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The best trail cameras are camouflaged perfectly into the natural environment

The hunting enthusiasts among you will know that sometimes a hunting excursion can be frustrating. Although the traditional methods for tracking and monitoring wildlife are necessary skills for hunters, and for all of us to either aid in wildlife spotting or to keep us safe on primitive camping excursions from wild animals, modern technology has made the whole experience that much easier. 

Cellular trail cameras allow you to monitor deer and other animals around you, your property or your favorite hiking and hunting spot, without even leaving the comfort of your home. Instead of tracking for hours, or waiting out for animals to arrive, a wireless trail camera allows you to monitor these animals all day long. And the best part is you can do it remotely! Whether you’re looking to protect your property, get a rare sighting of an endangered species, or for a hunting camera, cellular trail cameras let you monitor wildlife 24/7. 

But, how is this possible? Cellular trail cameras aren’t a bit like the traditional digital camera. Cellular cameras are always connected, just like us. Using 3G, 4G, 5G or a different cellular network, cellular cameras transmit data over specific networks, all with the purpose to monitor the activities of wildlife. To make sure this data is always transferred, you’ll need to get a cellular trail camera plan, or a SIM card, before using them. 

There are a few factors that make cellular cameras unique. The first is that most are fitted with a motion sensor, which captures any significant motion. This means that when the deer you’re trying to monitor jump in front of the lens, an image is recorded in the camera, and a notification is sent immediately to your phone. Because cellular trail cameras are usually used in a natural environment, to monitor wildlife, they are usually wireless, battery-powered or solar-powered. The best cellular trail camera for you is one that fits your unique needs and requirements. Read on to find it. 

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Cellular trail cameras can be used for surveillance, or hunting

Moultrie Mobile XV7000i Cellular Trail Camera | Verizon Network

The first thing you might notice about this wireless camera is its unique appearance. The camouflaged casing of this camera appears to look like bark, meaning it can easily be attached to a tree, and won’t draw any attention to it. This will mean it’s less likely for an animal to notice anything untoward, or damage the camera while in situ. With a khaki-colored strap, this camera will visually melt into its natural environment. 

With a 20 megapixel camera, this option is top of the range when it comes to image quality. The Moultrie Mobile XV-7000i, Moultrie LTE, and Moultrie Verizon run on Verizon’s 4G network, which will send images direct to your phone, laptop or iPad. With industry-leading coverage, no matter if you’re whether tracking game in your back yard or the deep woods, this network is used by hunters and game managers all over the USA. 

One of the best features of this cellular camera is the Moultrie Mobile app, which can be used on android and iPhones. All you need to do is download the app, to receive images, laid out clearly, right to your smartphone or tablet. And with excellent specialized image sensors, the leading ILLUMI-NIGHT 2 Sensor, you can take incredible night time images. This is especially important when it comes to cellular cameras, as many game animals are most active during the cover of darkness, rather than during the day. 

Pros: 

• Bark appearance camouflage
• 20-megapixel camera
• Good flash range
• Is connected to Verizon’s industry-leading 4G network, with excellent coverage
• Specialized sensors to capture incredibly clear nighttime images
• Long battery life, using 12 AA batteries

Cons: 

• Sensitivity is very high, with potential for false triggers
• Battery life decreases over time

CreativeXP 3G Cellular Trail Cameras – AT&T Full HD Wild Game Camera with Night Vision for Deer Hunting, Security – Wireless Waterproof and Motion Activated – Tree Mount Included

As was previously mentioned, night vision for cellular game cameras is a very important feature As most of the movement of the game happens during the night, these are a few hours where you really can’t afford to lose out on images. And this is where this option wins. Creative XP 3G cameras feature full HD night vision, with an incredible 65-foot range, and records 1080P video, and 12-megapixel photos both during the day and the night time. Although The quality of images here isn’t as high as with some models, you might think it’s worth the sacrifice for the unique night filming feature, and the amazing range of this camera. 

Another great feature of this option is the easy and cheap data plan. With a free SIM card, which uses AT and T cell towers, the set up is as easy as one, two, three. Receive the SIM card and install it, pay just 8 dollars for 1500 photos and activate it adding your phone or email address, and wait for the deer or trespasser to activate the motion activated PIR sensor. Easy!

