Choose your hunting camera well

You are a hunting enthusiast and you are looking for a tool that will allow you to capture in pictures your exploits, easily monitor the behavior and movements of game or film wild animals in their natural environment? You are a lover of nature and you want to acquire a powerful device that will offer you the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna very closely? The hunting camera is the ideal equipment, whether you're a hunting enthusiast or nature enthusiast. This device can also be used to monitor a home or large property. Discover through this file all that you need to know about the hunting camera :

1. Presentation and use
2. How to choose a hunting camera: the most important criteria to consider.
3. Our best hunting cameras: their features, their use, their advantages.

This buying guide helps you determine the specifics of the hunting camera that suits your needs and direct your option to the device that offers the best value for money.  

The hunting camera: what is it, what is it for?

Presentation

Also known as a "photographic trap," a hunting camera is a device used to detect movements (of animals or human beings depending on the use to which the equipment is dedicated) around a safety zone. This equipment is presented as a large mobile phone 13 to 15 cm high and 10 cm wide. As soon as an animal or human roams within the protected area, the hunting camera automatically triggers and records their evolutions by taking photos or videos.

In order to conceal it in the wild, the hunting camera wears a "camouflage outfit". It is dressed in khaki colors, black and grey or tiger stripes, shades that are similar to the lattice of soldiers and have been specially designed to go unnoticed. With such camouflage, the hunting camera is easy to hide within the vegetation. 

Use

As the name suggests, the primary purpose of the hunting camera is to track prey during a hunt. You no longer need to waste a lot of time spying on every corner of a forest to find out where the animals are hiding. Now all you have to do is install the hunting camera in a cleverly chosen location to detect game movements and capture them at the right time. To do this, you attach the device to a tree with a fastening strap. The motion detector triggers the device at the slightest action in the area. The camera takes a picture or video the animal (or animals) whose presence and movements it has spotted. From the moment the " photographic trap was placed on its support, the trap is set. The night vision system is automatically switched on. All you have to do is wait and view the captured images. 

You will certainly enjoy this device that will help you trap your prey for sure! In addition, thanks to the evolution of technology, the latest generations of hunting cameras are becoming more sophisticated and accurate. They can have an SD card or a micro SD card that remembers all the photos and videos they have saved. The images can be sent directly to your mobile phone. This allows you to save up to a maximum number of photos and/or videos.

The market currently offers a multitude of models of hunting cameras. This type of device is no longer only of interest to safari enthusiasts and hunters. Its use has expanded and it is popular with a growing number of individuals who use it as a surveillance tool to ensure the safety of their homes. This device can detect all movements around the secure area. Thanks to photo captures and video recordings, the camera can be used to obtain films or images of the scene unfolding during a home crime, burglary or unusual phenomenon.

How do I choose a hunting camera?

To make the right choice of the right hunting camera for your needs, you need to consider many criteria.

Robustness and waterproofing

A hunting camera is usually placed outdoors. The aircraft must therefore be quite robust and withstand difficult climatic conditions, such as high or negative temperatures, rain, wind, fog... This device is often used in the forest. This exposes it to the risk of falling branches. It is also not spared from high humidity, dust and corrosion. 

It is important to focus your choice on a hunting camera with a solid, waterproof, weatherproof case. However, avoid a complete immersion of the device.

The strength of the fastening system

Before being turned on, the hunting camera must first be attached to a suitable support (a tree, a promontory...) using its fastening strap. It must be strong enough and resistant to wear. In addition, choose a device with a device designed to accommodate a padlock.

The choice of location is important. Select a place where the angle of view is not likely to be clogged by a natural obstacle. Look closely around and remove foliage, bushes and branches that could cause beautiful photo shoots to miss.

Autonomy

Most hunting cameras work with at least 4 LR6 batteries. The majority of devices on the market require 8 batteries to give them a longer battery life in standby mode. Some manufacturers have developed hunting cameras with battery life for up to 6 months or even 1 year in standby mode for the best-performing models. However, this independence decreases considerably (only 1 to 3 months) for devices equipped with a GPRS or GSM module, this device being particularly energy-intensive.

As your camera will have to be left in the wild, so that it can accomplish the task dedicated to it in optimal conditions, choose a long-range device. Don't automatically select an entry-level camera that will cost you less to purchase. It's a miscalculation. The savings are likely to be quickly swallowed up by the frequent acquisition of batteries whose prices are known to be high...

How to operate and adjust

Hunting cameras have different modes of operation:

• Photo mode: to make simple images; Video mode;
• Hybrid mode: mixing static shots (photographs) and short videos;
• Time Lapse mode: allows you to launch a video or photo recording at pre-set times, day or night.

Each device requires a few adjustments, but generally the configuration is relatively easy to perform. The handling takes place gradually and the shots improve over time. You will be able to master the settings of the brightness, the speed of trigger ... Once you've gained the experience, you'll know how to choose the right place to place the device to optimize the field of view and angle of view. You will also learn the camouflage techniques of the device.

