July 09, 2020
By Tony J. Peterson
If you’re wondering where the technology in trail cameras is heading, look no further. Just a few years ago, it was a rare company that offered a cellular option. Today, nearly every major manufacturer has at least one in the lineup. As technology becomes more ubiquitous, it also becomes less expensive. This has led to more widespread adoption of these remote scouters, which are, quite frankly, crazy addictive - so be careful. If you pick up a camera from the following list of the latest and greatest, you might be opening the floodgates to an expensive habit. You might also find that less intrusive scouting can lead to more productive hunts, which is the goal of these cameras, after all.
Browning Defender Wireless Browning’s latest, which is available for AT&T and Verizon networks, can transmit HD images and video clips right to your mobile device. The 20mp Defender features a 2” color viewing screen, adjustable trigger speeds, adjustable detection range, and Illuma-Smart Technology, which produces high-quality nighttime images. A host of affordable, month-to-month plans are available depending on how many pictures you anticipate to upload and how many cameras you’re running. $300 | browningtrailcameras.com
Bushnell Impulse If you’re looking for a contract-free cellular camera that also offers live camera views right from your phone, then Bushnell’s new Impulse is the place to start. While the Impulse can send video and offers 150’ WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity, it also promises one-second image recovery. For cell cams, this is really, really fast. What that does for you is ensure that far fewer animals will slip through the detection zone without getting their picture taken, which is highly desirable in a game cam. The Impulse is also designed with Anti-Theft Mode, which utilizes GPS to ensure that if anyone tries to relieve you of your prized camera, you can track them down and punch them in the junk. Or handle it sans any downstairs assaults, it’s up to you. Dealer’s choice. $300 | bushnell.com
Covert AW1 Covert’s latest, the 20mp AW1, is available in either AT&T or Verizon models. It’s also capable of capturing up to 10-shot bursts, can transmit 5-second videos (with audio), and offers a 100-foot flash range. To ensure that you capture full images of cruising bucks and not just noses or butts, the AW1 is designed with a .4-second trigger speed and a 58-degree field of view. Images are viewed via the Covert Wireless web portal and mobile app. $310 | covertscoutingcameras.com
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Cuddeback CuddeLink Gen 2 Cuddeback broke the camera mold with their first generation of the CuddeLink system, which allowed daisy-chained cameras to talk to one-another and send pictures to one home camera, which can now be one of the versions of the new Dual Cell. This system allows you to have all the images from up to 24 networked cameras sent to the Dual Cell, which can then send them to you via Verizon LTE service. While cost can vary widely depending on the camera model and the amount of cameras you opt for, this can be one of the most inexpensive ways to thoroughly monitor a specific piece of deer ground. $200+ | cuddeback.com
Moultrie XV-6000 One of the best deals in the wireless camera market comes your way via the new XV-6000 from Moultrie. Simply download the Moultrie Mobile app, buy a plan, and prepare to get images via your device as critters walk through. This 16mp camera boasts a .9-second trigger speed and the Illumi-Night Sensor to ensure that your nighttime images are as crisp as your daytime images. This camera is also capable of capturing HD (1280x720) video directly to the SD card (it won’t transmit video). $120 | moultriefeeders.com
SPYPOINT LINK-MICRO-S-LTE If battery life is a major concern when it comes to cell cam usage, then the LINK-MICRO-S-LTE from SPYPOINT is an excellent choice. With its integrated solar panel technology and LIT-10 rechargeable lithium battery pack, you can forget about having to slip back in every couple of months to throw a fresh dozen into this camera. It also features .4-second trigger speed, an 80-foot detection range, 80-foot flash range, and since it operates off of LTE, excellent photo transmission. $200 | spypoint.com
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Stealth Cam Fusion Wireless Trail Camera Setup can be a pain with wireless cameras, which is why Stealth Cam uses a quick-scan QR code to shortcut the process with their new Fusion Wireless Trail Camera. Not only does that make it easy to connect to AT & T, Verizon, or Global, it allows you to start receiving images almost immediately. The Fusion is a 26mp camera that utilizes a NO GLO flash and a .8-second trigger speed to capture quality images of deer and other critters whether they are slowly walking past or moving at faster clip. $200-$250 | stealthcam.com
Wildgame Innovations Insite Cell Wildgame Innovation’s latest, the Insite Cell, works with their HuntSmart app to automatically analyze images and help you plot out a hunting strategy. It’s also outfitted with Tru-Dual Cams to optimize imagery, no matter what time of the day or night it’s captured. The Insite Cell works nationwide on any network, allow you to live-stream from the camera to your mobile device, and utilizes the Lightsout invisible infrared flash to keep deer in the dark when it comes to your digital snooping. $200 | wildgameinnovations.com
