Reliable but affordable trail camera?

I need some new trail cameras.
I already have a few; all of them were a “good deals”; none works properly...
I’m not too big on electronics and my expectations aren’t overly high, but a picture or two would be nice if cubs play right in front of the camera for an hour.
Perhaps someone knows why trail cameras work fine right after setting them up (test picture) and then freeze up after a couple of hours/days (and yes, I put fresh batteries in).

Otherwise, I was hoping someone could suggest some models that are affordable, but foremost reliable. I don’t need sound, colour, video, high resolution – just a decent motion detector, SD card slot and infrared flash. The main reason for something inexpensive is that they will be set up on public land and will be infrequently checked

I am a big fan of ScoutGuard cameras-neither they are a "really" cheap nor overly expensive.But they are going ,going ,gone-hard to buy them anymore,and perhaps there are more modern ones out there.
Happened to buy 2 Simmons Whitetail 5 MP Black LED cameras on a whim........... when Sail opened in Cambridge (just due to the good deal-each cost me 50 $+tax after rebate)and I am REALLY impressed.
Good pictures-good battery life-good trigger time-black light at night-lapse time of 5 sec.No problems after using them 2 seasons, each of the 2 are still going as new...:thumbup:
Even nowadays they can be bought when they are on sale for like 90 $.I would recommend this camera(eventhough I am a ScoutGuard guy...........:))
Oh yeah, you can buy custom made security box for any camera from a guy in the state, not really bad prices either -like 40$ a pop...........but then you need to add this as a cost to your camera set up-so it may not be worth it.

I second the Simmons Whitetail series. I own 2 and have another on hold for me. The only negative with them is they don't have a great flash range. For me though the price and performance are well worth it. TC

Spypoint force-10

I bought two Simmons pro hunters off Costco.CA last year and they ran me about 50$ a unit, great price , was happy with quality.

Biggest thing for me is they have to take AA, as I dont like lugging huge expensive batteries into the field, can pick up at a "not bad" price of I have to pick up at a general/corner store.

As an aside, I haven't seen them again on the website, wish I bought more at the time.

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Originally Posted by tracer

Spypoint force-10

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I'm using spypoints, the iron 9 and the smart cam, purchased from whitetails crossing trail cameras, no problems good prices...

I've used Spypoint X-12 with pretty good success.

Keep your eye on TSC stores. They put them on sale periodically for around 89-100.

I have two Simmons (made by Bushnell I think); too good to be true deal at Cabelas - well, actually not a good deal in hindsight as they never worked flawlessly.

I have a UWay I find unreliable and hard on batteries. I HAD a cuddeback E3 black flash that I really like ($175) but it walked so I'd say keep the price in mind in case it walks. Unless you have exclusive private land with no trespassers I wouldn't spend more than $50 for any camera.

I've been looking for a few months. The cams must only go on sale in the fall.