Recently, trail cameras have become more and more popular among the hunter world. It has never been easier to survey the land and track animals without your presence at the scene. At the same time, you can count on the motion detection capability of such devices to maintain your premises’ security. It’s time to capture the signature moments of the wildlife.
Especially game cameras transmitting images based on the cellular connection are selling like hotcakes, given its enhanced performance and affordability. From my experience of chasing after preys for many years, I’ve conducted careful research and found out the top 5 best cellular trail camera models that you can take as a useful reference.
Here are the best cellular trail cameras (Nov 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: CREATIVE XP 3G Cellular Trail Camera
- Best For Clear Images: Moultrie Mobile XV7000i Cellular Trail Camera
- Most Compact: SPYPOINT Link Micro Wireless/Cell Trail Camera
- Best For Deer Hunting: CreativeXP LTE 4G Cellular Trail Camera
- Best Flashless Camera: 3G Bigfoot Trail Camera
| Top 5 Best Cellular Trail Cameras | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | CREATIVE XP 3G Cellular Trail Camera | Read Our Review |
Best For Clear Images | Moultrie Mobile XV7000i Cellular Trail Camera | Read Our Review |
Most Compact | SPYPOINT Link Micro Wireless/Cell Trail Camera | Read Our Review |
Best For Deer Hunting | CreativeXP LTE 4G Cellular Trail Camera | Read Our Review |
Best Flashless Camera | 3G Bigfoot Trail Camera | Read Our Review |
Best Overall: CREATIVE XP 3G Cellular Trail Camera
- Long-lived battery
- Excellent operation in the dark
- Wide detection angle
- Impossible to transmit videos over the cell network
Already making it a name in the trail camera industry, the CreativeXP is proud to accommodate diverse needs with such a 3G cellular product. Don’t mistake its compact design for its lack of capabilities.
The quality of photographs and videos is outstanding regardless of day or night thanks to high resolution and infrared LEDs. No flash is available to ensure no disturbance to the wildlife. The quick trigger speed is a plus point since you can exploit the camera as a home security device to detect burglars. As the best cellular trail camera, it allows users to set a specific recording time with the timer function.
| CREATIVE XP 3G Cellular Trail Camera Specifications | |
|---|---|
Maximum Resolution | 12 MP |
Video | 1080p |
Night Flash Range | 65 ft. |
Trigger Speed | 0.4 s |
Highlight Features | 56 Infrared LEDs Time-lapse mode Wide 110-degree dynamic lens Tree mount strap A free SIMHERO card and SD cycle included. |
The Creative XP 3G model offers every essential feature that hunters, either for fun or profits, seek in a cellular trail camera.
Best For Clear Images: Moultrie Mobile XV7000i Cellular Trail Camera
- Excellent image quality, even at night
- Efficient battery life
- No contract or activation fees required
- Affordable
- Only compatible with certain SD cards
Moultrie is devoted to providing customers with the best out of a trail camera. So, it has continuously updated the latest technology in its products. The XV-7000i cellular trail camera is no exception. It is a perfect combination of a camera and a modem that runs on the Verizon plan. The service is accessible to consumers from diverse walks of life, charging you only $10 a month.
The image capturing ability is out of this world with 20 megapixels and 80-foot detection and flash range. I highly appreciate the inclusion of the ILLUMI-NIGHT 2 sensor since it produces the brightest images in the dark. Thanks to the Moultrie Mobile System, it's feasible to adjust camera options from faraway. With the 4G connectivity, you can transmit and receive images at lightning speed.
| Moultrie Mobile XV7000i Cellular Trail Camera Specifications | |
|---|---|
Maximum Resolution | 20 MP |
Video | 1080p |
Night Flash Range | 80 ft. |
Trigger Speed | 0.3 s |
Highlight Features | ILLUMI-NIGHT 2 sensor Invisible flash Built-in cellular modem Verizon 4G network and Moultrie mobile app downloadable. |
The Moultrie mobile XV7000i cellular trail camera can make a reliable companion of hunters craving for high-speed connectivity and better image quality, but not wanting to pay a fortune for high-end devices.
