Hunting Washington Forum

Community => Photo & Video => Topic started by: bobcat on January 28, 2011, 01:53:32 PM

Title: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on January 28, 2011, 01:53:32 PM: I see Amazon has these for $39. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this particular model and is it worth the $39? I don't expect much at that price but if they would take pictures of whatever walks by and if the pictures are good enough to see what it is, then that would be good enough. I don't like that they take D batteries but my two Moultrie D40's take D's as well. At least at this price I wouldn't have to be too concerned about theft.

http://www.amazon.com/Tasco-3-MP-Trail-Camera/dp/B00453MZYC/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1296251104&sr=1-2 (http://www.amazon.com/Tasco-3-MP-Trail-Camera/dp/B00453MZYC/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1296251104&sr=1-2)
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on January 28, 2011, 01:55:47 PM: I wonder what it would take to install an external battery pack with different cells?

-Steve
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: billythekidrock on January 28, 2011, 04:22:58 PM: A 30 ft flash with a 45 ft sensor? For the price I would try one, but would go with rechargable batteries. I would also pick up a couple 2 gig cards.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: TeacherMan on January 28, 2011, 05:09:50 PM: someone be the guinea pig and try them out :chuckle: at that price I would buy 10 if they are ANY good at all. I'm not looking for publishable pics I'm just wanting an effective scouting tool.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: billythekidrock on January 29, 2011, 04:57:05 AM: I agree. I would pick some up if they weren't using "D" batteries. I am pretty set on rechargable "AA' & "C" though.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: jdurham on January 29, 2011, 05:44:19 AM: I had a couple of the cheaper cameras. They worked great in warmer weather. Once it got cold at night they didn't want to snap pictures. The flash gobbles batteries too. That is not a problem since the camera is only about 125 yards from the house. It was the slow or no shutter response in the cold that made me get the CuddeBack. For use in the summer and fall the cheaper ones work great. One camera lasted about 1500 pictures before the flash quit, the other only about 500. My Cudde Back has taken over 6000 pictures from late Sept. to the end of December.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bigelk1030 on January 29, 2011, 05:44:23 PM: I bought this camera around thanksgiving last year from amazon (I paid $49 argggg). Anyway, the camera has worked well for day shots. At night its poor (IMHO), it has a flash not IR, although the sesitivity is good, I get birds such as crows in pictures. The interesting part is I have had the same batteries in the unit since I first put it out. Its still clicking pics and still on the first set.

You can see a picture (second one) it took during the day:
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,64941.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,64941.0.html)

I just bought an IR camera that I have next to this one, I am looking forward to see how much better the IR is, no results yet.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: Wazukie on January 29, 2011, 08:33:34 PM: I've got one out in the woods right now, I will be checking it next Friday. I'll let you know how it works. The one I bought was from Wal-Mart and takes c-batts.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on January 29, 2011, 08:43:19 PM: Thanks that will help. I'm still debating on the Tasco 5 mp camera that Cabelas has on sale for $80 right now. It uses 4 AA batteries and battery life is claimed to be 6 months. I would probably save enough with not buying batteries so often that it would more than justify the extra $40 per camera, over the one that Amazon has for $40. But it sure is tempting for only $40.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: billythekidrock on January 30, 2011, 05:28:12 AM: I agree on the longer battery life costing less in the long run. My Bushnells take ok pics, but I haven't had to replace batteries and they have been out for nearly 6 months. Saves on gas too.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bigelk1030 on January 30, 2011, 08:35:22 PM: Hey bobcat
I actually have the 5mp tasco IR out in the field now hanging with the 3mp that amazon is selling (side by side comparison), early results show the IR is much better at night (5MP), but that was pictures of me walking in front of it, no animals yet. The 5MP 4AA batteries ran out in a week, to be fair it was really cold that week, but the 3MP tasco (4D batteries) has been going strong since Thanksgiving timeframe.

The 3MP is about 2.5-3 times bigger (physically) than the 5MP, the 3MP has a password and is very easy to use, the 5MP no password and a bit harder to set up.

