Best Trail Camera Under $100 in | Affordable & Reliable

Trail cameras are an essential tool for wildlife enthusiasts, hunters, and researchers. They allow you to monitor and observe wildlife in their natural habitat, without disturbing them. Additionally, they can provide valuable information about animal behavior, migration patterns, and population dynamics.

However, finding a quality trail camera that fits within your budget can be a challenge. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Fortunately, there are some excellent trail cameras available for under $100 that offer excellent features and performance.

When searching for the best trail camera under $100, there are a few key features to consider. These include image quality, trigger speed, battery life, and storage capacity. A good trail camera should produce high-quality images, even in low-light conditions, with a fast trigger speed to capture animals in motion. Additionally, it should have a long battery life to minimize the need for frequent battery changes, and adequate storage capacity to store plenty of images and video.

In this article, we will review some of the best trail cameras available for under $100, highlighting their key features and performance. We will also discuss some of the factors to consider when choosing a trail camera, to help you make an informed decision. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, hunter, or researcher, there is a trail camera under $100 that will suit your needs and budget.

The Best Trail Camera under $100 Review & Buying Guide

1. 1080P 16MP Trail Camera

Performance specification:

• Videos Resolution: High-quality videos with a 2.4 LCD color screen
• Use Materials: IP66 High-grade materials and waterproof the trail camera.
• Trigger speed: 0.2s Trigger speed with (80ft day) and (65ft night)
• SD card & Battery: Included in this package

The 16MP trail camera is durable and waterproof. With the high-quality resolution of this camera, it competes with most smartphones.

More so, you get up to a 65 feet range of sight at night and day at 80 feet. It comes with the standard 0.2-second trigger time, so you capture the perfect moments. The easy setup of the camera is another thing that makes it worth its price.

You do not need to read the boring manuals to get it into ship shape. Simply insert the required amount of batteries and a memory card of 32 gigabytes, then it is ready to use.

However, the LCD screen is hard to view. Its size and quality make the image fuzzy, which reduces the usage of photos. Amongst these, the trail camera is very mobile and handy to use. Lastly, the company offers a four-month free return and a one-year warranty if you encounter any problems along the way.

Pros

• It has low maintenance meaning that you do not need so much to use it.
• The camera can be returned without complications
• It has a high image resolution
• Fast trigger times and long battery life.
• Water-resistant

Cons

• Low-quality screen
• Blurry images

2. GardePro A3 Trail Camera

Performance specification:

• Videos Resolution: 20 MP and videos recording 1080p 30fps
• Use Materials: IP66 High-grade materials and waterproof the trail camera.
• Trigger speed: 0.1s Trigger speed and recovery time 0.5s, detection distance 82ft with 100ft night flash range

The GardePro A3 Trail Camera swift motion detector is capable of capturing images in 0.1 seconds after noticing movement. Thanks to its excellent night vision, this feature can be used and can go months without a recharge. It is due to an energy-saving mode that burns no battery at all except when taking pictures.

Like its other counterparts, it is water-resistant, dust-resistant, drop-proof, and elementary.

If you haven’t yet found the camera of your dreams, then this is an excellent alternative for you to consider. There are a few things I need to bring to your notice.

First, the image quality doesn’t exceed expectations. Although trail cameras don’t need to shoot 4K video, clarity is always necessary whenever you can get it. Sadly, its harnessing latch has some durability issues. It tends to break easily, so you might need to buy another one sooner than expected.

Pros

• It is dust-proof and water-resistant.
• Its sensors are swift in action.
• It is also effortless to use.

Cons

• The trial camera has low image quality.
• The straps attached to the sides are quite fragile.

3. WOSODA 16MP 1080P 2 Pack Trail Camera

On the list of best deals, the Victure stands out as an affordable option for conservative buyers. The camera uses infrared tech to shoot high-definition photographs day and night.

Also, you get various benefits out of the trigger sensor. It can respond to the motion in 0.5 seconds, so you don’t get notified of false alarms. With its multipurpose shooting options, you can shoot a video, take a picture, or simultaneously.

Immensely challenging to use, the trial camera setup takes time, and you might find it challenging to master the settings and mode for a while.

