Today’s crop of cellular trail cameras allow users unprecedented insight into animal presence and behavior, and can be used in intelligent ways to monitor wildlife and transform hunting.
These cameras come with advanced features such as amazing image quality, fully integrated apps, long-lasting batteries, incredible durability, and more. For those in the market for a new cellular trail camera, there are many features to be aware of and look for–let’s look at them in more detail here.
1. Image and Video Quality
Your trail cam’s job Number One is to capture clear images and videos, and that means image and video quality should be at the top of your priority list. Look for a camera with a high megapixel resolution and at least 4K photo definition. Also, consider the camera’s night vision capabilities–most wildlife activity occurs at dawn, dusk, or overnight, so your camera should have an effective infrared flash or low-glow LEDs to capture clear images in low-light conditions without startling the animals.
2. Trigger Speed and Recovery Time
Trigger speed refers to how long it takes the camera to take a picture after movement has been detected–the faster the better. A camera like the Tactacam Reveal X-Pro has a trigger time of just 0.42 seconds. Recovery time, meanwhile, is how long the camera takes to reset before it can capture another image–again, the faster the better. The X-Pro has a recovery time of 28 seconds. A short recovery time is important when it comes to capturing images quickly, which is important if you’re monitoring an area with a lot of animal activity.
3. Detection Range and Field of View
A trail cam’s detection range determines how far away the camera can detect motion. A good trail camera should have a detection range of at least 60 to 80 feet. A range of 80 feet allows you to monitor a larger area and capture more images of wildlife–not just those who happen to stand in front of the camera.
The field of view (FOV) is also important–this feature refers to how wide of an area that a camera can capture. The wider the FOV, the more action you are likely to see, but the wider it gets, the smaller the detected objects will appear.
4. Battery Life and Power Options
Your cellular trail camera may get placed in a remote location, which can make battery replacement a complicated task. But even if your trail cam is right out the back door, no one wants the inconvenience of having to replace batteries every few weeks. When choosing your trail cam, look for one with a long battery life–preferably several months. Good hunting cameras will have energy-efficient features such as motion-activated recording modes that help extend battery life. Keep in mind that battery life depends heavily on how often your cam is snapping and sending you photos.
Want to set it and forget it? Look for a camera that offers alternative energy source options such as solar panels or rechargeable lithium battery packs that can save you serious bucks when compared to buying packs of AA batteries.
5. Cellular Network Compatibility and Data Plans
Perhaps the best thing about a cellular trail cam is the cellular part–these hunting cameras send images and video directly to your desktop or phone over a cellular network. This feature allows the user to gain access to trail cam images without having to go and physically retrieve the unit or its memory card. When signing up, users choose a data plan based on their expected usage; some units come with multiple SIM cards and the user simply inserts the card that corresponds with the cell company that has the best local coverage. Today’s most advanced cell cams have eSIMs–a SIM card is built into the unit and it automatically scans the airwaves for the carrier with the strongest signal.
6. Weather Resistance and Durability
While you are at home waiting for the hunt to begin, your trail camera is out there doing the heavy lifting–observing and recording game. This means that the camera is exposed to the elements 24/7, be that extreme heat, high winds, choking dust, or heavy, wet snow. That means you want a trail camera that is weatherproof, with ingress protection, or IP rating, of at least IP66–this will protect your valuable asset against dust and heavy rain. A rugged, well-built camera will withstand harsh conditions like extreme temperatures, humidity, and even occasional impacts from wildlife.
7. Memory and Storage Options
Your ideal camera probably takes crisp, clear images–and while that’s great, those images can start to eat into your camera’s storage. A top-tier camera will have good internal storage and the ability to pop in a removable high-capacity card SD card. Look for a trail cam that allows you to view images on your phone or desktop computer and then either delete or save them. While several factors can influence storage capacity, in general, a camera with 8G of internal memory like the Tactacal Reveal, with its 16 MP camera, can snap and store hundreds of images before you need to worry about freeing up memory.
8. Ease of Use and Setup
Even the most advanced trail camera won’t be effective if it’s too complicated to set up and use. Look for a camera with a user-friendly interface, clear instructions, and an easy setup process. Today’s best cameras come with mobile apps that allow you to configure settings, view images, and receive alerts directly from your smartphone, which simplifies the overall experience.
Additionally, you may also want to consider cameras with customizable settings, such as adjustable sensitivity levels and scheduling features. These options allow you to fully customize your camera experience.
9. Security Features
Finally, these hunting cameras are not cheap, and protecting yours from theft or tampering is important. Look for a camera that offers security features, such as the ability to lock it to a tree or post with a cable lock.
What is the best trail camera?
Your cellular trail camera will be your trusted ally out in the field, helping you gain great insight into wildlife and fine-tune your hunt–make sure you get the best trail cam you can for your needs and goals. Tactacam’s line of Revel cameras is equipped with the tools you need to gain insight into game and their behavior. Cams like the Reveal X 3.0 feature an extra-durable antenna, fully integrated GPS, and a best-in-class battery that will ensure your unit sends you crisp, clear images for months. Learn more about the X 3.0 and other cameras here.