Best Trail Cameras In 2022 – Top Game Cameras Compared
Taking your hunting seriously means that you need some serious gear too. If you are currently in the process of tracking some kind of game in your area, it definitely isn’t a bad idea if you have a high quality trail camera to help you out.
Trail cameras can accomplish anything from making you more aware of the game and animals in your area, to spot the animals that are sneaking into your trash can at night.
Today, we are going to take a look at some of the best trail cameras in 2020, and beyond.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Trail Camera Comparisons
- 10 Best Trail Cameras - Reviews
- 1. Browning Strike Force Sub Micro 10MP
- 2. Reconyx Hyperfire Semi-Covert IR HC500
- 3. Bushnell Trophy Cam HD Aggressor 14MP
- 4. YKS Hunting Trail Game Camera
- 5. Papake Trail Camera, Papake 1080P HD
- 6. Elepawl Hunting Trail Game Camera
- 7. Cuddeback 20MP Long Range IR Infrared Trail Game Hunting Camera
- 8. Spypoint Solar Trail 12MP Camera
- 9. Ldesign Hunting Trail Camera
- 10. BlazeVideo 16MP HD Trail Hunting Wildlife Game Camera Camouflage Cam
- Things to Consider
10 Best Trail Camera Comparisons
Image | Product Name | Video Size | Photo Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | 1280 x 720 | 10 MP | ||
  | - | HD IR | ||
  | 1280 x 720 | 14 MP | ||
  | 1920×1080 | 12 MP | ||
  | 1920×1080 | 12 MP | ||
  | 1920×1080 | 12 MP | ||
  | HD | 20 MP | ||
  | HD | 12 MP | ||
  | 1920×1080 | 12 MP | ||
  | 1280 x 720 | 16 MP |
10 Best Trail Cameras - Reviews
This Strike Force Sub Micro 10MP trail camera from Browning is really impressive in terms of features and what the camera offers. It shoots 10 megapixels and full HD video with sound. This camera has an incredibly fast .67 second trigger time, so that you never have to worry about missing a thing on camera.
It has an effective flash that works up to 100 feet, and is loaded up wit Browning Buck time-lapse viewing software so that you can playback all of your high quality video. The great thing about this model is that it is really easy to use, has long battery life, and runs on 6 AA batteries that you can change out anytime.
Pros
- This incredibly fast 10 megapixel camera has a .67 second trigger time, so it’s almost impossible to miss anything while you are you are on the trail
- This camera is built to record full HD video with sound
- Programmed to take videos that are anywhere between five seconds and two minutes in length
- This trail camera is really easy to setup and has a long battery life. It runs on just 6 AA batteries
- Another really impressive feature of this compact camera is that it has a flash range of up to 100 feet
- This trail camera is loaded up with Browning Buck time-lapse viewer software to playback your footage
Cons
- The flash or the lens on the camera can make night shots a little blurry
This is yet another incredibly high-tech and durable camera. What’s unique about the REconyx Hyperfire is that instead of using a flash during night recording, it uses semi-covert, low-glow, infrared night vision.
This night vision is effective for capturing up to 50 feet away from the camera. It has a durable outer casing is totally weatherproof and can withstand temperatures from -20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. That makes this great for the heat, rain, and snow. It has software that is included with the camera, and easily interfaces with your Windows computer.
Pros
- The awesome feature of this camera is that when you are shooting in the dark it uses infrared night vision. It is low-glow, semi-covert, and works effectively up to 50 feet.
- Another amazing feature of this trail camera is that it is great for all kinds of temperatures and climate zones. The effective temperature range of this camera is anywhere from -20 degrees to 120 degrees.
- If the temperature range wasn’t already enough, it comes in a rugged and durable weatherproof enclosure that can handle rain, moisture, snowfall, dew, and any kind of adverse weather conditions.
- It comes with a one year warranty from the company, which you should check out so you know what you can replace and get covered on your trail camera
- The software that this trail camera uses is BuckView Advanced Software for Windows, and the software comes preinstalled on the device.
Cons
- This camera only takes pictures, and does not take video
The Trophy Cam HD Aggressor by Bushnell is another impressive trail camera that has a ton of great features to offer. This camera shoots both pictures and videos, offering a 14 megapixel camera and video that is shot in 1280 x 720 high definition.
It uses 48 no-glow black LEDs that have an effective range of up to 60 feet, that are virtually invisible to game and other hunters. The sim card and data are included with this model. It runs on a 3G network, but that feature applies for the US only.
Pros
- This Bushnell Trophy cam is great for shooting both pictures and video while you are out on the trail hunting.
- The camera has the ability to shoot 14 megapixel pictures and it can take high-definition video in 1280 x 720
- This hunting camera uses 48 no-glow black LEDs that have an effective range up to 60 feet
- Uses a GAPs data tag
- Another great feature about this camera is that you don’t have to set it up for either day or night mode. It actually has a day and night autosensor that can tell when there is enough available light and when it needs to switch to night mode.
