It is frustrating to go out hunting, day after day, without getting any catch. The good news is that having one of the best trail cameras can save your situation. It saves you time otherwise spent searching for a catch and lets you concentrate on the actual hunting experience.
Here is an in-depth review of the top 10 best trail cameras to use for wildlife viewing or home surveillance. Also included are key features, pros, and cons of each item.
If you are searching for the best trail camera, this section is a must-read!
Top 10 Best Trail Cameras
1. Campark T70 – Best Overall
Campark is well known for producing top-quality trail cameras.
Key Features
- 14MP image resolution
- Full HD 1080P videos
- 3s trigger speed
- 120 degrees detecting angle
- 4 inch LCD screen
- Low glow infrared flash
- Date, time, and temperature stamp on photos
With an image resolution of 14 megapixels and full HD 1080P video resolution, this Campark trail camera takes crisp images and videos both day and night. On top of that, it has a quick trigger speed of 0.3s to ensure you never miss any movement.
This camera supports a micro SD card of Class 10 up to 32GB. It is powered by 8 lithium batteries. However, the SD card and batteries are not included in the package. It produces great images even at night.
Pros
- The LCD screen for previewing images and videos in the field
- Snow and water-resistant
- Clear top quality photos and videos
- Mounting belt to mount the camera in any position
- Easy to set up
Cons
- None
This is a great game camera that is ideal for every avid hunter.
2. Usogood TC20 – Runner Up
If you are searching for a reliable trail camera, the Usogood TC20 is a great pick. It has an impressive trigger speed of 0.25s. Every motion movement is detected and recorded instantly.
Key Features
- 14 MP image resolution
- 1080P video resolution
- No glow night flash
- Built-in 2.4 inch LCD screen
- 2s trigger speed
- 90 degrees detection angle
- It also takes clear images and high-quality video recording.
The Usogood Trail Camera has a 2.4-inch color LCD that allows quick viewing of images and video footage. What’s more, it has a weatherproof case to protect it from water and snow.
The on-screen menu makes setup of the camera very easy.
Pros
- Automatic day and night sensor
- Impressive trigger speed
- LCD screen for quick viewing of video and photos in the field
- The time-lapse feature allows better wildlife tracking
Cons
- Images of moving objects could have been better
The Usogood TC20 Trail Camera is one of the best trail cameras under $100.
3. Apeman H45 – Best Value
If you are a hunter looking for an affordable game camera, the Apeman H45 Trail Camera is a great option.
Key Features
- 12MP image resolution
- 20 meters trigger range
- 5s trigger speed
- Hybrid mode
- Timestamps and interval recording
- Invisible infrared flash
It has an image resolution of 12 MP which can be scaled down up to 1MP. The multi-shot mode allows you to take up to 3 photos per detection.
Also, this camera records temperature changes. It can also be set to record motion at various time intervals. The camera produces decent images and videos both day and night. However, its night time photos are not as great.
Pros
- Image quality can be scaled down to up to 1MP to save on space
- Compatible with rechargeable batteries
- Weather-resistant
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Battery life could have been better
This is an affordable camera with great performance.
4. Wosports 88E – Best For Property Surveillance
When searching for a home security camera, the privacy of your images and video footage is very crucial. The Wosports 88E Trail Camera has a password feature to ensure the privacy of images and videos.
Key Features
- 4 inch LCD
- 65 feet detection range
- 3s to 0.6s trigger speed
- Low glow infrared flash
- Password protection
Another great feature of this camera is the adjustable trigger speed that ensures everything is recorded. It is also easy to use and set up. The LCD screen is perfect for previewing images and videos.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good quality pictures
- Sturdy and well built
- Decent battery life
- Can be set to record at a specific preset time or 24/7.
Cons
- Instructions could have been clearer
5. Wosoda LY123 – Best Compact Trail Camera
If you want to get clear and crisp images of wildlife without being noticed, you can’t go wrong with LY123.
Key Features
- 16MP image resolution
- 1080P video resolution
- 3s to 1s trigger speed
- 65 feet detection distance
- Invisible infrared flash
- IP54 weatherproof
This camera has a 16MP image resolution and an invisible flash that captures good quality images and videos even at night. It also comes with a mounting strip.
The camera is weatherproof. It also has other great features such as the time switch and timestamps on photos and videos. It produces excellent results and its images are clear.
Pros
- Small and compact
- Easy to set up
- Weatherproof
- Clear night vision
Cons
- None
This camera would make a perfect gift for anyone who loves hunting.
6. Victure HC300 – Best For Wildlife Surveillance
The Victure HC300 Trail Camera is yet another great camera for farm surveillance and wildlife monitoring.
Key Features
- 16MP image resolution
- 1080P video resolution
- No glow flash
- Automatic day and night sensor
- 3s trigger speed
It produces great quality videos and images both day and night. Additionally, it is weatherproof and performs well all year round.
With a no glow flash, animals are recorded perfectly without noticing. The trigger speed is also fast to ensure no shot is missed.
Pros
- Date and time stamps on every photo and video
- Easy camera operation
- Weatherproof
- Adjustable motion sensitivity
- Well made
Cons
- Instructions could have been clearer
Overall, this is a great camera for wildlife viewing.
