Trail Cameras on the Cheap

by
posted on February 16, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ot_mind_ah2015_fs.jpg (4)

All I want a trail camera to do for me is take a decent picture of critters that walk in front of it. I want to know when they came by, and don’t really care about video. If it tells me the barometric pressure and moon phase that’s cool, but not essential. I want it to be reliable and, after working with cameras for a while, I know I prefer an infrared camera over those with a white flash because the flash will scare the dickens out of any self-respecting mature buck.

In this day of tight dollars, I’d rather buy several decent cameras I can place all over the property than one or two top-end units. Here are some to consider that cost less than $150—and some, much less.

-Moultrie Game Spy L-50: Shoots 5 meg color pictures, some video, and has a time/date/temperature stamp and 50-foot flash range. The MSRP is $99.99. For another $30, the Moultrie Game Spy D55IR adds a moon phase stamp, shoots color daytime and infrared nighttime pictures and short daytime video clips.

-Primos Truth Cam 35: Shoots 3 meg pix, has some video capability, a 40-foot night range and will accept an 8 GB SD card. The MSRP is $119.95.

-Tasco 119215: You can dial in either 2 or 5 meg photo settings, and it shoots color daytime photos. It has a 30-foot flash range, has some video capabilities and runs on four AA batteries that can last up to 180 days. The MSRP is $59.99.

-Wild Game Innovations D6: Shoots 6 meg photos, has a dual flash infrared and strobe, 32 MB internal memory, and can even take both day and night video. The MSRP is $99.99, and for the same money you can choose the Wild Game Innovations iR4, which takes 4 meg photos, has a very easy-to-read LCD setting display, has a 64 MB on-board memory and takes up to an 8GB SD card. Oh, and it can also shoot up to 30-second videos.

-Wildview EZ Cam: This guy features a three picture burst mode, 30-foot flash range, time and date stamp, external power jack and external image counter, all for a MSRP of just $79.00. For another $40 you can get the Infrared Extreme, which shoots 5 meg photos, some video, has a time, date and moon phase stamp and a wild angle lens.

-Stealth Cam Rogue Digital Camera: Shoots 5 meg photos, with a burst mode that shoots one to nine pictures, captures video from 5-90 seconds, has a 90-foot flash range, time/date/video length stamp, time/date/moon phase/temperature stamp on every image, 32mb built-in memory, auxiliary power jack, expandable SD-memory card slot and accepts up to 2GB cards. The MSRP is $99.99.

Latest

W H2026 07 Knowhow SI357, Mark Kayser Lines Up On A Target At More Than 500 Yards In His Pasture Setting, Copyright Mark Kayser
W H2026 07 Knowhow SI357, Mark Kayser Lines Up On A Target At More Than 500 Yards In His Pasture Setting, Copyright Mark Kayser

Know How: Find Your Long-Range Limit

Curious where your ethical limit is in the field? Mark Kayser shows you exactly how to find it.

Smith & Wesson Honors America's 250th Anniversary with Limited-Edition Model 1854

Smith & Wesson has announced the launch of its America 250 Limited Edition Model 1854 rifle, created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

#SundayGunday: Fiocchi Hyperformance Hunt

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out an excellent hunting round from Fiocchi: Hyperformance Hunt. Designed for intense terminal performance at standard to long hunting distances, the Hyperformance Hunt line comes loaded with either a Hornady SST Polymer Boat-Tail bullet, a Swift Scirocco Boat-Tail Spitzer, or a Barnes TTSX Polymer Tipped Copper HollowPoint. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

First Look: Eylar X Brownells 250th Anniversary Rifle and Pistol Cases

Eylar has launched its 250th Anniversary rifle case and pistol case, created in partnership with Brownells to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in 2026. Featuring patriotic artwork, tan hard-shell construction and purpose-built foam interiors, the commemorative cases offer firearm owners a distinctive way to protect and transport their gear while honoring a major milestone in American history.

Says Me: ‘Rocky Mountain Harry’ Lies Within Us All

I have always been intrigued by what possibly could lie beyond the next hill. I suppose that is a primary reason I am a hunter. Surely hunters everywhere share this sentiment. Surely Harry Yount did. That’s him above.

Hardware Review: Spandau RL Bolt Action

Based in Knoxville, Tenn., SDS Arms works with manufacturers worldwide to develop and import some of the finest firearms, many tailored to specific needs. Its latest is the RL bolt-action rifle, manufactured by Spandau. Emulating the famous bolt action of yesteryear, this rifle is capable straight out of the box, and it is compatible with nearly any aftermarket part that fits the Remington Model 700.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.