With a game camera You can take photos or videos of animals, plants and humans. Through an integrated motion detectorThe weather-resistant camera enables individual shots that are hardly possible during the presence of humans.
Meanwhile, the use of wild cameras has developed so far that they can be used in many ways and collect necessary data for special evaluations.

Usage

Wildlife cameras are not exclusively for taking photos and videos of wild animals in the wild. The camera is also used alternatively for object monitoring. Private individuals use the game camera to identify vermin and many companies protect themselves from theft or illegal waste disposal.
The individual areas of application enable private individuals as well as researchers and security services to provide optimal monitoring for every lighting situation. Night shots can be captured unnoticed by various flash variants. Additional functions allow a versatile use of the game camera ,

Functions and details

The game camera Basically consists of a motion detector, a flash function and a lens for shooting.
It is available in camouflage colors and can be used in different weather conditions. Depending on use, game cameras are different water and dust repellent. The cameras can withstand temperatures from -30 degrees to about +70 degrees Celsius. The circumstances have to be considered. Wind, open fields or sunny places have an influence on the temperature.
The resolution of the images is up to 12 megapixels. Adjustments at night may reduce the resolution.

The motion sensor

Through an integrated motion detector (with infrared sensor), the camera responds to approaching animals and starts recording. This is saved or sent directly via an online network.

Various functions allow shooting by the infrared sensor or by preset shooting intervals or time-lapse function. A timer can be used to create multiple images at a specified interval. Growing plants, weather or time changes and construction projects can thus be recorded over a longer period.
The distance between the photos can be set between half an hour and one day. The motion sensor is thereby automatically blocked so that no images are created during the pause phase.

The motion sensor is composed of the sensitivity, the registration angle and the detection distance. From hibernation to the release of the image takes about a second. Some manufacturers offer game cameras with less than one second trigger time.

The energy consumption

With conventional AA batteriesMost game cameras can be used. Depending on the recording and effort, these can last for several months. Taking pictures at night, as well as video and sound recordings consume more energy. Alternatively, manufacturers offer power supplies for a power connection. This offers the possibility to obtain the energy for the camera when taking pictures of the building or in the garden via the normal power grid.

The flash

With lightning, the illumination angle, the flash distance and the visibility of the light play a role. The distance of the flash is between 8 and 12 meters and ensures night shots with an ideal range. So that the animals are not scared of a bright light, predominantly LEDs with black light or infrared are used. This near infrared light creates a slight glow and is suitable for animal photography. The disadvantage of these night shots is the black / white color of the photos. For colored images, visible light flashes are recommended. The more light that comes from external and natural factors, such as moonlight or streetlights, the better the picture quality.

The storage capacity

The resulting images are stored directly on a memory card. These are available from three euros to buy. If the game camera To make many shots and the flash function is often used, a memory card with a high capacity should be used. To transfer the recordings directly and wirelessly to a desired device, memory cards with a Wi-Fi function or prepaid cards can be inserted into the game camera. However, this feature is not supported by all wildlife cameras.

More functions

The display can be set various functions. The settings include the date and time, temperature and moon level. In addition, the camera can be optimally aligned using the display. Many manufacturers already offer a laser alignment aid for optimum alignment. Since a game camera only takes photos via a lens function, it is not possible to clearly depict objects in the immediate vicinity. There should therefore be at least one to two meters between the game camera and the animal.
Since the behavior of the animals can not be predicted, it is advisable to attach the camera to a tree or in a shrubbery and thereby maintain the minimum distance.

Most game cameras have a video function with sound and TV output. The videos can be recorded for up to a minute and partially allow you to take a photo during video recording.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive development with regard to the meanwhile high-quality image quality, which also delivers recordings in HD quality, is advantageous. Many wildlife cameras can also record sounds. The inconspicuous design and the infrared flash, the camera can be used unnoticed in nature.

The small buttons are not optimal for the common purpose. The possibility of operating the camera with gloves is hardly possible. In addition, not all wildlife cameras provide theft protection.

Instructions for purchase

The selection of the Wildtierkameras is in a special Onlineshop substantially higher than in the specialized trade. However, it is recommended to visit a specialist retailer to get a first impression of a wildlife camera, because despite their different functions, they are almost identical in size and handling.

When buying a game camera, the purpose is crucial. Each model has individual functions and should contain the ideal settings for the desired recordings. Above all, the weather conditions, location, recording intervals, operating time and storage options must be taken into account. In addition, there are wild cameras with a theft protection.
The IP protection class shows how weather-resistant the camera is. The number 6 means excellent dust repellence. The second digit includes the water resistance, with the 9 stands for a high water pressure and thus also suitable for taking pictures under water.

For the purchase of the camera we recommend practical accessories. Depending on the purpose and location of metal boxes, brackets, antennas and other aids can be purchased.

Historical development

In the late 19th century, the first shots were taken with a game camera. George Shiras III developed this method and presented the first pictures in 1906 to the public. Previously, a maximum of 36 images were recorded on a photo tape. Flash functions and other settings continued to develop in the following decades. To date, the game camera has evolved steadily and offers a versatile use.