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I get a number of emails quite often asking me the same question “What is the easiest trail camera to use?” and I’ll usually spend a moment before I answer with a specific trail camera model in mind.
If you want my quick answer as to which is the most basic and easiest trail camera to set up, then it’s the mini trail camera from Outdoor Expert without a doubt.
What is the Easiest Trail Camera to Use
However, to answer the question more accurately it’s necessary for me to understand the intended purpose for the camera and also to gauge expectations before I answer with my suggested trail camera model.
In this article I have chosen 3 trail cameras that I think are easy to set up and use. Each camera has varying degrees of complexity.
Some of the cameras are more suited to certain types of wildlife detection and image recording. So for each camera I’ll suggest what I think it’s best suited for.
Let’s now take a look at the trail cameras, and go through the benefits of each.
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Outdoor Expert 20MP Mini Trail Camera
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When it comes to simplicity this mini trail camera from Outdoor Expert is “Old School”. The basic functions are controlled by a green backlit green LCD.
The camera has only 2 modes for video or still pictures. Choose between these 2 settings and you’re good to go.
There are only 3 buttons used to change the settings, [OK], [+] & [-] as shown in the pictures here.
The camera takes 6 x AA batteries and a standard size SD card up to 32gb.
In terms of picture quality, the camera records full HD video at 1080p from the 20MP image sensor.
Summary
This mini trail camera is about the simplest piece of tech that you’ll find currently available.
Don’t expect any fancy features with this trail camera. The picture quality is solid for use as a garden wildlife camera or even deer scouting.
The camera comes with a nylon tree strap. You will need a 32GB SD card and a set of 6 x AA batteries as well.
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
WOSODA Trail Camera -1080P HD Video
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Moving up in the complexity stakes we have this popular trail camera from Wosoda. The camera does have additional modes compared the the Outdoor Expert mini trail camera, hence a fair degree of additional button pressing.
The camera has a small backlit green LCD display that allows you to navigate through the settings with ease. The manual that comes with the camera is easy to understand even for people new to trail cameras.
The camera records black & white images at night (As do all the cameras in this article) using 25 low glow infrared LEDs to illuminate animals triggered by the PIR sensor.
The video and photos are not quite as sharp compared to the mini trail camera we looked at earlier, however you do have more features to play around with as a trade off.
Summary
I would recommend the Wosoda to people who want to start off with a basic trail camera but would like to progress onto experimenting with some of the more advanced functions to be found in trail cams.
In terms of picture quality the camera is reasonably good for a budget trail cam. I’d suggest considering the Wosoda for setting up in your backyard for security surveillance.
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Stealth Cam G42NG Trail Camera
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This camera from Stealth Cam is one of the best selling trail cameras out there. You’ll find a tonne of information on this camera on forums and so on.
It’s used by a broad range of folks. From seasoned deer scouts to land managers. As with the Wosoda, this trail camera has all the essential features you’ll find on a game camera.
The big advantage with the G42NG is the Triad Mode select feature. This is a simple toggle switch that not only powers the camera but sets it to 1 of 3 presets for still pictures or video modes.
All you need to do is select one of the 3 modes and that’s it. However you can go into the menu settings and adjust any of the parameters to customise the camera’s operation.
Summary
The Stealth Cam is a kind of hybrid trail camera in that you can customise all the settings via the LCD display or just use the very quick and easy toggle switch to choose a preset setting and just walk away with the camera live.
The pictures and video are good quality.
Overall this would be my choice of trail camera to get started with. It’s an ideal trail camera for beginners as it allowe you to grow with the camera and use the more advanced features.
Check out my long term test of the G42NG for more information.
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Thoughts
All 3 trail cameras make a great choice for someone looking for a quick and easy camera to set up.
The Outdoor Expert camera is about the simplest piece of tech you’ll come across. It is fairly limited though and I’d only suggest it for people not looking to further their trail camera knowledge.
The Wosoda is a little more advanced, but it’s features shouldn’t overwhelm you the first time scrolling through the menu settings.
Lastly out the 3, the Stealth Cams biggest strength is the flexibility of the hybrid presets, plus the ability to set the camera up in custom mode for a more fine tuned camera mode. The pictures are good quality too for a relatively low budget camera.
Another camera that I have reviewed recently that springs to mind with its ease of use and set up is the Wimius H7, check out my review on the camera.
Whichever camera you decide to go with, I’m sure you’ll enjoy recording your first wildlife pictures on a trail camera.
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