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Having the best equipment that you can afford is important to finding your maximum success while hunting whitetail deer. This includes having the best trail cameras where you hunt.
This article is an in-depth look at what trail cameras are best for you and in your budget for hunting gear. The best trail cameras also allow you to take inventory of your deer heard and figure out what is the best time to hunt whitetail deer.
Features in the Best Trail Cameras
When talking about the best trail cameras on the market, many companies will try to sell you on the fact that their camera has more options, more style, whatever it may be, these features of the camera do not matter all that much. However, the things that do matter will allow you to get the best bang for your buck.
In this section, I want to highlight all the most important things to look for when shopping for the best trail camera.
1. Trigger Speed
The trigger speed is the absolute first thing I look for when shopping for a new trail camera. The best trail camera for you does not have to offer the fastest trigger speed on the market; nevertheless, you should get something with a fast enough trigger speed that it will have no problem capturing a buck cruising through the woods at a light jog.
I recommend a trigger speed of 0.8s or faster.
2. Detection Range
The best trail cameras have a great photo range. This is especially important if you want to put a trail camera on the edge of the woods but facing an open field. I use my newest trail camera for this purpose because it has the best range to take pictures. If you are using a trail camera in a dense area, then you may not need to focus as much on the range.
I recommend a range of 80ft or greater.
3. Cellular V. Non-Cellular
A cellular camera is a trail camera that will send photos directly to your phone as they are taken.
Non-cellular cameras store pictures taken on an SD card.
This is a huge debate among whitetail deer hunters. If I am being honest this deserves and will get its article eventually. However, the main thing to look at when thinking about cellular or non-cellular cameras is how often you are at your property, do you like checking your phone for whitetail pictures, and the biggest this to know is if it is legal in the state you plan on using the trail camera.
I only use non-cellular trail cameras because they are less expensive, and I do not want every picture taken to be sent to my phone.
4. Recovery Time
Recovery time is the amount of time that the trail camera takes to take another picture. The best trail cameras have crazy fast recovery times. On all the trail cameras that I use, they have adjustable recovery times. I like to set mine to 1-3 seconds depending on the placement of the trail camera.
If it is in the open field, I will put a longer recovery time. If it is in a bedding area or trail in the woods, I like to have a faster recovery time.
5. Megapixels (MP)
Megapixels are what trail cameras use to make the picture as clear as possible. The higher the number of megapixels the clearer the photo should be. However, be careful because some of the ‘high megapixel cameras’ will make the photo bigger which ruins your effective range of photo capture.
I recommend the best trail cameras have 20 megapixels or more without making the photo larger.
6. Glow/Flash
When a camera takes a picture in low light situations, it often wants to use a flash to obtain light for the photo. It is the same concept while looking for the best trail camera for you. I do not like a flash as it can spook the deer occasionally and make them aware that something unnatural is in the woods.
7. Low Glow
The difference between a low glow trail camera and a full glow trail camera is that the ‘flash’ is red. The red flash makes all the difference because deer are color blind and cannot see this flash as easily. The low glow trail cameras are in my opinion the best trail cameras for staying sneaky and still getting good quality images.
8. No Glow
No glow is exactly what it sounds like. There is no flash on the trail camera. The trail camera will just absorb as much light as possible in the dark and take the photo. Not my top pick for the best trail cameras, but they are the most unnoticeable to the deer.
9. Viewing options
As I was doing more research on higher-end trail cameras, I came across some that had viewing screens. This is not something that appeals to me; however, it is another option for you to look at if you want to be able to view your photos from the woods.
10. Battery Life
Battery life is a problem that I am sure many hunters have come across in the past. I remember one year that I left my camera out in the woods for way too long. (I know stupid idea) Well, it burned me. By the middle of November, my camera was no longer taking any pictures. So, battery life is an essential part of looking at the best trail camera for you.
The Whitetail Teacher’s Choice of Best Trail Cameras
There are a lot of things that go into why I may buy a trail camera. To start, I am still on the budget list because I do not feel comfortable spending over 180 dollars on a trail camera. I just need to see what animals are passing by my tree stands. If I had to choose one of these best trail cameras for myself, I would probably go with the Stealth Cam GMAX32 Trail Camera.
I like how fast this camera is and how well priced it is for my needs. I also like to have the clearest images that I possibly can. I also do not have a problem leaving my trail cameras out in the woods and just checking them when I get a chance to get out there. That is my opinion but go ahead and look at which of these trail cameras is best for you!
10 Best Trail Cameras << 150 Dollars
I understand that many hunters (including myself ) do not have an unlimited budget for hunting gear every year. Life throws all kinds of curveballs our way and we are lucky to be able to even get any new gear in a given year. This first list contains the best trail cameras for the hunters that do not want to spend all their hard-earned money on a new trail camera.
1. Moultrie AM-900 Series Trail Camera
The Moultrie AM-900 trail camera has attributes that many of the leading trail cameras have today. This camera features a 30MP resolution that gives each image a clear and crisp resolution. You will be able to count the antlers on all your bucks with ease. The Moultrie AM-900 has a trigger speed of 0.4s which is not the fastest in the industry; however, it will get the job done well. This camera also has a detection and flash range of up to 70 feet.