Unfortunately, you might be relying on customer service for help. However, most buyers have said that the company is not user-friendly. So, any questions or problems you may encounter will be solved solo.

Generally, the purchase price is very affordable for all who don’t want to spend so much money on a trail camera.

Pros

• The Victure trail camera is quite affordable
• It has three shutter modes for you to choose from.
• The 0.5 seconds trigger sensor does not notify you of false alarms.
• It produces high-definition with infrared technology.
• The LCD screen is user-friendly.

Cons

• The company has poor customer service.

4. Trail Camera, 1080P 16MP Game Camera

The fantastic thing about this trail camera is that it has a whopping 16MP for images and 1080p video resolution. The 16MP resolution and auto day/night trigger ensure sharp and clear shots every time. With the high-definition pictures and video delivery, the details you need for your wild hunt will be given to you.

The sensors are also activated at 0.3 seconds compared to their counterparts, which are activated at 0.5 seconds. Although the difference might seem infinitesimal, that tiny difference could be the key to making your shot or missing it.

To buttress, it has an in-built LCD screen for immediate viewing of your images. Above all, it is on the high side towards $100, so it won’t be the best option for people who want prices far from $100.

Pros

• Trigger time is 0.3 seconds
• 16MP resolution
• In-built LCD screen
• Long-lasting battery
• It has an optional mounting bracket

Cons

• Not ideal for night image capturing
• The price is a bit high

5.Meidase P60 Trail Camera

Current price Meidase P60 Trail Camera

The Meidase 32MP is a cheap, sturdy camera that’s made to resist wear and tear and the elements like dust. Fortunately, it is water-resistant, which means you can leave it outside for a long time without worrying.

Also, it has a wide-angle lens that gives you the best view you can ever get. It is supported by a 1296P resolution that keeps the image quality sharp.

Regular users will attest that this camera is designed to be user-friendly. You don’t need to take a photography master class to navigate the settings of the camera. It has a mounting harness that will perfectly fit most surfaces you will experience on the trail, and the controls themselves are straight to the point. It will be perfect for primary scouting purposes quite well in all settings. You can even get a refund during the first forty-five days if you aren’t happy with your TopGuard trail camera.

The one issue to look out for is false alarms. The sensors that trigger the camera to start capturing are very sensitive means something as little as a sharp wind breeze could sensitize it. Although some will disagree with me that an overly sensitive camera is annoying, you won’t want to be notified. However, it is ranked as one of the best budget trail cameras.

Pros

• It is cheap
• It can capture objects at a wide range
• It is simple to navigate through
• The trial camera is sturdy.

Cons

• The sensor is highly sensitive.

6. WOSODA【2 Pack】 Trail Game Camera

Current Price WOSODA【2 Pack】 Trail Game Camera

An enormous memory capacity supports the Stealth Camera 16MP 30IR very well. Thankfully, with its 32-gigabyte memory card, you can multi-recording modes at a go and save as many videos as you need.

Although you need to buy a large memory card, which is a little high in price, it is worth it for efficiency in storing your media.

The intelligent sensors have a 65-foot range and half a second response time that makes the camera as responsive as you expect it to be for its price.

However, the sensors are overly sensitive. Little motions like wind gusts can sensitize the sensor to capture empty frames. It’s also challenging to work with, and surprisingly, it shoots better videos at night time than during the day. It works pretty well, but you could spend the same amount to get more with our best deal as far as quality is concerned.

Pros

• Huge memory space.
• Enormous sensor range
• Swift response
• It does not make noise when it takes shots.

Cons

• Captures a lot of empty frames
• Records lower quality during the day than it does at night.
• You have to purchase a battery for it to work.

7. Wildgame Innovations Terra Extreme 14 Megapixel IR Trail Camera

Current price Wildgame Innovations Terra Extreme 14 Megapixel IR Trail Camera

The WOSPORTS Trail camera comes with a high resolution of 16 megapixels. Its 2.4 inches LCD color shows preview photos and videos with colors during the day and monochrome at night. The trail camera can detect distances as far as 65 feet as it is equipped with 42 low-glow infrared LEDs to provide bright light at night.

Its tracking camera provides many unique features that include a moon phase display, real-time playback, and time-lapse recording. It is password protected to ensure your images and recordings remain stolen when it gets lost regarding its security protection.

