Trail Cams

[William_Montgomery]

Been interested in picking up a trail cam, preferably with a rechargeable battery. Any recommendations as to which brands/models are worth looking into?

Any example images would be very welcome.

Thanks.

 

[TeeDee]

I've a cheap unit from LIDL somewhere.

My thoughts ref Trail cams.

1)If lost or stolen ( if you're leaving on land that potentially isn't yours is that stealing or finders-keepers? I wouldn't be gutted.
2) Multiple cheaper units allow me to cover more areas of interest in the same time ( and combines with point 1 )
3) Exactly how sophisticated ( sending footage to phone etc ) do I need a trail cam to be?

 

[Broch]

OK, I'll counter TD's post a little. I had a good quality Bushnell - the video was great, stills were clear, IR recording excellent - but I left it out in a private wood and it was nicked.

I now have three cheap ones and don't bother using them - you can tell what the animal is but the overall performance is c**p.

I intend to get another good one and either the security box to mount it in or a security chain. I'm currently taking advice off professional ecologists.

 

[TeeDee]

OK, I'll counter TD's post a little. I had a good quality Bushnell - the video was great, stills were clear, IR recording excellent - but I left it out in a private wood and it was nicked.

I now have three cheap ones and don't bother using them - you can tell what the animal is but the overall performance is c**p.

I intend to get another good one and either the security box to mount it in or a security chain. I'm currently taking advice off professional ecologists.

Goldilocks moment innit... Must be a useful unit in the mid range.

 

[Falstaff]

Having run foul of this, its Stealing/Theft. Having been given permission to pick something up, I got stopped by Plod who advised me that it is called "Theft by Finding". As I could not prove I had permission I had to put it back! But at least he believed me and didn't arrest me!

 

[TeeDee]

Having run foul of this, its Stealing/Theft. Having been given permission to pick something up, I got stopped by Plod who advised me that it is called "Theft by Finding". As I could not prove I had permission I had to put it back! But at least he believed me and didn't arrest me!

I was saying it someone what tongue in cheek - it think trail cams are only really safe if its deployed on ones own property.

 

[daveO]

Both of mine are Bushnells from the lower end of their range. The one is 13 years old now and still soldiering on. The newer one cost me £67 3 years ago and the quality reflects the price. It does the job well enough but the HD video settings are so bad that they're basically pointless. They both get a bit glitchy in colder weather unless I use lithium batteries which aren't cheap. I've tried rechargeables and found they aren't reliable enough so gave up on them. I've wondered about a security case but then you have to find a tree that's big enough not to get cut down and they can probably just come back with tools anyway so you lose the box as well as the camera (plus expensive batteries and card).

 

[HillBill]

I got one of these last Autumn. We had a Badger latrine just behind our house where the brambles are. They were eating the blackberries. In fairness, i've never actually set it up and used it, but the reviews are good, both Amazon and Youtube. It wasn't a lot of money. Not rechargeable though. 6x AA batteries needed.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09JJS48K8?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

[Falstaff]

I was saying it someone what tongue in cheek - it think trail cams are only really safe if its deployed on ones own property.

Of course but it brought back a memory moment, and a bit of law I had'nt known until then, so I thought I share.

 

[TeeDee]

I do wonder as a somewhat random thought , that in the age where we have to be super careful about how our ring doorbells and associated cameras are pointing - has there ever been a case against trail cam placements as possibly considered to be covert surveillance?

 

[William_Montgomery]

The locations I have in mind are private, so theft, although possible, is hopefully unlikely.
I'd prioritise build quality and image quality over tech sophistication. It doesn't need any sort of fancy tech capabilities, just a good sturdy camera. Simple, but does it's job well.

I had a good quality Bushnell - the video was great, stills were clear, IR recording excellent

Do you remember the model of this one?

 

[daveO]

I got one of these last Autumn. We had a Badger latrine just behind our house where the brambles are. They were eating the blackberries. In fairness, i've never actually set it up and used it, but the reviews are good, both Amazon and Youtube. It wasn't a lot of money. Not rechargeable though. 6x AA batteries needed.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09JJS48K8?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

£27 delivered (edit to say they're under £20 on Ebay) seems too good to be true. It's even got live view so you can check where it's pointing. How do they even make a profit on it?

 

[Broch]

Do you remember the model of this one?

Sorry, no, but to be honest it wouldn't be relevant anyway as all the models have moved on considerably. I'm waiting for the guys that use them professionally to get back to me. I don't think the ones they use are expensive top of the range ones but they've tried a lot of models out.

 

[William_Montgomery]

Sorry, no, but to be honest it wouldn't be relevant anyway as all the models have moved on considerably. I'm waiting for the guys that use them professionally to get back to me. I don't think the ones they use are expensive top of the range ones but they've tried a lot of models out.

I'd be interested to hear what they say, if you're willing to share.

 

[HillBill]

£27 delivered (edit to say they're under £20 on Ebay) seems too good to be true. It's even got live view so you can check where it's pointing. How do they even make a profit on it?

No idea mate lol. For the price i had to get one to try. Just haven't actually tried it yet.

 

[William_Montgomery]

No idea mate lol. For the price i had to get one to try. Just haven't actually tried it yet.

Let us know if you try it out. Be curious to hear your thoughts.

 

[Broch]

OK, I've managed to get my contacts to respond with a little reminding

The RSPB wardens I know are currently using these Browning cameras. They're not cheap but the results I have seen from them are fantastic both day and night, video and stills. There are models above and below this one:

Browning Recon Force Elite HP5

The Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 wildlife camera, available at the NatureSpy Shop. All purchases support our non-profit environmental and social projects.

naturespy.org

However, one of our county recorders tells me she has recently switched from the Browning models to this one. She says it has great performance all around with the added advantage of not needing to charge or swap batteries. Her's has been running all winter and stayed charged.

NatureSpy Helarctos Solar Trail Camera

The Helarctos Solar Trail Camera - Let the sunshine in with solar charging, 4K video and local WiFi connection.

naturespy.org

I think I am going to go for the Helarctos.

BTW, NatureSpy are not the cheapest but they are a Conservation Social Enterprise and come highly recommended for their support (I have no connection with them).

 

[HillBill]

Let us know if you try it out. Be curious to hear your thoughts.

Will do mate.

 

[William_Montgomery]

OK, I've managed to get my contacts to respond with a little reminding

The RSPB wardens I know are currently using these Browning cameras. They're not cheap but the results I have seen from them are fantastic both day and night, video and stills. There are models above and below this one:

Browning Recon Force Elite HP5

The Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 wildlife camera, available at the NatureSpy Shop. All purchases support our non-profit environmental and social projects.

naturespy.org

However, one of our county recorders tells me she has recently switched from the Browning models to this one. She says it has great performance all around with the added advantage of not needing to charge or swap batteries. Her's has been running all winter and stayed charged.

NatureSpy Helarctos Solar Trail Camera

The Helarctos Solar Trail Camera - Let the sunshine in with solar charging, 4K video and local WiFi connection.

naturespy.org

I think I am going to go for the Helarctos.

BTW, NatureSpy are not the cheapest but they are a Conservation Social Enterprise and come highly recommended for their support (I have no connection with them).

They both look great. Must say, that solar panel is a welcome addition.

 

[daveO]

I think I am going to go for the Helarctos.

BTW, NatureSpy are not the cheapest but they are a Conservation Social Enterprise and come highly recommended for their support (I have no connection with them).

That looks like a great piece of kit and without having to shell out for batteries you'll get your money back eventually. Nice features too. I wonder how secure the pin number is? Extra points for being a UK company with good ethics too. I'd be inclined to avoid US companies in the current climate.