How To Choose A Trail Camera That Sends Pictures To Your Phone
Trail cameras have overwhelmingly improved the quality of outdoor life. With images appearing on your phone, it's easy to seek out game trails, keep tabs on your pups while you're away, and check up on your livestock. When choosing a trail camera though, you might find yourself wondering where to start.
With so many trail cameras on the market, choosing which one will be right for you can be difficult. Here's a guide to help you make that decision.
To start, where do you want to use your trail camera? If it will be set up in places like backyards or gardens, a discreet appearance may be most suitable. A camera such as the following may fit your needs perfectly:
Way to choose the right trail cameras that send pictures to phone
SD Card
You may also want to consider the free storage offered by some camera models. A trail camera with a microSD card slot will allow for up to 32 GB of storage, allowing you to take more photos than if you had 32 GB of internal memory. The number of images the trail cam can take depends on a number of factors, including the quality setting used and the memory size available.
SIM Card
Another option is a cellular trail camera. This type of camera has the ability to send images to your phone via text, allowing you to see what's happening with your camera from anywhere at any time. Having the capability to receive photos or video directly on your phone allows for a more enjoyable outdoor experience. This is especially useful for hunting or surveillance purposes, as it enables you to react immediately if something happens and send visual evidence directly from your trail cameras.
You don't have to worry about cellular coverage or the SIM card plan though. All Cellular Trail Cameras are Wi-Fi enabled and can send pictures to your phone.
With so many trail cameras on the market, choosing which one will be right for you can be difficult. Here's a guide to help you make that decision.
To start, where do you want to use your trail camera? If it will be set up in places like backyards or gardens, a discreet appearance may be most suitable. A camera such as the following may fit your needs perfectly:
Way to choose the right trail cameras that send pictures to phone
SD Card
You may also want to consider the free storage offered by some camera models. A trail camera with a microSD card slot will allow for up to 32 GB of storage, allowing you to take more photos than if you had 32 GB of internal memory. The number of images the trail cam can take depends on a number of factors, including the quality setting used and the memory size available.
SIM Card
Another option is a cellular trail camera. This type of camera has the ability to send images to your phone via text, allowing you to see what's happening with your camera from anywhere at any time. Having the capability to receive photos or video directly on your phone allows for a more enjoyable outdoor experience. This is especially useful for hunting or surveillance purposes, as it enables you to react immediately if something happens and send visual evidence directly from your trail cameras.
You don't have to worry about cellular coverage or the SIM card plan though. All Cellular Trail Cameras are Wi-Fi enabled and can send pictures to your phone.
Lens
A low profile camera, with a small lens and visible flash is ideal for these locations. On the other hand, if you want to place your camera in wide open spaces, a camera with a large lens and infrared flash may do the trick. A larger, bulky camera may be most useful in hunting situations as well. For instance, a large trail camera can capture photos of animals while they are crossing roads or trails. A smaller model such as this will also work well for urban locations: This particular example has no flash and a small lens that is ideal for capturing stealth images of animals. |
Battery
How long does your battery last? A few hours may be sufficient for many users. However, others may need up to month or longer. While not a guarantee, if your camera has an extended battery option or you're willing to invest in a second battery, you may want to choose one with a longer operating time.
Picture Quality
When it comes to price, if you're looking for the best value and want to pay less, then choosing the cheapest trail cam on the market is probably the way to go. But this comes at a cost: trail camera quality may suffer. The picture quality and sound of your camera will be less than optimal if you opt for this route.
If you want to spend a little more on your trail camera, then you'll enjoy a better picture quality. However, if you're looking for the perfect trail camera, don't let price influence your decision. Instead, consider how each feature will enhance your experience when using the camera and how it will be used.
How long does your battery last? A few hours may be sufficient for many users. However, others may need up to month or longer. While not a guarantee, if your camera has an extended battery option or you're willing to invest in a second battery, you may want to choose one with a longer operating time.
Picture Quality
When it comes to price, if you're looking for the best value and want to pay less, then choosing the cheapest trail cam on the market is probably the way to go. But this comes at a cost: trail camera quality may suffer. The picture quality and sound of your camera will be less than optimal if you opt for this route.
If you want to spend a little more on your trail camera, then you'll enjoy a better picture quality. However, if you're looking for the perfect trail camera, don't let price influence your decision. Instead, consider how each feature will enhance your experience when using the camera and how it will be used.
Video Quality
Some trail cams have video capability, allowing you to see any animals that stroll by. Others will only take photos. If you're in the market for a camera that can capture video, consider the following: This example has both a video and photo function, giving users the option of taking both still and moving pictures. Watch the right video about understanding game/trail cameras. Remote Control Many trail cameras come with a free mobile app that allows you to check in from anywhere. This is great if you need to keep an eye on your property while you're away. For example, this option is ideal for those who want to watch over their home or other areas that can't be checked as frequently as others. |
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Wireless Trophy Cam
With the Wireless Trophy Cam, you can take control of your camera with a mobile device. For instance, you can set up the cameras in areas like your yard and adjust the settings to capture images of people or only snap photos at certain times. For example, you can set it up to capture photos when your dog is barking or when someone approaches your door.