Generally, it is a simplified device that is easy to operate and install. It is user-friendly due to its versatility. You can use it on our road trips, wildlife monitoring, home security, and trail camera games. Most of all, it is the most affordable camera under $100.

Pros

• Affordable
• High image resolution
• Perfect for recording at night
• It comes with a manual that can assist you.

Cons

• Although it has a high resolution, the images are reduced in quality.
• Infrared light might stop working abruptly
• The user instructions may be very confusing to understand.
• It doesn’t come with batteries

8. Meidase P50 Trail Camera

Current price Meidase P50 Trail Camera

Sensitivity is perhaps one of the striking features of the Browning Strike Force Trail Camera. The camera comes with a trigger speed of 0.4 seconds, while its recovery time stands at 2.3 seconds.

Such features make it one of the fastest trail cameras. The camera comes with a perfect detection range of 55 feet, thanks to its high-quality motion sensors.

Any objects with a variety of 55 feet will be captured during the day. The infrared LED flash, on the other hand, has a massive range of 100 feet. That means any animal found within a 100-meter range during the night will be captured.

The image quality remains fantastic with this trail camera. The camera has a great emphasis on focus, color, and brightness. At a resolution of 16MP, this camera can give reasonable, clear shots both daytime and nighttime. Do you want to know the best part? The camera gives good HD videos 1280 x 720 with Audio. Besides, it allows you the option of setting the interval for video recording.

The lowest value is 5 seconds, while the highest time is 5 minutes. It will enable you to get detailed videos. The additional feature on the camera is an excellent addition. On top of just viewing, it allows listening to the events too.

Another advantage of this feature is that it might not capture the animal, but the animal’s sounds will make you identify it. The battery life of the Strike Force camera is excellent, considering it runs on 6AA batteries. The batteries can capture up to 10000 images. Again, for longer battery life, consider using lithium batteries.

Pros

• Fast trigger time – 0.4 seconds
• Excellent recovery time – 2.3 seconds
• Easy to use
• Supports up to 32 GB
• Strong casing

Cons

• Lacks internal viewer

9. Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera

Current Price Bushnell Trophy Trail Camera

These cameras rank as one of the best low-cost cameras for training animals. If you value reliability, image and video quality, and battery life, consider buying the Stealth Cam PX12. When it comes to image quality, this camera performs well. It gives clear colored images during the day thanks to its three-mode resolution settings – a high of 6MP, a medium of 4MP, and a low of 2MP.

The night photos are fair in quality, considering that the camera only features 12 IR emitters that work perfectly within 50 feet. To get clear nighttime photos, you’ll need to place this camera in front of baits or feeders. The sensitivity of this camera is relatively low. It stands at about 2 seconds.

The camera won’t be able to capture fast-moving animals. So, for better results, place it where animals spent most of their time –feeders.

The camera will give you 1 to 6 images per trigger featuring 5 to 59 seconds. If you want to capture deer, you’ll have to place it at an angle where you suspect the deer will be walking.

If you use lithium AA batteries for this camera, you are guaranteed between 6 months and 12 months. This camera’s other benefits are that it features a digital 3-D camo housing that is durable and has an external LCD. Besides, it features a low battery indicator and a test mode.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Excellent daytime images and videos
• Perfect battery life

Cons

• Green saturation on pictures
• Slow trigger time

10. GardePro A3S Trail Game Camera

Current Price GardePro A3S Trail Game Camera

Stealth Cam G42 trail camera uses the latest technology to provide the best services to its users. The hunting camera is among the best trail cam under 100, for its features that support great night and daytime photos, and its lightweight makes it be hidden in higher places without many difficulties.

At 10 MP, the Stealth Cam G42 offers clear images. The best part is it comes with four different-re solution settings, i.e., 10mp, 8mp, 4mp, and 2mp. Makes it possible to get pictures with your desired locations.

For nighttime settings, you can get superior quality images, thanks to the 100ft range. The most important feature is the no glow flash made possible by the 42 black infrared emitters.

This camera’s outstanding feature is its retina capabilities, making it give the best quality images in low light at extended ranges. The retina is highly sensitive to light.

