Step by Step Guide to Setting Up a Trail Camera and Reviewing Footage

In this beginners guide, we’ll walk through the basic steps of setting up a trail camera and retrieving footage from a memory card.

Further in-depth articles on the topics covered here are available through the links provided at the end of this guide.

Camera Set Up

1. Insert Batteries 

One of the most important considerations when using a trail camera is which batteries to use. With all trail cameras, we strongly recommend using lithium AA batteries over alkaline.

Lithium batteries deliver the responsive bursts of power that trail cameras require and continue to perform reliably in colder weather. Even though they are typically more expensive than alkaline batteries, good quality lithium batteries such as Energizer Ultimate Lithium last longer, making them more cost effective than the alkaline equivalent. 

Use of poor-quality or incompatible batteries, or mixing old and new batteries, can significantly reduce trail camera performance, often causing problems such as failure to record images at night.

Unfortunately, there are currently very few trail cameras that work reliably with rechargeable batteries, unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer.

2. Insert Memory Card  

Insert a compatible SD card into the camera. 

3. Set the Date, Time and Camera Name 

Turn on the camera using the power switch and navigate to the date and time settings. Whenever batteries are first inserted into a trail camera, they are removed from a camera, or they run flat, check if the date and time needs to be reset.

Trail cameras can be given individual names that display in every image recorded, this can be set under ‘Camera Name’. This is helpful for identifying different cameras when multiple cameras are being used.

4. Adjust Settings 

Use the camera's menu buttons to set preferences like photo or video mode, image quality, video length, motion sensitivity, and capture interval. Try out different settings to familiarise yourself with how a trail camera works.

5. Positioning 

Choose a location to be monitored where the camera can be mounted on a tree, post or tripod. Trail cameras typically produce clearest images within 3 - 5 metres of the subject.

For most British wildlife, a camera height of around 30 - 60cm works best. Mount the camera securely using the provided strap and use a cable lock for security if necessary. 

Aim the camera so that the field of view is centred on the area where wildlife activity is anticipated (e.g. a trail, tree stump, feeding area or other feature).

6. Test Shots 

Take a few test shots or videos to check the camera's angle and settings. Make adjustments if needed.

Some cameras include a ‘Motion Test’ feature to assist with aiming the camera at the target area. To use this feature, switch it on and move around within the target area. When the camera detects motion, a light will flash.

7. Wait for Activity 

This is the hardest part — allowing the camera time to capture footage. A little patience helps, as it can take a while for wildlife to visit!

Retrieving Footage

1. Retrieve Memory Card & Footage 

Some trail cameras feature a built in preview screen for reviewing footage, which can be useful for a quick check before reviewing footage on a computer. 

Turn off the camera before removing the SD card. Open the memory card compartment, remove the card, and insert it into a computer, laptop, or memory card reader to access the footage.

2. Backup or Transfer 

To save the footage, copy the files from the memory card to a computer or an external storage device. The footage can now be viewed through a media player on a computer. VLC Media Player is a free media player for PC and Mac that will play all file types used by trail cameras.

3. Clear & Format Memory Card 

Once the footage is saved and backed up, insert the memory card back into the camera and clear it by selecting ‘Delete All’ or ‘Format’ in the camera settings. This will clear the card so there is plenty of space for new footage and also format it to the camera’s settings, enabling it to work correctly. 

Additional Tips

• Check the camera periodically to ensure it's working correctly, and the batteries and memory card have sufficient space and power.
• Refer to the camera's user manual for advanced settings and specific troubleshooting tips.

Further Information

Follow the links below to learn more about key topics from this guide. 

Troubleshooting

Running into problems? Check out our quick troubleshooting guide covering the most common trail camera issues and how to fix them.

FAQ 

Opt for lithium batteries over alkaline for reliable performance. Lithium batteries offer the responsive power needed by trail cameras, perform more reliably in colder weather and at night, and last longer than alkaline batteries.

Most trail cameras don't reliably work with rechargeable batteries unless specified by the manufacturer.

Once the camera is in position, take a few test photos or videos to check the camera's angle and settings. Make adjustments if needed for better results.

Turn off the camera, remove the memory card, and insert it into a computer or memory card reader to access the footage. Copy files to a computer for viewing, using media player software such as VLC Media Player.