An LCD screen

A hunting camera is usually easy to turn on. It has a screen displaying a detailed menu in French in most cases. Some models have perfectly designed screens, offering advanced options. If the instructions are not explicit enough about how the device is used, just refer to the menu which is easy to understand and use. In any case, it's a good idea to focus on clear-screened hunting cameras with easily accessible menus, even if you don't have a deep knowledge of cutting-edge technology. 

Motion detection and trigger time

A hunting camera is equipped with a motion detection system that can detect at any time (day and night) the slightest rustle in its range. The accuracy of the sensors depends on the quality level of the device. In any case, you should avoid placing the device in a place where "parasitic" movements could spoil the capture of images or videos. For example, do not place the hunting camera on a branch that may be moving under the influence of the wind.

Trigger speed is also a key criterion for choosing a hunting camera. It can vary from simple to double depending on the model. It is 0.3 to 0.7 seconds for a good quality device and can go up to 2.5 seconds on the worst performing models. Too long a trigger time exposes you to the risk of missing animal photos or videos. 

The angle of view and range

Most hunting cameras offer an average of 60 degrees of horizontal viewing. However, for some ultra-perfected models this angle of view can be up to 100 degrees Celsius, thus maximizing the chances of photographing or filming an animal.

As for the scope, it isabout 20 to 25 m 15 to 20 metres at night for the vast majority of devices available on the market. Some manufacturers develop cameras with a range of up to 25 metres.

The quality of images and videos

The quality of the videos and images captured depends on two factors: the video lens and HD (high definition) option.

When buying the hunting camera, think about check the video resolution. The standard for a device that delivers Full HD images is 1080p, with a vertical resolution of 1080 pixels, a quality significantly superior to a hunting camera that only allows 720p videos. It should be noted that despite their high quality, HD images have a slight drawback: because they are too large, they take up a lot of space in storage memory. Reducing their resolution saves space and saves more images and videos.

Ideally, choose a camera that offers the ability to shoot in Full HD. This will ensure that you get high-resolution, perfectly detailed and crisp images. To find out if the device has such a system, you just need to check if it is equipped with a sensor or read its features carefully. 

The most powerful hunting cameras are those with CMOS sensors. A wide-angle sensor is more convenient. 

Infrared mode

Hunting games are not just during the day. Some game does not come out of hiding until nightfall. Select a hunting camera that can be used both day and night, capable of adapting to a low light situation. For a night recording, you can choose between two technologies: infrared with red LEDs and invisible lighting with Black LEDs.

The existence of LEDs offers the opportunity to obtain a night vision particularly interesting. The camera switches to "passive" infrared mode and can capture images or shoot videos even if it's dark. The performance of the device depends on the quality of the device.

Whether you're aiming for your hunting camera for observation or video surveillance nocturnal animals, discretion is required. It is important to choose a discreet, even invisible device. Otherwise, targets or potential intruders will be suspicious and will not approach them. Remember to check the brightness level of the LEDs that power the selected camera. The red light remains visible, both by humans and animals, with standard LEDs of 850 nm (nanometers). Lighting up the surveillance area only slightly, they are not likely to frighten the surrounding wildlife, even if they remain a little visible. On the other hand, no light is visible if you opt for 940 nm LEDs. 

Black LEDs provide invisible lighting for both humans and animals. Because they do not give off any brightness that could betray the presence of the camera, they are the ideal solution for obtaining very sharp night images. However, they are only small in scope. 

The image-receiving device

Make sure the chosen hunting camera has support to record videos and images, as well as a device to transmit them to a computer, tablet or smartphone. Conventional models typically allow you to record on an SD card or switch images to another medium, using a USB cable.

There are currently advanced GSM fighter cameras on the market that offer a direct alert on a smartphone as soon as they record images or videos. These devices allow you to observe the current recording with a minimum of lag. You want to know more about GSM hunting cameras? Check out our shopping guide on GSM hunting cameras.

The most popular hunting cameras

The GSM 2G Full HD 16MP infrared fighter camera

Characteristics:

• GSM 2G fighter camera
• Equipped with a 16 MP FULL HD 1080P sensor
• 2inches LCD screen
• View angle 120
• Trigger time: 0.3 s
• SMS Alert — MMS — email
• Autonomy: 6 months
• Memory card: not included.

Description:

Part of a professional range, this hunting camera allows to obtain images of exceptional quality, both for photography and for video. His 16MP Full HD image sensor provides high-definition images. However, you can select other resolutions (3- 5- 8 or 12 MP). This device is designed to capture 1080 P quality videos.

With a infrared camera, this GSM "photographic trap" is the ideal equipment for observing wildlife at night. Animals are not likely to be frightened, as the infrared device saves from the use of flash. The images taken at night are in black and white. Each captured photo is stamped with the time and date of the shot. You won't have any trouble finding your files.

