A wild camera is a special hunting camera that captures images of wildlife. Typically, a wild camera can take high-resolution still images and digital video recordings by either using an infrared flash or taking advantage of the ambient light conditions. The distance and clarity achievable with modern wild cameras allow hunters to observe wildlife in their territory without disturbing it. In the past, wild cameras were mainly equipped with SD cards that had to be read out. The current trend is towards cameras that can connect online with the hunter's smartphone or tablet and send images in real-time. This way, there is no longer a need to drive to the area just to read the memory card and disturb the wildlife, and the images are available live.
The performance of wild cameras varies greatly, and the price differences are correspondingly large. The simplest versions start at around 100 euros and can reach five to six times that amount at the high end. It is therefore necessary to assess what one expects from the wild cameras, where and for what purpose they are to be used. One should consider which features are necessary or desired and match that with their own budget. The most important characteristics for image quality in wild cameras, as with all cameras, are the specifications of the optics, the resolution of the image sensor, and for night shots, the strength and thus the range of the infrared flash.
Even the simplest wild cameras can deliver acceptable images during the day, but their image quality deteriorates dramatically at night. In the worst case, the images taken at night are unusable - poor, as wild boars and predators are nocturnal. However, better and more expensive cameras not only offer higher image quality and greater range but also come with practical additional features such as burst shooting, video recording, and the storage of additional data like moon phase or temperature.
The premium models among wild cameras send the recordings via SMS (which can incur high costs) or via email, so they can be viewed on a smartphone. This way, hunters are always up to date about what is happening in the area and can intervene quickly if necessary.
If the wild camera is to be used in an area with a high risk of theft, such as near a city, a budget camera may be advantageous.
The reaction time of the camera is also crucial: If places are to be monitored where wildlife only stays briefly or passes quickly, the shortest possible trigger delay should be maintained - this is especially important at crossings. If it is likely that the monitored objects will stay longer, a slower wild camera is needed. Wild cameras with a slow reaction time are suitable for monitoring baiting sites or feeding places, as animals usually stay there longer.
An important factor is also whether the camera triggers quietly or loudly. The fact that not all wild cameras take pictures without noise can be a problem in red deer areas and high game reserves, as well as when monitoring houses or interiors.
Wild cameras, often also called observation cameras or photo traps, are digital cameras that take photos or videos when the built-in motion sensor detects movement. Wild cameras are often equipped with a flash that can illuminate images with visible light or infrared light in low-light conditions.
In addition, wild cameras can be used for a variety of applications, such as recording videos of animals in the wild. They can also be used to monitor homes and properties while one is away, for example, on vacation. Wild cameras can even be used to effectively secure remote recreational and commercial areas. Wild cameras are also frequently used in science and conservation for documentation purposes.
In principle, one should pay attention to good workmanship and not buy a camera that is too cheap. While models are available from around 50 euros, they usually do not convince with the quality of the recordings and break down very quickly - without the provider's warranty providing compensation. If you buy cheap, you buy twice.
Even in complete darkness, a wild camera with a night recording mode can create black-and-white images. In this case, infrared light is used to illuminate the surroundings, which is not noticed by the wildlife. Higher-quality wild cameras use radio transmission to send photos and videos to a specific receiver.
Every hunter wonders what is actually happening in their territory when they are not there. To answer this question, wild cameras are ideal - preferably several, to cover the area comprehensively. Wild cameras not only make it easier for the hunter to succeed in hunting, but they are also more gentle on the wildlife because the hunter does not have to go into the area as often to achieve this. In addition to hunting use, wild cameras are also suitable for monitoring one's business premises, home, or enclosed property.
Wild cameras can send photos or alerts in various ways. This can be done via SMS or email. The wild cameras have a transmission module that resembles that of a mobile phone and with which they can transmit images and notifications. As with other mobile phones, a SIM card is also required here.
The data is transmitted using various mobile communication protocols: 2G, 3G, or 4G. The G in the name stands for generation, and each generation represents a significant technological improvement that mainly affects the speed of data transmission - the time it takes to send images from a game camera to a computer or smartphone.
Depending on the generation, the data is transmitted using different mobile standards: 2G (mobile standards GPRS and Edge), 3G (UMTS), and 4G (LTE) are the slowest and fastest.
When choosing a location for a wildlife camera, there are a few things to consider: For reasons of privacy and security, locations should not be chosen where numerous and frequent forest tourists gather. Paths, swimming spots, parking lots, and the like are therefore excluded. Areas that attract certain wildlife species are fascinating, and at the same time, hunting is possible: baiting sites, crossings, and wallows. Surveying the area can make it easier to find a spot for a wild camera.
Unwanted photos can be caused by branches and bushes that move in the wind. To prevent the camera from capturing images of the rising or setting sun, it should be set up in a north-south direction. Wild cameras should not be mounted at human eye level: This not only serves to prevent theft - cameras mounted at knee height (wild boars, predators) or at overhead height with appropriate tilt (deer) provide better images.
The best and simplest anti-theft strategy is to not hang a wild camera in busy places or at eye level. Photo traps at knee or overhead height are much less likely to be discovered than if they are mounted at eye level. Additionally, all wild cameras have loops for securing with a cable lock. For most common wild cameras, sturdy metal housings are available. Coniferous or deciduous trees, bushes, and plants can provide excellent camouflage. Camouflage is an effective means of theft prevention, for example, with tree bark or similar materials. Many wild cameras can be secured by entering a PIN or password.
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