I own one of these Moultrie AM-900 cameras and I think it may be one of the best trail cameras out there for your money. It is priced under 100 dollars and will give you exactly what you need in a trail camera. I couldn’t be happier with the pictures that we have gotten with it and would recommend this product to any hunter looking for a good deal on a non-cellular trail camera.
2. Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera
The Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera is a highly rated trail camera on the market. It features clear photos, decent video, 20MP, detection range up to 80ft, a great battery life, and is durable even among the harshest winters. It offers a trigger speed of 0.7s which is not amazing, but you must keep in mind that these are the best trail cameras while shopping on a budget.
The Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera could be the next trail camera that will capture that mature buck and give you the intel you need to lay your eyes on him.
3. Tactacam Reveal X Cellular Trail Camera
The Reveal X Cellular Trail Camera is a great budget option for hunters like me that do not want to spend 200 + dollars on a cellular camera. It offers fast trigger speeds of about 0.5s, comes with an infrared flash, a detection range of 96ft, and they also offer some great videos on how to set up this camera. Make a note that your carrier will also have to be compatible with this camera.
The biggest aspect that stood out to me about this trail camera was the price you pay for a cellular camera that will allow you to view photos and videos from your phone. I believe that if you want to get your feet wet in the world of cellular cameras that this is by far the best choice for a beginner. It is cheaper than most on the market and has some great features that will tell you if you like having a cellular trail camera or not.
4. Stealth Cam Browtine 16MP Game Camera
The Stealth Cam Browtine Game Camera has a lot to offer for such a small price tag! This camera features a burst mode, an 80ft detection range, infrared flash, has a trigger speed of 0.8s, and all data is stamped with time/date/ and moon phase. That is a ton of options for under 60 dollars. I must give you a fair warning that at 16MP this trail camera may not take the most high-resolution videos. However, this may be the best trail camera if you are on a strict budget.
5. Moultrie Mobile Delta Base Cellular Trail Camera
This Moultrie Mobile Delta Base Cellular Camera is one of the cheapest cellular trail cameras on the market. I like this camera because it makes cellular available on a budget. To say the least, Moultrie hit the target market of hunters that want the benefits of a cellular trail camera without emptying their pockets.
It offers 24MP for great-looking photos and videos. The Delta Base also has an 80ft detection range with a 0.75 trigger speed. This trail camera has everything you need at a great price for cellular. The Delta Base Cellular Trail Camera is compatible with AT&T and Verizon.
6. SpyPoint Link-Micro-S-LTE Solar Cellular Trail Camera
The SpyPoint Link-Micro-S-LTE Cellular Trail Camera brings a new and more eco-friendly option to trail cameras. The unique aspect of this cellular trail camera is that it comes with a solar panel to recharge your batteries! That is cool if you ask me. What makes it one of the best trail cameras on the market is that it also offers a 0.4 trigger speed. Now, this cellular camera is a bit more expensive than the Moultrie Mobile Delta Base; however, you get a few nicer options with the SpyPoint Link-Micro-S-LTE.
7. Browning Strike Force HD MAX Trail Camera
The Strike Force HD MAX Trail Camera by Browning is standard. It has a 32 GB SD card that comes with the bundle. This camera also offers an 18MP, 80ft detection range, video options, and 100ft flash range. A great buy for anyone looking to get their hands on a good bundle. The picture quality is also worth noting that it takes good quality photos or videos both day and night.
8. Bushnell 24MP Core Prime Brown Low Glow Trail Camera
The Bushnell 24MP Core prime Trail Camera is one of the best trail cameras out there and is one that I am looking at buying for myself! This camera features a great 24MP for wonderful pictures both day and night. It also is easy to set up and get into the woods. This camera also comes with a 32GB SD card. It has everything you need to capture every moment you aren’t in the woods.
9. Stealth Cam GMAX32 Trail Camera
The Stealth Cam GMAX32 truly does live up to the brand of Stealth. This Trail camera has a great 32MP with capabilities of video at 1080p HD video at 30FPS. It also utilizes a 100 ft detection range with a no-glow flash. Trigger speeds clock in at a super-fast 0.4s. With 32MP, the images this trail camera takes are hard to beat at the price point. Without a doubt one of the best trail cameras that are non-cellular.
10. Browning Dark Op HD APEX 18MP Trail Camera
The Browning Dark Op HD APEX 18MP Trail Camera will be the trail camera for you if you love speed. It checks in with a 0.2s trigger speed and a 0.6s recovery speed. That is two different pictures in 1 second! This camera is a great compact option for ease of use and clear photos. You cannot go wrong with one of these trail cameras.
10 Best Trail Cameras – No Budget
It Should be noted that as you get into the more expensive trail cameras, the more quality you get out of your trail camera. This is not to say that the budget best trail cameras are not worth it. It all just depends on the dollar amount you are willing to spend on a trail camera.