His motion detector is able to spot an animal or human within a radius of more than 20 m. From the moment the sensor detects the target, the device triggers very quickly (0.3 s) and captures images. In order not to risk missing important moments, do not hesitate to activate the "continuous shooting" function.

Perfectly waterproof, this hunting camera is resistant to rain, dust and insects. You can use it to track game, take pictures or video the memorable moments of a trip. This device can also be used for domestic surveillance. Since this device does not have internal storage memory, consider purchasing an external memory card (a micro SD or a portable 64GB card). 

The Full HD infrared hunting camera

Characteristics:  

• 16MP photo lens
• Trigger time: 0.5 s
• Infrared vision at 20m
• Image capture speed: 30 images/s  

The Full HD infrared hunting camera is the essential equipment for capturing images and sounds through a built-in microphone and videos in complete discretion. It is designed to serve in a private and professional setting.

Able to capture up to 30 frames per second, with a resolution of 4000 x 300 P, it also allows to make very fluid videos, day and night. With a 16MP lens, this camera allows you to take images of exceptional quality.  

Equipped with a video resolution of 1280 x 720P as well as a 108-degree angle of view, this camera is capable of making videos on wide shots. Equipped with invisible infrared LEDs (940 nm), it can film up to a distance of 20 m at night.

Its motion detector can detect the slightest movement within a radius of 25 m and instantly captures the game or intruder in a photo or video. Thanks to the high speed of its trigger time (0.5 s), it is ranked among the best-performing hunting cameras. In line with the IP65 standard, this device is Waterproof. It can be used in wetlands. It also can withstand cold and heat, its components having been designed to withstand temperatures ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The use of a micro SD card (not provided with the device) allows you to store thousands of photos or hundreds of hours of video. The data can be accessed at any time on the 2.4-inch built-in LCD screen.

The next-generation 4G 16MP fighter camera

Characteristics:

• 4G technology
• 16MP image sensor
• Remote control by SMS
• ALERT by SMS and email
• Life on standby: 6 months
• Trigger: 0.3 s
• Infrared vision

This 4G hunting camera is the ideal equipment to surprise wild animals in their natural environment and capture them in photos or video. With this photographic trap, you won't miss a target. 

Equipped with a built-in digital device, this device offers20MP high-definition mages and 1080 P videos. In addition, there are two functions that allow it to replace a surveillance camera, namely:

– The automatic monitoring function combined with recognition for instant image tracking

– The MMS function.

Thanks to its heat-sensitive properties, this GSM hunting camera is able to systematically detect the heat released by a living being prowling around, whether it's an animal or a human. This technology has many advantages. You can stay tuned for all the actions that take place within a 25m radius around the secure area. It only takes 0.3 s after the perception of presence for it to trigger. However, this feature is quite energy-intensive. You can turn it off if you want to extend battery life.

Incorporating a GSM device, This next-generation fighter camera is designed to send video recordings and image captures via mobile telecommunications networks. All you need is a SIM card to have the images sent to you via email or MMS. 

Thanks to its infrared function, this device allows you to capture photos and video recordings at night, without using flashes that can scare and scare away targets. You get very sharp images, but only in black and white.

This GSM photographic trap has a 2-inch LCD screen and a microphone dedicated to sound recordings. Because it has a camera and a GSM module, it can be used as a laptop or camera.  

Perfectly waterproof, it can adapt to any type of environment, in nature or in urban settings. 

The GSM 4G Full HD 12MP fighter camera with GPS beacon

Characteristics:

• 12MP Full HD 1080P sensor
• GPS Beacon
• 4G GSM technology with email alert and MMS
• View angle of 120 degrees
• Trigger speed: 0.6s
• Infrared vision with 54 black LEDs 940nm invisible.

With several functions, this hunting camera differs from other types of devices. These include:

• Sending video via email or MMS to a mobile phone
• Its ability to search, via GPS, for the precise location of each photo's capture
• Support for 2G, 3G and 4G LTE networks
• The ability to control by sending code via SMS to the GSM module or via a mobile app
• Motion detection: As soon as he perceives an action in his field of view, he instantly captures a photo or video recording.
• A very fast trigger time: 0.6 s from the moment the movement is detected. You can adjust the sensor's sensitivity as you please if you don't want to miss an important shooting opportunity.

The GSM 4G fighter camera is mainly dedicated to outdoor activities. It has been designed to withstand climatic hazards, such as heat, wind, dust, humidity... Consistent with the IP 65 standard, it resists rain. 

Thanks to its 12MP image sensor With two distinct modes for shooting during the day or at night, this camera offers exceptional quality of images in photographs or video. When it comes to image size, you can choose from several JPEG formats: 5, 8 or 12 MP. Videos of 1080 P can vary between 5 and 30 seconds. With its 12-battery AA, the device has a battery life of between 6 and 8 months.