Trail Cams

[nigelp]

I use these 1.5v AA rechargeable batteries in my trail cam.

https://www.smartoools.com/no-5-aa-lithium-battery-1-5v/57.html

 

[TeeDee]

Looking for a suggestion for a Trail cam that is at the more budget end of the spectrum - but will send notifications to my phone/laptop.

I maybe asking for too much but its surprising how inexpensive tech can be made these days.
Basically I don't want some that could be potentially stolen that I've invested heavily in..

All suggestions ( ideally from personal experience ) greatly received.

 

[TeeDee]

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).

@Broch Did you end up investing in the Helarctos unit?? If so how has it performed?

 

[Nice65]

I used a generic Chinese one that’s been fine for badgers, mice in the lift etc, think it was around £55.

My mum has a Spypoint that’s pretty good.



FWIW, Spypoint have built in GPS trackers so you can find your camera and the person who nicked it.

 

[Broch]

@Broch Did you end up investing in the Helarctos unit?? If so how has it performed?

No I didn't, but I'm looking at the market again so may go for it.

 

[johnnytheboy]

Ziess cameras are superb, the app is brilliant

 

[forrestdweller]

following this thread with interest...if anyone knows of a reasonable priced trail cam without that (imho)idiotic 5-second delay between activation and recording (or a way to bypass it) i'd be happy to know... i'm placing trail cams for a neighbor, and finding large enough gaps in the dense jungle vegetation for wildlife and poachers to be long enough in front of the camera to get recorded is a challenge...

 

[PSBurton]

I have a naturespy wildcam3 and sad to say I am really unimpressed. It is quite slow to start filming after being triggered so I often only see some back legs disappearing out of shot and sometimes not even that, and it is very temperamental (often only works when actually connected to wifi). My mate has a basic ring doorbell he uses for the foxes in his garden and it is miles better