- It is equipped with a 2x field scan with two different, available time slots so that you can effectively monitor both day and night movement.
Cons
- Weather can easily interrupt the signal that is picked up by the camera
The YKS Hunting Trail Camera is another camera that has a lot of great features to offer. It has a camera that shoots pictures in 12 megapixel and records video in 1080P HD.
It has an infrared detection system and a fast camera with a .2 second trigger time and a wide 120 angle detection zone, so that you never miss a thing. This camera works well in both day and night, and has an effective triggering distance up to 25 meters. It uses 46 black LED lights to capture images and video at night.
Pros
- This camera includes functionalities for both pictures and video. Pictures are taken with a 12 megapixel camera and video is taken in full 1080P HD.
- This camera boasts an incredibly fast .2 second triggering time and 120 degree wide angle detection so that you never miss anything on camera
- It has a 25 meter triggering distance
- Another impressive aspect of this camera is that the battery can last for 8 months on standby, so that hardly have to worry about it running out of battery
- This handy camera uses a 46 piece black LED element to capture images and video at night
- This camera is also resistant to the elements and has built-in water and spray protection
- This camera will automatically take three photos with each detection
- Has a 2.4 inch LCD display and a passive infrared sensor for motion detection
Cons
- This camera unfortunately takes pretty grainy and blurry night shots.
This is a powerful trail camera that will bring a lot of versatility and unique features to your hunting experience It has wide angle detection and can take 12 megapixel photos as well as 1080P videos, in either day or night.
The camera has a fast trigger time of only .4 seconds, and the 120 degree wide angle range makes sure that you don’t miss a thing. The night vision that this camera provides is effective up to 65 feet. It also comes with a variety of different modes that you can use to take pictures.
Pros
- This high-tech and durable trail camera captures 12 megapixel photos and shoots 1080P video with sound.
- This trail camera also has a sensor that provides 120 degree wide angle detection
- The trigger speed on this camera is pretty fast as well, boasting a .4 second time from sensing to capturing
- For night vision, this camera uses a covert LED with an infrared light provides a 65 foot effective flash range for taking pictures in the dark
- This camera is really easy to setup and operate, it even includes modes for multi-shot, time-lapse, and interval
- What takes this camera to the next level in terms of safety is that it even offers password protection, so that no one but you can access your data
- The exterior of this camera uses a waterproof design that is also resistant to rain, dust, weather, water, and corrosion
Cons
- This camera has complex enough software and features that it can be a little difficult to set up
This camera offers a lot of great features including an easy to navigate LCD screen and an interface that is incredibly user friendly. This camera takes pictures with a 12 megapixel camera and is able to record video in 1080P.
It has an effective sensor angle and viewing angle of 120 degrees and a trigger speed that is between .2-.6 seconds, depending on when you are recording.
Pros
- This camera has a fast .2-.6 second trigger speed
- The camera has effective shooting up to 65 feet and a wide capture angle of 120 degrees
- This model takes both pictures and video, and is able to capture pictures at 12 megapixels and captures video at 1080P at 25 frames per second.
- This unit has a built in microphone too, so that you can hear the noises of the animals surrounding it
- This camera also uses a 46 piece infrared LED and a low-glow red sensor to capture pictures at night without scaring animals away
- Built in LCD screen with easy navigation
- Waterproof and durable
- Features plenty of different settings including multi-shot and timelapse
Cons
- Great for all sorts of small and large game, but has trouble capturing birds in motion
The Cuddeback 20 MP Long Range is one of the highest performing hunting cameras in terms of pictures quality. This particular trail camera takes 20 megapixel pictures, and with the use of advanced low-light technology, can take clear, vivid pictures at day or night.
This camera has a detection angle and camera view range of 120 degrees. It also has a fast trigger time of only .25 seconds. What’s even better is that it has a fast recovery time, so that it can automatically take the second picture only one second after the first picture.
Pros
- This Cuddeback camera has an incredibly fast and reliable trigger time of .25 seconds, and captures it’s pictures at 20 megapixels. That is among the highest megapixel count for any of the cameras that we have reviewed thus far.
- This camera is equipped with an advanced low-light CMOS image sensor, and with the 20 megapixel camera it takes incredibly clear and vivid pictures.
- It has a zone control mode that allows you to either select a wide view or centered view, depending on if you are shooting on a field or trail, respectively
- This camera also boasts one of the best flashes that we have seen today with an effective range of 100 feet
- This camera also boasts a really fast recovery speed. After taking the first picture in the first .25 seconds that something is detected, it only needs one second before it takes another picture.
Cons
- This camera is great for pictures, but it does not take video
As you have started to notice, each of these cameras offers some sort of unique value proposition that will separate it from the competition.
This particular model is powered by solar energy, and can run for months at a time from the power of the sun.