IR Flash
Regardless of which trail camera you end up choosing, you will love the images you'll get from it. But some features, such as a night vision mode, might not be available in all models. A night vision flash setting is an ideal feature if you hunt at night or simply want to reduce the time your camera spends capturing photos during the day. When wildlife appears at night, a flash can irritate an animal and cause them to run away and hide before you have a chance to take pictures of them. A night vision flash setting uses low light and infrared to help capture images at night.
Detection Zone
You should also consider the size of the detection zone, as this will determine how wide of an angle you can capture. For example, a camera with a 65-foot detection zone can take a photo up to 65 feet away from the camera. It will let you catch photos of game crossing paths and trails while they are moving.
A 120-foot detection range is ideal for wide open areas such as fields, parks and golf courses. When movement is slow, you'll still be able to capture photos of wildlife at a great distance.
The ideal decision will depend on your unique needs, the locations of use and how much you're willing to pay. Regardless of which model you choose, the trail cam will deliver fantastic images and videos.
Knowing how to choose a trail camera that will suit your needs is just the beginning. Once you've chosen your model, here are some tips that can help you get the most use out of it:
If possible, test out all of your camera's features before buying it. This will help eliminate confusion and could save you a lot of money by avoiding returned cameras. Before you put your camera on a tree, use the included instructions. This will ensure you don't accidentally damage the camera or misplace the batteries.
Proper labeling of your camera can increase its value if it's stolen. This is especially important if it is kept outside. Stolen cameras are often sold online at a fraction of their purchase price, so an accurate description and serial number should never be left out of your paperwork.
Make sure to register your camera on the official website of the manufacturer. This will give you access to a great deal of information about your camera and help you if you need support.
Speaking from personal experience, I always knew how much my dirt bike batteries were lasting. But I never knew for how long until I purchased an inexpensive trail camera with an extended battery option and started tracking how many times I charged it.
Final note
Most trail camera batteries will last a lot longer if they are not left in the camera between uses. When you're done with your trail cam, unplug it immediately. Leaving the batteries in will cause them to drain faster and perform at subpar levels.
If you don't have a good place to stash your camera that's safe from weather, animal damage and theft, consider investing in a weatherproof storage case big enough to hold the trail cam as well as any other things you want to store there. This may keep your camera safe and dry and help you prevent theft or loss of your equipment.
Good luck and enjoy reading this guide!
With the Wireless Trophy Cam, you can take control of your camera with a mobile device. For instance, you can set up the cameras in areas like your yard and adjust the settings to capture images of people or only snap photos at certain times. For example, you can set it up to capture photos when your dog is barking or when someone approaches your door.
IR Flash
Regardless of which trail camera you end up choosing, you will love the images you'll get from it. But some features, such as a night vision mode, might not be available in all models. A night vision flash setting is an ideal feature if you hunt at night or simply want to reduce the time your camera spends capturing photos during the day. When wildlife appears at night, a flash can irritate an animal and cause them to run away and hide before you have a chance to take pictures of them. A night vision flash setting uses low light and infrared to help capture images at night.
Detection Zone
You should also consider the size of the detection zone, as this will determine how wide of an angle you can capture. For example, a camera with a 65-foot detection zone can take a photo up to 65 feet away from the camera. It will let you catch photos of game crossing paths and trails while they are moving.
A 120-foot detection range is ideal for wide open areas such as fields, parks and golf courses. When movement is slow, you'll still be able to capture photos of wildlife at a great distance.
The ideal decision will depend on your unique needs, the locations of use and how much you're willing to pay. Regardless of which model you choose, the trail cam will deliver fantastic images and videos.
Knowing how to choose a trail camera that will suit your needs is just the beginning. Once you've chosen your model, here are some tips that can help you get the most use out of it:
If possible, test out all of your camera's features before buying it. This will help eliminate confusion and could save you a lot of money by avoiding returned cameras. Before you put your camera on a tree, use the included instructions. This will ensure you don't accidentally damage the camera or misplace the batteries.
Proper labeling of your camera can increase its value if it's stolen. This is especially important if it is kept outside. Stolen cameras are often sold online at a fraction of their purchase price, so an accurate description and serial number should never be left out of your paperwork.
Make sure to register your camera on the official website of the manufacturer. This will give you access to a great deal of information about your camera and help you if you need support.
Speaking from personal experience, I always knew how much my dirt bike batteries were lasting. But I never knew for how long until I purchased an inexpensive trail camera with an extended battery option and started tracking how many times I charged it.
Final note
Most trail camera batteries will last a lot longer if they are not left in the camera between uses. When you're done with your trail cam, unplug it immediately. Leaving the batteries in will cause them to drain faster and perform at subpar levels.
If you don't have a good place to stash your camera that's safe from weather, animal damage and theft, consider investing in a weatherproof storage case big enough to hold the trail cam as well as any other things you want to store there. This may keep your camera safe and dry and help you prevent theft or loss of your equipment.
Good luck and enjoy reading this guide!