Hunting Washington Forum

Community => Photo & Video => Topic started by: bbarnes on February 27, 2012, 05:34:52 PM

Title: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: bbarnes on February 27, 2012, 05:34:52 PM: I would like some input on trail cams, looking to buy a few and thought i could get some input from the members here. On what they like and why and best bang for the buck or bull.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: GHETTO GUIDE on February 27, 2012, 06:07:44 PM: Glad you posted this, Iam in the same boat.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: bobcat on February 27, 2012, 06:22:52 PM: Do you want white flash or infrared?

Will it be strictly for trails, or will you be using bait?

How many do you want to buy and how much do you have to spend?
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: Lcl 66 Tinner on February 27, 2012, 06:24:30 PM: I personally have 3 of the wildview cams (cheap ones) about $50 each. They are slow and they love batteries BUT if one of them gets stolen, like one has, Im not out a couple of hundered bucks. Its all about your setup and to get your subject to stop or slow down long enough for your camera to take the pic.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: Fishstiq on February 27, 2012, 07:19:34 PM: Quote from: bobcat on February 27, 2012, 06:22:52 PM
Do you want white flash or infrared?

I'm new to trail cams, so apologies if I sound ignorant, but doesn't a white flash scare the $h!t out of any critter in the area?
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: Button Nubbs on February 27, 2012, 07:22:29 PM: white flash does not scare them. id reccomend cheap tascos to begin with and go up from there. ive had great luck with the tascos.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: Alan K on February 27, 2012, 07:30:42 PM: Hands down the WGI 6 MP ones assuming you can find them for $50 again. Right now they're at $93 on Amazon. I picked up 10 of them when they were at $50 and couldn't be happier with them at that price! Ordered bulk energizer ultimate lithium AA's to run them all, along with bulk 4 GB SD memory cards (2x each camera) and am fully set up at about $75 per.

It seems they come down to $50 from time to time. Keep your eye out. Heck, I'll probably pick up more if they do!
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: bobcat on February 27, 2012, 07:49:11 PM: The white flash didn't bother this buck:
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: TheChad23 on February 27, 2012, 09:22:36 PM: I picked up a $50 dollar Tasco when it was on sale at wal-mart for $35 and with a $15 dollar SD made it a $50 total with not including batteries. My brother got the same deal with a Primos Truth Cam when it went on clearance and then down to half price clearance and some with a wild game inovations. We have only put out the Tasco and the Primos but we only got picture from the Primos. It is hard to find the deals that we got our at but look on craigslist. Out of the three I would pick the Primos just from our one test but looking on Cabelas it's going for $129 and on Amazon is $99. But if you are on a budget I would say the Tasco will do for now and when you find a great deal on some other cameras snag them up. I would say tips for the tasco cam is to set up some scents and some bait to slow the animals down since they tend to have a slow trigger speed. Last week was my first week with experimenting. I'll keep updating after everytime I take them out and give my opinion on each camera.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: RoyBoy on February 27, 2012, 09:53:38 PM: honestly i have shopped around allot for trail cameras and i find the best dollar for dollar trail camera you can get in my onpinion is the moultri trail camera its around 100 bucks and has a white flash which does not bother the animals in the slightest. the pictures always turn out really good to me sun snow rain ect. all around really dependable worthy camera.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: huntnnw on February 27, 2012, 10:47:47 PM: I would stick with IR cams as they use far less batterys and that adds up in a hurry. I cant really say whats the best as I own alot of different of the cheaper cams...none have been super reliable or they were the flash cams as I will not buy again for the eating of batterys. I purchased some wildgame innovations cams this year for $50 in the IR 6mp and am highly impressed so far the price and what you get.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: bobcat on February 27, 2012, 11:04:44 PM: For a white flash here's a good deal ($40): http://www.wingsupply.com/game-cameras-accessories/wildview-2mp-ez-cam-game-camera/

If you want IR, here's a couple ($60):

http://www.wingsupply.com/game-cameras-accessories/wildview-infrared-xtreme-next-g-1-camo-digital-game-camera/

http://www.wingsupply.com/closeout-closet/closeout-hunting-accessories/wildgame-innovations-w5x-5mp-ir-digital-micro-camera/

