There are basically two types of trail cameras. There are two types of trail cameras: incandescent flash and infrared. They both do a great job at taking night shots when they are set out on deer trails, feeders, food plots, or feeders. But, many hunters have questions about which type of camera to choose.
Let’s take a look at each type and see how they work.
Flash Trail Cameras
Flash deer trail cameras have the same incandescent bulbs as digital or 35mm cameras. The trigger to take a photo is pressed and the bulb lights up. The trail cameras with flashbulbs function in the same manner as normal cameras, but the button is not pressed. The motion sensor triggers the camera’s ability to take a photo and, just as the camera is recording, the bulb flashes brightly lighting the area in front.
The flash trail camera has the advantage of taking color photos all day and night, unlike the infrared camera. However, the downside is shorter battery life and the possibility to scare the animal you want to photograph. The flash will only give you one chance to photograph that animal once it becomes scared by the flash popping into its eyes.
Your flash camera may be used in public areas or security. This can be very costly and frustrating.
Infrared Trail Cameras
One of the newest cameras available today is the infrared trail camera or IR. Because of its covert photography capabilities, it is growing rapidly.
Heat sensors are what power the infrared camera. They detect the amount of heat that an object emits and color-code the object according to how much-infrared radiation it has emitted.
It is quite complicated, so I won’t go into detail. It is important to note that the trail camera triggers when heat is detected by the sensor. This triggers the flash camera to take a photo, but without the flash effect. Instead, it lights up an LED panel that emits enough light to allow the camera to capture the image.
These cameras are popular because they don’t emit the same bright light as an incandescent camera. Research has shown that this does not attract attention to the camera or spook wildlife. This means you can get more photos of deer at your food plot, feeder, or even capture the moment someone breaks into your car. These pictures can be taken in black and white, but they have a few advantages over incandescent flash cameras.
Because of its infrared technology, the lack of attention-getting aspect, and the longer battery life of using LED lights, the IR camera is better for leaving out in public hunting zones.
Pros and cons of Infrared vs. Incandescent
Flash Camera Cons
- Uses more energy than IR
- Battery life is shorter
- Attracts Attention
- Spooks Animals Far Away
- Keeps some animals from coming back
- Slower trigger speeds
IR Camera Cons
- Night photos are black and white
- Nighttime Image Resolution is lower than Incandescent
- Some pictures are blurry
- Flash cameras are often more expensive than IR cameras.
- Flash Camera ProsPhoto of Color Day or Night
- Image Quality and Resolution much higher than IR
- Some models are cheaper than IR
Pros of IR Cameras
- Flash Cameras are not as attractive as flash cameras.
- Battery life is longer
- Flash uses less energy than flash
- You can take black and white or color photos (daytime only).
- Accelerated Recovery and Trigger Speeds
- It does not spook animals
- It doesn’t stop animals from coming back
This information can be used to help you choose the best hunting equipment. You will be able to make a decision about the type of trail camera you want to buy.
