Best Trail Cameras 2023 – Latest Buying Guide

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best trail camera 2020
Rob Johnston
Rob Johnston

Editor & Article Writer for Outdoor Wilds

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Best Trail Cameras 2021 Reviews

In this review I take a look at 3 of the best trail cameras in 2021 from Browning, Moultrie and Stealth Cam

The 3 trail cameras selected for this review deliver great results, packed with the latest innovations such as duel lens technology, bigger image sensors with added megapixels, plus more powerful infrared LED illumination for better night time pictures.

If you’re looking for one of the latest top performing trail cams, the ones reviewed in this article are definitely worth considering.

Preview
Best Choice
Browning Trail Cameras Strike Force Pro XD Dual Lens Trail Camera BTC-5PXD, Camo
Moultrie M-50 Game Camera (2018) | M-Series |20 MP | 0.3 S Trigger Speed | 1080p Video w Audio...
Best Value
Stealth Cam XV4X - 32 Megapixel/ 4 HIGH Power LED Emitters/Next Generation Low Light Imaging...
Model
Browning Strike Force Pro XD
Moultrie M-50i
Stealth Cam XV4
Prime Benefits
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-
-
Price
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Best Choice
Preview
Browning Trail Cameras Strike Force Pro XD Dual Lens Trail Camera BTC-5PXD, Camo
Model
Browning Strike Force Pro XD
Prime Benefits
-
Price
Price not available
Preview
Moultrie M-50 Game Camera (2018) | M-Series |20 MP | 0.3 S Trigger Speed | 1080p Video w Audio...
Model
Moultrie M-50i
Prime Benefits
-
Price
Price not available
Best Value
Preview
Stealth Cam XV4X - 32 Megapixel/ 4 HIGH Power LED Emitters/Next Generation Low Light Imaging...
Model
Stealth Cam XV4
Prime Benefits
-
Price
Price not available

Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Browning Strike Force Pro XD

Duel lens technology records quality pictures both day & night.

Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The main feature of this new trail camera is the Dual Camera Lens Technology. All I can say is watch the video on my Youtube channel below highlighting the 80ft plus detection range at night and the clarity of the video too. I haven’t seen a trail camera to match it.

What duel lens technology is, it uses two different lenses for optimized picture quality. One is for daytime use and the other is activated at night.

The Browning Strike Force Pro XD has 24 MP and Invisible Night IR Illumination among its list of impressive technical specifications. 

Viewing Screen

The view screen is 1.5” and provides clear, full color images for checking back captured pictures, although a dedicated SD card reader would do a better job of course for this purpose.

Full HD Video

The Pro XD is capable of taking 1920×1080 Full HD videos with sound of up to 2 minutes in length. It can be used with additional storage too, as it is capable of taking up to a 512GB SDXC Memory Card.

A super fast trigger speed of just 0.15 seconds means that you can rely on this new trail camera to capture most fast moving game animals. It also comes with an adjustable flash range that covers up to 80 ft, which is matched by its detection range.

Compact Size

It’s good to see Browning have still used the adjustable steel mounting bracket which I’ve always liked for ease of use when strapping to a tree. The mounting bracket helps to attach it firmly and securely to let the camera do its job. 

As with most of the latest Brownings, the Pro XD is housed in the “Sub Micro Series” compact case design that measures just 4.25” x 3.5” x 2.5”. Great for more covert placements on public land.

Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • Dual lenses for the best results at night and during the day
  • Rugged, weatherproof design
  • Good range of features
  • Captures clear images
  • Excellent battery life

Cons

  • Could be too expensive for some

Summary

Overall, this is a quality trail camera but at a price, being the most expensive in this 3 camera review. 

However, the Browning is hard to beat in terms of detection range, picture quality both day and night. The duel lens technology really delivers especially with night time images.

Add in a host of high end additional features and the Browning is certainly worth considering if your looking for a top performing trail camera.

Moultrie M-50i

The M-50i is a solid trail camera, offering  quality pictures and HD video.

Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Any new camera from Moultrie is always eagerly awaited, as they have a reputation for providing clear images, both day and night. I still use my A-30 today, although that particular cam is starting to show it’s age compared to this latest trail camera from Moultrie.

The Moultrie M-50i can be hooked up to a cellular network using the additional extra Moultire Mobile Modem, meaning you can view images captured remotely. You will also receive updates just about anywhere you roam on your hunting trips.

Detection Range

There is a big coverage area with this model, even at night. 48 invisible infra-red LEDs mean that it can illuminate up to 80 feet, matching the detection range.

The combination of a great night sensor and 20 megapixel resolution allows this Moultrie trail camera to take clear images.

A fast 0.3 second trigger speed means that images can be captured almost instantaneously. This is ideal for detecting and recording fast-moving animals without any fuss. You can also set it up to take just one image at a time, or else use the time lapse setting to take pictures at pre-set intervals.

Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • Excellent at capturing images at night
  • Long detection and flash range
  • Can be connected to a cellular network for convenience
  • Clear images in differing conditions

Cons

  • Uses a lot of batteries in video mode

Summary

If you prefer to use it in video mode, then you can record HD-quality 1080p resolution with audio.

It uses 8 AA batteries to run and has fairly standard battery life. The maximum SD card size it accepts is 32Gb. You might also be persuaded by the fact that you can use this Moultrie M-50i with a useful range of compatible accessories such as the modem I mentioned earlier.

