Beginners Guide to Wireless Trail Cameras

Wireless trail cameras transcend the limitations of traditional trail cameras by utilising wireless networks (4G or WiFi) to transmit footage and enable remote control of a camera.

This article delves into the world of wireless trail cameras, exploring their functionality, benefits, limitations, and some of the diverse models available.

SpyPoint Flex-S 4G trail camera

What Are Wireless Trail Cameras?

Wireless trail cameras capture images in the same way as a traditional trail camera. Both types of camera rely on motion sensors and a change in ambient heat to detect movement within their field of view. When an animal is detected, the camera triggers and either takes a photo or records video.

However, unlike traditional trail cameras, which store images and videos locally on an SD card, wireless trail cameras can transmit captured footage and images through wireless cellular or Wi-Fi networks, directly to a smartphone or computer. This connectivity enables users to remotely access footage and adjust camera settings. Some camera models can even transmit footage in real-time, providing a live view of the location.

Cellular vs. WiFi

There are two different types of wireless trail camera: cellular and WiFi.

Cellular wireless trail cameras are the most popular of the two and the most versatile. So long as the camera is installed within the signal of a mobile phone network, it can transmit images wirelessly. This means that cellular cameras can be installed in remote and hard-to-reach locations and checked via a smartphone app or on a computer.

WiFi wireless trail cameras are designed for situations where a camera is installed within range of a wireless internet router. This type of camera is most commonly used in gardens.

NatureSpy WiFi WildCam 2

Advantages of Wireless Trail Cameras

• Remote Monitoring: Traditional trail cameras require physical retrieval of the SD card to view captured images. Wireless trail cameras offer remote viewing via a mobile app or website.
• Real-Time Notifications: Wireless trail cameras can send instant notifications to your smartphone or email when motion is detected. This feature is invaluable when a real-time alert for the presence of a particular species is required.
• Remote Control: Wireless trail camera settings can be adjusted on the fly. For example, if the trigger sensitivity has been set too high and you’re receiving a photo of a branch every time it moves in the wind, this can be adjusted. The status of batteries can also be monitored, so it’s clear when it’s time for a battery switch.
• Reduced Disturbance: Repeat visits to a trail camera location can inadvertently cause disturbance to wildlife. With wireless trail cameras, this disturbance can be greatly reduced as the need to check the memory card and change batteries can be decided based on the status of the device from its smartphone app.
• Monitoring Hard-to-Reach Locations: As already covered, the status of a cellular trail camera can be checked from anywhere, so long as it is connected to a mobile network. This means that you can have more confidence leaving wireless trail cameras in hard-to-reach locations, such as nest monitoring or mountain tops. Some models are compatible with solar panels, allowing for extended periods of remote monitoring. With solar power, the camera can potentially remain operational for much longer durations, alleviating concerns about battery depletion. This is often essential for monitoring in hard-to-reach places.

Camojojo Trace 4G wireless trail camera

Disadvantages of Wireless Trail Cameras

• Upfront and Ongoing Costs: Wireless trail cameras tend to be more expensive upfront, compared to traditional trail cameras of similar image quality and detection circuit specifications. Costs also include the camera subscription fees for wireless services and mobile data charges.
• Image Quality: One of the limiting factors in transmission of videos and high-quality photos over mobile networks is the potential size of the files. As a result, the image quality of wireless trail cameras tends to be sufficient for identifying species, but often pales in comparison to the image quality produced by similarly priced traditional trail cameras. If high-quality images are a priority, view sample footage online to gain a sense of image clarity.
• Connectivity Challenges: Wireless trail cameras rely on cellular networks or Wi-Fi connections, which can be unreliable in some areas. Poor connectivity may result in missed alerts, delayed image transmission, and an inability to connect wirelessly to the camera. It's strongly recommended to check cellular coverage in the area you plan to install a camera or check your WiFi router range before buying a camera.
• Learning Curve: Operating wireless trail cameras can be more complex compared to traditional trail cameras. Users may need to invest time in understanding the setup process and troubleshooting potential connectivity issues. Most brands produce YouTube videos showing these processes.
• Battery Consumption: In addition to capturing images, wireless trail cameras demand power for transmitting these images. Consequently, their battery life often falls considerably shorter compared to traditional counterparts.
• Many brands now provide solar-powered camera versions, significantly prolonging the duration these cameras can operate without physical checks. Despite their higher initial cost, opting for solar-powered wireless trail cameras can ultimately prove more cost-effective by eliminating the need for disposable battery replacements in the long term.