Any of these are good for the money, and if they get stolen you're not out a lot. I'd suggest ordering one of each. Then you can figure out what you like and don't like about each one.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: bobcat on February 27, 2012, 11:16:15 PM: Here's another pretty good deal on an IR cam, if you want to spend a little more money:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Primos-Truth-Cam-46-Game-Camera-with-BONUS-20-20-Mount-Bundle/19226726

There were some better deals in the last couple of months, but they're mostly gone now. The Wildgame cam that Amazon was selling for $50 is now $92.66. I've been watching prices pretty close and the links I posted are about the best you're going to find right now. There might be some good sales coming up when the camera companies introduce their new 2012 models.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: Bean Counter on February 27, 2012, 11:36:42 PM: *tag* 8)

Thanks Bobcat, et al.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: rosscrazyelk on February 29, 2012, 08:10:56 PM: Quote from: Alan K on February 27, 2012, 07:30:42 PM
Hands down the WGI 6 MP ones assuming you can find them for $50 again. Right now they're at $93 on Amazon. I picked up 10 of them when they were at $50 and couldn't be happier with them at that price! Ordered bulk energizer ultimate lithium AA's to run them all, along with bulk 4 GB SD memory cards (2x each camera) and am fully set up at about $75 per.

It seems they come down to $50 from time to time. Keep your eye out. Heck, I'll probably pick up more if they do!

I agree, I have bought a few lately and you cant beat em for $50
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: bobcat on February 29, 2012, 08:15:19 PM: I've got two of those and they're great for $50, but I'm not sure I'd spend $93. However, you can get the W5X at the link I posted previously in this thread for $60. It's the same thing except black instead of camo and 5 mp instead of 6.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: Widgeondeke on February 29, 2012, 08:45:04 PM: On CAMOFIRE.COM right now for $69.99
WILDVIEW XTREME TRAIL CAMERA COMBO SET ; comes with a 2gb SD card and a card reader
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: huntnnw on February 29, 2012, 09:59:55 PM: if its a flash no thanks... they will eat enough batterys in a years use to buy $300 cams
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: bobcat on February 29, 2012, 10:05:20 PM: Quote from: huntnnw on February 29, 2012, 09:59:55 PM
if its a flash no thanks... they will eat enough batterys in a years use to buy $300 cams

It's an IR, and not a bad deal since it comes with a SD card. But I'd still take the Wildview I posted for $60. I'm not sure what the difference is other than the $60 cam is camo.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: huntnnw on February 29, 2012, 10:08:02 PM: but ya can get sd now for $3
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: Tyler on March 01, 2012, 09:25:42 PM: Battery life is important to me. I saved lots of money when I switched from a cheap battery hungry cam to the bushnell trophy cam. I got just over a year on one set of batteries. Now that's true savings. If you are putting it in a spot that has a good chance of being stolen go for the tasco cameras otherwise spend the extra chas on a higher quality cam.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: Transka on March 02, 2012, 10:14:55 AM: http://www.trailcampro.com/

This Website has alot of good info on different cameras along with trigger speed very helpful

:tup:

i have a wide range of cameras
Cuddeback
Moultrie
Stealth Prowler
wildview
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: sirmissalot on March 02, 2012, 11:56:36 AM: Battery life is huge to me as well. Used to not be a big deal but then I bought a stealthcam delta 8 and learned my lesson
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: 400out on March 02, 2012, 12:27:27 PM: Quote from: Tyler on March 01, 2012, 09:25:42 PM
Battery life is important to me. I saved lots of money when I switched from a cheap battery hungry cam to the bushnell trophy cam. I got just over a year on one set of batteries. Now that's true savings. If you are putting it in a spot that has a good chance of being stolen go for the tasco cameras otherwise spend the extra chas on a higher quality cam.
:yeah: same for me! Love the life of bushnells makes up for the extra cost. as for getting stolen mine are on private or 3miles from the rd. in no mans land
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: bobcat on March 02, 2012, 12:30:50 PM: The $50 Tascos aren't too terrible on batteries. Not nearly as good as the Bushnells or some of the other infrared cams, but I get 6 weeks out of the 4 D batteries. I use the Rayovac alkalines I get from Wal Mart for $1 each, so for 6 weeks it cost $4 to run a Tasco camera. I can live with that.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: 400out on March 02, 2012, 12:31:52 PM: Quote from: bobcat on March 02, 2012, 12:30:50 PM
The $50 Tascos aren't too terrible on batteries. Not nearly as good as the Bushnells or some of the other infrared cams, but I get 6 weeks out of the 4 D batteries. I use the Rayovac alkalines I get from Wal Mart for $1 each, so for 6 weeks it cost $4 to run a Tasco camera. I can live with that.
Is that year round or do you see a difference in the winter
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: bobcat on March 02, 2012, 12:45:52 PM: Quote from: 400out on March 02, 2012, 12:31:52 PM
Quote from: bobcat on March 02, 2012, 12:30:50 PM
The $50 Tascos aren't too terrible on batteries. Not nearly as good as the Bushnells or some of the other infrared cams, but I get 6 weeks out of the 4 D batteries. I use the Rayovac alkalines I get from Wal Mart for $1 each, so for 6 weeks it cost $4 to run a Tasco camera. I can live with that.
Is that year round or do you see a difference in the winter