With an additional reflex trigger of 0.5 seconds, you are assured of accurate images. The bust mode will allow up to 9 images per single trigger. Do you like taking manual shots? If your answer is yes, then this camera will enable taking those shots.

On top of this, you’ll get password capabilities to protect your data. Storage shouldn’t be a problem for you because the camera has an SD of up to 32 GB. What else do you get from this technology-packed game camera? Backlit menu programming

Pros

• Variable resolution setting allowing customization
• High trigger speed – 0.5 seconds
• Features a triad system –that will enable you to take still images, HD videos, and time-lapse shots
• Easy to set up and use

Cons

• 2 M and 4 MP do not offer clear nighttime shots

11. Meidase S3 Pro Trail Camera

Current Price Meidase S3 Pro Trail Camera

Whether you want to keep surveillance on your property or trail a game animal, you won’t go wrong with the Moultrie A-25 Game Camera.

It ranks among the trail camera under 100. It features a good 0.7 seconds trigger speed: meaning you can get accurate images whenever motion is detected.

This high detection speed makes this trail camera an excellent choice for trailing faster animals such as deer. When it comes to image quality, you should not worry about this camera.

The 12 MP allows you to get crisp still images both daytime and night. It is a motion sensor that can detect any movement up to a distance of 60 feet. The type of camera is a low glow IR flash type camera, with a flash range of up to 60 feet.

The combination of the short trigger time, the detection range, and the flash range makes the camera take accurate nighttime images. Any object within a 60 feet range will be captured within 0.7 seconds. And, the storage of the photos shouldn’t be a problem for you because the A-25 uses SD/SDHC Class 4 cards or higher.

It can handle up to 32 GB. However, these cards are sold separately. The controls have a backlight system, while the interface is intuitive. Such features make setting up the A-25 very simple even when the light conditions are low.

The manufacturers of this camera put into consideration battery requirements. With 8AA batteries, the hunting camera can take up to 17000 images. If you want better performance, then use lithium batteries.

Pros

• Compatible with mobile granting you remote access to the camera
• Durable housing
• Faster trigger speed – 0.7 seconds
• Longer lasting batteries
• High-quality images and photos

Cons

• You have to buy the SD card separately

12. Xtellar Trail Camera

Current Price Xtellar Trail Camera

If you like hunting and scouting animals, then the Trail Game Camera 16MP 1080P Full HD is the best camera for you. It packs powerful features to bring vivid images and videos to your attention.

The camera packs a 16 MP resolution enabling you to get colored crystal clear images during the day and crisp black and white photos during the night. On the other hand, the 1080p video resolution allows you to record all videos in full HD.

The tripping speed is faster. The camera will sense movement and take a snap within 0.2 and 0.3 seconds. Such a short time guarantees you every detail. With this camera, you will not miss any exciting moment, be it day or night.

For nighttime, taking shots is enhanced by the 36 IR LEDs supported by invisible infrared technology.

The product of this is an amazingly clear nighttime vision that enables the taking of explicit images and videos. To get these images and videos, the animal must be within the 65 and 85 feet range.

Whenever an animal is within that range, the camera will record all moments, thanks to the three passive infrared sensors and the super wide 120 ° lens. Remember, this camera is built for the outdoors, so it features IPX65 waterproof capability doing works excellently even on rainy days.

Pros

• Super-fast trigger time – range of 0.2 and 0.3
• Crystal clear images and videos
• Waterproof casing making it efficient even in rainforests
• Easy to install
• Wider detection angle – 120 degrees

Cons

• SD and battery are not included in the package. So, you’ll have to buy them separately.

13.WiFi Trail Camera

Current price WiFi Trail Camera

The PX12 stands up well when it comes to hunting and keeping surveillance, though its features are a bit lower than its counterparts mentioned earlier. At 7MP, the camera can get crystal clear images during the day, though some users complained of blurriness.

However, the manufacturers of this camera emphasize brightness and focus. With these improvements, the camera takes colored shots during the day and gives black and white photos at night. The 14 IR emitters work excellently at night, enabling the camera to project its flash up to 40 feet long. So, any animal coming within a range of 40 feet will be captured.

The best part is that the camera has a burst mode that captures up to six images when triggered. Each trigger lasts between 5 and 59 seconds, while the recovery time is between 1 and 59 minutes. If you like keeping dates and times on your photos, then the Stealth Cam PX12 is the camera for you. The camera records the time and date and indicates the moon phase stamp whenever it takes pictures.

