|
Forums46
Topics538,643
Posts9,739,448
Members87,100
| |
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
|
|
|
 What's a good trail cam?
#1076529
12/02/09 06:12 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 133
BillingtonRanchTaxidermy
OP
Woodsman
|
|
OP
Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 133 |
Looking to get my husband a trail cam for Christmas so he can put it out by his deer stand. Any of you guys have a recommendations on a good reliable and sturdy trail cam that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and is easily programmed? Looking for something around $200.
WE ARE NOW ON FACEBOOK....check us out for more updates Billington Ranch Taxidermy National Certified/ National Champion Reptiles Evelyn & Michael Billington Georgetown, TX 254-793-2120 taxidermyranch@aol.com www.billingtonranchtaxidermy.com
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: BillingtonRanchTaxidermy]
#1076537
12/02/09 06:14 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,404
Stickchunker
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,404 |
CuddeBack Capture, right up your alley.
In these times , 'I'll keep my God , my freedom , my gun and my money. Anyone that supports this insanity can keep "THE CHANGE".
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: BillingtonRanchTaxidermy]
#1076540
12/02/09 06:15 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,124
postoak
Veteran Tracker
|
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,124 |
For $200, that would be the Cuddeback Capture with regular flash: Cabelas $50 more gets you the infrared (flash not visible) version.
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: BillingtonRanchTaxidermy]
#1076542
12/02/09 06:16 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,162
TexasDefender
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,162 |
Don't expect to get something that works everytime/all the time. It's just how that "class" of cameras are manufactured.
I would go with the one with the best warranty, right now that's the Bushnell Trophy Cam...2 year.
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: TexasDefender]
#1077019
12/02/09 08:31 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,450
FoxTrot
THF Trophy Hunter
|
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,450 |
The Bushnell Trophy Cam, in my opinion, is the BEST camera on the market for the money. It retails for $199. You can find them on the internet with a 2GB SD and batteries included for the same price and you can also find them a few dollars cheaper. I would highly suggest buying it over a Cuddeback anyday of the week.
I avoid Dick's and hope they fold.
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: BillingtonRanchTaxidermy]
#1077029
12/02/09 08:34 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26,557
JCB
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26,557 |
For the $200 price range you just cant beat the Cuddeback Capture flash model!
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: JCB]
#1077119
12/02/09 08:55 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,679
possom813
Veteran Tracker
|
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,679 |
Personally, I like the moultrie d40 gamespy cameras. They're easy to program and aim and whatnot, they run on 6 d cell batteries and last a good while. I've had the same batteries in mine since last year and they're still taking pics, albeit not as good of pics as with new batteries. And for 200 bucks, you can get him 2 with sd cards and extra sd cards and batteries for both. http://www.moultriefeeders.com/Game-Spy-D40Here's a link to some pics taken with the D40's at my place. The first 4 or 5 pics were taken this year with the old batteries in it, with the new batteries the flash is actually picking up the feeder like it's supposed to. I had to hit the pics it took with the old batteries with a photo editor to add some light to them. http://s86.photobucket.com/albums/k96/possom75110/Game%20Cam%20Pics/
I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: possom813]
#1077170
12/02/09 09:10 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735
helomech
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735 |
Man I hate the D-40. For you batteries to last a year you must not get many pics. I had 2 both are broke now, but never got more than a month out of either of them. The M-40 is better, but still not a good cam.
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: helomech]
#1077229
12/02/09 09:26 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 215
DeeCee
Woodsman
|
|
Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 215 |
Evelyn, in my opinion, whichever camera you decide on, go with an infrared flash over the regular. You will get better nightime pictures and longer battery life.
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: DeeCee]
#1077960
12/03/09 01:05 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26,557
JCB
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26,557 |
Evelyn, in my opinion, whichever camera you decide on, go with an infrared flash over the regular. You will get better nightime pictures and longer battery life. Well everyone is intitled to their opinion, but I couldnt disagree more with that statement! Not only do I believe that the flash model takes far better night time pics, but they are also far more reliable! And with the flash models that I am currently running I get about 2000 pics on 4 D cell batteries.......I dont see how it can get any better than that! JMO!
