The trail hunting camera is designed to capture videos and images of animals while you are away. In this way, when they “relax their vigilance”, you can observe their real behavior.
Although it may cost thousands of dollars to purchase a professional hunting camera, a better and more affordable solution is to purchase a track camera (also known as a hunting camera).
We have tested more than 20 different track cameras firsthand and are looking for cameras that have good night vision, are easy to install, are waterproof, wide-angle and high-resolution, and many other important factors.
Jim Mattipen
With more than 20 years of hunting experience, Jim Mattipen has become one of the most respected hunters in the United States. In our Top 5 Reviews series, check out his world-class knowledge and expertise.
Hunting & Trail Cameras Under $70
#1 Vikeri A1 Trail Camera
Votes:13000+
1520P 20MP Trail Camera, Hunting Camera with 120°Wide-Angle Motion Latest Sensor View 0.2s Trigger Time Trail Game Camera with 940nm No Glow and IP66 Waterproof 2.4” LCD 48pcs for Wildlife Monitoring
Warm Tips
- Micro SD（TF） Card and batteries are needed and included in the package. The A1 camera only supports alkaline batteries, and using other batteries will most likely cause the camera to not power up properly. Memory cards support MICRO SD (TF) cards, CLASS 10, Less than 256GB.The memory card measures 0.04 x 0.59 x 0.43 inches.We would advise using the Genuine brand.
- Please format the memory card in the camera when using it for the first time and do not insert or take out the SD card when the camera is ON.
- Please remove the protective foil from the camera lens for not affecting the camera effect.
- Fasten the camera at a height of 1-2 meters and align the camera parallel to the ground in the desired direction to avoid overexposed.
- This camera creates video in AVI file format, which may not be supported by standard windows video. We recommend VLC or Irfanview player.
- To give the camera a longer standby time, we recommend using 8 x 1.5VAA alkaline batteries.
#2 GardePro E6 Trail Camera
Votes:1600+
GardePro E6 Trail Camera WiFi 24MP 1296P Game Camera with No Glow Night Vision Motion Activated Waterproof for Wildlife Deer Scouting Hunting or Property Security, Brown
Warm Tips
- Please use lithium batteries in cold weather to get longer lifetime.
- To get clear night image, please eliminate obstacles in front of the camera as possible.
- It is not supposed to connect to home router, WiFi hotspot. In open areas, WiFi range can reach 45ft.
- Does not support realtime alert. You can open the App to check the camera’s capture area or view the video or image in gallery tab.
#3 GardePro A3 Trail Camera
Votes:7200+
GardePro A3 Trail Camera 24MP 1080P, H.264 HD Video, Clear 100ft No Glow Infrared Night Vision, 0.1s Trigger Speed, 82ft Motion Detection, Waterproof Cam for Wildlife Deer Game Trail
Warm Tips
- Super Low Light Sensitivity: Sony Starvis image sensor, extremely large aperture premium optics lens component, exclusive auto exposure and blur reduction algorithm combine to produce color images in low light, produce clear night vision in total darkness. Max. 24MP still picture. 100ft night vision flash range.
- H.264 Video Recording: Advanced H.264 1080P@30fps video recording with sound, replay more clearly, smoothly and save up tp 80% memory card storage compared to MJPG videos used in almost all trail cameras.
- Fast Motion Detection: Pre-activated technology for lighting 0.1s trigger speed, Super-fast 0.5s recovery time, 82ft detection distance.
- Very Easy to Use: TV remote style operation buttons, 2.4” high-res color screen for easy setup and playback. Accept max 128GB standard SD card (NOT included).
- More Features: 3 capture modes (photo, video, photo+video), time stamp, operation hours, time lapse, loop recording, long standby time up to 8 months (batteries not included), waterproof.
#4 SPYPOINT Flex Dual-Sim Cellular Trail Camera
Votes:1000+
SPYPOINT Flex Dual-Sim Cellular Trail Camera 33MP Photos 1080p Videos with Sound, 0.3S Responsive Trigger 100-Foot Flash/Detection Range GPS Enabled
Warm Tips
The SPYPOINT Flex Dual-Sim Cellular Trail Camera gives you the function & performance choices you want, adapting the camera to your exact needs and preferences, when your season arrives you are ready to fill your tags.