The camera can record videos. However, this takes only a maximum of 15 seconds. With the latest EZ Dial Programming, you can quickly and easily set up your Stealth Cam PX12 game camera whenever you want to capture movements. Other essential features in this camera include the 3-D durable digital camo housing, external LCD, test modes, and low battery indicator.

Pros

• Marvelous pictures day and night
• Long battery life
• Lightweight
• Easy to use

Cons

• Some customers complained of poor motion sensors

14. 4K 30MP Trail Camera

Current Price 4K 30MP Trail Camera

Lightweight trail cameras make one of the best hunting cameras. They are easy to install and carry around. The Stealth Cam 14 IR Emitter does not fall short of this.

Though considered an entry-level camera, it performs just like the giants in the industry. It bears an impressive resolution of 10MP, making it take clear colored shots during the day and great black and white photographs by night, thanks to the 14 LED Infrared emitters that can flash up to 50 feet.

Such features make this camera to be rated as one of the best trail cameras under 100. Each trigger caused by an animal’s movement within a detection range causes the camera to capture between 1 and six images (burst mode) per single trigger.

Each trigger time is between 5 and 59 seconds, while the camera has a recovery time of 5 to 59 minutes. When it comes to video recording, the cameras perform exemplary. It records videos in HD to lengths of 15 seconds. Each video comes at 16:9 wide ratios. Any picture or video of these cam records will indicate the date time and the moon phase.

Above all, the setup of the camera is straightforward. You have to pop in the batteries (it uses 8AA batteries), insert an SD card, set the time and date and the dial to either picture or video, and fasten the camera at a strategic position. The camera blends excellently with the surrounding.

Pros

• Long battery life
• Crystal clear images
• Easy to set up and use – doesn’t require special software
• Sturdy protective casing

Cons

• The video quality is not so impressive

15. Moultrie M-50 Game Camera

Moultrie did not miss the mark with this trail camera. At a resolution of 20MP, the images are just perfect, whether day or night. Similarly, the video is clear and bright thanks to the resounding 1080p video resolution.

Night images are clear because the camera features an illume-night two sensor. Besides, the infrared flash range comes in at 100 feet while the detection range stands at 80 ft. So, the camera will take quality images within a range of 80 feet. The outstanding feature of this camera is its instant trigger time.

The trigger time stands at 0.3 seconds, making the Moultrie M-50 Game Camera capture an image almost as soon as it is detected. Such a feature makes the camera so efficient that it can capture an animal even if it moves. You can set the camera to take a single picture at a time, or you can put it in a time-lapse mode, which captures the image at present.

Note that this trail camera is compatible with mobile. So, you can receive notifications wherever you are as long as it captures an image. The camera does not offer such a friendly setup menu. However, following instructions carefully can get you there. Battery life is excellent for the picture mode but frustratingly low for the video mode.

Pros

• Incredible picture quality
• Exemplary videos
• Long-lasting battery for picture mode – 8 months
• Longer detection range
• Faster trigger speed – 0.3 seconds

Cons

• Poor video battery life
• Tricky menu

16. Victure Trail Game Camera 1080P 12MP

Without a doubt, Victure Trail Game Camera is a fantastic piece of hunting camera produced by Victure. It is built to meet the needs of hunters. And the best part is it comes at an amazingly affordable price. From this camera, you’ll get clear images and videos thanks to its high resolution. The cameras come with a 12 MP resolution and capture 1080P HD videos. During the day, it will deliver remarkable color images and black & white images at night.

Another outstanding feature of this camera is the accuracy with which it takes pictures. It is an impressive trigger time of 0.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest trail cameras under 100. When a movement is detected, it is captured in real-time – no false or distorted images. Every image you get is captured with utmost clarity. Considering the detection range of this camera is between one meter and 10 meters.

Any movement within a range of ten minutes is captured. This camera’s infrared capability makes it ideal for sensitive animals: It features a fully automatic IR filter and 24 Pcs 940NM Infrared low-glow black LEDs. So, no bright flashes are produced to scare away animals.

