Trail cameras make your hunting, wildlife photography, and security system more flexible. For someone as lazy as I am, these cameras are lifesavers. That’s why I searched more and more about these cameras to see which one makes things more comfortable.
And then I came across cellular trail cameras. To those who don’t know, cellular trail cameras work much like your cell phone. Beginners may find this camera a little troublesome. But once you understand its features, it becomes more and more trustworthy to users.
Today I’m going to answer questions, such as “what is a cellular trail camera” or “how do cellular trail cameras work,” etc. So, if you are a cellular trail camera virgin, I suggest you sit tight and read this article.
What Is A Cellular Trail Camera?
A cellular trail camera is like a traditional trail camera, but it needs a cellular network plan to function. We all know how a cell phone works. And cellular trail cameras work in the very same way.
Unlike traditional or wireless trail cameras, a cellular trail camera requires a SIM card and a data plan. Having a SIM with a data plan allows you access to the camera system from anywhere, which you can get via an app. For all these reasons, cellular trail cameras are getting more and more popular among users.
How Do Cellular Trail Cameras Work?
Understanding how a cellular trail camera works is not complicated. Anyone who knows how a cell phone works or how to transfer data through network signals from phone to phone will understand the concept in a second. Yet, if you don’t know, here is how a cellular trail camera works.
Batteries And SD Card
To start the camera, you need to insert batteries first. Some cameras require 8 AA lithium batteries, while others require 12. Depending on how many your trail camera requires, insert the batteries in the compartment.
Then you need to insert the SD card where the camera will store photos and videos. A cellular trail camera can support up to 32GB SD Card.
Network Connection
The most exciting part of a cellular trail camera is receiving photos or videos from anywhere. And that becomes possible when you connect the camera to a cellular network signal.
To do that, you need a SIM card and a data plan. Many trail cameras now come with SIM cards and different data plan packages. You can select the plan that suits you and pay according to it.
App
You will have to download a free app to control the settings. Without it, you can barely keep up with your camera activities. The app will allow you to check and change any camera settings.
Motion Detection
Once you have set up the above things and set up your camera, you need to switch it on and leave it at its new location. The camera had built-in sensors that we call motion detectors. Their job is to detect any movement that passes the camera.
These trail cameras have a specific range from where they can detect such movements. This range is called the flash range or detective range.
Taking Pictures
Taking excellent-quality pictures is a significant task of cellular trail cameras. Once the sensors pick any movement, it alerts the camera system, which triggers photos immediately. The time a cellular camera takes to click a picture can be between 0.1 to 0.5 seconds.
Usually, a cellular trail camera comes with a 10-30 megapixel camera. If your trail camera has a better megapixel camera, it will take better photos.
Send Data
If you have connected your camera to your phone, you will receive real-time photos and video after the camera snaps them. Each image and video will show you the time and date they were taken, along with the moon phase.
Cellular Trail Camera: Advantages And Disadvantages
Your purpose for buying a cellular trail camera can be different from that of someone else. That’s why learning the advantages and disadvantages this camera has can be helpful to you.
Advantages
- The most significant advantage of using a cellular trail camera is receiving real-time photos and videos. You don’t have to wait to go to the camera placement area to retrieve data.
- Cellular trail cameras are much easier to operate as you get to control them through an app. The app allows you to check the camera status, change settings, and more.
- The app will instantly notify you every time the camera takes a shot. The images will have details such as the time it’s taken, the date, and the moon phase.
- Cellular trail cameras are high-tech and have better features. Most cellular trail cameras have HD cameras that provide high-resolution images and videos.
- Other types of cameras will require you to visit the camera location frequently. That would cause disturbance and will alert the animals.
You may end up missing a perfect shot. That will not happen with a cellular trail camera, as you can check on the camera through the app.
- Many cellular trail cameras have an anti-theft feature. They come with a password protection system. It is not a hundred percent theft-proof, but no one can access the data without a password.
Disadvantages
- The first drawback of a cellular trail camera is the service charge you have to pay for a data plan. If you plan to keep the expense to a minimum, you should avoid getting a cellular trail camera. But, there are affordable data plans that you can check out before you decide what to do.
- Cellular trail camera batteries have a shorter lifespan. The continuous cellular connection and data transmission drain the batteries faster than usual.
- Since cellular trail cameras require a cellular network signal to connect to your phone, you need to choose an area where the network signal will be strong enough. The camera will not function without it.
- Though nowadays many cellular cameras come at an affordable price, the high-performing ones are pretty expensive.
Who Can Use A Cellular Trail Camera?
There is no prohibition regarding who can use cellular trail cameras. Anyone can use it as long as they understand the functions.
However, while wireless trail cameras are great for beginners, cellular trail cameras are great for pro users. Their functions and features are robust and high-tech and work smoothly for someone who understands how this gadget works.
Wireless Vs. Cellular Trail Camera
Most people mix up between wireless and cellular trail cameras. But despite their many similarities, there are several differences between the two.
- Wireless trail cameras require frequent visits to the placement area. You will have to check the settings occasionally. But cellular trail cameras rarely require that.
- A cellular trail camera requires a network signature with a data plan to send you photos and videos. Wireless cameras need a wireless network connection, such as Wi-Fi, to do that.
- Both wireless and cellular trail cameras tend to have waterproof bodies. It allows them to work fine even in terrible weather conditions.
- Wireless trail cameras have a shorter data transmission range. That’s why they are ideal for home security. On the other hand, cellular trail cameras are suitable for any surveillance purpose.
- Wireless cameras are affordable, while cellular trail cameras are expensive. But you can find budget-friendly cellular trail cameras nowadays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where Should I Place My Cellular Trail Camera?
That depends on your purpose to use the cellular trail camera. If you are installing it to keep track of games or photography, the best place to install the camera is near meadows or open fields.
You can also place them near the game trails. But, if you want to use the camera for home security, you can set it on a tree facing the front or backyard.
Q. Do I Need To Use The Same Network Provider For My Cellular Trail Camera And Mobile?
No, that’s not mandatory. As I mentioned at the beginning, cellular trail cameras work just like your cell phone. You can use different network providers to start up your camera.
To transport photos, you need to activate a data plan for your camera’s SIM. Then you can receive data after connecting your phone to the camera.
Q. Can I Use A Solar Panel With My Cellular Trail Camera?
Yes, you can use a solar panel to power up your cellular trail camera. Using a solar panel extends the battery life as the pressure on the batteries will decrease.
If you are using a solar panel, you will have to make a slight adjustment in the camera setting so that the power can go back and forth between both sources. Otherwise, the panel will be useless, and the batteries will keep draining.
Final Words
Almost every new cellular trail camera user asks, “how do cellular trail cameras work?” The answer is simple; it works just like any other trail camera but requires a cellular network signal to transport data.
But no matter where you place the camera, make sure to follow the trail camera placement tips. Use a network provider that has the strongest signal in that area. And finally, don’t forget to keep the camera condition in check.
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