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: JCB]
#1077974
12/03/09 01:08 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735
helomech
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735 |
Evelyn, in my opinion, whichever camera you decide on, go with an infrared flash over the regular. You will get better nightime pictures and longer battery life. Well everyone is intitled to their opinion, but I couldnt disagree more with that statement! Not only do I believe that the flash model takes far better night time pics, but they are also far more reliable! And with the flash models that I am currently running I get about 2000 pics on 4 D cell batteries.......I dont see how it can get any better than that! JMO! How about 20k pics between recharges.
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: JCB]
#1077975
12/03/09 01:08 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
jrich
Woodsman
|
|
Woodsman
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208 |
i love my stealth cam IR500...on sale at academy for 119.99. I have 4 of them and they have been in the woods for over a year and they are all still working great
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: helomech]
#1077983
12/03/09 01:10 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26,557
JCB
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26,557 |
Evelyn, in my opinion, whichever camera you decide on, go with an infrared flash over the regular. You will get better nightime pictures and longer battery life. Well everyone is intitled to their opinion, but I couldnt disagree more with that statement! Not only do I believe that the flash model takes far better night time pics, but they are also far more reliable! And with the flash models that I am currently running I get about 2000 pics on 4 D cell batteries.......I dont see how it can get any better than that! JMO! How about 20k pics between recharges. For $200???? If so then sign me up for 5 of them!
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: JCB]
#1077992
12/03/09 01:12 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735
helomech
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735 |
Evelyn, in my opinion, whichever camera you decide on, go with an infrared flash over the regular. You will get better nightime pictures and longer battery life. Well everyone is intitled to their opinion, but I couldnt disagree more with that statement! Not only do I believe that the flash model takes far better night time pics, but they are also far more reliable! And with the flash models that I am currently running I get about 2000 pics on 4 D cell batteries.......I dont see how it can get any better than that! JMO! How about 20k pics between recharges. For $200???? If so then sign me up for 5 of them! LMAO, the scott guard lasts a long time on AA batteries. I would guess about 4-5 months. And probably 5-8k pics. I prefer IR, over conventional flash.
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: helomech]
#1077995
12/03/09 01:14 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26,557
JCB
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26,557 |
Scout Gaurd is a great camera too! I have never used one, but 99% of what I read about them is positive!
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: JCB]
#1078013
12/03/09 01:24 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735
helomech
THF Celebrity
|
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735 |
Scout Gaurd is a great camera too! I have never used one, but 99% of what I read about them is positive! I got one, it could be a great cam, but it needs some changes. It needs more flash, and I hate the fact that you can't even view the battery life without the damn remote. All you can do is turn it off and on.
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: helomech]
#1078042
12/03/09 01:36 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 376
hoyt1991
Bird Dog
|
|
Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 376 |
wild game inovations IR4.....i've tried moultree and cuddeback neither have worked as well as the IR4....most go dead within 2 weeks and my IR4 batterys have lasted for 3 weeks so far and still have life left
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: DeeCee]
#1078055
12/03/09 01:38 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20
GUBRLEE
Light Foot
|
|
Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20 |
Cuddeback Capture all the way for $200. Contrary to popular belief, the flash does not seem to scare away the critters. I have numerous pics of deer and hogs taken with the flash and are of high quality. Over 1200 pics taken thus far on one set of 4 D Batteries, and by far the easiest to set up/program. It's also the top selling trail cam at Cabelas according to the "outfitter" that works there.
"A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have"-Thomas Jefferson
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: helomech]
#1078084
12/03/09 01:47 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,326
sqiggy
Veteran Tracker
|
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,326 |
Scout Gaurd is a great camera too! I have never used one, but 99% of what I read about them is positive! I got one, it could be a great cam, but it needs some changes. It needs more flash, and I hate the fact that you can't even view the battery life without the damn remote. All you can do is turn it off and on. The Bushnell Trophy Cam is the same as the Scoutguard. Same company makes them both. Only difference, you don't need a remote for the Bushnell. Some things to consider. Trigger Speed Battery Life Set Up Distance Cost I have the Bushnell. Trigger speed is about 1 second. Pretty dang quick. Runs on 4 or 8 AA bateries. Don't know yet how long they will last since I'm still on my first set. Just got it a couple months ago. Set up is simple. I can put it on a trail, pointing up or down it, and get great pics. It's a IR, so no flash which would be easy to spot after dark and somebody stealing it. I bought mine for $179.99 thru Sportsmanguide. I will be gettin a couple more. Trust me, if you buy him this camera, you will have a hard time topping this next year!!! 
