How to choose a hunting camera?

How to choose a hunting camera

 

Fotopes are becoming more and more popular. Some use them to capture game in the wild, others use them to monitor property. In fact, hunting camera often replace camera systems as they have the following advantages:

 

• battery power,  can be moved as needed
• no wiring required
• better camouflage, possible placement e.g. in a bush or on a tree  
• invisible photo and video capture  - in the case of 940nm illumination

 

The sub-assemblies can be divided into three groups in terms of their connectivity and the subsequent acquisition of the data they capture.

 

Hunting cameras without GSM and without WiFi

Posts that do not send images or videos. They are suitable for users who just need to remove the SD card from the hunting camera and load the images and videos to the computer. The price of these hunting cameras ranges from 80 to 300 EUR.

 

Hunting cameras with GSM

The correct name of this category should be Mobile Operator Network Connected Traps. This communication is now possible on 2G GSM, 4G LTE and 5G networks. So far, the hunting cameras use 2G and 4GLte networks. A more advanced network will transfer more data in less time and a hunting camera using 4G LTE network will be suitable for users who prefer the speed of data transfer. Hunting cameras with a connection to a mobile operator's network can store photos and videos on an SD card, but can also send photos by e-mail or in MMS format. Manufacturers often supply products including a SIM card with prepaid credit. The price of these products ranges from 90 to 300 EUR. 

 

Hunting camera with WiFi

The Wi-Fi function of the hunting cameras  does not mean their connection to your home WiFi network and remote access to the hunting camera via this home WiFi network from your mobile phone. This function is not available in the hunting cameras. The WiFi function means that you can connect your mobile phone to the hunting camera's WiFi network at a distance of up to 15 meters in order to quickly set up the hunting camera using the pre-installed application on your mobile phone. The WiFi network of the hunting camera can also be used to download data to a mobile phone without the need to remove the SD card, or without the need to directly control the camera buttons by touch. To activate the Wi-Fi connection, you must first connect the hunting camera via Bluetooth  and then activate the Wi-Fi. The price of these hunting cameras is usually in the range of 60 to 320€. 

 

 

1 - GSM antenna, 2 - IR LED, 3 - lens, 4 - PIR sensors

 

What other parameters of hunting cameras should you monitor?

 

Motion sensors and scanning angle

Substations have one to three motion sensors, also called PIR sensors. PIR sensors have a range of 8-17 meters, depending on the type. The sensing angle of the PIR sensor is usually 120°. Some hunting cameras with multiple PIR sensors have these installed in multiple directions, the chances of detecting motion are then increased.

 

Photo and video resolution

Most of the hunting cameras <nbsp; allow you to set different image quality and it 2/16/20 to 30MPx. For setting the video resolution, it is possible to select the parameters VGA/720p/1080p and 4K depending on the type of the hunting camera.

 

Mobile apps

The mobile app is used to easily set up the hunting camera, control it from up to 15 meters away and download and view the captured data. The apps are mostly available for Android and iOS operating systems and are available in languages CZ, SK , EN , HU and RO.

 

Trigger speed and lens

The trap is in standby mode most of the time, which means that only the motion sensor is active. If this detects motion, the hunting camera starts, takes a photo or video and saves it to the SD card. This takes a total of 0.4-1.2 seconds. The shorter the response time of the hunting camera, the better the chance of a successful image. More advanced hunting cameras also allow setting a timer from when to when the hunting camera should be active, or setting multiple images per activation (multishot) with 1/3/6/9 image selection. The lens usually has an angle of view of 50-60° or 100°. The larger angle of view is suitable for shorter distance shots, up to a maximum of 5 metres

 

Power

The cheaper hunting cameras are powered by classic pencil batteries, designated as AA batteries, while the more expensive types use Li-Ion batteries with a capacity of up to 10,000mAh. Li-Ion batteries mean that the hunting camera lasts longer in operation and the user does not have to buy a new battery when it runs out. The Li-Ion battery only needs to be recharged.

 

Sunshine

Infrared light emitting diodes, usually referred to as IR LEDs by manufacturers, are used for illumination. The number preceding this designation indicates the number of diodes installed in the photocell. The indication of the diode is usually accompanied by the wavelength of the light used by the diode. 36 IR LED 940nm means that the hunting camera has 36 IR LEDs with 940nm wavelength installed. The range of the illuminator depends on the power of the diode, the type of wavelength and the number of diodes used. For example, 3pcs 3W IR LED 940nm has a range of up to 20 meters.

 

Most hunting cameras use diodes emitting light of 940 nm wavelength. This light is invisible to the human eye and is suitable for monitoring game and protecting objects. Hunting cameras with a wavelength of 850 nm are also available. These take better quality images than 940nm hunting camera because the range is longer than 940nm diodes. However, the disadvantage is that the 850nm illumination is visible to the human eye at night, so a potential thief will see that he is being monitored. The animals may not mind this light, if they do, place the hunting camera at a height of, for example, 2 metres, the animals may not notice anything.

 

 

Language of hunting camera control

The more established tags allow the user to set the language they use. In the EU, hunting cameras sold in the EU have the option of selecting the language EN, CZ, SK, DE, HU, IT and RO.   

 

Accessories

When choosing a hunting camera, check the supplier's website to see what accessories they offer. Established brands enable this accessory

 

• Solar Panels
• Protective covers against theft and damage to the hunting camera
• Backup Battery
• External power supplies
• Cables for external power supply
• SD card readers

 

 

We wish you to make your choice of hunting camera successful !!!