Victure Trail Game Camera 1080P 12MP is built to withstand the outdoors. It comes with IP66 Waterproof housing. The house is drop-proof, rain-proof, and dust-proof. Makes an ideal camera for uses like hunting, security, wildlife scouting, and property surveillance.

You will find other exciting features in this camera including password protection, low battery alarm, interval recording, time, and time-lapse.

Pros

• Faster trigger time
• Durable
• 120 degrees angle of view
• High resolution – 12MP images and 1080P HD videos

Cons

• Low detection range – 10 meters

17. Moultrie  Game Camera – All Purpose Series

The version of the Moultrie trail camera packs numerous beautiful features to make it take explicit images and videos. The camera utilizes infrared technology for starters, making it an ideal camera for the game’s nighttime trailing.

The camera flash can be described as the no-glow type of moment because it is invisible to the human eye. Its flash has an impressive 24 LEDs and 850nmthus illuminating up to 70 feet in total darkness. Any object with a range of 70ft. Will be captured.

The image quality is evident. You can choose between two image resolution options, i.e., a short version (1920×1080) and a higher version (4608×2592). Besides, you get a 15-second HD video. The trigger time for this camera is 0.7 seconds. As such, the capture captures the image soon as motion is detected.

It means the photos you get are in real time. Besides, the camera is compatible with mobile, thus sending you notifications soon as motion is detected. Moultrie Game Camera operates with 8 AA batteries. These batteries are long-lasting as they can take up to 16 000 images. However, these results may vary depending on the weather condition.

Experts advise that if you want better results, lithium batteries can perform immensely better even in harsh conditions. Image storage is completely catered for with cameras’ ability to hold SD/SDHC class 4 cards or anything higher.

The maximum card capacity is 32 GB. A sturdy case usually accompanies the camera. It is a measure to protect the camera from harsh weather elements. At the bottom of the exterior casing is a standard 1/4 inch -20 threaded insert. A 72-inch mounting strap accompanies the housing.

Pros

• High-quality nighttime photos and videos
• Six months of battery lifetime
• Sturdy protection case
• Solid detection circuit

Cons

• The slow frame rate for day videos
• Limited setup options

10 Best Trail Cameras Under $100 Buyer’s Guide

Wildlife photography or hunting animals, especially deer, had never been more accessible until trail cameras stepped in. These cameras made it easier to keep track of the animal’s movements, and they also allow you to hunt without distracting them.

And whether you want a trail camera for hunting or photography, or something else, it has to come with the necessary features. A perfect trail camera has a high-quality camera, a fast triggering speed, with extended durability.

But what if you are tight on budget but looking for a quality trail camera? Well, that task can be accomplished too as these cameras come in different budgets. That’s why while researching and testing different trail cameras, I made sure to make a separate list.

Finally, I’ve selected a handful to be the best trail camera under $100. So, if you are up for finding out my top picks, enjoy your tour through my today’s article.

3 Types of Trail Cameras

Trail cameras have both advantages and disadvantages based on their types and some other matters. To know which one serves your purposes, I hope you will find the following information helpful.

1. Cellular Trail Cameras

Cellular trail cameras are the best choice if you want to observe animals or take pictures from a long distance. These cameras run on cellphone networks and instantly send photos or videos to your phone or email.

Advantages

• You can receive photos or control camera settings from anywhere
• They can be camouflaged easily
• Suitable for different weather conditions
• They have an SD card system to store a large number of photos

Disadvantages

• Require battery power that drains out pretty fast
• Require a strong network signal to work. That means you can’t set them up anywhere you want.

2. Wireless/Bluetooth Trail Cameras

Wireless trail cameras have a built-in transmitter to send photos with the help of a wireless network. You need to connect the camera to the receiving device to ensure data transmission. If the cellular network signal is weak, having wireless or Bluetooth connectivity can come in handy.

Advantages

• Easy to install and operate
• They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor surveillance

Disadvantages

• The outdoor environment may not be suitable for a wireless connection

3. Infrared Trail Cameras

If you want to track movement during the night, you will need an excellent-capacity trail camera to take clear pictures in the dark. Infrared or IR cameras are the most suitable choice in this case. The no-glow lenses of these cameras take HD photos even at night.

