Trail cameras, also known as game cameras are one of the best tools for any hunter. Besides using a trail camera to check out trails, or monitor wildlife, you can also use one for security reasons. Today’s best trail cameras are weatherproof and have various power sources.
These important features are crucial when you’re in the wilderness. There may be instances where you need to leave your camera exposed to the elements for extended periods of time to capture game footage. So, do your research before you invest in a super expensive brand.
And always look for a trail camera that best suits your needs. Fortunately, today’s trail cameras have many uses — even spying on Bobcats! While some trail cameras take pictures, others can shoot videos and some are capable of both tasks. Some trail cameras work remotely from your phone.
Before we dive into our review of the best trail cameras, let’s review how to properly use a trail camera …
How to Use a Trail Camera
- Determine the best location for placing your trail camera — ideally off the road less traveled
- Install the batteries when charged, and make sure the memory card is installed
- Ensure the trigger speed, trigger frequency, timer and flash settings are set
- Mount your trail camera (there are many tutorials online or use a bungee)
- Always keep your lens clean and clear
- Mount your camera facing north or south and slightly higher than eye level
- Activate your game camera and test (better during daytime and at night)
- Before you leave the area, use scent eliminator on and around the camera
Now that you’ve brushed up on proper set-up of a trail camera, take a look at our list of the best trail cameras out there.
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Best Trail Cameras
| Product Name | Where to Buy | |
|---|---|---|
 | Moultrie AM-900 |  |
 | Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera | |
 | Stealth Cam G42NG 32MP Trail Camera | |
 | Tactacam Reveal X Gen 2 Trail Camera | |
 | SPYPOINT LINK-MICRO-S-LTE Solar Cellular Trail Camera | |
Moultrie AM-900 (Best Value Trail Camera)
For the past 35 years, Moultrie has made products that are reliable, durable, and affordable. The company is known as the number one feeder-selling company in the industry. A perfect example of their superior craftsmanship is their AM-900 Series Trail Camera.
To begin with, the Moultrie Trail Camera offers more than sufficient battery, blistering 0.4 second trigger speed, and features for security. It’s also affordable and a great way to monitor your property while on vacation. The Moultrie has unlimited features including outstanding coverage for both night and day photos.
In addition, this camera comes with a handy place for your 16GB SD card. The AM-900 boasts a direct design so it’s very very user-friendly — and it certainly isn’t going anywhere, thanks to the sturdy 8inch strap included.
The AM-900 camera case is constructed of a rugged design with dull (camouflage) colors that blend well with the environment to make it difficult to notice. Overall, the Moultrie AM-900 is a great value for your money and a fantastic choice.
Features
- 30-megapixel low glow infrared game camera
- 70-foot nighttime illumination (flash) range
- Long-range 850nm IR LED Infrared
- Moon phase, time, date and camera ID stamp
- Waterproof
- Check the latest price on Amazon
Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera
The Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera is a top-of-the-line model. But, a trail camera of this caliber is expected to be pricey. It offers 20 megapixels compared to most 5-pixel brands and also comes with a time lapse. The crystal clear quality of this trail camera is like no other. It delivers incredible brightness and if you are in surroundings with adequate sunlight, your photos will turn out better.
The Trophy Trail Camera also features a sturdy Python cable lock that provides extra protection during unfavorable weather conditions.
If you’ve been searching for a rugged trail camera with all the perks, the Trophy Trail Camera is worth your consideration.
Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera Features
- Quality optics and stunning HD clarity
- 100% quality materials used and tested extensively
- Beautiful design and durability built to last
- Programmable trigger interval
- 20MP high-quality full color resolution
- No-Glow Black LEDs with 80-foot range
- Day/night auto sensor and PIR sensor
- Check the latest price on Amazon
Stealth Cam G42NG 32MP Trail Camera (With reader)
We love this camera not only for it features, but this bundle is hard to beat since it comes with a USB card reader. If you don’t have a reader that works with you laptop the USB feature on the reader is nice to have.
The 100 ft IR range is a nice bonus so you can capture where the game came in from. The camera records date, temp, moon phase and camera name. Very handy when you have multiple cams on your property.
Includes a 32GB card, and a trigger speed of 0.8 seconds. Did we mention it takes 32MP pictures as well as HD quality video.
Stealth Cam G42NG 32MP Trail Camera Features
- USB Card Reader
- 32GB Card
- 0.8 Trigger Speed
- 100 FT IR Range
- HD Video
- Password Secure
Best (Cellular Enabled) Trail Cameras
The previous trail cameras will work for you if you have convenient access to your game cameras. However, if you are hours away from your hunting lease than you might consider one of the best cellular enabled trail cameras.
What to Look for In a Cellular Enabled Trail Camera
There are a tonn of whistles and bells you can find in your trail camera, but when it comes to the best cellular trail cams there are 3 main considerations: the cost of the data plan, the reception of your camera and the cost of the trail camera.
Here are two of the best cellular trail cams based on these considerations:
Tactacam Reveal X Gen 2 Trail Camera
This is one of the best value cheapest cellular enabled trail cameras on the market. In order to set up you connect your camera to the company’s app. The camera automatically adopts to the carrier of your choice. The other nice thing is they don’t require a long term contract. You can use camera as needed. You can sign up for monthly plans.
The camera basically sends thumbnail images to your phone and if you want you can download a hi-res version if you so chose. The camera itself doesn’t have all the whistles and bells of a lot of game cameras, but if you are interested in getting into the wireless trail camera experience, it’s hard to find a better cam to start with.
Tactacam Reveal X Gen 2 Trail Camera Features
- Compact, durable, and discreet
- Crisp 16MP daytime photos
- Use the app to request HD videos & photos
- Low Glo IR technology
- Fast trigger speed
- Compatible with Verizon and AT&T cell networks
SPYPOINT LINK-MICRO-S-LTE Solar Cellular Trail Camera
In addition to being cellular enabled, the Spypoint Link-Micro S LTE Trail Camera like the title says is solar powered. Unlike the previous cellular enabled camera above, the camera on this game cam has some really nice features like it non-cellular enabled game cams. It has an 80ft detection range. Image quality is hard to beat. While there is no video mode, it does have a limited burst mode.
At the time of this writing, the company was offering your first 100 pictures free. They also offer a $10 a month unlimited picture plan.
Spypoint Link-Micro S LTE Trail Camera Features
- Solar Power Rechargeable Batteries
- 10MP Photos
- .4 Second Trigger Speed
- 80 Ft Detection Range
- Requires 10 Rechargeable AA batteries
- Solar Assisted Charging
Best Trail Cameras – Final Thoughts
With so many trail cameras on the market today, it can be challenging to understand which features are important and which are just added for marketing reasons. As we stated at the beginning of this review, the rule of thumb is not to purchase the first game camera you find.
To aid in your decision making, there are basic criteria to be concerned about. These include the resolution power, battery life, trigger speed, detection range, infrared technology, picture-taking modes, LCD screen, easy setup, and security features.
The five trail cameras presented above come with top-notch features that will enhance your wildlife scouting or hunting experience. They can be used for both observing wildlife moving patterns, hunting and security purposes. Plus, they offer weatherproof designs and high quality and resolution images. So, if you’re looking for the best game camera, you’ve come to the right place.
