Stealth cameras

[FUDGEY]

Im not sure if this is in the correct section, but here goes anyway. A friend has just tried one out and he got some good video, but the photos werent that great. im not sure which model he used, but was wondering if any one had any experience with them? I want one asap and would be using it for various things. An example would be at a place I thought a Fox might have cubs. It would be a tool to save time to see if there were cubs in it in the first place and what times they were coming out. With this info Id return with my DLSR to take photos. I wasted a lot of time last year waiting at Dens for nothing. Hope some one can help me choose the right one for me. Thanks

[Steefo]

Hi Fudgey,

I have two of the Bushnell models (119455C and 119466C) which I have used for both research and just as a hobby. I have found they have been great for both photos and videos. If you were to get one I would recommend getting one from an ebay shop in the US which I have done for both of mine with no trouble. Even with shipping and customs they have always been much cheaper than buying from the UK and I have been more than happy with them. I have also found this website which gives reviews of all the different types of camera traps available which might help you in making your decision. (Chasingame.com: Scouting Camera Reviews | Performance Reviews | Trail Camera Models compared | Sample Pictures and Movies)

I hope this helps.

[FUDGEY]

Thanks Steefo, great link too. I cant seem to find the model Im getting its the 119436C Bushnell Trophy Cam Night Vision - Brown - 8MP. It cost just under £200, please dont tell me the models you stated are better and cheaper?

[PlumsteadBugBoy]

Hi Fudgey,
Microglobe are advertising the 119436C for £169.
I recently got a 119456C from them. Comes with a UK 2 year warranty.

[FUDGEY]

I wish Id known earlier, Ive just got it this minute. Thanks mate for letting me know any way. Ill probably be buying another any way what would you reccomend? All i use it for is a tool to find out things like if a Fox Den is active or to see what time Badgers are emerging. Hope you can help and thanks again.

[Tringa]

We have the 119446 Bushnell model.

The spec is here -

Bushnell Trophy Cam 2011 - Camo | Uttings.co.uk

Pros

Easy to set up.

Sensitive in the correct way - it picked up a mouse on a bird table from a few feet away, but did not pick up a bush being blown by the wind. It also have three levels of sensitivity.

Sound pick up is good - easy to hear pine marten chewing.

Colour rendition in daylight is pretty good.

Cons

It loses the date and time settings when you have to replace the batteries.

Unless I have had two sets of very poor batteries the idea that a set could last a year is, IMO, way too optimistic.

While the IR sensor may be able to detect and respond to moving objects up to 45 feet away, I'd be surprised if the IR light can reach that far.

It has a lower resolution (720 x 480) than the more expensive model.



This sounds quite negative. However, I think it is a good camera. It allowed us see how frequently, and how many, pine martens were visiting. I'm guessing here, but to get very high quality is really going to cost and not necessary if you need it to tell you when and where something is happening.

Dave

[FUDGEY]

Dave, thanks so much for that mate that is great advice. Ive been playing around with it today and have set it out tonight. One thing I cant find is when setting it up can I view the small monitor in live mode so I can see what is in the frame or is it all guess work? Thanks also for the link Ill have a browse now. So helpful

[BillyPilgrim]

I got the cheapest Bushnell model.

Its easy to use, set up and works well.

Keep it well away from inquisitive, well-endowed sheep though!

Some of the results here - sheep at the bottom

Bungling Birder: June 2011

[Tringa]

Alan, on the model we have the monitor is only for setting up. It can't be used to get a quick view of what has been captured, though this is available on the more expensive models.

Dave

BTW Did you get anything last night?

[FUDGEY]

Originally Posted by Tringa

Alan, on the model we have the monitor is only for setting up. It can't be used to get a quick view of what has been captured, though this is available on the more expensive models.

Dave

BTW Did you get anything last night?

I cant even get a live view for setting up? At £200 you would think this facility would be available. No Tawny Owls last night visited the box, but it was raining so I guess there priority would be to get some food. Badgers next i think