The best trail cameras allow the user to capture images of wildlife that could never be captured using conventional cameras or phones. A trail camera is designed to be set up in wildlife’s natural habitat and left for long periods – days, weeks or even months. As the animals acclimate to the camera’s presence, it captures images and videos of natural behaviours, up close, during the day and at night.
As such trail cameras are designed to be tough – able to take being battered and drenched by the elements. Many have infrared capabilities that allow them to capture imagery at night, with no-glow flash that is able to illuminate a scene without disturbing the subjects within it. Many wildlife photographers use trail cameras as a kind of ‘scout’, mapping out behaviour of their chosen wildlife subjects so that they know where (and when) they need to go to bag that elusive shot of a particular animal.
This list represents our wildlife experts’ picks of the top trail cameras you can buy right now. We’ve made sure to include options for a range of budgets – so read on to discover the right trail camera for you!
Our top 5 trail cameras
Pros:
- 4K video and 30MP stills
- Powerful No-Glow flash with 33m range
- Year-long battery life
Cons:
- No wireless connectivity
Top-notch image quality, 4K video, a powerful no-glow flash and the capacity to last for up to 12 months while running on six AA batteries… it’s safe to say that the Bushnell Core S-4K ticks almost every box you could ask for when it comes to trail cameras. The 4K video is recorded with sound, and images can be GPS-tagged with location data for precise record-keeping.
The motion sensor has four selectable sensitivity levels, and with a trigger time of just 0.2 seconds, the camera won’t miss the crucial moment – it can be set to capture between one and six images per trigger. Highly weather resistant, the Bushnell Core S-4K can tolerate being left outside through summer and winter, and its integrated 1/4"-20 threaded mount and adjustable web belt give you plenty of options for mounting and setup.
While it doesn’t have the wireless connectivity that some other trail cameras offer for remote control and playback, in all other respects the Bushnell Core S-4K is a comprehensively featured trail camera that’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Impressive Zeiss-made image quality
- LTE connectivity
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Relatively low resolution (3MP)
It's great to see a manufacturer with as much image-making pedigree as Zeiss getting involved with trail cams. The Zeiss Secacam 1 is an affordable, entry-level offering, designed to be an accessible entry point for anyone who's thinking about dipping their toe into the world of trail cameras.
The camera uses a 3MP sensor, which may sound quite low, but this resolution enables larger pixelsites that boost its sensitivity, especially in low light. In the daytime, you get sharp and vibrant images with gorgeous Zeiss-made colours, while at night, the power of 940nm infrared LEDs kicks in. Using IR Boost Technology, this tech allows for continuous monitoring in dark conditions, ensuring that any movement of wildlife wil be captured in dynamic, high-contrast infrared.
The camera is equipped with an LTE module, allowing for remote connectivity. Rather than an SD slot, it offers 32GB of integrated memory, and its battery delivers impressive longevity, with up to 3400 images expected from a single charge.
Pros:
- 4G connectivity
- 64GB of built-in storage
- Solar panel keeps the camera running
Cons:
- Video is Full HD, not 4K
- 24MP resolution is lower than some rivals
If you want a trail camera that will keep on shooting and shooting, all year round, and will allow you to connect wirelessly to review the footage you’re capturing, then the HIKMICRO T16 Trail Camera will suit you perfectly. Its built-in 4G connectivity allows you to connect to the camera remotely via the HIKMICRO Sight App, enabling management of the camera and browsing of captured media.
Also, thanks to the included 64GB of built-in storage, there’s no need to spend extra cash on SD cards. The battery life is long-lasting – this version comes with an 18650 battery compartment – and can be further bolstered with the 5W solar panel, also included here. Simply set it up somewhere it can see the sun, and it’ll keep on charging the camera to keep it running for longer and longer, even in the most remote locations.
A 25m detection range of 0.4sec trigger speed for the Full HD video and 24MP photos round out the comprehensive feature-set of this excellent trail camera.
