For wildlife photographers and enthusiasts, a trail camera has become an essential tool. Most cellular companies have launched trail cameras that use their network sim card to help keep track of animals in a specific area without needing to be in the location physically. However, choosing the best trail cameras can be challenging, with plenty of them in the market and not knowing what to look for.
Below are some of the best cellular trail cameras in the market some using Verizon, some AT-T, Wi-fi, and some both networks. Besides, we have also included a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
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Best Cellular Trail Camera
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1. Creative XP 4G Cellular Trail Camera
- No Standalone lithium batteries are sold with the product
- HD NIGHT VISION - Our wireless hunting & trails camera uses...
- 4G DATA PLAN - Trail cam includes a 32 GB SD card as well as...
- VERSATILE - This deer camera can be used for home security,...
- ULTRA DURABLE - This hunting video camera will work in any...
Creative models have made their name for being among the most challenging cameras in the market. They are resistant to mud, rain, ice, and snow, and therefore, they are ideal to use in any weather condition. The camera can capture full HD 12MP photos and 1080P footage during the day or night. It is an animal monitoring and hunting tool and is also recommended as a security option cemented by a 110 degrees PIR angle.
The game camera features a motion-activated sensor with a 0.35-sec quick trigger speed that captures up to 5 videos or photos per trigger. You also always receive your captured material in real-time to your phone thanks to the 4G LTE cellular connection, and you can send it to any phone number or email in the country. This model has a standard battery life, but there's an option to purchase the Solar Panel, which charges the camera during the day for a constant power supply.
2. Spypoint Link Micro V 4G Cellular Trail Camera
- Includes Spypoint Link Micro LTE-V, Spypoint Micro SD Card,...
- The LINK MICRO LTE Spypoint trail camera from SPYPOINT pairs...
- Simple activation process. View and manage pics with the...
- LTE network, .5 second trigger speed, 80 ft detection and...
- 2 year warranty when purchased from Freedom USA Sales, an...
SpyPoint Link has always been among the significant market competitors when it comes to trail cameras known for their high-quality products. The cellular micro camera is small and can be easily hidden but delivers a powerful performance with just 10MP and can manage a 0.5 seconds trigger speed. It comes with a flash and 80 feet detection range and supports a micro SD card, including a 16GB card to save what you would want and share it some time. SpyPoint with a camo design features an inbuilt flash, and therefore, covert imaging is impossible and runs on 8 AA batteries included in your purchase.
The SpyPoint link cellular trail camera is among the best cellular trail cameras for short ranges putting you in control of your woods. The unique feature in this game cam model is the Buck tracker technology which analyzes your photos recognizing the species and gender of the deer. The camera uses a 4G technology with Verizon and AT-T and a night flash range of 24.4 meters. Additionally, there an unlimited photo viewing for 30 days, and you get 100 photos free per month.
3. Stealth Cam DS4K
- 4K Ultra HD video | 30 MP Ultra Hi res performance | dual...
- 42 no glo IR emitters/Reflex trigger < .4seconds | range...
- Reflex (sub 1 second trigger) | burst (rapid Fire mode) |...
- GEO-TAG GPS tagging | secure lock password protection | SD...
- Video & USB outputs | integrated lock and latch design |...
Stealth Cam DS4K is among the best cellular trail cameras after quality images as wildlife photographers or just general videography. With a 100-foot flash range, a 0.4 seconds quick trigger, and a 32MP sensor, you can easily count the number of whiskers on the deer's nose. It also comes fitted with 42 No Glo IR flash emitters and an impressive quick set pre-programmed mode, and SD or SDHC card can store images and videos.
Stealth Cam cellular trail camera has a couple of custom modes, one being the burst mode, which captures nine images. The other mode is the hybrid that records both still pictures and videos in a 16:9 image ratio when the camera is triggered. The game camera is powered with 12 AA batteries and packs an external power jack for a 12-volt battery box.
4. Spartan Gocam Ghost 4G LTE
- Powerful Live Streaming: Watch wide-angle views on what is...
- Easy-to-use Spartan Camera Management App: Remotely change...
- High-Quality Images & Videos: The Spartan GoLive transmits...
- User-friendly Device Setup: Simply follow the Setup Wizard...
- Anti-Theft Protection: Anti-Theft GPS transmits its location...
Spartan Gocam game camera is one of the top cellular trail cameras that guarantees you don't miss any wildlife movement moments. It captures all the wildlife, whether big or small, thanks to its 70 feet infrared LED array, and you can save it in the provided 16GB SD card. The game camera uses the Verizon 4G LTE network and wi-fi for connection and has a mobile phone surveillance option which is very useful. It is powered by portable 12V power or AA batteries with an all-in-one design or a stand-alone installation option.
The Spartan camera is among the ideal cellular game cameras that can work anywhere with cellular network coverage and user-friendly. Spartan wireless trail cameras are straightforward to install and comfortable to use, and they include a GPS security box in the package that helps prevent any theft.
5. Browning Defender Wireless Cellular Trail Camera
- 20MP | 2” Color Viewing Screen
- 120 ft. Flash Range | 80 ft. Motion Detection Range
- 1920 x 1080 HD Videos with Sound
- 0.2 Second Trigger Speed
This Browning Defender model is the best trail cam if you are after speed with a 0.22 seconds lightning-quick trigger. It can shoot during the day or night and produces a high-well-definition video with 18MP pictures. It captures even the most tricky animals with a 120-foot flash range and a motion range of 80-foot. The camera packs a 32GB memory card, so you don't have to worry about running out of space.
