How to choose your hunting camera?
The best hunting cameras can capture great shots of animals and other wildlife that would otherwise be difficult to track, let alone photograph. Also known as trail cameras or remote cameras, these devices are specifically designed to be used remotely to allow photographers to avoid disturbing wildlife. Inspired by Josef Mohamed, we will share with you all you need to know to buy your best hunting camera!
The advantages of a hunting camera
Besides wildlife photography, hunting cameras are also security cameras because they are small, easy to mount, and difficult to detect. Other benefits of trail cameras include:
- sealing,
- durability
- and the ability to take photos and record video footage.
- They blend into the background with their camouflage and solid earth tones, making them difficult for potential subjects to spot.
Lighting, whether continuous or flash, can be overwhelming for fearful subjects such as wildlife, which is why many hunting cameras feature hidden lighting that operates in the infrared spectrum. This means that subjects and the environment can be illuminated even in the darkest places. More sophisticated models offer the ability to connect to cellular networks for remote viewing and recording, high-resolution video footage, and rechargeable batteries powered remotely by solar panels.
Installing a trail camera on your property has much other fun and educational benefits. Using these cameras, you can compile a cumulative list of the diversity of wildlife species present on your property to supplement the wildlife section of your property management plan. Wildlife cameras can also document the activity of rarely seen wild animals, and monitor animals without disturbing them. Also, these cameras can be an added security measure if you are concerned about the risk of illegal trespassing on your property.
How to choose your hunting camera?
With the growing popularity of hunting cameras specifically, the cellular trail cameras. , there are a wide variety of models to choose from. but how to choose the Best Cellular Trail Cameras that suit you. Here are some of the main factors to consider when choosing trail camera features.
Image quality
Image quality is often rated by the number of megapixels. The higher the number of megapixels, the higher the resolution of the photos and the better they look when zoomed in. However, don't let megapixels guide your decision when buying a hunting camera. Instead, think about how you will use it. High megapixels will be fine for a professional quality outdoor photo, but you can still get a good quality photo for species identification or home security with a lower number. That said, the quality of megapixels depends on the quality of the lens used by the camera, so always look at sample photos taken by the camera online.
Lighting
Depending on the species, animal activity may increase at night. Night shots require light to take a good shot. The quality of the photos decreases at night, but you can still get a clear photo within an acceptable margin. Higher flash ranges will show animals at a greater distance from your camera.
Detection range
The detection range is the furthest distance an animal can reach from the camera to trigger a photo. The detection range can be as close as 10 meters and as far as 40 meters. Consider image quality here too. If you have low megapixels and the camera is set for a high shutter release distance, you may end up with blurry photos. High trigger distances are important in grassland but may be less so in denser forests.
Screens
LCD screens make it easier to set up the camera, especially when it comes to readjusting the placement to get a good shot. You can view the photos immediately and directly on the hunting camera without adapters or additional devices. This is the option for you if you can't wait to get home to look at the pictures. For hunters, the lack of a screen may tempt you to get in and out faster without leaving a trace. The absence of a screen will also allow you to save money.
Storage
Photos are usually stored on an SD card. If your device takes high-resolution photos, bursts, or videos, or you can't check and empty the SD card regularly, you'll want a card with a minimum size of 32 or 64 GB, as these functions take up a lot of storage space.
If you don't have an LCD screen, view the photos by downloading them to your computer directly from the SD card.
Before viewing the photos on your digital camera, make sure that your wildlife camera software is compatible, otherwise, the photos may be lost. There are a few more expensive models that remotely transfer your photos via cellular technology to your email for a monthly fee. This feature is less invasive if the camera setting disturbs the animals you are observing, but is only effective if you have cellular reception where the camera is located.
It is important to note that this tool if positioned correctly or set for a continuous photo, can obtain a huge number of photos. You may have an amazing shot of a bird catching a snake, but it's no use if you can't find it. Some cameras come with photo management software or may come with such software, which usually includes photo enhancement tools. This can be useful if you don't consider yourself an organized person or want to tinker with your photos.
Battery life
Battery life plays an important role during heavy activity and is something to consider if you don't live on your property to frequently service the cameras.
Alkaline batteries are less expensive, but their image quality degrades with use and colder temperatures.
Lithium batteries are long-lasting, rechargeable, more consistent in quality over time, and perform better in cold weather. These qualities can save money over time by not having to replace your alkaline batteries as often.
Some cameras charge with solar packs or allow a solar charger to be attached. They have the potential to work indefinitely, but if you place the camera in dense forest, solar packs may not be effective for you.