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Best Trail Camera on a Budget
You don’t have to spend a whole load on a trail camera these days.
Finding the best trail camera to fit your budget can become time consuming.
There’s wide choice amongst all the different trail cameras available on the market today.
In this review I have included cameras for all types of environments and uses. From seasoned deer scouts to folk who’d just like to place a trail camera next to a bird feeder in their backyard.
This guide will help in making an informed choice more quickly. I have noted the best features for each camera and the type of use they will work best in.
If you’re new to trail cameras. I have written guides covering all aspects of owning and using one in the trail camera guides section.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vikeri E2 Trail Camera
Great all round trail cam that comes with batteries & SD card
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Vikeri E2 is a very popular trail camera, especially with folk looking to buy their first trail cam.
The specification is impressive for a budget camera. Video is recorded at 1520p HD video which is higher resoultion than most cameras that only record video at the standard 1080p.
There are plenty of features to help you set the camera up such as the 2.4″ color display for menu settings. The 120 degree wide angle lens means that any activity in front of the camera will be recorded onto the micro SD card that comes with the camera.
With all the accessories that come supplied your ready to go straight away. There’s a set of AA batteries, a nylon strap to allow attachment to a fence post or a tree, plus a metal bracket swivel mount.
Overall, its easy to see why the E2 is well regarded. The camera has a fast trigger speed, high quality video recording and a whole bunch of extras to get started right out the box.
Ideal starter trail camera
Easy to set up
AA batteries supplied are alkaline
- Image sensor: 20 MP
- Trigger speed: 0.2 seconds
- Night vision: 48 IR LEDs
- SD card: 32GB
- Detection range: 80 ft
- 8 x AA batteries
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
TOMSHOO Trail Camera 16MP 1080P HD Video
Ideal for those new to trail cameras
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This camera from Tomshoo is what I call an entry level trail camera aimed at folks who would like to set a camera up in their backyard. Having said that, the camera does perform well at this price point.
Video is recorded at 1080p HD resolution in full color during the day. Night time video and photos are black and white as with all trail cams these days.
The camera is easy to set up via a 2 inch full color LCD display located on the inside door panel. The camera comes with an instruction manual which starts off with the basics, ideal for newcomers to trail cameras.
In terms of animal detection, the camera has 3 PIR sensors that pick up movement in a 120 degree arc directly in front of the camera.
The trigger speed is advertised at 0.2 seconds which is super fast, although in real world environments I’d say that is a little on the optimistic side.
Summary
Overall, this trail camera from Tomshoo has a lot to offer. The camera does come with a 1 year warranty for added piece of mind.
You will need an additional micro SD card up to 32GB, plus 8 x AA batteries to start capturing beautiful images of wildlife in your garden.
Ideal Starter Trail Cam
Great Price to Performance ratio
Comes with no SD card
- Image sensor 16MP
- Trigger speed: 0.2 seconds
- 32 No Glow IR LEDs
- Micro SD card up to 32GB
- Detection range 70ft
- 8 x AA batteries
- Waterproof IP66
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wosports Mini Trail Camera
Updated with a bunch of extras included
Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The standout feature of the Wosports mini as the name suggests is the camera’s physical size. As you can see from the picture the camera is tiny.
The advantage of having a smaller footprint is that its harder to spot when strapped to a tree,which makes it ideal for scouting deer on public land or as a security camera around your property.
Although this camera is small in size it still packs a punch. Recording video at full HD 1080p and capturing 12Mp pictures onto the 32GB SD card.
For those looking for a small trail camera that’s easy to set up then I’d suggest taking a look at the Wosports Mini.
There are other mini trail cameras also on the market but they cost a little extra. Take a look at my article comparing other mini trail cameras if you would like more information.
Very small size
Full HD video
Trigger speed not the fastest
- Image sensor: 12MP
- Trigger speed: 0.5 seconds
- Night vision: 17 Low Glow LEDs
- SD card: SD/SDHC 32GB
- Detection range: 49 ft
Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
TIDEWE Trail Camera
A fast trigger speed with decent picture quality, plus a 2.4″ color viewing screen.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The TIDEWE trail camera is the only 4K video resolution trail camra in this lineup. Be aware though that its not true 4K as the video images are interpolated.
Having said that the interpolated 32MP images are still clear and sharp for a budget trail camera.
The camera will operate in some of the toughest environments. The housing is a rugged plastic with a waterproof rating of IP66.
At nightfall the 45 infrared No Glow LEDs take black and white pictures that won’t spook game animals. The black and white pictures are good quality for a low cost camera it has to be said.
Trigger speed is an impressive 0.2 seconds with a 120 degree PIR sensor detection zone. This camera will deliver pictures of even the quickest of game animals in the field.
The TIDEWE accepts a massive 512GB SD which gives you plenty of storage to record the bigger 4k video files.
The camera comes with a whole bunch of accessories, including a swivel mount, nylon tree strap, plus a 32GB SD card. So you’re all set to go right out the box.
4K video (Interpolated)
Fast trigger speed
Records AVI Video files
- Image sensor: 32MP
- Trigger speed: 0.2 seconds
- Night vision: 45 No Glow IR LEDs
- SD card: SD/SDHC 512GB
- Detection range: 65 ft
- 8 x AA batteries
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
TopiaCam WiFi Trail Camera
Entry level WiFi trail camera that connects to a smartphone
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a WiFI trail camera that records quality HD video then the TopiaCam may just be what you’re looking for.
The camera has a built in color LCD screen to view recorded images and operate the settings menu. You can of course operatethe camera remotely also.
Wireless connectivity via a downloadable app for either iOS or Android it’s possible to operate the camera remotely, plus view images captured onto the SD card.
The camera is powered by 8 x AA batteries and battery life is very good, with reports of a set of batteries lasting 3 months with regular detection / usage.
The camera is IP66 water and dust resistant which ensures protection from the elements.
This camea maybe an entry level WiFI trail camera but it offers a lot of features allowing connection directly to your smartphone via an app.
WiFi Connectivity
Feature Rich
Not For Beginners
- Image sensor: 20MP
- Trigger speed: 0.2 seconds
- Night vision: 36 Night vision IR LEDs
- SD card: Up to 128GB Class 10
- Detection zone: 120 degrees
- 8 x AA batteries
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Thoughts
The 5 trail cameras here are what I believe to be some of the best available from mid 2022 in the budget sector.
If you’re considering spending a little extra then I’d suggest taking a look at Browning trail cameras as an alternative option.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
