The Best Trail Cameras for Wildlife Research (2024)
Choosing the right trail camera for a research project will often be a balance between camera specifications and budget, and of course, you’ll want assurance that the camera model you’re choosing is a reliable one too.
At NatureSpy, we've worked with a variety of projects that are carrying out scientific research all over the world, from rainforests in Ecuador, to cold winters in Minnesota and the baking sun of Zambia. Below, we share the current most popular camera traps that we’re sending to a wide range of destinations for use in research projects.
Lions at Musekese Conservation, Zambia.
Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 & Spec Ops Elite HP5
Available in low-glow LED (Recon Force Elite) and no-glow LED (Spec Ops Elite) models, the Browning HP5 is our top pick for projects that are after high quality video footage. The HP5 is a brilliant choice for projects that need to capture animal behaviours and it produces good quality photos too, so it's a versatile camera for research needs.
The Browning Recon Force range has been a popular choice with research projects over recent years, performing well in a variety of climates and weather conditions, from the hot, dry summers in Zambia, sub-zero temperatures in Minnesota through to the intense humidity of rainforests. Both HP5 models are efficient with battery power and perform well with Eneloop Pro rechargeable batteries. Learn more about Browning HP5 Elite camera traps in our deep-dive article.
NatureSpy Ursus
The NatureSpy Ursus trail camera combines our experience in the field with conservation projects along with customer demand for a capable, feature-packed camera trap that is more affordable. The Ursus produces clear video and photo, features no-glow infrared LEDs as standard, and is versatile for a broad range of research needs, with useful features such as a dual (or hybrid) mode, timer period controls and time-lapse.
To meet the demands of harsher climates and weather conditions, the Ursus has an IP67 rating, which means that it’s dustproof and waterproof down to one meter for up to 30 minutes. The Ursus is also a budget-friendly option for research projects running many camera traps. Learn more about the NatureSpy Ursus in our deep-dive article.
Reconyx HyperFire 2 Covert IR
Reconyx camera traps have long been a popular choice with scientific research projects as they combine quality and reliability like no other. The Reconyx HyperFire 2 Covert IR is a popular choice with research projects that need photos.
The Hyperfire 2 is a photo-taking machine, owing to its fast trigger, quick recovery speed between triggers and capacity to take 40,000 photos on a single set of lithium batteries. The video quality is good and it comes with a 5-year warranty, which is testament to the reliability of the HyperFire 2.
Browning Strike Force Pro X 1080 and Dark Ops Pro X 1080
The Browning Strike Force Pro X 1080 (low glow infrared LEDs) and Browning Dark Pro X 1080 (no glow infrared LEDs) have proven popular with researchers, owing to their versatility and reliability, even in the high humidity of rainforests. The Pro X 1080 models are an upgrade on Browning's popular, and similarly named, Strike Force HD Pro X and Dark Ops HD Pro X.
Released in 2023, the Pro X 1080 models feature improved IR LEDs, enhanced image quality, faster trigger speeds and an extended flash range. These compact cameras are efficient with battery power (lithium or Eneloop Pro rechargeables) on both video and photo modes. The Browning Pro X models are a slightly more affordable alternative to the Browning Elite HP5. Although the specifications are a step down from the Browning Elite HP5, it's still an solid choice with a track record of excellent performance.
Haven't found what you're looking for?
We stock a curated selection of trail cameras and wireless trail cameras in the NatureSpy shop.
Our team are always happy to help with any questions you may have, contact us at shop@naturespy.org.
