Homebrew Trail Cam Questions

[Swiftkid]

Got some questions about the homebrew cameras everyone on here is making. First about how long does the homebrew cam on an average take to put together? 2nd how much after materials costs do they run? 3rd Wondering if anyone that is building them is interested in selling one that is complete and in working order and if so how much? Thanks SwiftKid    .220

[Grizzly95]

The second one I built was a total of $85 bucks. I won't sell you one but I would be willing to trade for parts to keep building them, I am on my 3rd one now. They are very easy, you should really try it on your own. Lots of guys on here that are willing to help. I make trips through tri-cities sometimes when I am going to see family in sunnyside. Just ask we can all help you out.

[BK Dave]

I have a few questions as well, if you don't mind?

1st if using a Sony camera, what should I plan on buying?

2nd I understand that the "homebrew' uses its own battery, so how long should it last in the field? (batteries)

3rd my experience with sony and other brand cameras (even with lith-ion batteries) is that they wont last more than a week even with the LCD screen turned off? so how long should I expect from a cameras batteries?

4th is there any way to make one of these without a flash? Infrared is supposed to be less likely to scare animals!

[gkowen]

All the sony cameras I have had ( 5 or so) all had great battery life.  I think a month would be easily achieved unless the camera was taken many pics.  As for infrared, it could be done but many people seem to think the flash does not scare the animals.   I have been testing one of my trailcams without the flash turned on to see how well it does. Some of these cameras have ISO3200. The pics aren't too good (grainy) but certainly useable to see whats visiting.

[Machias]

Took me right at 6-7 hours to build.  I have a total of about $140 in to it, that is including the camera.  I would stick with the W90 or W200 as BobR recommends and the battery life last plenty, depending on how you set your dipswitches.  Flash does not bother the animals one bit, that has been proven over and over, by guys with a ton more experience then me.