What Are Trail Cameras & How Do They Work?

Last Updated on Jan 23 2023

Trail cameras are a common tool among nature and wildlife enthusiasts, hunters, bird watchers, and photographers. They allow people to track, observe and photograph wildlife in their natural environment without disturbances. They are commonly weather-resistant, meaning they can operate even during harsh outdoor conditions.

If you’d like to know more about these cameras, check out the valuable details below and determine if a trail camera would help you see animals of your interest.

How Do Trail Cameras Work?

Trail cameras have various components that help them detect and capture animals in the wilderness. Below are the key features allowing your trail camera to function properly.

Detection

The detection features inside trail cameras monitor movement and temperature in front of them. Once they detect a change in the temperature or a movement in front of the camera, the trigger activates. That way, it captures the photo.

Batteries

To function, trail cameras operate on batteries, which typically use very little power. Because of that, once you set up a trail camera, it can last for weeks, if not months, before needing a battery replacement. Depending on the model you own, the batteries can be rechargeable, although most trail cameras use standard AA batteries.

PIR (Passive Infrared Sensors)

Passive Infrared Sensors, also known as PIR, are another crucial component of trail cameras. They are in charge of detection as they’re required for the device to notice temperature changes. The technology of PIR works both day and night, making it an excellent choice for trail cameras.

The PIR technology triggers the shutter, allowing the camera to take photographs or short videos. During the day, the pictures and videos can turn the same as if taken by a smartphone. However, at night, the device switches to an infrared mode which takes black and white shots instead of being full color.

That’s why many trail cameras have features such as a flash or an infrared flash that allow you to take better night shots.

Picture Quality

The picture quality will vary depending on the specification of your trail camera and the number of megapixels (MP) it has. You can use cameras with lower megapixels for hunting and birdwatching, while people engaging in high-quality wildlife photography need trail cameras with a high megapixel count.

Setup and Viewing

This factor also varies model per model. Some trail cameras will have a screen where you can operate the camera and view existing shots. Others might have an option for you to use a mobile app to view the shots and operate functions within the camera.

What Are the Different Types of Trail Cameras?

There are two different types of trail cameras:

Standard

These trail cameras are simpler than cellular trail cameras, and they take a photo every time something moves in front of your camera. Once it captures a photograph, it saves it to an SD card which you can later take out and put in your computer to view the footage.

Depending on the model, the standard trail camera might also be able to shoot short videos. These are typically more affordable than cellular trail cameras, requiring you to go to the place where the camera is placed to take the SD card and retrieve the footage. 

Cellular 

These trail cameras operate similarly to standard trail cameras, and they capture photos whenever they detect movement. However, they don’t store footage onto an SD card. Instead, these cameras use cellular networks to transmit the photograph to the internet.

That way, you can view it on your smartphone, laptop, or computer, which makes it much easier to see what you’ve captured. Specific models allow you to change the camera’s settings directly through your phone, making the whole handling experience much easier. 

These trail cameras are typically more expensive, and they come with additional costs. You’ll need to pay for a cellular network and a plan depending on how many pictures you take and how many trail cameras you have.

Where Is It Used?

Trail cameras are used by anyone who wants to observe animals in their natural habitat. That includes animal lovers and enthusiasts, hunters, birdwatchers, photographers, and researchers. Basically, people install trail cameras whenever they want to observe animal activity and take photographs of the animals.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Trail Cameras

Trail cameras vary per model, and some are better than others. However, they all have similar advantages and disadvantages, which we can divide into the pros and cons of standard trail cameras and the pros and cons of cellular trail cameras.

Standard Trail Cameras

Cellular Trail Cameras

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What To Look for When Buying a Trail Camera?

There are a couple of things to look for when buying a trail camera to ensure it will have all the needed features for your demands.

How To Choose a Suitable Mounting Location for a Trail Camera?

To gain the most out of your trail camera, you need to mount it at a suitable location where you’ll be able to capture wildlife shots. Here are some tips on finding the best spot to place your trail camera:

How To Mount a Trail Camera

The mounting technique you’ll use on your trail camera will depend on the mounting system that the camera uses. Most newer models have straps that allow you to attach the trail camera to a tree, fence, or similar location. However, some models need screwing into the location, while there are stake-mounted options for open environments.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, after reading our article, you’ll have a better sense of trail cameras, and you’ll understand how they operate. That way, you’ll be able to determine which trail camera will work for your needs. You should also be able to find good locations where you’ll get some great footage of the wildlife in that area.

Featured Image Credit: GS23, Shutterstock