What is a Trail Camera?
Have you ever wondered what goes on in the wild when no one is watching?
Have you ever wished to catch a glimpse of the elusive creatures that roam the forests, or see the wildlife that visits your garden at night? If so, then you're in luck! With the help of trail cameras, you can become an invisible spectator, capturing wildlife on camera without disturbing the natural order. In this article, we will dive into the world of trail cameras, exploring their purpose, how they work and how they have revolutionised wildlife photography.
A Window into Wildlife
A trail camera is a weatherproof and motion-activated camera designed to capture images and videos of wildlife in their natural habitat. These cameras are used to enhance our understanding of the natural world by monitoring wildlife presence, activity and behaviours.
Trail cameras are weather-resistant and designed to withstand outdoor conditions, ensuring they can be left unattended for extended periods. They are equipped with motion sensors and infrared (IR) technology, enabling them to capture images or record videos automatically when triggered by movement in their vicinity. In low-light or night-time conditions, trail cameras typically use an infrared flash, which avoids the use of bright white flashes that may disturb wildlife and impact natural behaviours. For a deeper dive into how trail cameras work, check out this article.
A leopard stalks prey - image by Musekese Conservation
Is a trail camera the same as a camera trap?
Yes, trail cameras go by several names, including camera trap, wildlife camera, remote camera, and game camera. The term "trail camera" originated from the practice of aiming a camera at a wildlife trail. The term "camera trap" has its roots in the early usage of this technology over a century ago, when a tripwire was employed to trigger a camera and flash.
The different types of trail cameras
Trail cameras work on the concept of a sensor triggering a camera to take a photo or record video. How this information is transmitted is where the technology begins to differ, splitting trail cameras into two main groups: trail cameras and wireless trail cameras. Trail cameras record footage to a memory card that can then be viewed once the memory card or camera has been retrieved. Wireless trail cameras transmit the footage via cellular networks (e.g. SpyPoint) or WiFi (e.g. NatureSpy WiFi WildCam 2).
The advantage of wireless trail cameras is instant alerts to new footage and the convenience of not having to physically check a camera to retrieve footage. This technology does however come with some downsides. Cellular wireless trail cameras have the additional cost of mobile data plans and WiFi wireless trail cameras will only work when within range of a wireless internet router. At present, the image quality produced by non-wireless trail cameras usually far outperforms wireless counterparts, with higher resolution, better quality imagery. Check out our NatureSpy Shop to browse a curated selection of trail cameras that we’ve put to the test in the field.
Why use a trail camera?
Trail cameras are versatile tools when it comes to watching, monitoring and studying wildlife. They provide eyes on the ground 24/7 and are discreet, capturing natural behaviours of animals in the wild. At NatureSpy, we advocate the use of trail cameras for bringing people closer to wildlife. Whether that’s in a back garden, through education, conservation projects or research; a trail camera can become a window into the wild. NatureSpy supports a diverse range of conservation and research projects that show just how versatile these cameras can be; from watching hedgehogs in a back garden, to studying the movement of wolves in Croatia, to living with a pride of lions in Zambia.
Setting up a trail camera at Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the Scottish Highlands
When were trail cameras invented?
Trail cameras were initially developed for wildlife research and monitoring purposes in the early 20th century. The first known mention of a trail camera-like device dates to the 1890s when George Shiras III, an American lawyer, naturalist, and wildlife photographer, used a bulky camera with a tripwire mechanism to capture images of animals in their natural habitats. Shiras' photographs were ground-breaking at the time, as they provided a unique perspective on wildlife behaviour.
From Film to Digital: The Evolution of Trail Cameras
In the early days of trail cameras, images were captured as photos on film cameras. However, as technology advanced, digital trail cameras emerged, revolutionising the industry. Digital trail cameras provide numerous advantages over their film camera counterparts, including instant image review, higher image quality, longer battery life, and the ability to store thousands of images on a single memory card.
Over time, trail cameras have evolved further, incorporating advanced features such as high-definition video recording, time-lapse capabilities, remote access through mobile apps, and wireless transmission of images. These advancements have made trail cameras even more versatile and user-friendly, catering to a wide range of wildlife enthusiasts and professionals.
One of Yorkshire's rarest mammals, the pine marten, caught on a trail camera.
Trail cameras have unlocked a whole new dimension of wildlife observation and photography. These user-friendly, versatile and discreet cameras can be used in many ways across wildlife observation, education, conservation and research. From their origins as film cameras 130 years ago to modern advancements such as wireless transmission of images through phone networks, we can see trail cameras bringing people closer to wildlife for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of a trail camera?
The main purpose of a trail camera is to monitor wildlife and capture wildlife activity in outdoor environments. Trail cameras enable the observation and study of animals, which may include detecting wildlife presence and recording behaviours, without the need for human presence.
What is the difference between a trail camera and security camera?
Trail cameras are specifically designed for outdoor use, which includes remote areas. They are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and are often used for wildlife monitoring. On the other hand, security cameras are typically used for surveillance in residential or commercial settings to monitor property, deter theft, and enhance security.
Do trail cameras record all the time?
No, trail cameras do not record continuously. They are triggered by a combination of motion and body heat of an animal, and will only capture images or videos when there is activity within their detection range. This feature helps conserve battery life and storage space on the camera's memory card.
How do trail cameras get power?
Trail cameras typically use batteries as their power source. They are commonly powered by lithium AA batteries or rechargeable batteries. Some models also offer the option to connect to external power sources such as solar panels or external battery packs for extended operation.
Do trail cameras need internet?
No, trail cameras do not require an internet connection to function. They operate independently and store the captured images or videos on a memory card within the camera. However, certain models of trail cameras equipped with cellular capabilities can transmit images or videos to your phone or email if a data plan and SIM card are used.
