Top 10 best photo traps 2019

Today we want to talk with you about such an interesting device as a camera trap. This is a special standalone tool designed for photo and video shooting and used for hunting and security purposes. Often it is used not only by hunters or huntsmen, but also by ordinary hunters who want to watch animals in their natural environment without the presence of humans.

Just a couple of years ago, a real breakthrough occurred in the market for such devices. Over the course of a few months, a huge number of such devices, which differed from each other in a large number of parameters, were widely sold. Today, too, new models continue to appear, which immediately gain enormous popularity. Unfortunately, not all photography enthusiasts know how to choose this equipment. That's exactly for them we wrote our review of the best photo traps of 2019. However, before proceeding to a direct analysis of the characteristics of certain models, let's see what factors should influence the choice of these devices.

What is important to consider when buying a camera trap?

In general, the camera traps themselves are not the latest invention of mankind. They arose in the era of film cameras. As a motion sensor, a stretch of fishing line, cable or wire was then used. These were pretty bulky devices. Today, on sale you can find just three types of these products - standard, made on the basis of a digital camera. Data is written from them to a memory card, the volume of which is from 8 to 32 GB. There are camera traps equipped with a GSM module. They send photos or videos to the tablet or phone of the owner. Forest cameras with 3G are considered the most modern. They send files directly to email.

The products of the latest generation are quite complex products that are manufactured using the latest technological developments. One of the key parameters is the effective range of the camera itself. This parameter indicates how far this device can be triggered when an animal is detected.

The range directly depends on the quality of the backlight - its power should be sufficient for night shooting. Unfortunately, this leads to a fast battery consumption, since when the flash brightness is increased by only one third, the energy consumption increases by two, or even three times. Modern cameras are equipped with infrared motion sensors that operate at a certain temperature.

Like ordinary cameras, traps have a matrix with a certain resolution. The more pixels, the better, but with an increase in resolution, the cost of production will increase. Another difficulty is to increase energy consumption - the batteries of a camera with a large number of megapixels will drain much faster.

The backlight also plays an important role in obtaining high-quality images, especially in the dark. The optimal indicator is a wavelength index of the order of 940 nm - such illumination is not visible to animals, but at the same time it can be used to obtain fairly high-quality images in black and white.The camera trap should be fixed securely to a fixed support. This is due to the fact that such cameras do not have an image stabilizer. For proper operation, the device is installed so that there is no additional heat source in front of it, direct sunlight should not fall on it.

When choosing models to include in our rating of the best photo traps of 2019, we took into account all these factors, based on the ratio of price and quality of products. Were not bypassed and user reviews. Now let's analyze the useful qualities of specific models so that our readers can decide on the right product choice.

Budget segment

5. FALCON EYE FE-AC400G

This Chinese camera is housed in a camouflaged body, and is also equipped with special lighting with a wavelength that is invisible to the human and animal eyes. This effect can be achieved due to the presence of a special protective screen that covers the LEDs emitting infrared radiation. If you correctly install the product, then it will be almost impossible to notice it during the day, and at night it will not succeed at all. The motion sensor is located here directly below the lens. The camera bundle is pretty decent - there is everything you need to start working with the product. Shooting is carried out both in fully automatic mode and by a signal transmitted through a mobile phone. It is possible to receive both photo and video recordings. The model works on batteries or AA batteries, and one set lasts for about six months of work, if you wish, it can be powered from a stationary unit of 12 V. It works after 0.4 s.

The main unit even has a color LCD screen with a diagonal of 2 inches, so the footage can be viewed directly on the camera itself. There is a slot for installing a mini-format SIM card. The infrared illumination is adjustable - 25 or 56 LEDs can be used: when shooting objects located at a distance of up to 4 m, it is better to use a smaller number of them so that the pictures do not come out lit. The operating range is 20 meters - enough for a camera trap. Recorded videos and photos can be sent to a smartphone, laid out by e-mail or uploaded to an FTP server. At the same time, the resolution can also be changed - two formats available are 640x480 and 1920x1440 pixels. It is worth noting that the videos are recorded with sound. The model is reliably protected from moisture under the case.

