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Trail Camera With Solar Panel Comparison
If you plan on setting up a trail camera for extended periods without checking on it, a trail camera with a solar panel is well worth considering.
In this 3 camera comparison, I take a look at 3 current solar powered models, all with differrent features and specifications.
2 of the cameras have integral solar panels and the 3rd has a separate panel. The Camparkcam also has wireless connectivity via a smartphone app.
So lets now take a look at the 3 trail cameras to help you decide on which is going to be best suited for your scouting requirements.
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Spypoint Solar Dark Trail Camera
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Spypoint Solar Dark is more of a traditional style trail camera compared to the other 2 cameras in this guide.
However, if you’re looking for a “no frills” camera that performs highly in the task of taking quality pictures and video both night and day of game animals then I suggest considering the Spypoint.
As shown in the picture, the solar panel is integral to the camera’s housing. The disadvantage of this being unable to angle the solar panel more directly towards the sun. This is where a separate solar panel has the advantage. On the plus side it’s one less piece of gear to hang on a tree.
When the charge gets too low on the integrated battery the AA batteries take over until the solar panel recharges the internal battery. This means potentially unlimited battery life.
If you take a look at the detection circuit and LED emitters, the specification is very impressive indeed. Spypoint boasts the fastest trigger speed for any trail camera on the market. At 0.07 seconds I can’t think of any trail camera that is as fast.
Coupled with the super fast trigger speed is the 110 ft detection range. Again, this is class leading and is matched by only some of the latest Browning trail cameras.
The LED emitters have a range of 90 ft which is enough for most setups. There is also the option to adjust the LED strength from invisible to lower glow, and a low blur setting for covering food plots in fields.
Overall, the Spypoint is a well thought out trail camera aimed at serious users who are looking to set the camera up for extended periods without the worry of having to keep replacing the batteries every month or so.
Class leading trigger speed
Quality still pictures
Integral solar panel may not suit some
• 12 megapixels
• 0.07 second trigger speed
• 90-ft LED flash range (no-glow)
• 110-ft detection range
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
My Animal Command Powered Solar Trail Camera 16MP
Last update on 2024-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a trail camera that comes with a separate solar panel (2500mAh) as part of a package this camera from My Animal Command is worth considering.
The camera itself is very simple to use. The menu is accessed via the 2.4” color LCD screen with the control panel directly below. You’ll find all the standard features for a trail camera within the menu.
One of particular note is the ability to set the video duration in 1 second increments. Usually trail cameras only allow you to set the record time for video at preset times.
The supplied micro USB cable allows you to charge the solar panels internal battery prior to placing it outdoors.
Power output from the panel can be set at 5, 6, 9 & 12 volts allowing you to use the solar panel on other trail cameras too. The panel plugs into the camera’s 6 volt power socket using the long power cable supplied.
The voltage is set by pressing the toggle button on the underside of the solar panel housing. 4 green LED lights next to the button indicate how much power is available in 25% increments, plus highlight the chosen voltage setting.
All of the solar panels features mentioned are protected from the weather by a rubber grommet cover.
As a backup to the solar panels rechargeable battery, the camera housing also has a battery tray that accepts 8 x AA batteries.
2 x ¼-20 inch brass inserts at the base and rear of the solar panel allow you to attach a metal swivel mount (supplied accessory) which makes it easy to set the angle and direction of the solar panel to receive maximum sunlight.
Compared to the Spypoint camera we looked at earlier, the detection range and trigger speed are average at best on this camera. With a detection range of 65ft and a trigger speed of 0.5 seconds.
Separate solar panel
Bespoke video record times
Average detection circuit
- Image sensor 16MP
- Trigger speed: 0.5 seconds
- 28 No Glow IR LEDs
- SD card up to 32GB
- Detection range 65ft
- 8 x AA batteries (backup)
Last update on 2024-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Camparkcam T150 Solar Powered Trail Camera
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our final trail camera in this comparison is the Camparkcam T150. This being the most feature rich of the 3 cameras here with its WiFi / Bluetooth connectivity features.
Having wireless connectivity allows you to operate and download images captured onto the SD card using a smartphone app remotely with a range of the connection outdoors working up to 50 ft.
This is a great feature to have as it means you can view recorded images, then download selected images to your phone’s internal storage. A great feature to have if you have the camera set high up with the added benefit of leaving no human “trace” near the camera.
The app works on both iOS and Android smartphones.
A 2 inch color LCD screen inside the camera housing can also be used to access all the features and settings the camera has to offer.
Although the detection range is only 65ft, the PIR sensor and camera lens field of view is 120 degrees. This is very wide, making this trail camera ideal to cover large food plots and pastures.
The clam shell design houses a 4 x AA battery tray for power backup if the voltage of the internal battery drops too low. The camera can of course be used without AA batteries.
Wifi / Bluetooth connection
4K HD video (Claimed by Manufacturer)
Average detection range
- Image sensor: 24MP
- Trigger speed: 0.5 seconds
- Night vision: 36pcs 850nm LED
- Micro SD card: SD/SDHC 128GB
- Detection range: 65 ft
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I’ve included this solar panel from Browning [1] as an additional option for Browning trail camera owners. The panel may also work with any 6 volt trail camera too. (Check your trail cameras specification)
Please Note: This panel acts as a backup to a set of internal AA batteries. For example, when the panel recieves enough sunlight, power is supplied to the camera. This means the AA batteries are saving power.
The solar panel does not have an internal battery, it acts as a power source only when recieving enough sunlight.
Browning Solar Camera Power Pack
Power Pack Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