7. Toguard H70 – Best For Wide Angle Viewing
The Toguard H70 Trail camera takes pride in offering the best image and video quality both day and night.
Key Features
- 20MP image resolution
- 1080P video resolution
- 130 degrees detection angle
- 3s trigger speed
- Low glow infrared flash
It has an impressive 20MP camera and full HD 1080 video resolution. Thus, every shot is detailed and very clear. It also has a wide field of view of 130 degrees.
With the quick trigger speed of 0.3s, you can rest assured that every movement will be captured. The camera also has a waterproof rating of IP56. Its performance is not affected by water or snow.
Pros
- Wide detection angle
- Great image and video quality
- Fast trigger speed
- Clear instructions
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Micro SD card is very small
This is a great camera that gives clear images of wildlife or intruders on your farm.
8. Letscom DL-1
Next on this list is another game camera by Letscom, the DL1.
Key Features
- 14MP image
- 1080P video resolution
- 120 degrees detection angle
- Up to 10 minutes of recording time
- 4s trigger speed
This camera is easy to use and has a decent trigger speed of 0.4s. It is also weatherproof. Thus, no need to worry that it might be destroyed by snow, fog, or rain.
Another impressive feature of this camera is that it is compatible with a class 6 micro SD card expandable to 32GB. However, the batteries and SD cards are not included in your purchase.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Can record videos up to 10minutes long
- Decent image quality
- Compact and well made
Cons
- Difficult to remove the memory card
This is a compact and easy-to-use camera.
9. Foxelli 57047 – Best Game Camera Under 100
Are you searching for the best trail camera under 100? The Foxelli 57047 Trail Camera is a great option.
Key Features
- 120 degrees angle of view
- Weather-resistant
- 4 inch LCD screen
- Low glow flash
- 5s trigger time
- 4 or 8 AA batteries
This camera has a color LCD screen for previewing images and videos in the field. It is also well built and is resistant to dust, water, and moisture.
The camera also has a password protection feature to ensure your images are always safe.
Pros
- The battery can last up to 8 months
- Weatherproof casing
- Easy to use
- Hybrid mode
- Moon phase, time, and temperature display
Cons
- The sound recording could have been better
If you are searching for a decent camera that offers you value for your money, this is a great option.
10. Seserm Trail Camera – Perfect Hunting Camera
To conclude this list, we have another high-performance game camera, the Seserm Trail Camera.
Key Features
- 16MP image resolution
- 1080P video resolution
- No glow flash
- 4 inch LCD color screen
- 120 degrees detection angle
This camera produces high-resolution images with great quality videos. On top of that, the wide detection angle ensures every motion is captured promptly.
The camera has a detection distance of up to 80 feet during the day and 65 feet at night. Another great feature of this camera is its fast trigger speed of 0.2s. It has an amazing performance. It is also easy to set up and takes great pictures and videos.
Pros
- Resistant to snow, dust, and moisture
- Wide detection angle
- High-quality images and videos
- Fast trigger speed
Cons
- Battery life could have been longer
Overall, the camera is great and offers decent performance.
Buying Guide
How To Choose The Best Trail Cameras
Here are the key factors you should consider when selecting the best trail camera.
Purpose
A trail camera can be used in two main ways: home security and scouting.
However, recently more and more people are using trail cameras as a part of their home’s security system. They are cheaper than buying a home security motion camera.
Image quality
If you are looking to have crystal clear pictures of the wildlife in a certain radius, go for a trail camera with high image resolution.
Video Quality
Looking to get crisp clear videos? Go for a camera with a resolution of 720p or higher.
Videos are great add-ons to a home security camera system. Some high-end cameras can take photos and videos at the same time.
Detection Range
If you intend to use your camera in open fields, choose a camera with a wider detection range. Cameras with shorter ranges are ideal for game trails and areas with dense vegetation.
Flash
There are 3 types of flash often used in trail cameras.
- Low glow flash gives a dim red flash when taking photos at night. Photos taken at night using this type of light are black and white.
- A white flash produces a bright white flash when taking photos at night. This light is bright enough to scare animals away.
- No glow flash produces an invisible flash. Thus, it is not easily noticeable which makes it perfect for trail cameras for home security.
Storage Capacity
How often do you intend to check your camera? Do you need a camera to take photos as well as videos? Videos need more space than photos. Similarly, go for a camera with a large storage capacity if you want to be checking it less frequently.
Power Source
Lithium batteries serve you for a longer period and guarantee optimum performance regardless of the battery level.
Viewing Screen
Some cameras have an integrated viewing screen. However, most screens are small and are only ideal for quick viewing.
Other trail cameras do not have a viewing screen. You’ll need to remove the SD card and watch your footage at home.
If you want a camera that can be set to periodically send the footage of your camera to your email, go for one of the best trail cameras with cellular.
This is a great feature for anyone who wants to closely monitor movements in an area at the convenience of their homes.
In Conclusion
Although all the 10 options reviewed above are great, the Campark Trail Camera is a clear winner. It produces high-quality photos, has a fast trigger speed, and is easy to use.
We hope this article helps you in making an informed choice of the best trail camera for security or wildlife viewing.