Benefits:

• Decent range of operation of the motion sensor;
• Powerful infrared light;
• Camouflage painting;
• You can control the device through a smartphone.

Disadvantages:

• There is no adapter in the kit for the camera to work from the network.

4. Fotolokolok Falcon +

One of the most low-cost options for camera traps in our review, in addition, it is a domestic camera. Despite the fairly reasonable cost, such a device is not inferior to expensive products in terms of reliability and operational characteristics. Setting will take a minimum amount of time, the entire interface is completely Russified. Recording is carried out on an SD card, the volume of which should not exceed 32 GB. A lithium battery and a charger for it are installed here. The kit includes a clamping strap, thanks to which you can attach the camera to a tree. The case is fully protected from water, other physical influences. This camera trap is capable of taking high-quality images even from a considerable distance - about 20 m in complete darkness.

The backlight system includes 42 infrared emitters that will not scare away animals or, on the contrary, attract their attention. In order to make the product less visible, the body is camouflaged. Products operate in the temperature range from -30 to +70 degrees.There are several connectors for connecting external devices - AV-out and USB connector. The maximum resolution of the matrix is ​​12 megapixels. The camera shoots in .jpeg or .avi formats, sound is not recorded. In standby mode, the device can work up to 3 months. If necessary, you can adjust the frequency of images, regardless of the operation of motion sensors - from 1 s to 24 hours.

Benefits:

• There is a liquid crystal display, which shows the shooting mode and the degree of battery charge;
• In the daytime it takes pictures in color format, black and white photographs are obtained at night;
• Maximum movie length 90 seconds;
• A decent number of emitters to work at night;
• Completely waterproof case.

Disadvantages:

• The case itself is a bit weak - chips are formed on it even with minor physical influences.

3. FILIN 120

The camera trap is a joint development of Russian and Chinese engineers. She has a built-in GSM module, with the help of which instantly sends pictures and clips via mobile or Internet channel to the owner’s phone. This allows the camera owner to keep up-to-date information all the time. The design functions stably - all motion sensors work very quickly, it takes about 0.1-0.15 s, after which the survey itself begins. It is characterized by great popularity among hunting enthusiasts, largely due to its reasonable cost and decent performance.

It is only one here, but it always works correctly, however, its range is slightly lower than the border parameter of the infrared illumination. Because of this, at the edges of the lighting range, he may not catch the movement, so some interesting pictures can pass by the user. However, all the frames that will be made, including at night, will turn out quite clear and expressive. It is worth noting that a remote control is supplied with this camera trap, so controlling the camera will be much simpler even if it is already mounted on a tree at a decent height.

Benefits:

• Interesting appearance and good disguise;
• Long battery life
• High level of mounting reliability;
• Good quality and clarity of pictures.

Disadvantages:

• Not too long range of motion sensor.

2. SITITEK IHUNT

Just like the previous model, it is equipped with a remote control - you do not have to remove the camera from the mount each time and configure directly on the case. The device is equipped with a CMOS matrix with a resolution of about 12 megapixels, there is also a 2-inch liquid crystal display. The interface is Russified, so working with such a camera is very convenient. Viewing angles are about 100 degrees. The range of the motion sensor is 25 meters. Videos and photos are stored on an SD memory card, the volume of which can reach 32 GB, and copies are sent to the owner’s email or mobile phone. To work at night, the camera provides infrared illumination, consisting of 36 emitters. The device is capable of operating from 8 AA batteries or from an external 5 V power source. One set of batteries is enough for about six months of battery life.

The camera is perfect for observing animals, searching for poachers, and so on. There is a USB jack through which all data is transferred to a personal computer, and through the AV output you can watch recorded information directly on the TV. Image quality is very high. The status of the camera itself can be checked by sending the corresponding SMS message to a specific number. The kit comes with a belt for attaching to trees or other similar surfaces. In order to receive the cellular signal as stable and high quality as possible, the camera has a rather long antenna.

