Ranking of the best camera traps for monitoring animals and guarding private property in 2020

Several years ago, a special device - a camera trap - was designed to help hunters, gamekeepers and biologists. The device is a camera combined with a motion sensor. The device takes a picture of a moving target in a certain sector, and then saves the photos on a memory card or sends them to e-mail, phone.

Wide functionality and the appearance of inexpensive models have increased the popularity of camera traps among owners of private houses and summer cottages. They use the device to monitor housing and property during their absence. Foresters use the device to track and count animal movements. The forest camera is used to combat poaching and to monitor plant growth. Finding a way to use a camera is not a problem; it is much more important to know how to select and install a device.

Varieties and features of the device

The first models were very simple - they only saved photos on a memory card. To view the footage, I had to periodically visit the installation site, which was not always convenient and possible. The reason such models are still on sale and in demand is the low price.

Then there were models with a built-in cellular module, which sent reduced photos to the owner's smartphone via MMS. Thanks to them, it was possible to find out in a timely manner what was happening on the site and take appropriate measures. Modern camera traps send not only a full-size photo, but also a high-quality video. Therefore, the need for a regular visit to the device has disappeared, owners visit such a device only once every few months to replace the batteries.

Why does the battery last so long? Because the camera turns on as soon as a moving object appears in the area, sending images and at the end of the shooting. The rest of the time the device is in sleep mode. Popular models are equipped with a useful function - SMS control. To adjust the settings of the camera trap, owners just need to send an SMS message with a specific code to the number of the SIM card inserted into the device. To control the forest camera without leaving, a special application is downloaded to it, compatible with iPhone and Android smartphones.

The technical characteristics of the camera traps are as follows:

• 5 megapixel sensors;
• increasing photo resolution up to 12 or 14 megapixels;
• high quality video with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels.

The camera trap is compatible with a memory card up to 32Gb, which stores hundreds of videos and thousands of images. They can be viewed on the display of the device, TV, computer. Models like the Balever 4G-480L-GPS send footage to E-mail or FTP.

The forest camera is triggered by an infrared motion sensor that is sensitive to temperature changes and the appearance of moving objects (people, animals, heated objects). The operating range is 25-30 meters and depends on the ambient temperature. The warmer the subject, the shorter the range.

The sensitivity of the forest camera is adjusted for certain conditions. If you don't have time to figure out the settings, you can buy KeepGuard camera traps. The manufacturer has equipped them with automatic sensitivity control.

To cover more space, choose camera traps with a wide-angle lens. For example, 90◦, 120◦, 200◦. Then fewer cameras are installed to control the territory. Thinking about which camera trap is better to buy, you should decide on additional functions:

• auto-shooting - the device takes and sends an image at a specified time interval;
• timer - the device turns on and works strictly within a certain period. For example, at 8 am and until 12 noon. Several periods can be set;
• daily report - the owner receives full information in an SMS message about the state of the device, the amount of footage;
• SMS warning about low batteries or device breakdown.

Since the camera traps are designed for outdoor installation, they are equipped with a waterproof and durable housing, resistant to both winter frost and summer heat. If you buy a device with MMS / GPRS transmission, you can use them in any country and with a different operator.

The principle of operation and installation of the device

The device wakes up from sleep mode when the motion sensor is triggered, photographs and / or records video of a specified duration. The time between object detection and photographing is 0.4 to 1.2 seconds depending on the models.

The best manufacturers equip camera traps with three sensors: central and 2 side ones. When movement is detected to the right or left, the sensors send a signal that wakes the device from sleep mode. The LTL Acorn has a response time of 0.2 seconds after an object is detected by the center sensor.

At night or with the onset of dusk, the camera switches to black and white mode automatically. Models equipped with an infrared flash turn it on if necessary. It can be visible or invisible. The latter option is more popular because the camera trap remains invisible. It should be borne in mind that the range of the invisible flash is shorter.

The device is configured manually or using a computer. Owners of Android smartphones can download a free application for controlling a forest camera "Android-Monitor". It independently takes pictures and videos, sorts them by time and cameras, and allows you to process and send material.

The purchased camera trap will not be useful if it is installed incorrectly. In this case, there is no need to be surprised by blank frames, blurry shots or false positives. To avoid unpleasant moments, adhere to the following rules:

• the camera trap is installed on a solid, stable surface;
• outdoors, the device is mounted in the direction of the sun, and indoors - away from the batteries. There should be no swinging objects in front of him;
• check the sensitivity level of the PIR sensor. In winter, it should be minimal, and in summer - maximum;
• calculate the distance from the camera trap to the intended fixation object.