Pros:
- High-quality Full HD timelapse capture
- Long life from just four AA batteries
- Wide 118° angle of view
Cons:
- Not natively weatherproof
- No 4K
A camera designed to specialise in capture timelapse footage, the Brinno TLC 2020 Time Lapse Camera is perfect for leaving in one place for a long time. It takes just four AA batteries, but can still last for up to 99 days on the right settings, meaning you can take a really long view of your subjects if you want to. The wide 118° angle of view allows you to capture plenty of the scene around the camera, and the Full HD footage (no 4K) looks consistently sharp and punchy. There are a number of preset storytelling modes that make it easy to assemble shareable timelapse clips from your clips or stills – ideal for those who don’t want to spend too much editing.
Designed more for general timelapse use than for wildlife specifically, the Brinno TLC 2020 Time Lapse Camera is not natively weatherproof. Casings are available that will protect it from the elements, but it’s best to proceed with caution.
Pros:
- Solar-powered design with up to 18 months standby
- 4K video and high-resolution stills up to 46MP
- Fast 0.2 sec trigger time for capturing fleeting moments
- Strong night performance with 40 IR LEDs
- Fully waterproof (IP66) for reliable outdoor use
Cons:
- Wi-Fi range can be limited in remote locations
- No built-in screen for on-device playback
- Setup and positioning may take a bit of trial and error
If you’re after a camera that’s genuinely built for the outdoors, the Camouflage EZ-Solar WiFi Trail Camera fits the bill. Its camouflage design helps it disappear into natural surroundings, making it ideal for wildlife work, while the dual PIR sensors and 0.2-second trigger time ensure you catch fleeting moments without delay. With stills up to 46MP and video up to 4K, there’s plenty of detail on offer, whether you’re documenting behaviour or simply keeping an eye on what passes through.
What really makes it practical is the solar-powered design, offering up to 18 months of standby, which is a big advantage if you’re placing it somewhere hard to reach. Night shooting is handled well too, thanks to 40 low-glow IR LEDs that won’t disturb wildlife. Add in Wi-Fi connectivity for easy file access and a durable IP66 weatherproof build, and it’s a reliable, low-maintenance option for long-term monitoring outdoors.
FAQs
Do trail cameras require Wi-Fi?
Nope! Trail cameras are designed to be set up and left in remote locations, and therefore do not require Wi-Fi in order to work. Some will allow you to connect to them remotely via 4G/LTE mobile networks in order to monitor and download images. Some don't have connectivity at all and need to be physically retrieved in order for the images to be recovered.
How far away can a trail camera detect motion?
It varies, but most trail cameras will have a detection range of between 10 and 20m. Some have a longer range; the Bushnell Core DS-4K 32MP at the top spot on our list can detect motion at distances of up to 33m.
Do trail cameras continuously record?
No. Most trail cameras are designed to record only when they detect motion within their field of view. This saves on battery and memory space, ensuring that only moments worth capturing are captured. We have included some time-lapse cameras on this list, such as the Brinno TLC 2020; these cameras do record continuously (or according to a set schedule) and do not have motion-detection functionality.
Can trail cameras see in the dark?
Yes. Night vision, using no-glow infrared light, is one of the key features of trail cameras, and allows them to capture imagery of elusive nocturnal wildlife. Bear in mind that images captured in dark conditions will be infrared monochrome; for full-colour night images, you'll need a full low-light setup such as a mirrorless camera with a fast-aperture lens.
How do we decide?
Our in-house photography specialists, store staff, and industry partners work together to review our buying guides and advice articles. We also monitor emerging trends and listen closely to customer feedback, ensuring our recommendations stay current and relevant to what photographers and filmmakers are actually looking for.
By carefully curating the products we recommend, our guides are designed to offer clear, trustworthy advice that helps customers choose the right kit with confidence.
If you would like further advice, our contact centre team are here to help. You can also reach us via email or social media. And remember, if you purchase based on our recommendations, your order is covered by our full returns policy.
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