Best Trail Cameras for Hunters: Top Picks for 2024

Whether you are a hunter or simply someone who enjoys nature, a trail camera offers the ability to take a wondrous glimpse into the hidden and seldom seen world of wildlife.

Triggered by motion, these compact cameras are able to capture still images or video in high definition and sound, leading to a more educated and successful hunt as well as brag-worthy footage of animals that go “bump in the night” (and day!) Choosing a trail camera doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. Here are five top choices that get our seal of approval, covering all of the bases from traditional to cellular and battery and solar.

Trail cameras

Best trail cameras

Spypoint Flex-S Cellular Hunting Camera

This Canadian company has a solid reputation; you can’t go wrong hanging a Spypoint in the woods. With the ability to take 36 MP images and videos in 1,080 p with sound, the Flex-S offers constant capture technology, reliable cellular connectivity, and the added benefit of an integrated solar panel.
With easy and intuitive setup and the bonus of being enabled for GPS, the Spypoint Flex-S checks off all the boxes when looking for the best in a proven solar panel cellular trail camera.

Spypoint Force-48 Hunting Camera

This budget-friendly trail cam packs a lot of punch for a reasonable price. With the ability to shoot 48 MP images and 720 P video, and with a 0.5-second trigger speed, you’re guaranteed to capture all of the action in high definition at your tree stand or favourite nature spot.
Forty-eight low-glow LED lights provide up to 80 feet of illumination and infrared boost technology ensures maximum lighting for any night scene, giving the Force-48 a great performance ranking.

Wildgame Innovation Terra Cell Hunting Camera

Featuring a fast 0.7-second trigger speed and the ability to detect motion from up to 80 feet away, the Wildgame Innovation Terra Cell uses its AIM system to transmit high-quality 16 MP images to your phone or computer almost instantaneously.
Powered by eight AA batteries, but compatible with an external solar panel, this model fits the bill for those looking for a well-rounded cellular trail camera.

Stealthcam Prevue 6 Hunting Camera Kit

Complete with batteries and a 16GB SD card, the Stealthcam Prevue 6 is ready to be set up and running immediately out of the box.
Featuring a 0.4-second trigger speed, the ability to shoot 26 MP photos and 720 P videos, a built-in colour TFT screen, and 80-foot detection and IR range, the Prevue 6 is a user-friendly model that fulfills all of the needs in a traditional trail camera unit.

Browning Strike Force FHDR Hunting Camera

Complete with upgraded Gen 2 night optics and Radiant 4 illumination technology, the Browning Strike Force FHDR offers a full lineup of fantastic features with a price point that your wallet will like.
With adjustable trigger speeds from 0.135 to 0.7 seconds, 26 MP images and 1080 P full HD video, 80-foot detection range, and 0.5 second recovery time, this unit fits the bill for any hunter or wildlife lover.

What to consider when buying a trail cam

Traditional or cellular?

There are two basic types of trail cameras on the market. The most common is those that record images and video directly to an SD card that is slotted into the unit. In order to view these images, the user needs to retrieve the memory card from the camera and view the footage either on a computer or phone by using a card reader or internal memory slot.

The second type of trail camera is a cellular version. This model, through the use of cell towers and a data plan, automatically sends footage directly to your cell phone in real time. Most still have an SD card, which can be retrieved and used to view the images in the same manner as the traditional version.

So which is best? If cost is a factor, a traditional model gets the nod. Often less expensive to purchase, they also don’t require added data plans which can get pricey. But if your hunting grounds are a distance from home, or you’re conscious of leaving scent or spooking your intended target by frequent visits to the woods, a cellular cam is definitely well worth the investment.

Both models come with pros and cons. We will say this: It’s definitely cool to get a notification on your phone, while sitting in the office, showing an image of a big buck standing in front of your camera. Now that definitely gets the heart racing!

Choose the style that meets your needs and budget. Both ultimately produce the same result.

Harness the power of the sun

Many trail camera manufacturers are producing units that have built-in solar panels. These recharge, directly from ambient sunlight, internal lithium batteries. This is a game changer as swapping out batteries has now been negated.
We speak from experience when we say it’s never fun to show up to your trail camera only to discover that the batteries have died. With a built-in solar panel, that worry is no longer an issue.
An external solar panel can also be purchased separately, converting a “regular” unit into one that harnesses the power of the sun. A no-brainer buy in our eyes if you are already running a variety of trail cameras in the field or if you have your heart set on a new model that doesn’t have a built-in panel.

Other features to consider

If video is your preferred method of footage, ensure the trail camera you purchase allows for a decent amount of clip length. We personally recommend 30 seconds minimum, and preferably setting your cameras to record up to a minute if available. Some cameras on the market will only allow 10- or 15-second clips at a time, which can be a bit short. (Be conscious that longer videos eat up memory cards quicker.)

Although not necessary, an LCD viewing screen on the camera is useful. This helps in positioning the camera for optimum footage captures, gives the option to review images or videos while out in the field, and allows the setup of the camera in a much more user-friendly manner.

The ability to connect your phone to your trail camera via WIFI is another advantageous option. When coupled up, changing settings, adjusting position (with a live view on your phone screen), and downloading images are invaluable perks. Keep in mind that WIFI is different from cellular capability, and images or videos will not be sent to your phone in real time.

Hanging a trail camera in the woods is a guaranteed method for improving hunting success. For those that simply want to explore the hidden world of wildlife, there’s no better way than by choosing one of our top five picks for best trail camera.
Good luck this season and happy camming!

Fast facts

Most trail cameras utilize AA batteries. For the longest life, choose lithium. If looking to save money, go with the regular type or rechargeables.

Theft can be a reality when hanging cams up on public land. Always use a cable lock to deter crooks and protect your valuable investment.

Trail cameras work with either a micro or regular SD card. There are often limits to how many megapixels each cam can support. Be sure to read the manual carefully and choose the correct card to ensure the best performance.

Use the sun to power your trail cams. This solar panel by Spypoint works with any trail camera on the market.