My only conclusion so far is the 3MP sucks at night (I can send one to you with a coyote that you can barely make out) and the 5MP may need batteries more often. I will pull the cards later in the week and can update you on both if you would like more info. Let me know.....
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 30, 2011, 08:40:11 PM: Teacherman with the cold up there it will definately affect the battery life. Best to look at the operating temps.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: huntergreg on January 30, 2011, 08:41:05 PM: Quote from: Wazukie on January 29, 2011, 08:33:34 PM
I've got one out in the woods right now, I will be checking it next Friday. I'll let you know how it works. The one I bought was from Wal-Mart and takes c-batts.

I have the same camera. Not the fastest camera out there but I get pics day or night. There are some pics on the link from the one from wall-mart. The batteries last forever in the cam

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,59776.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,59776.0.html)
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: Alan K on January 31, 2011, 03:23:44 PM: Decent pictures for the price, doesn't look like the flash reaches out very far though.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: Wazukie on February 03, 2011, 12:25:07 PM: so I went out and checked the cheap Wal-Mart cam today. 337 pictures of nothing. :'( Not sure whats going on, if its the camera or the set-up. All the picture were snapped between 2 & 5 PM each day. Not sure if its just a very sensitive trigger or what. It looks like its either picking up shadows or small trees moving just a little about 30 feet out. I put it on another set for a week and we'll see what happens.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on February 03, 2011, 02:30:29 PM: Wazukie- were the pictures taken when the sun was shining on it? Do you have it pointed to the southwest?

bigelk1030- I somehow missed seeing your post until today. Yes I would definitely like to get an update from you on both cameras and how they compare. Either post it here in this thread or email me. I'll send you a PM and if you want to email that coyote picture I'd like to see it.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: Wazukie on February 03, 2011, 02:36:53 PM: Quote from: bobcat on February 03, 2011, 02:30:29 PM
Wazukie- were the pictures taken when the sun was shining on it? Do you have it pointed to the southwest?

Yup, the pictures where taken when the sun was in its face. Not sure what direction it is pointed. Just put it up where I know the elk are roaming.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on February 03, 2011, 02:39:53 PM: Quote from: Wazukie on February 03, 2011, 02:36:53 PM
Quote from: bobcat on February 03, 2011, 02:30:29 PM
Wazukie- were the pictures taken when the sun was shining on it? Do you have it pointed to the southwest?

Yup, the pictures where taken when the sun was in its face. Not sure what direction it is pointed. Just put it up where I know the elk are roaming.

Well you said the pics were from 2 - 5 PM so I'd assume it was facing to the SW, as that would have it into the sun during that time period at this time of year. I think you'll have better luck if you can face it the opposite direction.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: Wazukie on February 03, 2011, 03:40:36 PM: I figured it had something to do with the sun, so when I placed it again I did face it the other direction. We'll see what I get in the next few days. I pretty much live where I hunt so it doesnt take me long to get out there.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bigelk1030 on February 03, 2011, 08:11:24 PM: Hey Bobcat

Somehow I deleted the coyote from all my pics. I will pull the cards this weekend again and see what I get.

By the way, I just replaced my first D batteries in the 3MP, they lasted from thanksgiving until today, not bad.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on February 03, 2011, 08:49:25 PM: Quote from: bigelk1030 on February 03, 2011, 08:11:24 PM
Hey Bobcat

Somehow I deleted the coyote from all my pics. I will pull the cards this weekend again and see what I get.

By the way, I just replaced my first D batteries in the 3MP, they lasted from thanksgiving until today, not bad.

That's not bad at all. It's sounding better all the time. It doesn't even have to be that good for only $39.

Looking forward to seeing some pictures.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on February 04, 2011, 02:45:54 PM: The price is now $64.99. :bash: And it says they only have one left in stock.

