Post by: returnofsid on July 21, 2018, 02:02:41 PM
I'm heading out camping for a week, tomorrow, in an area that I also hunt. I'd like to set the camera up, with plans to give it about 2-3 weeks before checking it. Here's where I need advice...
Should I change any camera settings? Low resolution? Longer or shorter delay? Single photo vs. 3 photos?
Should I purchase and install a larger SD card?
Are there specific cards I should purchase? I've read that I shouldn't use a high speed card, but the instructions don't mention that.
Should I purchase a card viewer? Otherwise, I need to replace the card, and bring the first card back to camp, to view on my laptop.
Any other tips or suggestions would be wonderful!
I do plan on installing a cable lock, and hiding the camera as well as I can. It'll also be in an area that receives very little human traffic.
Post by: JohnD on July 21, 2018, 03:22:00 PM
Should I change any camera settings? Low resolution? Longer or shorter delay? Single photo vs. 3 photos?
You'll have enough space with 8GB for high resolution and would set it to 3 photos just in case the animal is passing by quickly.
Should I purchase and install a larger SD card?
8GB is probably plenty, especially if you stay on picture mode. I like to set mine to 60 seconds of video and leave it out for months and have never been full on a 16GB.
Are there specific cards I should purchase? I've read that I shouldn't use a high speed card, but the instructions don't mention that.
I usually buy the cheapest ones I can find on Amazon and never had a failure in 3 years with 4 cameras.
Should I purchase a card viewer? Otherwise, I need to replace the card, and bring the first card back to camp, to view on my laptop.
I swap cards and check it with my laptop later... but I'm cheap.
Any other tips or suggestions would be wonderful!
Always, every single time you are setting up your camera, double check the date and time, the settings you want and format the memory card in the camera. Use the format feature that every camera has and format that sucker just before you walk away. Remember it will remove everything from that card and cannot be undeleted.
Watch for branches and plants that may sway in the wind.
Bear really like to mess with cameras. I try to set it up high and angle it down, but you might miss small critters.
I prefer cameras that use AA batteries, I haven't really liked the two D battery cameras I've tried.
Have fun camping!
Post by: cougforester on July 21, 2018, 03:35:55 PM
I also always choose the highest quality picture setting as well. If you’re spending the time to hang that camera and find a good spot, might as well be rewarded with nice clear pictures. They’re addicting, have fun!
Post by: SWiley on July 21, 2018, 03:55:17 PM
Post by: TommyH on July 21, 2018, 04:06:05 PM
I've only been playing with trail cameras a few years but here's some of my experience.
Should I change any camera settings? Low resolution? Longer or shorter delay? Single photo vs. 3 photos?
You'll have enough space with 8GB for high resolution and would set it to 3 photos just in case the animal is passing by quickly.
Should I purchase and install a larger SD card?
8GB is probably plenty, especially if you stay on picture mode. I like to set mine to 60 seconds of video and leave it out for months and have never been full on a 16GB.
Are there specific cards I should purchase? I've read that I shouldn't use a high speed card, but the instructions don't mention that.
I usually buy the cheapest ones I can find on Amazon and never had a failure in 3 years with 4 cameras.
Should I purchase a card viewer? Otherwise, I need to replace the card, and bring the first card back to camp, to view on my laptop.
I swap cards and check it with my laptop later... but I'm cheap.
Any other tips or suggestions would be wonderful!
Always, every single time you are setting up your camera, double check the date and time, the settings you want and format the memory card in the camera. Use the format feature that every camera has and format that sucker just before you walk away. Remember it will remove everything from that card and cannot be undeleted.
Watch for branches and plants that may sway in the wind.
Bear really like to mess with cameras. I try to set it up high and angle it down, but you might miss small critters.
I prefer cameras that use AA batteries, I haven't really liked the two D battery cameras I've tried.
Have fun camping!
This^^^
Set it up around the house and let it take pics of you or the kids/family and check it so you know the cam and sd card are working correctly. Once it’s taking pics with the correct time/date and you have confirmed it’s working, set it out and it should be good to go. People and bears seem to like messing with cams so secure them well and higher up the better. You can aim it down somewhat to capture the area you anticipate critters will be in. Good luck, it’s great fun and addictive.
Post by: bobcat on July 21, 2018, 05:38:28 PM
I'd get a second SD card that you can swap out. I've never used more than 4 gb cards so 8 should be plenty.
Post by: returnofsid on July 21, 2018, 09:24:48 PM
Post by: buglebrush on July 22, 2018, 09:47:59 AM
Post by: Lucky1 on July 22, 2018, 06:31:53 PM
Post by: returnofsid on July 22, 2018, 07:07:17 PM
Post by: buglebrush on July 22, 2018, 08:16:55 PM
Post by: Lucky1 on July 22, 2018, 08:31:55 PM
Post by: smithkl42 on July 22, 2018, 11:42:50 PM
Post by: JohnD on July 23, 2018, 04:44:00 AM
(It's always a good idea to format memory cards in the device that will be writing the image.)
Post by: Doublelunger on July 23, 2018, 07:52:07 AM
Post by: davk on July 29, 2018, 06:57:25 PM
Post by: Bango skank on July 29, 2018, 07:31:21 PM
Post by: yakimanoob on August 01, 2018, 09:45:44 AM
Deleting all of the photos does not reformat the card. Reformatting the card on your computer may not work depending on how the computer decides to format it. Read the instructions for your camera and reformat it in the camera every time, not on a computer or a card reader. You will never have a problem unless the card is damaged, then you will know because the camera will give an error when attempting to format.:yeah:
(It's always a good idea to format memory cards in the device that will be writing the image.)
There are subtle variances in the "Format" technique/code/process between different models. I do NOT recommend formatting on any other device besides the camera in which you're using the card.
Solid advice from JohnD and TommyH
If you have pets, set it up in your house and see how well it captures them in various modes. IMHO, the choice between 3-shot bursts, single shot, etc is dependent on the performance of the individual camera's detection circuitry. Single shot may work best for one camera, while burst might be best for another. Only way to find out is to try it!
HAVE FUN!!!! And if you don't want to fall down the rabbit hole like the rest of us, get out now. I can offer that camera a good home :chuckle:
Post by: buglebrush on August 02, 2018, 09:28:36 AM
Post by: smithkl42 on August 02, 2018, 09:46:21 AM
I've formatted cards in a couple of different laptops for a dozen different camera models. Never ever had a problem with a laptop for formatting. :dunno:
Formatting a card on my laptop has sometimes worked for me, and sometimes not. I've now adopted the conservative approach of always formatting a card in the camera when I put it in.
Post by: b0bbyg on August 03, 2018, 09:53:53 AM
I did get some good pic's but lots of pictures of flowers that were getting blown around that I had to go through to find them, not to mention you are out in the field swapping cards and see 300+ pics and are all excited. Then get home and have 300 views of nothing >:(