Trail cameras have been used for wildlife scouting for a long time. Over that time, the technology that powers them has improved greatly. With technological advances the maximum detection range of trail cameras has increased.
Contemporary models are digital, lightweight, compact and are designed for different use cases.
A trail camera’s maximum detection range describes the farthest distance movement will be detected for photography.
The furthest a trail camera will detect is 220 feet. The upper detection range of the majority of trail cameras is between 100 and 150 feet. The other distance variable is flash range, which affects nighttime photography. A trail camera loses about 50 feet of range when a flash is activated.
What Factors Determine a Trail Camera’s Detection Range?
What sets game cameras apart is their ability to shoot wildlife, while preserving the natural habitat. Housed in weather-resistant housings, there are mounted on trees several feet high up.
For a trail camera to capture an image, it has to be triggered given a certain distance. Several features determine the taking of a photo, such as:
- Range – Different game cameras extend various detection ranges, beginning from 20 feet to about 80 feet. the affordable Bushnell Trophy cam (pictured here) has an 80 feet range.
- Multi-Shot shooting mode – Some trail cameras sense movement a take multiple shots. This gives higher chances of capturing a better shot.
- Trigger Speed – Higher-end trail cameras shoot as soon as motion is detected, thereby always capturing a picture.
Your camera’s trigger response can be improved by clearing any foliage that may block its detection sensors. By doing this, its detection sensors will be clear and ready to photograph any wildlife.
What Is The Shooting Frequency of Trail Cameras?
Trail camera triggering occurs when temperature differences are detected between the surrounding environment and an animal.
Cameras with wider range angles detect animals that are far away as well. When closer within the trigger zone, a passive infrared sensor will sense temperature fluctuations and capture the animal.
Animal images can also be captured using a trail camera’s time-lapse mode.
Time-lapse describes taking pictures at pre-determined intervals. This mode works best when animals are outside of the passive infrared sensor zone.
Time-lapse allows for the capturing of images outside of the camera’s detection range, daytime or nighttime. This is instructive for viewing movement on the fringe of large area.
Game Cameras Featuring Cutting-Edge Technology
There is a wide variety of trail cameras available of very high quality. For greater accessibility, some models are designed with cellular technology.
These models send images directly to your mobile device, be it laptop or cell phone.
Cellular game cameras are among the most advanced form of wildlife camera available today. These high-definition trail cameras send pictures to your laptop or phone, directly. This allows for the monitoring of game, instantly.
Among cellular hunting and scouting camera features are partnerships with AT&T or Verizon networks.
Here is a selection of trail cameras with a good detection range:
Reconyx Hyperfire 2  | A camera with features to help users catch more animals on camera. The Reconyx Hyperfire 2’s sensor detects motion up to 100 feet and 150 feet with the infrared flash. The flash range is the distance you see when a picture is taken using the flash. | SEE DETAILS |
Dual power SpyPoint Solar Dark camera  | The Dual Power SpyPoint has an impressive detection range of 110-foot. If detection range is important to you you may want to look at a camera like this that captures images across a large area while another, less capable, cheaper camera might only pick up images of an animal or human walking right in front of the camera. | SEE DETAILS |
ScoutGuard Hunting Trail Game Camera  | One of the best long- range trail cameras with its spectacular 100-foot range. For those whose concern is trigger distance, this camera is a good choice. Although the Scoutguard has such an impressive trigger range, its trigger peed is only 0.7 seconds. | SEE DETAILS |
Covert Black Maverick | A dependable, rugged camo-designed trail camera but with a detection range and angle of 50 to 60 feet, the Covert Black Maverick is described as having a poor detection circuit. | SEE DETAILS |
Trail Camera Detection Range Summary
By design, trail cameras are on stand-by mode, awaiting triggering to take a photograph. When motion is detected, a chain of events is initiated.
Light levels are registered, flash is turned on and focus is completed. Shutter speed is decided upon, picture is taken, and photos are saved on SD card.
This is how a trail camera senses motion within its trigger zone.
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