Trail cameras or game cameras have been game-changers for decades. They have brought an extraordinary change in the fields of hunting and photography.
There used to be a time when hunters would walk for hours and spend days and months tracking games. And photographers would barely take their eyes off the camera in case they miss the perfect shot. None of these were necessary from the moment trail cameras started taking over.
And if you have or want to have a wireless trail camera, be ready to find out a thing or two about how a wireless trail camera work. The information will help you understand how the camera features and systems work.
What Is A Wireless Trail Camera?
Almost every trail camera has similar features. These are high-tech cameras that you install at certain places to keep surveillance. It is more like a mixture of a regular camera and a cellphone.
A wireless camera has sensors that pick up movement when something or someone walks in front of it. Then the camera takes pictures and stores them on the SD card. To retrieve the photos, you need to use a wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi.
Connecting the camera to your cell phone, you will be able to access the camera storage. You must know that you will have to be within the wireless network range of your camera to get access. That is why this camera is also known as a Wi-Fi trail camera.
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How Does A Wireless Trail Camera Work?
For beginner hunters or wildlife photographers, using a wireless trail camera is the first step to experiencing something different and incredible. To make the experience even better, a user must know how a wireless trail camera works. So, here is a detailed explanation of how it works.
Camera And Video Modes
You know how a regular camera works. So you understand this part because it is the easiest. Just like any other camera, a wireless trail camera has one job; to take pictures.
Depending on brands and models, the camera can be of different resolutions. The resolution determines the quality of the picture.
Several models of this camera are capable of capturing videos too. You can switch the camera mode between still image and video if you need to.
Detects Motions
When you set your trail camera out there, how do you think it takes pictures? The camera has built-in sensors with a flash range. For example, your wireless camera has a flash range or detection range of 80 feet.
So, the sensors will detect anything that passes the camera within 80 feet. All trail cameras come with different detection ranges. But they work in the very same way.
Triggering Photos
There is a trigger that captures the photos. Without its fast reaction, the camera is useless. After the sensors pick motions, the automatic trigger clicks to take pictures.
Storing Photos
After taking the photos, the camera system will store them on the SD card. Sometimes the card comes with a camera. If it doesn’t, you have to purchase it.
How many photos the card will store will depend on its capacity. You need to check on the camera occasionally to ensure the SD card isn’t out of storage. Otherwise, the camera will not take pictures.
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Wireless Connection
Now, this is the reason we are here. Wireless trail cameras work with a wireless network, such as Wi-Fi. If you want to retrieve the photos, you don’t have to be near the camera.
Since you can transfer the data with Wi-Fi, you only need to be within the Wi-Fi network range. Then you have to connect the camera to your phone and transfer photos.
Getting near the camera can cause disturbance in the woods. And if you are hunting or taking wildlife photos, you would want to make as little disturbance as possible.
Using Wireless Trail Cameras For Home Security
Not many people know this, but trail cameras are used for home security, especially wireless trail cameras. These cameras do not go beyond a specific range for data transfer. That’s why they are more suitable for places from where you can get access without any problem.
If installed for home security, you can control or even transfer data while staying inside the home. For a better outcome, install the camera on the tree in front of your house. If you want to keep it away from plain sight, installing it inside a birdhouse or something similar will be a perfect option.
Wireless trail cameras come in handy for backyard surveillance, especially when you have barns or things like that. They are also helpful in preventing trespassing and capturing clear photos of intruders. Besides, the sudden flash is easy to spook anyone.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Wireless Trail Camera
Everything has two sides: advantages and disadvantages. We can say the same about wireless trail cameras. It has several positive sides, yet there are downsides. And they are-
Advantages
- Wireless trail cameras are reliable for home security. Since the camera does not go beyond a minimum range, you can set it up for your home security to prevent unwanted trespassing.
- Unlike cellular trail cameras, you don’t need a data plan to run a wireless trail camera. It is a great way to save some money.
- Wireless trail cameras are suitable for beginners. No matter what your purpose is, this type of camera is a fantastic way to get started.
- Wireless cameras are affordable. Most of them come at a budget price.
Disadvantages
- Cellular trail cameras allow you to receive real-time data with detailed information. Unfortunately, you won’t have such features in wireless cameras.
- Since you are only allowed to receive data using a Wi-Fi connection, you will have to be within the camera range. If you are further from the range, you can not connect your phone to the camera.
- Another disadvantage of wireless trail cameras is that they have comparatively lower battery life. That’s why you will have to keep a check on the battery life and replace them before they die.
Setting Up A Wireless Trail Camera
Installing a wireless trail camera requires only a few small steps. Here they are:
- Read The Instruction: Many people ignore this necessary step. Every trail camera model is different. Most features may be similar, yet they have their differences. The instruction will give you a better picture of how to set up the camera.
- Install The Batteries: At the bottom of the camera, you will find a latch. Open it and insert 8-12 batteries, whatever your camera requires.
- Insert The SD Card: Above the battery compartment latch, there’s an SD card slot. Insert the card correctly.
- Turn On The Camera: Use the power button to turn on the camera. You can also use it to turn it off.
- Test The Camera: First, make sure the settings are correctly set. There are time and date and capture modes for you to customize. Then run a test on the camera before you take it out to install.
- Choose A Location: Choose an area or location where you want to set your camera. If it’s for hunting or photography, setting it up near streams or food sources will help. But if it is for home security, select a tree from where your house or the front door area will be visible.
- Install Your Trail Camera: Using the strap that comes with the package, set up the camera three feet above the ground on a tree. If you want to hide it, set it at least 10-12 feet higher. Make sure to angle the camera downward if you install it higher.
- Check Status: After setting up the camera, check the settings one more time. The LCD will show the date, time, SD card remaining space, and battery percent.
- Run Another Test: Now, before you pack up and leave, run another final test. A second check is always safer as settings can accidentally change while you are setting up the camera. That’s why it is better to keep the camera turned off while doing that.
And finally, run another test. Take a walk in front of the camera, keeping a little distance to see if the sensors and trigger work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does A Wireless Trail Camera Need A Cellular Data Plan?
No, it doesn’t. Cellular data plans are for cellular trail cameras. It also requires a SIM card for the user to connect it to a cellular network. But a wireless trail camera does not need to go through that kind of network as they transfer data through Wi-Fi.
Q. Where Can I Buy A Wireless Trail Camera?
Wireless trail cameras are available in almost every camera or security equipment retailer’s shop. If not, you can still find them online in stores like Amazon.
Final Words
You came here looking for an answer to how a wireless trail camera work. And look how many more things you’ve got to learn by the end.
Wireless trail cameras have been available for a long time. But in the era of mechanical gadgets, wireless and cellular trail cameras are trustworthy and easy to maintain. Though cellular trail cameras have expanded beyond imagination, wireless trail cameras are still helpful in different aspects.
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