The model is available for AT-T and Verizon networks and efficiently transmits HD videos and images to your mobile phone. A 20MP trail camera features a two-inch color viewing screen with adjustable detection ranges and adjustable trigger speeds. Additionally, with the Illuma Smart Technology, the high-quality nighttime images are a guarantee, but the battery life could be better.
You can get a host of affordable month-to-month plans, which are available depending on how many pictures you are looking to upload and how many cameras you are running.
What to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Cellular Trail Camera
1. Flash Type
The flash type determines the captured images' look and how noticeable the camera will be when it takes the shot. There are three types of flashes in cellular trail cameras, each serving a different need, and they include:
White Flash
A white flash is used to capture images just like a traditional camera and allows one to take full-color photos during nighttime. However, the sudden bright light can scare an animal, causing them to flee. The white flash is an excellent option to capture colored photos of wildlife no matter the time of day. The white flash is not the best if you are using your cell camera for hunting as the bright light tends to signal the wildlife or intruder.
IR Flash
When used with a trail camera, infrared flash captures photos using infrared light, but the images are black and white. Unlike the white flash, the IR flash is excellent for hunting because the light is less noticeable and is less likely to alert the wildlife or intruder. However, IR cameras have red lights that activate when taking pictures, and the lights activating can be avoided by hiding your camera from direct view of the game or add distance from them. They are suitable for food plots and situations where you can hide your camera without compromising your animal view.
Black Flash
Black flash is quite similar to IR flash, although their flash is invisible to most species, including human beings. They take rather dark pictures and don't capture background details and the IR flash but provide a clear image to analyze the animal. Black flash hardly scares animals. This makes them an excellent choice for hunters working at close ranges or home security surveillance because the camera flash will capture an image or record video without alerting an animal or person passing by.
Most cameras list a flash range, and within the range, the flash provides enough light to photograph the subject. Choose a camera with the right flash type for the images you want and the area you are capturing as it makes the whole difference.
2. Resolution
For any camera, the higher the resolution, the greater the potential for a fine picture or video, and therefore, this is an essential factor to consider. However, keep in mind that the maximum resolution listed for any camera enhances a lower native resolution, and the camera adds pixels to what is captured by the camera sensor. Most cameras give the customer the chance to select a still-photo and video resolution. Any 720p or 1080p video resolution is an excellent choice for hunters who are after the sharp details of the game's movement.
3. Trigger Speed
This is an essential factor as you wouldn't want to miss any action, and when the camera reaction is slow, you will miss on a lot of action. The trigger speed is the time the camera takes to take a picture after any motion detection. High trigger speed cameras often capture full images of the game, which are great for hunters, but slow trigger speed cameras perform well in food plots or other trail areas where the game lingers often.
4. Recovery Time
On the other hand, recovery time is the minimum amount of time a trail camera takes to capture another image. Recovery times are often adjustable in most trail cameras, but generally, they determine how fast your camera will take a new photo in the highest setting. Long recovery times work well with watching food plots, and short camera recovery times work great for areas the deer or the game passes in groups.
5. Detection range
Also, the detection range is crucial as it determines how close an animal must get to the camera to trigger the motion detector. Long detection ranges for trails cameras often capture more wildlife movement but may fill your memory card faster.
5. Power Supply
Trail cams use plenty of batteries, and eight AA cells are mostly the standard requirement, but other trail cameras can be powered by an outside source like a power bank or a 6-12 volt battery. Besides, some trail cameras can use solar power as they come with an inbuilt solar panel that charges using 12VDC lithium batteries, and others can run on a plug-in DC power supply.
6. Memory Cards vs. Cellular Plans
All trail cameras store their images on memory cards, and some usually transmit their images to a web portal or a mobile device. With cellular cameras, you don't need to keep visiting your camera physically to pull the card to view the captured images. Even if your cellular game camera is destroyed, you will still have your captured images. However, cellular cameras can attract a high cost and monthly charge depending on which service level you select.
7. Mounting
Most cellular game cameras come with a bracket or strap for mounting the trail cam to a tree, while others pack tripod-style sockets to give you additional options. Others feature holes or a channel that is designed to be used with a Python-style locking cable to prevent any possibility of theft. Ensure you know what kind of mount you want and check if the cellular camera you are interested in purchasing has it included.
8. Ease of Use/ Wireless Operation
You should make sure you know what type of cellular company signal the camera you intend to purchase uses to make sure the signal is available in the area. Wireless trail cameras use specific cellar carriers, too, so ensure you purchase a cellular camera with a signal around where you live. Additionally, you can download an application on your laptop or install a mobile app on your cell phone to receive photos from your wireless trail camera.
9. Durability/Weatherproofing
It would help if you bought a cellular game camera to withstand any harsh weather conditions such as extreme temperatures, moisture, ice, or snow. The trail camera should preferably be made of a rigid plastic material such as polymer plastic and waterproof or water-resistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the top cellular trail camera on the market?
According to our review, the top choice is the Creative XP, and we have stated the reasons above.
2. What is the best wireless trail camera to buy?
The best wireless camera is Browning Defender.
3. Are cellular trail cameras worth it?
They are worth it for giving you a fantastic field of view, whether for wildlife watching, photography purposes, or home security.
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