

  • Lixada Wireless 3G Trail Camera

It has a clear and crisp 12mp camera that has one of the fastest trigger times that you find out there against other game cameras. Nothing will be able to escape this camera, except for the cheetahs, but these really do just amazing work. Whatever type of shot you want to achieve, it has good quality.

Why We Like It:

  • Best trigger speed for instant recording
  • Good resolution for good image quality
  • Great battery life for extended recording
  • Adequate range

Why We Hate It:

  • Slightly expensive

<Best megapixel count>

  • Spartan 4G LTE GoCam

It is a very fairly simple camera. It is very reasonable of 8mp and the trigger time is also quick. Anything that passes around it, it will be captured well. The battery life is also very good in whatever climate it would be. At deer season, this one will definitely be useful.

Why We Like It:

  • Great range
  • Easy set up process
  • Good battery life
  • Supports 4g cellular connection

Why We Hate It:

  • No warranty

<Best burst mode trail cam>

  • AKASO 12MP Trail Camera

You do not have to worry about the video and image quality this one gives out. It is rest assured that all of its shots are in a good quality shot. 6 months of runtime in a single set of battery is something that you should look out for.

Why We Like It:

  • Decent IR range
  • 120 degree Sensor Arc
  • Very Durable
  • Good Resolution

Why We Hate It:

  • No product warranty

<Cheapest trail camera>

  • Browning Trail Cameras Dark Ops

One of the most powerhouse companies when you talk about hunting. There is no camera out there that will give out a very clear and crisp image quality, no one out there. It doesn’t beat the 24mp quality this camera gives out. 80-foot trigger range and flash is something you should check out too.

Why We Like It:

  • Very fast trigger speed
  • Outstanding Resolution
  • High IR and Trigger Range
  • Large Capacity

Why We Hate It:

  • Short battery life

How to Pick the Best Trail Camera for You?

Well, if you are someone who is really keen about looking for trail cameras out there, then you should carefully choose the one that you need. You might want to get some shots at night, or at a certain season and weather, so you should triple check the qualities if you are really interested in those type of things.

Also, if you want shots that are amazingly achieved, such as having 360 degree shots, then it is vital to get a camera that offers 360 degrees shots. If not, then any camera that captures decent shots in a decent range will do for you.

Trust us, getting a trail camera is absolutely fun, the mission to get the best one for you is already fun itself. How much more when you will now start capturing animals out there in the woods?