It captures photos with a 12 megapixel camera and takes full HD video with sound. You can easily adjust the detection range of this camera from 5-80 feet, which makes it great for both fields and trails.
Pros
- This is one of the most unique cameras that we are going to take a look at in this review, due to the fact that it doesn’t run off of traditional batteries. This camera runs off of solar power.
- Camera has a built in solar panel and a rechargeable battery pack that can keep your camera running for months at a time
- This camera take 12 megapixel photos and HD video with sound so that you can see and hear that animals that you are watching
- You can adjust the detection range on this camera from 5-80 feet
- Uses 42 low-glow LED lights to capture night images, with an effective flash range of up to 100 feet
- Has a multi-shot mode that takes up to 6 pictures per motion detection
- Of all of the trigger speeds that we have looked at today, this is one of the fastest with a trigger speed of .07 seconds
Cons
- Great concept, but the manufacturer didn’t take into account that you get very little sunlight in a thick wooded forest
Though this camera has a slower capture time and a smaller angle for detection and pictures, it offers a lot in terms of quality. This camera actually shoots some of the highest HD video at 1920 x 1080 high definition, and it also takes pictures at 12 megapixels.
Another great aspect of this camera is that it can take up to 7 pictures per detection, if you choose that on your settings. It gives you the freedom to select how you want to shoot with timer and time-lapse functions. It boasts the use of a no-glow LED light cluster which won’t frighten game when taking pictures and video.
Pros
- This camera is also great for shooting both pictures and video. It is equipped with a camera that takes 12 megapixel pictures and takes 1920 x 1080 HD video.
- It has a full-color CMOS sensor that takes high quality pictures in color during the day, and black and white pictures at night.
- This camera has a trigger speed that is between .8-1.0 second in length, and has an capture and detection angle of 90 degrees
- This camera gives you the ability to take up to 7 pictures per detection
- This model has both time-lapse and timer functions that allow you to select when and how you want to shoot
- It also has a night vision function that works up to an effective distance of 65 feet with the use of no-glow LED, so that you don’t frighten game
Cons
- The instructions aren’t that great, and it unfortunately takes quite a bit of time to set up this camera
This is yet another high performing trail camera that you can use to shoot at anytime, day or night. It has one of the smallest effective detection angles of any camera that we are looking at today, at only 60 degrees. It does take high quality 16 megapixel pictures and 1280 x 720 HD video.
This camera is built like a tank when it comes to being resistant to weather and temperature, and has a massive working temperature range of -22 to 158 degrees F.
Pros
- This camera has a highly sensitive PIR sensor that captures at a 60 degree angle, and can detect game movement and take pictures effectively at night up to 65 feet
- Takes pictures at 16 megapixels and will also record HD video at 1280 x 720P
- Saves all of your media to a removable, 32 gigabyte SD card
- This camera has a particularly long in field battery life of 3-6 months on standby mode
- This model is incredibly durable and resistant to temperature and weather. The effective temperature resistance of this model is -22 to 158 degrees F.
- You can set this camera to take pictures and videos at specified intervals for regular capturing
- This model of camera also gives you password protection so that you can protect your camera and your media
- Uses USB connection to link up to your computer and easily share media
Cons
- This camera actually does glow at night and can alert came to its location
Things to Consider
Now that we have taken a look at some of the best trail cameras of 2020, what are some of the features that you should be looking for in finding the perfect one for you?
Effective Sensor and Camera Angle
Two things that you will definitely want to take a look at with your prospective trail camera is the sensor angle and the camera angle. You may need a wider angle if you are shooting in a field, vs. shooting down a trail. It is never a bad idea to have a wider effective angle if you aren’t sure which you will need.
Pictures and Video
Some cameras shoot only pictures and others will shoot only video. What do you need or prefer to help you while hunting? Keep in mind that you want to pay attention to whether or not the video takes audio as well. You may want to hear the type of game around you also.
Image and Video Quality
Another incredibly important facet to consider is the quality of pictures and video that you are getting with your camera. Some cameras shoot pictures with a higher amount of megapixels and LEDs which will make for clearer and more vivid pictures. Most trail cameras will shoot in HD, but have lower or higher pixel rates.
Durability
It is a no brainer that you are going to want a camera that is durable, but how durable you need will depend on where you are using it. Make sure to check and see if the camera you are looking at is weatherproof, waterproof, corrosion resistant, drop resistant, and has a protective casing.
Night Vision and Effective Range
Most of the models that we have taken a look at today use some sort of flash or PIR technology to capture pictures and video at night. Make sure you take a look at the details of the technology that these cameras use, and what the effective range is for taking photos at night.
Conclusion
Who came out on top in the competition of the best trail camera? In our opinion, we thought the Ldesign Hunting Trail Camera Infrared 1080 was the highest performing of the bunch. Because of the effective range of the camera, the features, durability, and reliability that it offers, we believe that this trail camera would be the most difficult to pass up.