When looking at cellular trail cameras, and security cameras, one of the features you need to pay attention to is the trigger. This indicates how quickly the camera will respond, and thus, how many pictures you’re likely to get when motion is detected. Creative XP has a super quick 0.4-second trigger, meaning you’re likely to capture one to five photos per trigger. This camera also has a super wide dynamic lens with a 110 degree PIR angle, meaning this camera will capture images that for other models might well be out of range. 

Pros: 

• 65-foot range
• Superior night video recording
• Easy and cheap set up and data plan 
• Super quick 0.4-second trigger which captures one to five pictures
• Super wide dynamic lens with 110 degrees PIR angle

Cons: 

• No app, to make the storing and viewing of images clearer and more organized
• 12-megapixel camera, which isn’t as clear as some other models

SPYPOINT Link Micro with 16GB MicroSD (Smallest on The Market!) Wireless/Cell Trail Camera, 4 Power LEDs, Fast 4G Photo Transmission w/Preactivated SIM, Fully Configurable via App

For a slightly cheaper option of a cellular trail camera, why not check out this one by Spypoint. This is a great option for those who have less demanding surveillance needs, such as for use on private property, or in an area with less chance of constant motion detection. What makes this camera unique is its size: it’s the smallest on the market. This could also be very useful for you if it’s necessary that your camera be almost undetectable. 

However, this does come with its drawbacks. With only 8 AA batteries, and containing just a MicroSD card, this camera will not perform for as long, or capture as many images over a long period of time, as some of the other models reviewed. It’s best for those with less demanding needs, rather than tracking wildlife from a long distance for professionals or serious hunting enthusiasts. Also, with 4G photo transmission, which works with LINK-MICRO-V only, you might find that the coverage performance doesn’t suit your needs. 

Another drawback of this model is that the image quality isn’t as impressive as other cellular trail cameras. With only 10 megapixels, you might not be satisfied with the images that are sent directly to your phone or laptop. For property surveillance, however, this is all you really need and could save you some money too. We wouldn’t recommend this option for serious hunters, as the infrared night time vision isn’t up to par with some of the more specialized models meaning you might miss some coverage or have blurry images of game during the night. 

Pros: 

• Smallest on the market 
• Good for private surveillance purposes
• Cheap

Cons:

• Only 10 megapixels 
• Limited night photo caption ability
• Limited battery life with only 8 AA batteries

Campark Trail Camera-WiFi 20MP 1296P Hunting Game Camera with Night Vision Motion Activated for Outdoor Wildlife Monitoring Waterproof IP66

If you’re looking for another cheaper option of a cellular trail camera, don’t mind having a larger model, and want a higher spec camera, then Campark has you covered. With built-in WIFI and an APP function, this camera has loads of unique features that may tempt you. Firstly, you can check the camera angle on the phone and adjust the camera position remotely, making viewing photos and videos easier. 

Furthermore, despite being one of the cheaper options out there, this model boasts a 20MP, helping you to record every moment of vivid wildlife & spectacular nature with rich details. Unlike some other models, it also has an impressive 1296P HD video resolution, making this a fantastic option for those of you who really want to capture a natural environment and the natural behavior of the animals in it. Even at night, the camera holds up its quality: with 36pc 850nm infrared LEDs ranging an impressive 65 foot (20m), this camera clearly shows you the night behavior of animals.

The Campark T80 Trail camera boasts built-in WIFI and app control functions. Download the app on your mobile phone, and then connect with WIFI, and watch the wonderful images of nature flow in from the comfort of your own home! You can adjust the settings of the camera and check the photo or video on your phone directly. One small price to pay with this camera is that the HD card or memory card is not included, so you’ll need to purchase that yourself. We would recommend purchasing your own 32GB SD card, which can be done relatively cheaply, and also allows you the chance to choose your favorite brand or capacity. 