Benefits:

• Invisible device due to compact overall dimensions;
• Decent resolution;
• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• Low power consumption when running on batteries;
• High quality photographs, no glare is detected.

Disadvantages:

• Weak design of the control panel.

1. SCOUTGUARD SG2060-X

Today it is one of the most advanced photo traps in its price segment. Users, first of all, note the high resolution of the camera, which is 20 megapixels. Thanks to this option, you can shoot videos with FullHD resolution and get photos with clarity from 1600x1200 to 4320x3240 MP. At night, the infrared light is activated, the range of which is 30 meters. You can install SD or SDHC memory cards in this camera, the maximum amount of which can reach 64 GB. Shooting starts automatically when detecting motor activity, in addition, the camera can turn on according to a certain schedule - this format of work is optimal for areas where there is high activity.

The characteristics of the case correspond to the IP54 protection level, therefore all the electronics of the camera trap will be in an operable state in the temperature range from -30 to +70 degrees. The battery consumption is very economical, therefore, even with high parameters, the possibility of autonomous operation will remain for six months. The configuration does not include a GSM module. The viewing angle is quite decent - 57 degrees, the camera also has a display with a diagonal of 2 inches. The sensitivity of the motion sensor can be adjusted as needed. The maximum movie length is 60 seconds.

Benefits:

• High resolution cameras both when photographing and when recording video;
• Long battery life;
• Decent backlight range;
• The increased amount of supported memory cards.

Disadvantages:

• There is no GSM module.

Premium cameras

5. Veber SG-8.0 mmS

This section of our review of the best camera traps of the year is opened by digital products characterized by high quality workmanship, assembly and a very long service life. With this product, you can get videos with sound and photos of excellent definition. It is worth noting that this model was developed and manufactured in Russia. The camera has a minimum response time. The range of the motion sensor is 15 meters. In principle, this is not a very high indicator, but thanks to this approach, the photos are very clear. There is a built-in GPS module through which all captured material will be sent to the user's email or mobile phone.

The camera can be configured in such a way that data will be sent to the user once a day at a specific time. A complex of 60 emitters is used as infrared illumination. Each image or movie is stamped with the time, date, ambient temperature and moon phase. The camera is capable of working autonomously in standby mode for up to 12 months; it supports SD and SDHC memory cards. The camera can be easily protected from disconnection and unauthorized access to information using a four-digit digital password. Like most models of camera traps, there is a liquid crystal display, the diagonal of which is 2 inches. The entire menu is Russified, the user does not have to understand it for a long time and configure the products.

Benefits:

• Good infrared power;
• High quality production and assembly;
• Works with various formats of memory cards;
• It can work autonomously in standby mode for a very long time;
• Easy interface.

Disadvantages:

• Many users note that the model’s functionality is not very large at such a high cost.

4. Bushnell Trophy Cam HD Aggressor 20MP No-Glow

The next position in our ranking was taken by a camera created by American engineers, which allows you to get high-definition images in any light and in any weather conditions. The shooting is automatic, the device is equipped with a matrix with a resolution of 20 megapixels, infrared backlight for working in the dark, and the level of its brightness can be changed. Its radius of action is 24 m, but at the same time, the motion sensor can be triggered at a distance of up to 30 m, so in absolute darkness moving objects located at a considerable distance from the lens will not be clearly visible. The camera trap is equipped with a monochrome LCD display, the dimensions of which are 21x30 mm. The shutter interval can be adjusted from 1 second to 60 minutes. Video recording is in FullHD quality. In the daytime, the maximum clip length can reach 2 minutes, at night - up to 1 minute, recording is made in .avi format.

It provides for serial shooting of a maximum of three frames, there is a hybrid operation mode, when used, simultaneous photo and video shooting will be performed. A GPS module is installed in the camera, which will put the coordinates of the image on the frames. The maximum battery life is up to 12 months in standby mode. The device is powered by 8 AA lithium batteries. If necessary, the camera can be mounted on a tripod - for this there is a special socket, there is also a USB connector, as well as a slot for an SD memory card up to 32 GB. There are 48 sources of infrared radiation.

