In recent years, trail cameras have become increasingly popular with hunters and wildlife researchers around the world, but on the market, there exists a wide variety of trail cameras, which are classified in many ways and can generally be divided into standard trail cameras, cellular trail cameras and wireless trail cameras. So which one is right for you? Before you start buying a trail camera, you need to understand the differences, advantages and disadvantages of them. Then you can know which type of trail camera is right for you.
In recent years, trail cameras have become increasingly popular with hunters and wildlife researchers around the world, but on the market, there exists a wide variety of trail cameras, which are classified in many ways and can generally be divided into standard trail cameras, cellular trail cameras and wireless trail cameras. So which one is right for you? Before you start buying a trail camera, you need to understand the differences, advantages and disadvantages of them. Then you can know which type of trail camera is right for you.
Standard Trail Cameras
Standard trail cameras, also known as traditional trail cameras, capture photos and videos that are stored directly on the SD card and cannot be transferred wirelessly. Usually, users need to connect the camera to a computer through the camera’s built-in display or through a card reader/USB cable to read the images recorded by the camera. If the user’s computer does not have an SD card slot, the user can purchase an SD card reader, which are usually very cheap, and GreatView can also provide a cost effective card reader for the user.
Cellular Trail Cameras
The cellular camera adds a cellular wireless transmission module to the standard off-road camera. Through the cellular wireless transmission module, the pictures and videos taken by the camera can not only be stored in the SD, but also be able to be transferred to the user’s cell phone and email. In addition, some cellular trail cameras are equipped with an application, through which users can easily manage pictures and videos, as well as remotely control the camera, for details, please refer to our other article “How to manage your cellular trail camera”.
Although more convenient, cellular trail camera will create additional costs. As with smartphones, you’ll need to pay a monthly fee to use the cellular network. A plan can cost as little as $5 per month, but often more, depending on the number of cameras you use and the number of photos or videos the camera uploads each month. Cellular cameras also usually require an effective plan in order to function. You can’t use them like standard trail cameras.
Wireless Trail Cameras
Wireless trail cameras add a WIFI and/or Bluetooth module to standard trail cameras, and the camera can transfer pictures and video from an SD card to a cell phone via WIFI or Buletooth. Due to the limitation of WIFI and Bluetooth transmission distance (usually 50m), it can’t transmit data anywhere and anytime with cellular trail cameras, but it can save users communication costs as well as get a longer battery life. At the same time, it can also greatly improve the efficiency of user settings, the user does not have to climb the tree like a standard trail camera to remove the camera and SD card, to view the pictures and video, as well as the camera settings, just stand under the tree will be able to complete all the settings and view the pictures and video captured by the camera.
In short, all kinds of cameras have their own advantages and disadvantages, users need to consider, according to their needs, the right choice of trail cameras.
What’s the difference between standard trail camera and cellular trail camera
No matter what type of hunter you are, you need to consider the differences between each camera type and what makes them stand out from one another. Knowing this will come in handy when deciding which camera is best for your needs.
Benefits of Standard Trail Cameras
Standard hunting cameras save images directly to an SD card that you can physically retrieve for viewing, such as a card reader or USB cable.
One of the most popular traditional hunting cameras is the Greatview No Glow GT100 hunting camera. It produces 48 MP images and 4K video with a no glow infrared light. This no glow technology will give allow the camera to take more and more pictures and videos without scaring the animals away.
The main advantages of the standard trail camera:
Cost effective
Since traditional hunting cameras do not require cellular or wireless connectivity, their price range is quite affordable. This is especially helpful for hunters who have a small budget.
High quality images
Traditional hunting cameras can take high quality images because they upload photos and videos directly to an inserted SD card. It doesn’t compress the resolution and size of the images for transmission like a cellular camera does. Therefore, these will cameras are a good choice if you use them for hunting outside the net.
More friendly
Most standard hunting cameras are easy to operate, the menu operation logic is simple and easy to get started, you can set the camera and view the pictures and videos taken by the camera directly through the camera’s built-in display.