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: GUBRLEE]
#1078100
12/03/09 01:50 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,162
TexasDefender
Pro Tracker
|
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,162 |
My outfitter friend up in kansas had two of the cuddeback capture IR's shipped to him by one of his hunters. I helped him set them up, extremely simple to program...not many features but I liked the simplicity. He set them up and all the night pictures were black...this just shows the poor quality control for that "class" of cameras.
If every camera made in that price range would work as intended they'd be great but that's not the case. There is an extremely high failure rate for the sub $400 cameras.
And that is why I recommended the bushnell trophy cam, you will face the same quality control issues but you will have 2 years of support to work through those issues rather than 1 year.
Last edited by TexasDefender; 12/03/09 01:52 AM.
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: sqiggy]
#1078162
12/03/09 02:10 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 577
Bear Creek
Tracker
|
|
Tracker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 577 |
Scout Gaurd is a great camera too! I have never used one, but 99% of what I read about them is positive! I got one, it could be a great cam, but it needs some changes. It needs more flash, and I hate the fact that you can't even view the battery life without the damn remote. All you can do is turn it off and on. The Bushnell Trophy Cam is the same as the Scoutguard. Same company makes them both. Only difference, you don't need a remote for the Bushnell. Some things to consider. Trigger Speed Battery Life Set Up Distance Cost I have the Bushnell. Trigger speed is about 1 second. Pretty dang quick. Runs on 4 or 8 AA bateries. Don't know yet how long they will last since I'm still on my first set. Just got it a couple months ago. Set up is simple. I can put it on a trail, pointing up or down it, and get great pics. It's a IR, so no flash which would be easy to spot after dark and somebody stealing it. I bought mine for $179.99 thru Sportsmanguide. I will be gettin a couple more. Trust me, if you buy him this camera, you will have a hard time topping this next year!!! There is not a single $200 camera out there that is worth the money, IMO. I think you're better off spending less on a Stealth Cam or equivalent...at least you know what you're getting. For a couple hundred bucks I have an expectation that the camera will take good pics (both night and day) with good resolution, reasonable trigger speed, and last for at least a year in the field. The Cuddeback is wrought with problems-batt life, no/poor trigger response, super slow; the Moultrie-lcd failure, slow trigger speed; and the Bushnell/Scout Guard-poor daytime and terrible nighttime pic quality. Now, if you increase the budget to say $350 or above you can actually get a quality camera that lives up to expectations. Just my  Regards, Scott
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: BillingtonRanchTaxidermy]
#1078482
12/03/09 03:42 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 73
Mykol
Outdoorsman
|
|
Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 73 |
I just bought a Bushnell Trophy Cam and I would highly recommend it! I have filled one 2GB card and most of another, which is nearly 3000 pics and the 8 AA batteries show to still have over half their life remaining. Great photos, day or night!
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: Mykol]
#1079892
12/03/09 08:00 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 133
BillingtonRanchTaxidermy
OP
Woodsman
|
|
OP
Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 133 |
Ok guys, now I am as confused as ever. Maybe I should just get my hubby another gun. A man can never have too many guns right? LOL
I'll be checking more into the Cuddeback and the Bushnell. May just have to up the budget on a camera. Thanks for everyone's input. Much appreciated.
Evelyn
WE ARE NOW ON FACEBOOK....check us out for more updates Billington Ranch Taxidermy National Certified/ National Champion Reptiles Evelyn & Michael Billington Georgetown, TX 254-793-2120 taxidermyranch@aol.com www.billingtonranchtaxidermy.com
|
|
|
|
Re: What's a good trail cam?
[Re: BillingtonRanchTaxidermy]
#1079966
12/03/09 08:32 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,074
Justin T
THF Trophy Hunter
|
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,074 |
I've got the Moultrie i40 and love it. Put it up in July, still has 50% battery life, and it takes about 200 pictures a week +- 50.
Haven't had problems yet.
|
|
|
Moderated by bigbob_ftw, CCBIRDDOGMAN, Chickenman, Derek, DeRico, Duck_Hunter, hetman, jeh7mmmag, JustWingem, kmon11, kry226, kwrhuntinglab, Payne, pertnear, rifleman, sig226fan (Rguns.com), Superduty, TreeBass, txcornhusker
|