Cold temps don't seem to affect the Tascos like it does my Moultrie D40. I just looked at my records, and the Tasco that I had on my bobcat bait, I put new batteries in it on 12/30, and 5 weeks later I replaced them with new batteries, but only because a bobcat started showing up and I didn't want to take a chance of missing any pictures. My battery tester showed them at 60%, and normally I let them run down to 40% before I replace them.

(The Tasco is not reliable once the batteries get down to 40%, it will shut itself off)
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: rosscrazyelk on March 05, 2012, 08:45:06 PM: Quote from: Transka on March 02, 2012, 10:14:55 AM
http://www.trailcampro.com/

This Website has alot of good info on different cameras along with trigger speed very helpful

:tup:

i have a wide range of cameras
Cuddeback
Moultrie
Stealth Prowler
wildview
wonder why they did not have wildgame innovations on there?
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: Turner89 on March 05, 2012, 09:16:49 PM: When I bought my first Tasco I didn't expect much, but for the price I dont think you can beat it. :twocents:
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: Big P on March 06, 2012, 12:22:02 AM: I like the primos 35. You can find them for under $100, they take great pictures (day and night), they are reliable, and if you have any troubles their customer service if great. I have six of these and love'em. I use rechargable batteries (4D's) and I get about 8GB's of pictures
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: EAS on March 06, 2012, 08:18:48 PM: I've gone round and round with cameras... in the end, i think finding a camera with awesome trigger speed, and one that allows you to have no delay between photos is what to look for... down fall of those two "requirements" is the price that goes with it...
I tested my Moultrie D65ir against my Cuddeback Attack ir... I got more photos and better battery life with the Cuddeback for sure...
If your strictly looking for the best camera for a good price, I absolutely love using the D-50 by Moultrie... I have 4 of them I like them so much (catch them on sale for $50!)... even better then the D-55/65's for sure! And I don’t feel so bad when one walks off on me >:(

:tup:
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: sirmissalot on March 07, 2012, 02:54:34 PM: Anybody try the spypoint Tiny or Tiny W? The Tiny W seems cool... with the remote blackbox thing. I would love to have a picture of the thief that stole my camera, as long as it works
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: grundy53 on March 07, 2012, 03:00:18 PM: I'm more then happy with my Moultrie d40's and d50's. They used to be around a hundred bucks but now you can find them for around $50. Never had any problems and they take pretty good pictures.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: NRA4LIFE on March 07, 2012, 03:13:00 PM: I also am partial to Moultries. Camofire has the Spypoint Tiny on sale right now for $130, that's a heck of a deal on that camera.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: Ripper on March 08, 2012, 09:04:54 PM: Thanks for all the info guy's. I'm going buy my first 2 camera's real soon.
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: Bean Counter on March 08, 2012, 09:12:10 PM: Quote from: Ripper on March 08, 2012, 09:04:54 PM
Thanks for all the info guy's. I'm going buy my first 2 camera's real soon.

+1... Just gotta draw a trophy elk tag.first :bash:
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: whitetailslyr on March 10, 2012, 02:04:35 PM: Moultrie m80 is a winner, great picture quality and battery life for a $100 camera. Def better than my Wildgame for the same price(wildgame still not a bad camera).
Title: Re: best trail camera for your dollar
Post by: mountainman on March 10, 2012, 09:04:38 PM: You need to check out the Special Ops from Covert! Real time photos to your cell w an AT&T $10 card. Been using one for awhile and its awesome!