Advantages

• They are easy to install and suitable for the outdoor environment
• Ideal for capturing pictures in the dark

Disadvantages

• Infrared cameras are pretty expensive
• Photos often show blobs due to light reflection

Why do you need a trail camera?

From the built to functions, trail cameras offer unmatched services. They are built to withstand the conditions that the outdoors offer. Besides, the cameras have a wide range of features to fit different uses.

Advancing technology has seen the improvement of features in these cameras to make them efficient in their job.

For instance, most users prefer using wired types rather than wireless. Also, improvements are being made in flash technology, motion sensors, and transmission ranges.

The right trail cameras can double your chances of success in hunting or keeping surveillance of your property. You can trail the animals remotely, or they can send notifications to your paired devices.

With such features, you get real-time information about the object you are keeping a trail on. Our cameras were selected based on their performance. So, you need to look at features like transmission mechanism, the sensitivity of motion sensors, type of flash, battery life, and built.

This review is an eye-opener for anyone wishing to invest in a hunting camera. That is sold below 100 dollars. Please read it to the end to make the right decision.

How To Buy The Best Trail Camera Under $100?

Going through the reviews may help you find a few options to choose the best trail camera for under $100. However, several things need to be considered for buying a trail camera and not regretting it afterward.

Whether you are buying a budget trail camera or an expensive model, you need to make sure it has a high-resolution camera, can capture from an extended range, has a strong network to ensure fast data transmission, etc. If that still sounds confusing, let me explain it here.

Image And Video Quality

No matter what reason you are purchasing your trail camera, it all comes to one particular feature. And that is the picture quality and perhaps the video quality too, which is often optional.

A standard trail camera should not be of less than 10 to 12-megapixel resolution. The higher resolution it has, the better-quality pictures you will receive. And depending on the camera, the video quality should be 720p at least.

Night Vision

Daytime isn’t the only suitable time for capturing wildlife photos. If you want to have a perfect shot of wildlife activity during the night, a camera with night vision is preferable.

Some night vision cameras capture photographs in black and white while others capture in color. I would suggest infrared or no-glow cameras if you need this feature.

Detection Range

The camera can detect motion within a specific area range. If you are using the trail camera to prevent unwelcome trespassing, it is an important feature to check.

Trail cameras with at least 100 feet range are most suitable. But, if the range is shorter, a camera with a 60-80 feet detection range will work perfectly for you.

Trigger Speed And Recovery Time

Trigger speed is the time between the detection of any movement and capturing of pictures. The speed needs to be between 0.1-0.5 seconds. If it is more than the mentioned speed, the camera will fail to capture photos correctly.

As for the recovery time, it is the time between taking one picture and preparing for another. The sooner it recovers, the faster the following picture will be captured.

Network

For your tight budget, you will find plenty of cellular trail cameras. These cameras run on a cellular network and send photos to your cell or email. Without a strong signal, the camera might not work at all. That’s why it is essential to purchasing a camera whose SIM will receive a strong network signal where you want to install it.

Power Options

To power up your trail camera, you have two options:

• Battery power
• Solar power

Trails cameras usually run on 8 to 12 lithium batteries. With so many batteries, trail cameras can work for up to a year. And to ensure better function, always replace the entire battery set rather than mixing them up with a few new batteries.

On the other hand, solar-powered trail cameras save energy by powering up the camera during the day. Some models come with solar panels, and some don’t. Don’t forget to ask the seller about it or check it out by yourself.

Trail Camera Anti-Theft Tips

Camouflaging a trail camera is not for hiding it from animals only. You never know what type of people pass through the woods and for which purposes. So, make sure to take the necessary steps to prevent it from getting stolen.

• Mount them on the higher part of the trees
• If possible, install the camera inside a box or case. But be sure to leave enough open space for the camera to capture pictures.
• If the camera is password protected, use it to avoid data from being stolen.

Final Verdict

Trail cameras are not something that everyone uses. That’s why you need to be a little picky about choosing a trail camera and make sure you know everything about it. But as I’ve researched to find the best trail camera under $100, I hope you found the above information and guidelines helpful.

Just because you are looking for a cheap trail camera does not mean it is less qualified or less durable than expensive ones. If the necessary features are checked thoroughly, you will find many suitable trail cameras in your budget.