Trail cameras are an excellent tool for wildlife monitoring, property protection, or land surveillance. They are durable, powerful, and easy to operate – once you know how. In this article, we'll show you step-by-step how to set up a trail camera, whether it's a basic model, a GSM trail camera with a SIM card, or a trail camera with WiFi connectivity.
What types of trail cameras are available?
In the EVOLVEO offer, you'll find three types of trail cameras:
- Classic trail camera models (e.g., StrongVision Mini LCD) – save recordings to an SD card.
- GSM trail cameras (e.g., StrongVision LTE CLOUD) – send images to the cloud or email via a SIM card.
- WiFi trail cameras (e.g., StrongVision MINI WiFi) – allow direct access from a mobile app within a range of approx. 25 meters.
Tip: Want to learn more about choosing the right model? Read our article How to Choose a Trail Camera or browse the EVOLVEO trail camera selection directly.
How to set up a classic trail camera
Basic trail cameras without GSM and WiFi are ideal for users who are satisfied with direct access to the device. You can complete the setup in just a few minutes:
1. Insert batteries and SD card
Use AA batteries (we recommend lithium for longer battery life) and also insert a formatted microSD card. It's best to format the card directly in the trail camera (MENU-Format SD Card).
2. Turn on the device
Slide the switch from OFF to TEST to turn on the device in setup mode, where the camera's image preview will appear on the screen.
3. Open settings
On the display, set:
- Date and time
- Photo and video resolution
- Intervals between shots
- Shooting mode (photo, video, both, time-lapse)
- Sound recording
- Sensor sensitivity
- PIN setting
4. Activate ON mode
After setup, switch the trail camera to ON mode, and the device will start detecting motion.
How to set up a GSM trail camera
For proper setup of a GSM trail camera, you'll need a SIM card and a manufacturer's app with cloud storage.
1. Insert SIM card
After inserting batteries and the SD card, insert a micro SIM into the device. CAUTION – the SIM card must have the PIN code disabled and a data plan activated!
2. Download the manufacturer's app
Turn on the trail camera to TEST mode and download the compatible manufacturer's app. Add the device to the app either by using the generated QR code from the device or by manually entering the device ID. You can also change the password in the app.
3. Activate ON mode and adjust settings
Directly in the app, you can set all desired parameters such as mode, sensitivity, burst shots, etc. In the synchronization section, remember to set where the captured data will be sent. Whether directly to the cloud or to an email address (fill this in carefully).
How to set up a WiFi trail camera
Thanks to built-in WiFi, the trail camera can be connected to a smartphone and controlled without the need for an internet connection.
1. Install the app
Download the necessary app specified by the manufacturer to your phone. After installation, insert batteries and the SD card into the device and switch the trail camera to TEST mode.
2. Connect WiFi
To connect your phone to the camera, you first need to activate the camera's WiFi module using Bluetooth. Open the app and click on the "connect to Bluetooth" icon. Once connected, simply select the correct WiFi network in your phone's WiFi menu and connect to the trail camera.
3. Switch to ON mode and adjust settings
You can adjust settings both directly on the trail camera and in the app.
Practical tips for ideal trail camera setup
Even though every trail camera has default factory settings, we recommend adjusting individual parameters according to the environment and intended use.
PIR sensor sensitivity (motion detection)
Sensitivity determines how easily the trail camera detects motion. Typically, there are three levels: Low, Medium, and High.
- High – if you are monitoring smaller animals (e.g., martens, hedgehogs)
- Medium – universal setting for normal conditions
- Low – suitable for high frequency of false recordings (e.g., swaying grass, strong wind)
Photo and video resolution
Higher resolution means sharper images, but also a larger data volume on the SD card or during GSM transmission.
- Photo
8–12 MP – sufficient for general use,
16–20+ MP – use if you want detailed images or to print photos.
- Video
1080p (Full HD) – optimal balance of quality and size,
720p – more economical option for longer recordings.
Interval between shots
The interval determines how long the trail camera will wait after detecting motion before it starts recording again.
- 5–10 seconds – ideal for moving animals
- 15–30 seconds – for static monitoring (e.g., feeding stations)
- 1 minute and more – when you want to save battery and memory
Number of shots per detection
Determines how many images the trail camera should take after activation.
- 1 photo – most economical option
- 3–5 photos – higher chance of capturing a good shot (recommended)
Video recording length
Some trail camera models allow recording videos up to 60 seconds long.
- 15–30 s – a good compromise between capturing action and saving space
- 60 s and more – only when using a quality SD card and strong batteries
Common problems and solutions
If your trail camera isn't behaving as it should, it might not be broken. Often, it's just a minor setting adjustment or an incompatible card. What problems can you most commonly encounter?
Trail camera does not recognize SIM card
- You must use a micro SIM, not a nano SIM with an adapter (these sometimes don't fit well).
- The SIM must be without a PIN code – you can disable it in a regular phone.
- The SIM card must have an active data plan.
- If the SIM doesn't work, try it in a mobile phone first – verify functionality and network connection.
Trail camera does not send photos
- Check the APN settings according to your operator.
- Make sure you have correctly entered the email address or FTP destination folder.
- Ensure the device has a good signal (there are usually indicator bars on the display).
Trail camera does not take or save images
- Format the SD card directly in the trail camera.
- If the SD card is old or of poor quality, try another one.
- Make sure that only time-lapse mode is not enabled or motion detection is not active.
Night images are blurry or dark
- Check the IR illumination – its intensity can be adjusted on some models.
- Do not place the trail camera too close to the object – it may lead to overexposure.
- If using video, set a longer exposure time (when selecting night mode).
Setting up a trail camera might seem complicated at first glance, but once you know what and where to set, you're all set. It always depends on the correct procedure, choosing quality accessories, and adapting the parameters to specific conditions in the field.