Most Compact: SPYPOINT Link Micro Wireless/Cell Trail Camera
- Weatherproof
- Easy to operate
- Affordable
- Free SIM card and app included
- Batteries drain quickly
If you're planning a long trip to the wonderland, it's best to pack in as compact and few items as possible. This link micro trail camera from Spypoint maybe a suggestion. It's small enough to fit your hand palm perfectly while avoiding the attention of wild game and hunters. The device runs on 8 AA batteries stored on a removable carriage.
You can shoot, retrieve, and view photos all day long on your smartphone, thanks to the conveniently wireless design. The image clarity is no doubt, particularly at night, as the invisible LED flash helps produce quality infrared images within 80 feet. You can choose the multi-shot mode to take two pictures at the same time, thereby minimizing the chance of missing precious moments of nature. The output will contain all the information about the time, date, moon phase, and temperature.
| SPYPOINT Link Micro Wireless/Cell Trail Camera Specifications | |
|---|---|
Maximum Resolution | 10 MP |
Video | N/A |
Night Flash Range | 80 ft. |
Trigger Speed | 0.5 s |
Highlight Features | Multi-shot and continuous modes Night vision infrared imaging Date/time and moon phase stamp. |
With a small design but essential functions, Spypoint promises to challenge any wireless trail cameras on the market in terms of size.
Best For Deer Hunting: CreativeXP LTE 4G Cellular Trail Camera
- High-quality images
- Reasonable price
- Lifetime warranty
- No yearly contract
- Uncertain about working well with other SIM cards
When it comes to deer hunting, the CreativeXP LTE 4G cellular trail camera is the very first name coming up in my mind. It’s waterproof enough to withstand severe weather patterns, either downpour or heavy snow. So, you can freely bring it along on outdoor trekking trips.
No matter it's day or night time, this camera provides crystal clear images or video footage. Upon activating the time-lapse option, you will receive a photo every 3 to 45 minutes instead of motion detected photos. Also, the product can serve as a security camera if necessary. You may connect it to your home's wi-fi and enjoy keeping the whole premise under surveillance. Whenever it detects signs of illegal trespassing, you can get notified right away.
| CreativeXP LTE 4G Cellular Trail Camera Specifications | |
|---|---|
Maximum Resolution | 12 MP |
Video | 1080p |
Night Flash Range | 65 ft. |
Trigger Speed | 0.35 s |
Highlight Features | IR night vision Wide dynamic lens Time-lapse Free 32G memory card Real-time notifications and tree mount included. |
Deserving the title of the best cellular trail camera, the CreativeXP LTE 4G cellular trail camera is useful in determining the exact place and time of the big game without costing you time and effort to arrive at the spot and spread the human scent.
Best Flashless Camera: 3G Bigfoot Trail Camera
- High-quality output
- Flash-free
- Easy to set up
- Affordable
- Limited detection range
- Susceptible to environment changes
With this flash-free product, you won’t bother scaring animals away. The 3G trail camera from Bigfoot also comes with a useful app to control all the settings. You can reach your camera or receive photos at your fingertips.
Thanks to the night flash function, the device promises to produce crystal-clear images within a distance of 65 ft. The integration of 12MP photos and HD video dramatically enhances the quality of output. Rainy weather can't pose an obstacle to the camera's operation since it is resistant to water. No contract requirement means that a one-off free will provide you with access all year long.
| 3G Bigfoot Trail Camera Specifications | |
|---|---|
Maximum Resolution | 12 MP |
Video | 1080p |
Night Flash Range | 65 ft. |
Trigger Speed | 0.4 s |
Highlight Features | Waterproof IP66 350 free photos iOS and Android remote control 16GB micro SD card 56 Infrared LEDs and daily reporting. |
If you give priority to affordability and reliability, the Bigfoot 3G camera is a top choice in the high-end range, especially for those new to cellular flashless products.
