Wildlife cameras have become very popular recently, used by people to capture images of animals in their yard or close by, and also to keep an eye on wildlife in the area. Anyone interested in observing animals can benefit from using **wildlife cameras**. Start using one today to discover the amazing creatures that visit your **neighborhood**!
There are several types of wildlife cameras on the market. Some are designed for indoor use only, some are waterproof, and some are both! These cameras can range in price depending on what features you want.
The best wildlife cameras are easy to use and have good quality pictures and videos. The worst could take poor quality pictures or may be difficult to set up and use. It is important to do research on which ones work well and which do not.
This article will discuss all the details about outdoor wildlife cameras and how they work.
Once you have decided on the type of wildlife camera you would like to use, the next step is to purchase the mount for it.
There are a variety of mounts that can be found online and in outdoor stores. Most sell camera traps with specific mounts, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations before purchasing a mount.
Some of the most common mounts are: tripod mounts, tree mount hooks, and ladder or post mount attachments. Depending on which camera you use will determine which mounts are best for you.
Camera traps that are angled downward tend to produce better results due to shadows created by the angle. If you would like to keep your camera trap more horizontal, then purchase a tripod with legs that are longer than normal so that it is still level.
General tips: When setting up your camera trap, be careful not to make too much noise while moving around it.
Buy an external memory card
Once you have chosen and ordered your camera, you will need to get an external memory card. The camera will come with a built-in memory, but this is very small and only used to save the camera settings.
External memory cards can be bought at most electronics stores or online. Make sure you get the correct format for your camera, which in this case would be Micro SD.
Once you have the card, you will need to transfer the pictures onto a computer or put another memory card in to transfer them. Most cameras have easy transfer instructions.
Purchase a long-lasting battery
Once you have decided on what camera type you want, the next step is to purchase a long-lasting battery. Most cameras come with a standard AA battery cartridge, but these last only a few hours.
PROtip: Invest in a rechargeable long-lasting battery or extra batteries to ensure your camera keeps recording!
Some companies also offer Wi-Fi enabled cameras that have an app where you can monitor your camera from your phone battery wise. If you are going to use your phone to monitor the camera, make sure to purchase a model that has a long-lasting battery as well.
Camera companies often have sales where they sell their products with extra batteries included at a lower price per piece. Look out for these sales and grab some extra batteries!
At Wildlife Camera Store, we carry various models of wildlife cameras and offer deals on packages with extra batteries.
Install batteries and memory card
Once you have purchased your wildlife camera, you will need to put batteries in it and install a memory card.
Most cameras require AA batteries, so make sure to have plenty of these on hand. Some cameras also take SD or Micro SD cards, so make sure you get one that is the right size!
Some models offer internal battery recharge, which would save you the step of having to put in new batteries. However, this depends on the brand and model you buy.
Remember: once you put in the memory card, you cannot take it out without losing all your pictures! Make sure you get a compatible size that will not accidentally be taken out.
Some people find it helpful to purchase a card reader to transfer images from the camera onto a computer. This prevents having to plug in the camera directly to the computer, which could risk losing any images.
Set up the camera angle
Once you have bought your camera, you will need to set up the camera angle. Most cameras have a range of angles that they can be set at.
Most cameras have a wide-angle mode, which allows for a wider angle of view, and a telephoto mode, which allows for a narrower view. Some even have zooming capabilities.
Depending on the model you buy, you may need to do some manual work to set the camera at the right angle. For example, some do not have automatic rotating capabilities so you will need to turn it yourself to get the right view.
Some require you to point them towards the area you want to capture and others that can be programmed with specific directions.
Test the camera function
Once you have chosen and installed your camera, it is important to test the camera itself. This means taking a few minutes to make sure the camera takes pictures or records videos when they are triggered.
Triggers can be a motion sensor, a light sensor, or a combination of the two. Motion sensors require something to move within their field of view to trigger the camera, while light sensors require enough light to register that it is night time.
Some cameras have more advanced features that require additional research on your part. For example, some wildlife cameras have built-in databases of animal profiles that trigger the camera based on what animal enters its field of view. Some have GPS tracking capabilities as well.
Learn how to view the photos or videos
Once you have invested in an outdoor wildlife camera, how do you view the photos or videos it takes?
If the camera has a wireless connection, you can use an app to view the pictures and videos. The App Store and Google Play Store have a variety of app options. Some are free while others require a small fee.
If the camera uses memory cards, then you will need to either take the card to a store to have them read it or transfer it via computer. Computer transfer is easier if your camera has an adapter to connect it to your computer.
Compare different cameras by features and prices
Once you have decided to buy an wildlife camera, the next step is to choose one. There are many brands and models to choose from, so it can be tricky deciding which one to get.
The best way to start is by looking at the most popular brands. These include Browning, Nikon, Canon, and Bushnell, just to name a few. Then look at their different models and prices- you can even compare prices on Amazon!
Then compare other brands as well- see what features they offer and what their prices are like. This way you can find the perfect camera for you!
Some things to consider when picki ng a camera are picture quality and how long the batteries last. You want a good quality picture, of course, but also consider how many pictures you will take before having to change the batteries!
Check out some reviews or ask someone who has used the camera before if there are any issues with it.
Olivia is the Editor in Chief of Laienhaft – a website dedicated to all things outdoor and camping. If you’re looking for the best tent to take on your next camping trip, or need some advice on how to get started with recreational camping, Olivia has you covered.