The FLEX is GPS enabled to maximize the functionality and accuracy of the customizable maps feature of the SPYPOINT app.
The FLEX offers four capture modes: Photo, Video, Time-Lapse, and Time-Lapse+. The Time-Lapse+ function takes photos at your preferred interval & when the camera’s detection sensor is triggered.
#5 Wildgame Innovations Terra Extreme Megapixel IR Trail Camera
Votes:2700+
Wildgame Innovations Terra Extreme Megapixel IR Trail Camera
Warm Tips
- Wildgame Innovations Trail Cameras Terra 14 Megapixel Trail Camera
- Terra Extreme Trail Camera – 14 Megapixel Game Camera in Trubark Camo | Video capabilities for gathering further intel on deer herd. IR Flash range and Detection Range out to 65 feet
- 21 high intensity infrared LEDs for capturing images and video without spooking game
- Energy Efficient: Design for long term use in the field. Requires 8 AA batteries (not included)
- Strap to a tree or post with the supplied Bungee chords. Takes up to a 32GB SD Card (not included)
- Included Components: Trail Camera and Bungees
What is Trail Camera?
Trail camera is an outdoor camera that can be left unattended to take photographs or video footage at regular intervals, or whenever motion is detected, used for game surveillance by hunters.
It became very popular in the last few years and it’s also called an “unfair advantage” in the hunting community.
Trail camera can also be used as home security camera because of their detection software.
Pros of the IPL Hair Laser
- View Images Remotely
- Control Camera Settings Remotely
- Set Real-Time or Scheduled Updates
- Gather Hunting Intel
- Take Incredible Photos
- Can Be Used As Home Security Camera
- High-Resolution
- Night Vision For Low-Light Areas
- One-Time Cost
How To Use Trail Camera Most Effectively?
One of the biggest mistakes trail camera users makes is a lack of control when checking their camera for images.
Sure, it’s exciting to pull SD cards and see big antlers on your computer screen. But if you are making frequent trips to your camera, you can expect the action to eventually slow down or even stop as it will scare off your bucks.
Try spreading out your camera checks and resist the urge to visit them too often.
The result will be less pressure on the very buck you’re chasing. And as you already know, mature bucks don’t respond well to the pressure of any sort.
What Should Be Considered When Buying Trail Camera?
Detection range
The detection range tells you the maximum distance at which the camera’s motion detector can be triggered. The right detection range for your needs will depend on where you plan to position the camera and the size of animals you’re hoping to observe. For nighttime photography, it’s also worth taking into account the camera’s flash range as this can sometimes be different, and indicates how far the camera can see in the dark.
Flash type
If you want to see animals that come out after the sun goes down, a flash is a must. Rather than producing the bright shock of light typical of a conventional camera flash, most wildlife cameras employ an infrared lamp. This allows it to capture black and white videos and images without disturbing any animals. There are two types of infrared flash: low glow and no glow.
Trigger response time
A camera’s trigger response time refers to the delay between an animal appearing and the camera responding. Generally speaking, the shorter the response time, the better. Too slow, and the animal may have already left before the picture has been taken – but anything below 0.5 seconds should fare just fine.
Recovery time
Also important is a camera’s recovery time. This is how long the camera takes to process an image before it’s ready to take another shot. A shorter recovery time allows the camera to fire off more shots over a shorter period, increasing the likelihood of capturing a keeper.
Warranty
A machine with a manufacturer warranty would mean that you would not have to worry about any manufacturing defects that you might come across during the warranty period. You can probably check this for each of the products you are considering and pick the one with the longest warranty.
What To Avoid In Trail Camera
No Smart Detection
Smart detection software is one of the most important features your trail camera needs to have. It will be able to detect smaller animals as well the bigger ones.
Complicated Installation
Nobody wants to spend days to figure out how the trail camera works – it should be simple and it should have a in-depth user manual that describes everything.
Poor Night Vision
What’s the point of having a trail camera if you can’t see anything clearly at night? From my experience, the animals are most relaxed at night and it shows you the true beauty of wildlife.