1. Bushnell 30MP Core Trail Camera
This Bushnell 30MP Core Trail camera is elite. It offers video in 1080p at 60fps which is as good as my $600 camcorder that I bought to film my hunts starting in the 2022 hunting season! It also offers a 0.2s trigger speed with a 0.6s recovery time. It reaches out to 80ft with a no-glow infrared light. This camera takes immaculate photos that anyone could use on Instagram, Facebook, or Tik Tok.
2. Tactacam Reveal XB Cellular Trail Camera
The Tactacam Reveal XB Cellular Trail Camera is unique in a few different ways. To start, it is extremely small and compact which allows for light and easy travel. This camera also comes with a solar panel for charging your trail camera. Carriers such as Verizon and AT&T are compatible with this cellular trail camera. I think this is a great option for anyone looking to purchase a high-quality cellular camera at a fair price.
3. 4K 30MP Trail Camera
This trail camera is a wild card play for me and probably for most of you reading this. It is not a name brand; however, it offers so much value that I could not overlook it as one of the best trail cameras on the market. This camera shoots video in 4k! Read that again for me. It also offers a 120-degree detection angle for maximum capturing capabilities. The trigger speed is lighting fast at 0.2s and it comes with an app for easy downloads. On top of that, it has a 98ft detection range. This camera may be a curveball, but it is worthy to be on this list!
4. Spartan 4G LTE GoCam Wireless Trail Camera
This Spartan camera is a cellular trail camera and is the most expensive camera on this list. It has some good features such as 0.6s trigger speeds, a sim card ready to use, and an 80ft detection range. However, I do not believe that this would be the best use of your hard-earned money. I would not purchase this myself. If this camera seems like a fit for you check it out in greater detail. Just not for me personally.
5. Browning Trail Camera Spec Ops Elite
The Browning Trail Camera Spec Ops Elite is a top-end Browning trail camera. This specific type also comes with a few more items so that it is ready to use out of the box. These items include batteries, a 32GB SD card, and a cable to lock your camera onto the tree. The other thing that I like about this camera is that it has a 2-inch LCD screen to view your pictures right on the camera. Another notable feature is the barometer information that is displayed on the pictures.
Sadly, it only has 22MP and only records at 1080p at 30fps. Worth all the money, maybe for you, but not for me personally. However, it is still a notable trail camera.
6. Reveal By Tactacam 4G LTE Cellular Camera
The Reveal by Tactacam is possibly the best trail camera in the cellular camera market. It is easy to set up, compatible with an app that sends pictures directly to your phone, and is compatible with Verizon Wireless. All that is just on the cellular side of the camera. As far as the camera itself goes, the Reveal offers a dub 0.5s trigger speed, 24MP for great quality photos, and a great price point for all the options that it does offer.
7. Browning Trail Cameras Strike Force Pro XD
The Browning Strike Force Pro XD has a TON to offer when it comes to a trail camera. It also has one unique item that is not seen with any other trail cameras. It comes with a memory card reader that is adaptable with your iPhone, USB, or USB-C. This allows for easy removal of photos to your devices. The camera has 24MP for good quality images, a built-in 1.5-inch LCD to see your photos while still in the woods, and an 80ft detection range. The biggest pitfall to this camera is the 1.5s trigger speed.
8. Cuddeback CuddeLink Trail Camera
The Cuddeback cameras have been one of my favorite brands to go to for my trail cameras. I have always noticed that they hold up in the weather and are very reliable at catching the images I desire. However, the cool part about this camera is that if you buy multiple, you can link them together. This is a unique feature that Cuddeback brings to the table. The trail camera offers 20MP, a dual flash system, and a 0.25 trigger speed. Along with the great trigger speed, it also has a detection range of 100+ feet. The only downside I see to this trail camera is the recovery speed is a tad bit slow coming in at 1-2 seconds.
9. Browning Trail Cameras Recon Force patriot FHD Trail Camera
Here is what you need to know about the Browning Recon Force Patriot. It offers great video quality that shoots 1080p at 60fps. The other main difference that this camera offers is a battery-saving mode that allows you to maximize the time you can use the trail camera. It also offers a 2-inch screen to view your images or videos, a 110 nighttime flash range (longest on this list), and a dual PIR sensor to get crystal clear images and videos. You may need to invest in your card reader but if you have any cameras that do not have a display screen then you will want to buy one of those anyway.
10. Spypoint Force-Pro Trail Camera
The Spypoint Force-Pro Trail Camera has a whopping 30MP and has capabilities to record a 4K video. It also offers 52 infrared lights for the best quality nighttime trail camera photos. This is by far one of the best trail cameras for your money. It just missed the budget list by a mere 10 dollars. The clear photos are the number one thing I have seen people raving about online and it has a trigger speed of 0.2s which is lightning fast!
Why does having the Best Trail Cameras Matter?
Trail cameras are the eyes and ears for us in the woods. Many hunters live busy lives that do not allow us to spend as much time in the woods as we would like to. That is why picking the best trail camera is a crucial piece to being able to figure out whitetail deer and hunt them successfully.
Conclusion
The best trail cameras are not the same for everyone. However, when deciding what the best trail cameras are for you, look at all the factors that may play a role in your decision-making. I believe that this article will help you decide exactly what type of trail camera is best for you!
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