Disadvantages of Standard Trail Cameras
When you go to your hunting area to retrieve the SD card or set up and deploy the camera, you risk spooking the animals and changing their movement patterns due to your presence and scent.
Since these cameras have long batteries life and up to 32GB of storage, you also can’t leave for long periods of time without checking the battery life and available storage space on traditional hunting cameras. This can prove to be especially stressful during cold weather seasons.
Compared to cellular and wireless trail cameras, standard trail cameras have several disadvantages, including:
Limited range
Standard trail cameras require physical access to the camera to view pictures and videos, which limits their using range and makes them inconvenient to install and use in remote areas.
Delayed access
Because standard trail cameras can not transmit data with 4G LTE, users must physically retrieve the camera’s memory card or view pictures and videos through the camera display, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
Limited functionality
Standard trail cameras often lack advanced features such as real-time streaming, GPS and remote control, which may limit their usefulness for certain applications.
Overall, standard trail cameras have disadvantages in terms of convenience when compared to cellular and wireless trail cameras. However, for some basic monitoring needs, they are still a very cost effective option.
Benefits of Cellular Trail Cameras
Cellular trail cameras have a number of benefits over standard trail cameras, such as.
Saves time
By sending photos to your phone or email in real time, you don’t need to check your cellular trail camera as often. This allows you to extend your hunting grounds beyond your premises. By moving through the woods less, you have more time to focus on other important things.
Less obstruction
When you visit your hunting grounds regularly, you run the risk of leaving your scent behind, which animals can pick up and learn to avoid. With a cellular trail camera, on the other hand, you ensure you get a more accurate record of animal movement with fewer visits.
Security
Some cellular cameras have GPS capabilities, and user customers can check the location of the camera in real time through GPS location for the purpose of theft prevention.
For example, like Greatview GV-TC200, has GPS location to anti-theft , which makes it more covert and secure.
Disadvantages of Cellular Trail Cameras
Battery Life
Since cellular trail cameras use cellular data to transmit images and allow you to change camera settings remotely, this makes the camera require frequent access and networking, a process that will consume a lot of power, and the combined power consumption of cellular trail cameras is much higher compared to standard monthly cameras as well.
Higher Cost:
Cellular trail cameras are generally more expensive than traditional trail cameras. The cost of the camera itself is higher, and there may also be additional fees for cellular service.
Limited Coverage
Depending on the location of your camera, cellular coverage may be limited or nonexistent. This can be a particular issue in remote or rural areas.
Battery Drain: Because cellular trail cameras are constantly transmitting data, they can drain batteries more quickly than traditional trail cameras. This means you may need to replace batteries more frequently or use a larger battery pack.
Security Concerns
Because cellular trail cameras are connected to the internet, there is always the potential for security breaches or hacking. It’s important to choose a reputable brand and take steps to protect your camera and data.
Data Plan Restrictions:
Some cellular service providers may place restrictions on data usage or charge extra fees for exceeding data limits. Make sure to read the fine print before signing up for a data plan.
Conclusion
Due to its collection of advanced wireless transmission technology features, the purchase cost of cellular off-road cameras is generally higher than standard off-road cameras. Also, due to the need to purchase a data plan, users need to come up with a larger budget to purchase the plan.
In conclusion, trail cameras have revolutionized the way we approach hunting and wildlife observation. As technology continues to advance, so do the capabilities of these cameras. While standard trail cameras have been a reliable tool for many years, cellular trail cameras have brought a new level of convenience and accessibility to the market.
By allowing users to remotely access and receive real-time updates from their cameras, cellular trail cameras have made it easier than ever to track and monitor game animals. While they may come at a higher cost than standard trail cameras, the benefits they offer are invaluable to many hunters and wildlife enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the choice between a standard trail camera and a cellular trail camera comes down to personal preference and specific needs. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best fits your individual situation. Regardless of which type of camera you choose, the important thing is to enjoy the benefits that these innovative devices offer and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world around us.