Alright, how many people on here ordered one because they read this thread? :dunno: :bash: :bash:

I was just going to order one today!

http://www.amazon.com/Tasco-3-MP-Trail-Camera/dp/B00453MZYC/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1296251104&sr=1-2 (http://www.amazon.com/Tasco-3-MP-Trail-Camera/dp/B00453MZYC/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1296251104&sr=1-2)
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: billythekidrock on February 05, 2011, 07:28:42 AM: Ha ha....You know they did. Or "guests" did. I can't say much though as I did that recently with some book titles that were listed here. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bigelk1030 on February 06, 2011, 06:04:12 PM: Sorry you missed the sweet deal, they may get more in stock, need to keep an eye on it.

I am adding a few pics here. The deer pics are from the 5mp tasco in the last couple days. The 3mp didnt pic up the deer, not sure why. One other interesting note, there is a fresh pile of scat from a coyote in front of the cameras, neither picked up what left it.... bummer.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: Wazukie on February 08, 2011, 12:08:46 PM: Well I finally got something on camera. This is with the $50 Tasco from wal-mart set on low quality pic. I set it up in some timber today on what looked like a pretty heavily traveled game trail. I'll let it sit another week and see what I get.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bigelk1030 on February 10, 2011, 05:42:51 PM: OK, so I got some pics of the tasco 3MP at night, maybe its only my camera, but you can see what I am complaining about, the deer is probably 15-20 ft away from the camera.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on February 10, 2011, 06:17:28 PM: Yeah that sure isn't the best picture. It would be hard to see antlers if it had any.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: danderson on February 11, 2011, 09:27:44 PM: Well I got one of those 50.00 game cameras from cabelas, 3 mp. Im very pleased with the quality, the nite photos turned out even better, my first photos it took two weeks and the batterys are still good, I am hoping for a cougar because I know ones in the area.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bigelk1030 on February 11, 2011, 09:36:04 PM: Great pics. I assume the clock is off? Good luck on the cougar.....
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: danderson on February 12, 2011, 07:12:16 AM: the clock is in the lower right corner, it looks ike the nite photos turned out better than the 7am one. still better than some of the reviews on here.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: Wazukie on February 15, 2011, 12:36:38 PM: So I checked the Cam today and there were 20 pics. A herd of elk cam in on Feb. 14th. One of them was feeding around the tree the cam was on and slimmed up the lens and pushed it half-way around the tree. But here ya go. The camera was on the Lo setting.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on February 15, 2011, 01:38:54 PM: Decent pictures, but what's up with the horizontal lines in every picture? ???
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bigelk1030 on March 02, 2011, 11:45:40 AM: Hey bobcat, the price looks to have dropped again, but there is a shipping fee. I would assume no tax though.

http://www.amazon.com/Tasco-3-MP-Trail-Camera/dp/B00453MZYC/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1296251104&sr=1-2 (http://www.amazon.com/Tasco-3-MP-Trail-Camera/dp/B00453MZYC/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1296251104&sr=1-2)

By the way, I am still on my second set of batteries since November, even with all the cold we have had.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on March 02, 2011, 12:29:07 PM: Thanks, I had been checking occasionally but hadn't checked in a few days. I just ordered the two that they said they had left. For that price I really can't go wrong especially with the battery life you're getting. I have two Moultri D40's and I had them out a couple times this winter but especially when it's cold, the batteries don't last more than a couple weeks.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bigelk1030 on March 02, 2011, 07:19:59 PM: Hope they work out for you, keep us updated on how you like them.

I still struggle with the night shots, but what the heck, maybe its just my camera.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on March 02, 2011, 08:11:57 PM: Well I figure if they don't work good at night I can put them in places where most of the activity is during the day. :dunno: What I like is the battery life. It won't cost a fortune to just leave them out in the woods all the time.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bearpaw on March 10, 2011, 02:08:08 PM: Just pulled the trigger on a couple of the 3MP Tasco to see how they do. $92 and some change to the door for two.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on March 10, 2011, 02:20:12 PM: Quote from: bearpaw on March 10, 2011, 02:08:08 PM
Just pulled the trigger on a couple of the 3MP Tasco to see how they do. $92 and some change to the door for two.