Stealth Cam XV4

Smart Illumination at night provides clear pictures.

Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

When you buy the Stealth Cam XV4 you get a high-quality, reliable trail camera with a lot of features for the money.

This well specced camera for hunters uses an image sensor and Smart Illumination technology to give clear, highly detailed photos with minimal grain in the darkest of nights. It uses four high power IR emitters to produce wonderfully clear images that make it easy to identify game.

Burst Mode

You have the option of taking still images or else using it to take HD 1080p videos. The trigger has a reaction time of 0.4 seconds and you can use a burst mode that rapidly captures up to 9 images each time it is triggered.

The selection of features includes range control, a security mode to re-write the SD memory, advanced blur reduction, and 16:9 wide image ratio. 

The three different pre-programmed options let you get set up effortlessly the first time that you use it if you just want a fast and easy start with no delays.

Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • Powerful technology for capturing clear night-time images
  • Easy to get started with
  • Looks great for taking on hunting trips
  • Adjustable range control

Cons

  • No obvious weaknesses yet identified

Summary

This Stealth Cam model works on 8 AA batteries and has both video and USB output. With 22 megapixels and a robust, camouflaged look, it could be the ideal companion for your future hunting trips.

If you’re interested in the latest 4K trail cameras take a look at my review on the Recon Force 4K and the DS4K.

Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Trail Camera Buying Guide Overview 

It is important to not feel overwhelmed by the number of features and technical details of the latest trail cameras. While these devices may seem complicated at first, they can be assessed fairly simply by looking at the following areas.

There are the issues that will determine how useful your new trail camera will be. They are listed in order of importance.

1. Detection Circuit

You can work out how good a camera is at detecting movement and then capturing an image by looking at the details of its detection circuit. In fact, there are four different issues to take into account in this respect.

  • Detection range – The detection range of around 60 ft which is average, while the best trail cameras in 2020 will usually give you 80 ft. Night-time detection may be lower and it is worth making sure whether the flash distance matches the detection range. A 100 ft range is very good.
  • Trigger speed – Anything under 1 second is fast. Naturally, the faster the better. Modern trail cameras will tend offer in the range of 0.3 – 0.6 seconds or so.
  • Recovery timeThis figure shows us how long it takes to capture another picture or video. Under 0.5 seconds is very good. You might also like to see which models can be set up to take a rapid burst of photos.
  • Detection zone – The area that the PIR sensor covers is sometimes expressed in the degrees that it covers. 120 degrees is wide, although generally most models cover less.
  • PIR sensor – This is the passive infrared sensor. All good trail cameras use this method to detect movement.

2. Battery Life

Since you are potentially going to leave your camera out for hours at a time, you need a long battery life to keep it running.

  •  Type of battery Lithium, NiMH Rechargeable and Alkaline batteries are the typical options. Lithium have the longest life. It is always a good idea to see if the manufacturer specifies which is best to use.
  • Battery life How long do the batteries last for? This is a hugely important piece of information. You may see it expressed in hours or in terms of the number of pictures and videos.
  • Type of battery – This covers the battery type and number of batteries. For example, it may hold 4 or 8 AA batteries. It is another crucial specification, as it will show you how much your ongoing costs for batteries are likely to be.

3. Picture Quality

Obviously, the quality of the images is one of the first issues you are likely to notice. There are a few specifications here that will guide you.

  • The quality – What quality of videos and still pictures does it provide? For example, it may have 20 megapixels and record videos at 1080p or 720p.
  • Nighttime pictures – Does it take grainy or blurry pictures after dark? The better the technology, the clearer and easier to interpret the images it will be.
  • Reputation for quality – What is the general video quality and picture quality of this camera or others made by the same manufacturer? Do they have a solid reputation for good picture quality on other trail cameras?

4. Illumination

Night time pictures are illuminated by LEDs. The type of LEDs and the number of them will determine how well pictures taken in the dark turn out.

  • What type of LEDs are used? They may be Low Glow or No Glow (sometimes referred to as “Black LEDs”).
  • What is best for you? – Basically, Low Glow LEDs are more powerful. However, No Glow means that there is no glow or light to scare off the wildlife. Which one suits you best?

5. Build Quality

Slightly less eye-catching than the features is the quality of the build. Nevertheless, it is still worth taking into account.

  • Case design How durable is it? Does it come with a smart camo design and can you choose from different colors?
  • What is user setup like? Does it come with a good-sized LCD screen? Are the buttons durable and easy to press?
  • Weatherproofing – Ideally, you will want a waterproof trail camera that you can leave outside without any fear of damage. The water-resistant rating will show you what type of situation it can stand up to.
  • The dimensions – The size of your camera might not be the most important point for you. However, it can make a difference to how easy it is to conceal.
  • What does it weigh? – The best trail cameras in 2018 all tend to be light and easy to handle. Therefore, the weight shouldn’t be too big an issue.

6. SD card storage

You will want to be able to store a good number of images or videos. The key to this is choosing a trail camera that suits your needs.

    • SD card type There are different kinds, such as micro and standard sized cards.
    • Capacity – You will want to be able to use a card with a capacity that is big enough to hold all the information you capture.
I have written an article answering some of the most common frequently asked trail camera questions too.