While many people prefer staying indoors during the winter months, several photography enthusiasts brave the cold weather in pursuit of a fantastic trail camera shot. Trail cameras give you the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural surroundings. They offer you clear footage of predators and beasts without any human interference, and they help you identify the true size of the animals in your area.............
Trail Cameras for the Colder Months
While many people prefer staying indoors during the winter months, several photography enthusiasts brave the cold weather in pursuit of a fantastic trail camera shot. Trail cameras give you the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural surroundings. They offer you clear footage of predators and beasts without any human interference, and they help you identify the true size of the animals in your area.
Trail Cameras and Their Features
The latest cameras are equipped with numerous types of infrared flashes and HD capture technology. High-end models also come with programmable time-lapse features and lightning-fast trigger speeds that let you capture animals in motion with superb clarity.
Modern trail cameras are also both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. They allow you to transfer and share your photographs effortlessly. These cameras are unique and come with features that are not seen in regular cameras. You can set them up to take pictures when you’re nowhere near the device. They allow you to capture pictures of predators from a distance and in the dark.
Not all trail cameras come with the same features though, and it can be quite challenging to narrow down your choice. We’ve come up with a good list of questions you need to ask yourself when you’re researching the market for a trail camera that works brilliantly in colder weather.
Choosing a Trail Camera: Questions
What Will the Trail Camera Be Used for?
Trail cameras serve many purposes. You could take them on your hunting trips, use them to detect the presence of people or vehicles on your property, set them up at zoos to monitor animal behaviour, or use them to document construction projects over several months. Keep your objectives in mind when you’re choosing a camera. Trail cameras that are used to document construction projects, for example, need a time-lapse feature.
Pro’s Choice offer you an excellent range of trail cameras perfect for every weather. Their HD trail cameras like the Spromise S358J 3G Anti-Crime Two Way Communications MMS Trail Camera allow you to monitor properties from a distance. This particular camera offers high-end two-way communication over 3G. It’s water resistant, so it’s perfect for the cool and wet winter months in Australia.
How Extreme is the Temperature Going to Be?
Standard trail cameras that are on the cheaper end of the scale may not be robust enough to withstand sub-zero temperatures. They usually stop working when the temperature dips below -12°C. You could do well with a sturdy trail camera like the Reconyx SC900C Cellular Professional Covert Camera Trap. This camera doesn’t come cheap, but it will last you several years. It lets you capture scenes in their right form.
This particular model is equipped with an Ultra HD IR camera lens that offers sharp and clear images. The camera is rather easy to set up and offers long term durability. It’s top of the line, super fast, and comes with several programming options. So if you’re thinking of going to the snow this winter, make the most of your trip with the Reconyx SC900C.
What’s your Budget?
If you’re not heading out in sub-zero temperatures and don’t want to spend too much on a trail camera, an HD game surveillance camera is a good alternative. The Original Browning BTC-4 Command Ops 8MP HD Trail Camera offers you excellent still photographs at a reasonable price.
Another easy to use and reliable camera is the Primos Hunting 12MP Proof CAM 03 Black Glow HD 63056. It offers full-colour daytime images and infrared night pictures. It's the perfect choice for documenting animals in their natural surroundings.
How Far Are You Going to Set Up the Camera?
If you plan to set up your camera to take photos of a target that’s more than 50 feet away, you’ll need a camera with a higher detection range. Most trail cameras offer detection ranges of 50 or 60 feet. The ScoutGuard SG2060-K HD Ultra 20MP ZeroGlow Trail Camera quotes a super long 100-foot detection range. It’s an excellent professional surveillance camera equipped with No Motion Blur Technology for fantastic night shots. This camera is durable and runs for more than 80 days on AA batteries.
Tips for Taking Pictures in the Colder Months
To make the most out of your trail camera in the cold weather, use lithium batteries in place of Alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries contain a water-based electrolyte that performs poorly in cold weather. This leads to a drop in performance and runtime. Cold temperatures may also cause these batteries to burst and leak. It’s thus advisable to use lithium batteries. They have an operating range of -40°C to +70°C, and they’re ideal for extreme temperatures.
Adjustable Sensitivity Sensors
Some trail cameras come with adjustable sensitivity sensors. It’s helpful to have this feature on your camera if you plan to set it up on a very snowy day. If you lower the sensitivity sensor, you’ll prevent snow/rain from triggering the camera.
Update the Software
Cameras run on certain software. If you visit your camera manufacturer’s website, you will find updated software that’s often released after the product has been sold in stores. These updates fix bugs and problems that you’ll likely encounter at some stage.
Place your Camera Correctly
Take a compass along and point your camera to the north to get exceptional photos. When you position it in such a way that it’s pointing North, you’ll avoid sun glare and potentially ruined shots.
Protect your Camera from Thieves
Don’t leave your expensive equipment in accessible locations. Hang it higher up in the trees even if it means carrying a stool or a ladder to hide it up there. You could even consider setting it up in a den or a cave to get some truly outstanding photographs.
Here at ProsChoice, we have a full range of hunting trail cameras, motion detection cameras, wireless trail cameras and more. Our trained camera technicians will help you find a product that suits your needs and budget. They offer excellent advice and give you valuable tips to help you set up your device. Have a look at our current options, and you'll quickly see why we're the best choice for your trail camera needs.