Each hunter or private person has his own criteria for choosing devices, but among the entire range of products, the most popular are devices from companies such as Bushnell, Reconyx, Scoutguard.

Which models are recognized as the best

A rating of high-quality and proven camera traps will help you decide on a choice by price or other characteristics.

ScoutGuard SG2060-X Camera Trap

One of the best models on the domestic market, which is intended for the organization of environmental protection activities. The device is distinguished by an improved CMOS sensor, 20 megapixel camera. Therefore, it is possible to obtain images with a resolution of up to 4320 × 3240 dpi.Video is recorded in fullHD high definition mode.

The camera trap is compatible with memory cards up to 64 GB, on which the footage is saved in high resolution. The device is controlled manually and using the remote control. The strengths include quick installation, a service life of at least 5 years. It is used for the protection of private and public property. Considering the parameters of the camera trap, it doesn't matter how much the model costs. The price is fully justified by the high quality and long service life.

• long-range and powerful infrared illumination;
• powered by 44 or more batteries;
• durable, protected from external influences case;
• modern display.

• not found.

Average price: 13 600 rubles.

Camera Trap Reconyx PC900

The premium forestry camera is recognized as the fastest equipment. It can withstand extreme operating conditions, providing high quality images. The camera well tolerates temperature drops from -40 to + 60. The device is equipped with the NO-GLOW system, which excludes the glow during night shooting.

It can last 12 months of battery life thanks to 12 AA batteries. The response speed is 0.2 seconds. The camera trap is used by conservation organizations around the world.

• clear pictures and videos;
• inconspicuous work;
• reliability;
• long service life.

• high price.

Average price: 58,000 rubles.

Bushnell Trophy Cam

Forest cameras from Bushnell monitor the selected space 24 hours 7 days a week. The Essential model has sound recording, a slot for a memory card with a maximum of 32 Gb. The manufacturer also offers inexpensive camera traps for the protection of private property.

The Wireless model automatically records material to the memory card, and the captured images are sent via MMS and / or e-mail. Response speed from 0.3 seconds.

• photo and video recording in HD mode4
• additional functions;
• effective work on one set of batteries up to 12 months.

• not found

Average price: 19,800 rubles.

Camera trap "Owl"

Forest cameras, also produced under the SunTek brand, are budgetary, but of high quality. The camera trap is suitable for hunting, observing wild animals and protecting private territory from unexpected guests.

Some models are equipped with MMS and 3G modules, thanks to which shooting and photos can be received instantly on a smartphone. The camera trap works with all operators of the Russian Federation, has a viewing angle from 60 to 120 degrees.

• autonomous work at the installation site;
• attractive exterior design;
• high quality night shots.

• not always available for repair;
• slow response speed;
• high power consumption.

Average price: 10,500 rubles.

Camera Trap LTL Acorn 5210A

A forest camera from a Canadian manufacturer is a multifunctional device that is convenient for observing animals in the wild, as well as for monitoring a summer cottage. Night shooting range - 20 meters.

The device is characterized by low power consumption, clear color reproduction. The high resolution of the camera allows you to get high-quality shooting and photography.

• convenient use in different conditions;
• adjustable sensor sensitivity;
• fastening with a special strap and a durable carabiner.

• it will not work to send MMS to the phone;
• cannot be controlled using SMS commands.

Average price: 9 900 rubles.

What to look for when choosing

The popularity of models is determined by the price and features of the device. When purchasing a camera trap, you should find out not only which company is better, but also the technical characteristics. One of the most important is the lens. Because the clarity and duration of the images depends on it.

You will be able to evaluate the quality of the shooting after viewing the images taken. Quality is determined by contrast, resolution, richness and clarity.For shooting at night, it is important to determine the infrared illumination, which provides a black and white or color image. In the first case, the camera works without a flash, and in the second - with a flash that can scare animals.

Working time is another important factor when choosing a camera trap. It depends on the type of device, number of batteries and functions. That is, a device without a message transmission function will work longer. Hunters and gamekeepers use rechargeable batteries to protect the environment.

There is a wide variety of camera traps on the shelves of specialized stores or on the network. You can make the right choice if you decide:

• for the purpose of acquisition;
• whether you need to send the captured images;
• desired photo quality;
• kind of flash;
• the interval between replacing the batteries.

Having specified these points for yourself, you will be able to buy a convenient, understandable and useful device.