Built-in solar panel on the SpyPoint Flex-S 4G trail camera

Top Tips for Choosing a Wireless Trail Camera

• Coverage: Most important of all, check the cellular coverage in the location you plan to install the camera to ensure the camera can transmit images effectively. For WiFi wireless cameras, use your mobile phone as a rough guide: how far can you move away from your internet router and still receive WiFi?
• Image Quality: Choose a camera with suitable image quality for your needs. View sample images online.
• Battery Life: Wireless trail cameras can be power-hungry. If you plan to leave the camera for extended periods, choose one that offers better battery life and consider a solar-powered model.
• Budget: Wireless trail cameras are available at a range of prices. More expensive cameras typically produce better quality images, respond quicker when an animal passes by, and offer a wider range of features such as live-view. Remember to factor running costs such as subscriptions into your budget.

What are the best wireless trail cameras?

Choosing the best wireless trail camera depends on the camera specification and features you require. We stock a curated selection of wireless trail cameras in our NatureSpy shop that we’ve put to the test in the field. Below, we provide an overview of several good quality cameras that tailor to different needs.

Camojojo Trace

The Camojojo Trace is a 4G wireless trail camera that can send 1080p videos, high-quality photos, and transmit live video to a smartphone. The camera is controlled almost completely via the Camojojo app, where settings can be adjusted, footage can be reviewed, and a live video feed can be viewed. Camojojo offers a variety of data plans to suit different users, depending on which features are required and how much footage you'd like to receive.

NatureSpy WiFi WildCam 2

The NatureSpy WiFi WildCam 2 is optimised for garden use. Connecting to WiFi networks, the WildCam 2 is controlled via the NatureSpy smartphone app and includes live-view, remote playback, 1080p video resolution, and a wide-angle lens. The sensors in the WildCam 2 are designed for watching garden wildlife, so it’s ideal for watching birds, snuffling hedgehogs, and the occasional curious fox!

SpyPoint

SpyPoint are well-established in the world of cellular trail cameras. Releasing their first cellular trail camera in 2012, SpyPoint now offers a range of cellular trail cameras to suit a variety of needs and budgets. The entry point with SpyPoint cameras is the SpyPoint LM2, which is a robust and compact photo camera. The SpyPoint Flex-S is the top of the range model, offering photo and video transmission, along with a built-in solar panel. Priced between those two, the SpyPoint Flex E-36 has slightly better photo resolution than the Flex-S, but does not include a solar panel.

NatureSpy WiFi BirdCam Pro

The NatureSpy WiFi BirdCam Pro is designed specifically for watching garden birds. It connects to WiFi networks, allowing full control of the camera via the NatureSpy smartphone app. The camera can be watched live, or used like a standard trail camera, where it triggers and records HD footage whenever a bird lands on the perch to take a snack from the built-in feeder. The BirdCam Pro features AI bird recognition, a rechargeable battery and solar panel, and a closer-focus lens compared to regular trail cameras, making it ideal for capturing close-up footage of birds.

In Summary

Wireless trail cameras are built around the same concepts as traditional trail cameras, featuring motion sensors, image capture, and weatherproof housing. The fundamental difference is the ability to access the footage and controls of a wireless camera remotely.

There are some trade-offs with using wireless cameras, such as higher costs and reduced image quality compared to traditional trail cameras, and connectivity issues in areas of poor phone signal, so they are not suitable for every scenario.

Despite these trade-offs, the convenience and versatility of wireless trail cameras offer unprecedented advantages in wildlife monitoring. The remote access capability and real-time insights they provide empower researchers, conservationists, and enthusiasts in observing wildlife. The evolving technology of trail cameras continues to bridge gaps in conservation efforts.

FAQs

• Do wireless trail cameras require a monthly subscription? Most wireless trail camera models do require a subscription to transmit via mobile phone networks, so be sure to factor this into your budget. Some brands offer a basic or free plan that will transmit a limited quantity of images per month.
• What are wireless trail cameras? Wireless trail cameras differ from traditional trail cameras by transmitting captured footage and images through wireless cellular or Wi-Fi networks. They enable remote access to footage via mobile apps or online platforms and allow adjustment of camera settings remotely.
• How do wireless trail cameras work? Wireless trail cameras use motion sensors to detect movement, triggering them to capture high-resolution images or videos. These captured images or videos are then wirelessly transmitted to smartphones, tablets, or computers for remote viewing.
• What Are the Differences Between Cellular and WiFi Trail Cameras? Cellular wireless trail cameras utilize mobile networks for transmission and are versatile for remote locations. WiFi wireless trail cameras work within the range of a wireless internet router, commonly used in areas like gardens.
• What are the benefits of using wireless trail cameras over traditional trail cameras? Wireless trail cameras offer advantages like remote monitoring via mobile apps or websites, real-time notifications upon motion detection, the ability to adjust settings remotely, reduced disturbance to wildlife, and easier monitoring of hard-to-reach locations.
• What are the limitations of wireless trail cameras? Limitations include higher upfront and running costs, slightly lower image quality compared to traditional trail cameras, connectivity challenges in areas with poor signal, a learning curve for set up and use, and higher battery consumption due to image transmission.