Pros: 

• Cheap
• You can adjust the position and angle of the camera remotely, from an app on your phone
• Impressive 1296P HD video resolution
• An incredible 20m night detection range with great night vision
• Inbuilt wifi 

Cons: 

• Video length is only up to 60 seconds
• Doesn’t come with an SD card
• No time-lapse

Stealth Cam GX Cellular Series 22MP 100FT Infrared Rang Remote Mobile App Camera

This model by Stealth Cam is a heavy-duty, high performing cellular trail camera, that certainly isn’t the right option for those of you looking to save some cash. However, it’s industry-leading spec could be worth your investment. And here’s why. One winning factor of this camera is the 22-megapixel camera. If the quality of image is the number one feature you’re looking for in a cellular camera, then look no further. 22 megapixels really is top of the range, there aren’t many models out there that will offer you better quality pictures than this, making it the perfect option for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts. 

And that’s not the only area where this high spec model delivers. With 42 NO GLO IR Emitters, producing 100ft of infrared light that will not alert or spook your game, you’ll be able to capture images of wildlife from further away than most other cellular cameras. With a reflex trigger of .5 seconds, Matrix Advanced Blur technology, and Retina Low Light sensitivity, every event is captured quickly and clearly.

We would recommend this camera to those of you who want to monitor a large area or multiple different kinds of wildlife. Stealth Cam comes with a super useful app, that allows you to control all of your GX devices from one device, like a cell phone. The home screen dashboard usefully displays cell signal, image count, battery level and memory card usage. Here you can also view all of the lastest transmitted images, create and manage galleries, delete images and pinch and zoom images. With its navigation assistance, you can also take a test photo to check the camera is working, and it will send you notifications if the battery or SD card is low. 

Pros: 

• Top of the range 22-megapixel camera
• 42 NO GLO IR Emitters, producing 100ft of infrared light that will not alert or spook your game
• Matrix Advanced Blur technology
• Retina Low Light sensitivity
• Comes with a useful app which allows you to manage all of your cameras and images from one device

Cons: 

• Connection issues sometimes over time
• Quite expensive 
• No solar panel

Bushnell Impulse 20MP Cellular No Glow Trail Camera

This AT&T-specific camera is one of the best wireless trail cameras, that won’t break the bank. Some of the unique features of this model include a 1-second image recovery, weather data image tags, and anti-theft mode. The 1-second image recovery time feature is especially useful for those looking for a cellular trail camera for hunting, as it means you can quickly notice any game near your cameras, and head off on your adventure. 

This option is also ideal for DSLR and interchangeable-lens cameras and high-performance camcorders, making it a great option for wildlife photographers, or those nature enthusiasts who want to capture stellar images of natural environments. Another benefit of this model is its speed. With up to 40MB/s write speeds for faster shot-to-shot performance, and up to 90 MB/s read speeds for faster transfer, a super fast trigger speed which means you’ll be able to catch multiple images for every sensor trigger, and they will be delivered to your device in lightning quick time. 

This camera also boasts a really strong memory capacity. With a high-performance SD card with both video speed Class (V30) and UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) ratings, you’ll be able to capture incredible 4K UHD and full HD video, bringing you fantastic picture quality. This is one of the unique features of this camera, where some other models fall short, with this one you can both capture stunning videos, and store a large amount of them without having to worry about your SD card filling up. However, some people report that the performance of this camera is not always reliable, so as long as you’re willing to take a risk, it could be great for you!

Pros: 

• 1-second image recovery
• Weather data image tags
• Anti-theft mode
• 40MB/s write speeds for faster shot-to-shot performance
• Capture incredible 4K UHD and Full HD video

Cons: 

• Questionable reliability
• Difficult setup
• Sometimes does not pick up cellular signal

Our winner: 

Our winner for the best trail camera on Amazon is the Stealth Cam GX Cellular Series 22MP. This camera not only boasts an impressive 22 megapixels, it’s also the best for all round surveillance and managing a large property or monitoring wildlife over a large area. Its apo allows you to view all of your cameras simultaneously on one device, and lets you track their battery and SD cards too. For covert wildlife, hiding in the bushes, the long range of this camera allows you to survey a large area and pick up movement from far away. 

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Think about what kind of SD card you need

These trail camera reviews will help you to find the best cellular trail camera for you. Whether you’re looking to protect your property from theft, survey a large area for hunting, or capture stunning images and videos of wildlife in the dark, we’ve provided an option for your unique set of needs. And the real beauty of all of these options is that they allow you to observe stunning wildlife, and game, right from the comfort of your own home!

Bonus tip: 

Watch this useful video, to find out how to set up your cellular trail camera

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ_7c9d9WHs