Reliable but affordable trail camera?

[Gregoire1960]

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

My suggestion would be to format the cards with the camera each time you swap cards. If you're already doing that I'd try a different brand of card. SD cards can be finiky.....

[Mdiddi]

What Gregoire said about the cards I second that. When buying the cards make sure they are rated for the temperature they will be in. I use D Link from Canada Computers with good luck. I use micro SD cards and carry a tablet to review the pictures.

I own a few different brands of cameras and if you look at my previous posts you will see my feedback in other threads.

[MikePal]

I've been using Moultries for many many years....they work and take great pictures. I buy them off eBay, there is a 'store that sell great package deals with a bear box. I've ordered a few things from this company and have no complaints.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOULTRIE-Gam...4AAOSwYHxWOlco

[mbmellis]

"all of them were a “good deals”; none works properly..." You get what you pay for.

I have 6 of the Cabela's house brand, various models. All bought at big discounts on boxing day online over the last few years. Using the cheapest SD cards that were on sale at best-buy at the time. Other then operator error, never a problem.

I think every brand has had massive improvements in the last few years. The cheapest camera today is as good as the best 5 years ago. Most every brand makes cameras at different price points so you need to look at trigger speed, megapixels and other features like burst mode, IR etc. not just the name.

[Waftrudnir]

My suggestion would be to format the cards with the camera each time you swap cards. If you're already doing that I'd try a different brand of card. SD cards can be finiky.....

I remember having issues with micro cards in adapters many years ago. so why not now with old regular SD cards. Plenty of time left to play around with the cards - won't hurt and maybe that's it

[KMOOSE]

I have 2 primos truth cams and the have worked great for the 3 yrs I have owned them. Not too pricey, I picked mine up for 120 on special at SAIL. I also used 4 Simmons Whitetail cams on 2 different properties that I hunt and all worked well except for the short range at night as mentioned earlier in this thread. I have had bad luck with bushnell cams. I have had a couple of expensive ones crap out real quick on me and their warranty in my experience is terrible.
Good luck.

[louisd33]

TSC always have some sort of trail cameras on sale. I have bought Stealth Cam,Moultrie, and spy point on sale at TSC.
For the dollar I like the Stealth Cam I have three and all take good pics and nice videos.

[Blutck]

I have had good luck with the Bushnell Trophy Cams. Not the cheapest but outstanding battery life and if you ever had a problem, (I had bear work one over on me a couple weeks ago) their repair shop is in Vaughan just around he corner from Bass Pro. I dropped in there today and they fixed me up in under 10 minutes.

[Iconix]

OP... thought I would post here cause I'm looking for cameras as well.
Anyone have suggestion on cameras under 150$?

also what batteries handle the cold weather better?

Are SD cards affected by the cold?

[mattadam]

"I've been using Moultries for many many years....they work and take great pictures. I buy them off eBay, there is a 'store that sell great package deals with a bear box. I've ordered a few things from this company and have no complaints.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOULTRIE-Gam...4AAOSwYHxWOlco"



Hey Mike. I came across this thread and checked the link you posted and it looks like a good deal for what I need.
Just curious, what was shipping time like from the seller?