Trail cameras that send pictures to your phone....Everybody wants them but most folks know very little about them. And that's ok. Wireless trail cameras aren't all that new but we're just getting to the point of mass social acceptance and demand amongst deer hunters. We can say that because we have a very good pulse of the trail camera market, in fact over the last 24 months we've talked about the wireless shift inside the industry quite often.
Bluetooth Technology Pros: - Transmit photos/videos without data charges - Simple device setup or syncing - Relatively low power consumption Cons: - Limited operational range - Slower transmission rates vs other options - Possible security vulnerabilities
WiFi Technology Pros: - Transmit photos/videos without additional charges assuming WiFi signal is present - Simple syncing and device setup - Faster transmission speeds
Cons: - WiFi signal must be present for use - The connective range is extremely limited when obstruction such as elevation and/or vegetation exist. - Higher power consumption and may hard wired power Again, WiFi trail cameras aren't all that readily available on the marketplace due to the limited applicable opportunities most deer hunters have. Currently, WiFi trail cameras are still not a viable option for 99% of us.
Cellular Technology Cellular trail cameras are without a doubt the best wireless option for hunters and anyone wanting to use wireless trail cameras in remote areas. The current marketplace is a direct reflection of that statement, nearly 99% of wireless trail cameras utilize cellular technology. Cellular trail cameras work by transmitting data over the existing cellular infrastructure of network carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular, etc. Pending the operational network the cellular trail camera will have specific hardware optimized to run on the carrier requirements of the network. There are more than enough options available on today cellular trail camera marketplace to fill anyone's need. While the performance and capabilities will vary greatly between different models, below we noted the general pros and cons.
Pros: - No limit on operational range pending signal strength - Ability to manage and control the device remotely - Accessories like security boxes and external power sources are widely available. - Fast data transmission speeds Cons: - Data plans are required due to utilizing carrier networks - The cellular signal must be present for proper function - While makes and models will vary greatly with different functions, capabilities, and performance cellular trail cameras are the best bet for the vast majority of hunters looking to use wireless trail cameras.
All in all, that's a general outline of the different types of wireless trail cameras that are available in the market place today. For most folks cellular technology is going to be the best fit when considering wireless trail cameras. Cell cams offer the most familiarity for practical use, operations, functions, and model options. More additional information on this topic and other cellular trail camera information please head over to the Exodus YouTube Channel or list to the Trail Cam Radio Podcast!