Benefits:

• Extended product functionality;
• High resolution video and photo;
• The motion sensor is capable of detecting movements at a distance of 30 m;
• The mass of the device is only 290 grams.

Disadvantages:

• It is quite expensive.

3. Acorn Ltl-6511MG

In third place in this part of the ranking is one of the latest models, which appeared on sale only last fall. One of the main features of the device is that it can work offline on one set of batteries for up to three years. Thanks to the latest approach to the issue of power supply (in addition to standard AA lithium batteries, 18650 batteries were added), the efficiency of the device was significantly increased. In addition, the original Low Power Dual PIR (Pyroelectric Infrared Sensor) motion sensor is installed in the trap - it is characterized by a two-stage triggering algorithm. With this technology, false positives are eliminated. In standby mode, the camera consumes only 60 μA.

The camera trap is also equipped with a 4G / LTE module that provides data transfer rates of up to 50 Mbps, so photos and videos will be transferred to the user's mobile phone or email inbox almost instantly. The diagonal of the display was decided to do more than the standard one - it is 2.36 inches, there are settings and data viewing buttons nearby, a trap is connected to the computer using the USB Type-C interface. The camera works in the temperature range from -45 to +70 degrees. IP66 dust and moisture protection standard - the device is able to withstand significant humidity, rain or snow falling on the case.

Benefits:

• Very high data transfer rate;
• The latest motion sensor;
• It can easily withstand even very harsh climatic conditions.

Disadvantages:

• In addition to the high price not found.

2.FoResTCAM LS-177 4G

This is a very reliable design of the scanning and infrared type, the functions of which can be controlled using commands sent via SMS from a mobile phone. The motion sensor is highly sensitive, passive type. Photos are taken using a camera with a resolution of 16 megapixels, so the pictures are pretty clear, the video clips are shot in .avi format with 1080p HD image quality. The communication module has a high speed, so data is sent instantly.In order to save battery power, sending is carried out once a day, and the user selects the sending time.

The camera is equipped with a two-inch full-color LCD, there is a microphone for recording sound. An original solution was a laser pointer, with which it is very convenient to adjust the position of the camera and choose its orientation. The camera trap works well in all weather conditions.

Benefits:

• Daytime running LEDs are installed, which makes tracking animals more convenient;
• It can work in any weather conditions;
• Almost imperceptible coloring;
• Highly sensitive sensor that captures the slightest movement at a distance of up to 25 m.

Disadvantages:

• Fairly expensive model.

1. Seelock S358

The most successful model for people involved in hunting as amateurs, but also suitable for professional hunters. The appearance of the device is designed in such a way as to completely attract attention. The products are equipped with a camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels, the video quality is consistent with Full HD, and the frequency is 30 frames per second. The motion sensor is very sensitive. An important point is the presence of a 3G module in the device, which, unlike other models, will consume a minimum amount of electricity. The trap is capable of sending up to 5 pictures per minute to the owner by email, and their resolution will be 1.3 megapixels. To date, this is the highest speed among all the models available on the market.

The trap runs on 12 standard finger batteries. At the same time, the manufacturer recommends installing lithium batteries exactly, since alkaline ones can quickly fail if they are at low temperatures. The maximum size of the uploaded video is 50 MB - this size is enough to send one video with a resolution of HD 720p, the duration of which is 30 seconds. The device is quite reliable, characterized by a long service life. An important point is the availability of instructions in full in Russian.

Benefits:

• Excellent response speed;
• High quality photos and videos;
• Instantly sends the photos taken to the user.

Disadvantages:

• There is no external screen on the case, which is designed to facilitate equipment setup.

In conclusion, a useful video

A review of the best camera traps that you can find in hunting and fishing stores has come to its logical conclusion. Before saying goodbye to you, I would like to express hope that among the presented models there was one that turned out to be suitable for you in all respects. If you still have any questions or suggestions, then you can quite express them in the comments to this article.

(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)

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