Trail Camera Comparison
This post is designed to give our readers a better idea of which trail camera they should choose and to hopefully answer some of the most common questions we’re asked.
There are many subtle differences and sometimes it’s hard to choose, so hopefully the following information will help you make a decision.
Which is the best trail camera?
The first question we’re always asked is which is the best trail camera but unfortunately there is no correct answer to that one as every application is different and so a different camera might be better.
I’m trying to keep this guide nice and simple so it’s easy to read and easy to use.
Here are some of the most common things we’re asked..
Which is the best trail cam for video/image quality?
Ltl Acorn 8830 – 4K video recording
Ltl Acorn 8830 – this stand out model offers 4K HD video recording.
Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 or Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5
Which trail camera can hold the most batteries and so should last the longest in the field?
This is an important question to think about if you need to leave your camera out on location for weeks or even months before you can get access to change batteries or check recordings.
Ltl Acorn 6630 & Ltl Acorn 8830 – these cameras use the 18650 style batteries for much longer running time than models that use standard AA batteries.
Which cameras have a forward facing screen for easier positioning during set up?
A forward facing screen can make initial positioning of a wildlife camera much easier. This is because you’ll be able to see exactly waht the camera is poitning towards without any trial and error testing needed.
Ltl Acorn 6630 – the 6630 has a built in forward facing screen, most favoured by our customers.
Ltl Acorn Mini30 (external, detachable screen)
Browning Recon Force Edge or Browning Spec Ops Edge
6210MC PLUS showing forward facing drop down screen
Which cameras can I view and control via my mobile phone?
WiFi trail cameras are gradually becoming more common, however I am yet to test and good reliable, stable model. As soon as I find one we’ll list it on the website for sale and update this post too. A WiFi trail camera should mean that you can be nearby with your smart phone and connect to the camera. You could then make changes to set up or view recordings without touching the camera itself. You might als be able to view live footage from the camera, although this would be quite a heavy drain and would require good, strong WiFi connection.
Eagle WiFi Trail Camera
Which trail camera is the cheapest & most popular?
There are many extremely cheap trail cameras on Amazon and eBay but I won’t be talking about those as we hear so many horror stories from customers that have bought there first! From the value for money trail cams I stock, here are the best options. However, as is often the case, the more you put towards your camera the better model you’ll get.
Big Eye D3N Wildlife Trail Camera
Which is a good starter trail camera for recording wildlife in my garden?
Any of them really but our current fave is definitely the Ltl Acorn 6630, the forward facing built in screen makes it so easy to set up and position.
They’re all great trail cameras for recording wildlife and they are all easy to use & supplied with our own step by step instructions & information sheets. I personally prefer the Ltl Acorn 6210MC PLUS, the Mini30 models and the D3N over the 5000 series Ltl Acorn cameras as I think they are more sturdy & robust and (as they are 1 piece trail cameras with less seals) tend to stand up better to winter weather conditions.
Which cameras have a wide angle lens?
Should I go for a wide angle lens?
I would say only go for a wide angle lens if you are looking to cover a large, open area such as a field or driveway etc. If you have a good idea of the subject area that you are looking to cover and/or are trying to record smaller creatures such as hedgehogs, birds & foxes then stick with a standard lens trail camera.
Which trail cameras will give me colour night vision video & images?
White light is slowly becoming more common in trail cameras but it’s not ideal in all scenarios. It works like a standard camera flash, illumianting the area like a floodlight so that the camera can record in full colour at night time. Of course, this is not the slightest bit covert and could make your camera prone to theft if not in a private location. It’s possible that in rural settings it may also affect animal behaviour if they are not used to such lighting conditions. So it may take time for them to get used to it and become comfortable in the location again.
In more urban areas animals are very used to lighting coming on and off and so it’s very unlikely that it will disturb them at all. In fact, the amount of excellent video footage our customers have sharde with us pretty much proves that the nocturnal creatures don’t mind at all!
Ltl Acorn 8830 (white light version)
Ltl Acorn 6630 (white light version)
Ltl Acorn Mini30 (white light version)
Mini30 White Light – colour night vision example image
Which cameras can record video at 60fps?
Recording at a higher frame rate, such as 60fps, can mean better video quality during playback but not always! Compression techniques will also play a part as will the processor speed in the device your playing back on. The video player you choose to use can also affect the quality and smoothness of the playback.
D3N Big Eye Trail Cam
Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 / Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5
Browning Recon Force Edge