Does it still say they only have two in stock? ???

(the two I ordered should arrive at my house today or tomorrow- will be putting them out this weekend)
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bearpaw on March 10, 2011, 02:41:45 PM: I just checked and it will let you buy more. I almost bought two more, but worried about whether we'll like them or not.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bearpaw on March 10, 2011, 02:45:28 PM: Quote from: bobcat on March 10, 2011, 02:20:12 PM
Quote from: bearpaw on March 10, 2011, 02:08:08 PM
Just pulled the trigger on a couple of the 3MP Tasco to see how they do. $92 and some change to the door for two.

Does it still say they only have two in stock? ???

(the two I ordered should arrive at my house today or tomorrow- will be putting them out this weekend)

Let me know how you like them, I am thinking with all the thieves the cheap route is the best route... :twocents:
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on March 10, 2011, 02:53:07 PM: Quote from: bearpaw on March 10, 2011, 02:45:28 PM
I am thinking with all the thieves the cheap route is the best route...

Exactly! I'll be posting some pictures in this thread soon, with any luck.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bearpaw on March 10, 2011, 03:19:17 PM: Are you going to use rechargeable batteries or buy bulk packs of regular batteries?
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on March 10, 2011, 03:23:06 PM: I don't think I'll use rechargeable with these. It sounds like you can expect to get about three months of use out of 4 AA batteries. That's pretty inexpensive. I'll probably just buy a pack of the Costco alkaline batteries. The rechargeables might not work as well anyway, because they are slightly less voltage. :dunno:
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bearpaw on March 10, 2011, 03:42:53 PM: Quote from: bobcat on March 10, 2011, 03:23:06 PM
I don't think I'll use rechargeable with these. It sounds like you can expect to get about three months of use out of 4 AA batteries. That's pretty inexpensive. I'll probably just buy a pack of the Costco alkaline batteries. The rechargeables might not work as well anyway, because they are slightly less voltage. :dunno:

I didn't realize they were less voltage. I didn't pay that much attention I guess, I thought they took D's.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bobcat on March 10, 2011, 03:46:13 PM: Quote from: bearpaw on March 10, 2011, 03:42:53 PM
Quote from: bobcat on March 10, 2011, 03:23:06 PM
I don't think I'll use rechargeable with these. It sounds like you can expect to get about three months of use out of 4 AA batteries. That's pretty inexpensive. I'll probably just buy a pack of the Costco alkaline batteries. The rechargeables might not work as well anyway, because they are slightly less voltage. :dunno:

I didn't realize they were less voltage. I didn't pay that much attention I guess, I thought they took D's.

You're right- they do take D's, I just checked. I was thinking of the other Tasco. But still, the reported battery life is 2 1/2 to 3 months. So at that rate I think I can afford alkalines.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 11, 2011, 05:17:36 AM: Yea these are finely made Chinese cams and will last accordingly.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: Ironhead on March 13, 2011, 04:45:55 PM: How many pics per GB on high res do these cameras get? I have 2 in the woods, and I am wondering how long to let them soak with a 2 GB card.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: jdurham on March 14, 2011, 04:38:15 PM: According to what I read on the internet just over 1300 per card in the jpg format
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: bearpaw on March 28, 2011, 01:17:43 PM: We recieved a couple of the 3mp tasco's about a week ago. The first week out we got over 600 photos of turkeys and deer, the batteries are still working. Not bad pictures for such a cheap camera. I plan on posting more pics in my Bearpaw thread in the sponsors section if you want to see more pictures.
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: @RCHER on April 11, 2011, 11:02:51 AM: Not bad for the $$. Decent quality and love the compact size. Here are a few night pics...
Title: Re: Tasco 3 mp camera from Amazon
Post by: steeleywhopper on April 21, 2011, 06:38:45 PM: I just ordered 3 of them just now. Gonna be my first time farting around with these cameras and hopefully I will be able to contribute a little action here on the board.