The Camojojo Trace 4G trail camera features a versatile range of settings that can be adjusted to fit a variety of wildlife monitoring scenarios. In this guide, we cover ‘Work Modes’, an overview of data plans, best settings for video and photo modes and some additional top tips for the Camojojo Trace 4G camera trap.
Selecting the Work Mode is the first step with choosing settings for the Camojojo Trace. The Work Mode function enables users to define how the camera works so its performance can be tailored to individual needs. There are three modes, each with advantages and drawbacks depending on use case.
Boost mode enables the most instant control of the camera, however, this is the most power-hungry mode.
When instant images and live streaming are not required, or maximum battery life is high priority, use Eco mode.
Auto mode is a balance between Eco and Boost modes. Images are received instantly, however there are limitations on adjusting settings and live streaming. This compromise helps to extend battery life compared to Boost mode.
All 4G/cellular trail cameras require data plans for the transmission of footage wirelessly. Camojojo offer a variety of plans that are purchased separately within the Camojojo app. These can be purchased on a monthly or yearly basis, with the latter being more cost effective in the long run, however we recommend trying out monthly subscription plans first to understand which works best for individual needs.
For light camera use, transmitting 300 photos/videos per month and providing 365 days of cloud storage for those images. Images are still available on the cloud even after a plan has expired. Live streaming is not accessible on the Basic plan.
For busier trail camera locations and those wanting to access live streaming options. The Elite plan transmits up to 800 photos/video per month, 10 HD image requests, 10 minutes of live streaming and 365 days of cloud storage.
The top level data plan, with unlimited photo/video transmission, 20 HD image requests, 20 minutes of live streaming and 365 days of cloud storage.
Two useful add-ons are currently available. In addition to one of the three data plans above, users can purchase an HD Package add-on, which enables 100 HD photo/video requests per month and is available across multiple cameras with a single purchase, so long as they are being used within the same account. For those that need a lot of live-streaming time, there is also a separate Live Stream Package adding 60 minutes of live availability per month, and again this can be used across multiple devices with a single purchase.
From our field tests, we have found these to be the best video settings for the Camojojo Trace. Adjust these to suit individual needs.
Maximum 1080p (1920 x 1080) video resolution records HD video at 30fps, producing clear footage.
Set to 9 (high), this will maintain a responsive camera at longer ranges for larger animals and at shorter ranges for smaller animals. If capturing excessive amounts of false triggers (e.g. moving foliage causing the camera to trigger), firstly try moving the camera or cutting back the foliage. If this doesn’t work or isn’t possible, reduce PIR Sensitivity by one at a time until false triggers are reduced to manageable levels.
Start at ‘off’. Fine tune this to the camera location and your needs. If you want to capture everything, stick to ‘off’, if you’re getting an overwhelming amount of footage (e.g. the same squirrel setting up shop), consider intervals of 60 seconds or more.
Camojojo Trace with Camojojo Double Solar Panel
The following settings are our start place with setting up the Camojojo Trace for photo captures. Again, refine these to suit individual needs if necessary.
Set this to 3M, which is the smallest image size (but don’t worry, it’s still a large image!). Although counterintuitive, this is common with almost all trail cameras, as they use interpolation for photos, which means that larger photos are only bigger because they’re artificially enhanced. The 3M setting produces images that are not artificially enhanced.
3 captures per trigger is a good place to start as it will produce 3 images of the animal which can be helpful for trickier identifications. Decrease this setting if capturing more photos than needed in each trigger/event. The camera will only send the first image to the app, any additional images are saved to the camera’s internal memory card.
Set to 9 (high), this will maintain a responsive camera at longer ranges for larger animals and at shorter ranges for smaller animals. If capturing excessive amounts of false triggers (e.g. moving foliage causing the camera to trigger), firstly try moving the camera or cutting back the foliage. If this doesn’t work or isn’t possible, reduce PIR Sensitivity by one at a time until false triggers are reduced to manageable levels.
Start at ‘off’. Fine tune this to the camera location and your needs. If you want to capture everything, stick to ‘off’, if you’re getting an overwhelming amount of footage (e.g. the same squirrel setting up shop), consider intervals of 60 seconds or more.
For the best all-round flash option, select High. At maximum brightness, this mode will illuminate both longer and closer range animals. If only capturing images at closer ranges, choose Low to reduce overexposure.
Learn how to get the most out of the Camojojo Trace with these top tips.
To view images captured across multiple smartphones, in the Camojojo app select Camera > Share then click the ‘+’ icon in the top right corner. This will generate a QR code that can be photographed on another device. A second way to share the camera is by selecting the Mail icon on the same screen, and sending an invite via email.
The Work Period function allows users to define the two separate windows of time and/or days when the Trace will capture images. This helps to target image capture to the periods of the day of interest. For example, those monitoring hedgehogs will only need the camera to function at night, or perhaps dawn and dusk are particular periods of interest for peaks in wildlife activity.
The time lapse feature works independently from regular photo and video modes, which means the camera will record an image (video or photo) at your chosen time lapse intervals and will still trigger in between intervals if an animal passes the camera. From our testing, we have found the 1 minute interval to work most effectively for frequent captures, balancing power use and regularity of images captured. Alternatively, much longer intervals can be set, up to 23:59:59, which takes one image per day and can be a useful way to check the camera is still working and positioned as expected.
An optioned Camojojo solar panel with built in rechargeable battery is sold separately. Not only can this option reduce battery costs in the long term, but it’s also an effective way to upgrade the Trace for use in remote and hard-to-reach locations, significantly extending the battery life of the camera over regular AA battery use.
As with all trail camera solar panels, we recommend aiming the panel southerly (or northerly for those south of the equator) at an angle of around 30-45 degrees for maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day. Charge the solar panel battery at home before deploying the camera to maximise battery life.
We hope this guide helps you to capture great images with the Camojojo Trace. If you have any questions about this trail camera, please get in touch, our team will be happy to help.
The Camojojo Trace 4G trail camera is available in the NatureSpy Shop. As a conservation social enterprise, all profits from our shop support conservation projects, ranging from pine martens in Yorkshire to Andean bears in Ecuador and lions in Zambia.