How To Choose The Best Cellular Trail Cameras?
Before making the final purchase of the best cellular trail camera, there’re several factors that you need to bear in mind.
Megapixels
- Given its primary function of taking pictures, a cellular trail camera should have enough megapixels to ensure the high quality of output. More megapixels mean higher resolution. However, larger images consume more storage space so that you may need an additional SD card or one with a vast capacity.
Photo Settings
- Some cameras are designed to take only a photo every second while others activate the multiple-shooting function to capture various images so that you can pick out the best one. The former turns out useless if animals walk through while you haven’t set an ideal position yet. The latter is of interest to deer hunters since they enjoy saving different angles of deer’s antlers.
- Moreover, there’re auto time-lapse modes, meaning you can set the camera to take pictures at a predetermined time without triggering. It’s vital in case you plan to shoot on a large food field. I'm fond of this feature whenever hunting for turkeys.
Battery Life
- Short-lived batteries won’t be suitable if you prepare to shoot in the area full of activities. Some sets of batteries allow for taking three to four thousand pictures, while others can endure up to tens of thousands.
- Moreover, the size of the batteries matters. Cameras using 4 AA batteries for 20,000 pictures cost less than those taking 3,000 images with 4D cells.
Trigger Speed
- Trigger speed lasts from the moment an animal walks into the frame until you have a picture taken. The average specification is one or two seconds. Slow trigger speed is acceptable on a bait situation but helpless on a game trail.
Infrared
- Given many precious pictures are taken at night, you may consider investing an extra sum of money for the infrared integration. A traditional flash may frighten deer away while infrared reduces intrusion when taking nighttime photos.
- There're two significant types of infrared: invisible and semi-visible. The first one acts by filtering the light, and the second one works based on beam emission.
Durability
- It’s annoying and time-consuming to replace game cameras frequently. You should never overlook a highly durable camera. It will be robust and sturdy enough to withstand wear and tear and deal with various environmental conditions. In particular, pay attention to the camera’s casing. It should come with waterproof properties to last long.
Waterproof
- For outdoor cameras like cellular trail ones, water resistance is an important feature. If your device is susceptible to water penetration, it won't last long in harsh natural conditions. IP ratings deal with water tightness and solids, so it’s ideal to go for the one with IP65 or higher.
- To increase effects, you can wear your trail camera with water-resistant protective skins, thereby lengthening its lifespan.
Which Brands Make The Best Cellular Trail Cameras?
CreativeXP
- Starting as a manufacturer of affordable dashcams, the brand quickly embarked on the hunting equipment industry. Its founder has made necessary adjustments to effective dashcams, including waterproof features, so that you can approach such incredible trail cameras on the market nowadays.
SPYPOINT
- Since the very first days of establishment, SPYPOINT has devoted itself to creating innovative trail cameras. Its product is both compact in design and effective in operation, making a reliable companion of trophy hunters. Some models even have a solar cell to receive instant energy if needed. In particular, the BUCK TRACKER technology is excellent at identifying antlers in animals photographed.
FAQs
Wireless vs. Cellular Trail Camera?
There're specific differences between two sub-categories of trail cameras. A wireless model uses a wi-fi signal to send images while its cellular counterpart operates on a SIM card. Therefore, cellular cameras have more extensive applications as you can't find wi-fi connection everywhere.
Compared with wireless cameras, cellular ones provide a more excellent range depending on your chosen network. They send instant notifications and pose a lower risk of polluting shooting spots. However, they take a longer time to install and require users to pay regular data plans. Meanwhile, wireless cameras make a better choice for home security purposes since they are excellent within a limited range of your household, but at the expense of battery draining faster.
How do cellular trail cameras work?
Cellular trail cameras use cellular networks, such as 3G, 4G, and 5G, to transmit data. They work in hunting spots to supervise wildlife activities. However, you need to purchase data plans before application, especially SIM cards if you exploit this type of cameras for security purposes.
In most cellular game trail cameras have built-in sensors to detect motion so that you can save significant moments right away. Upon motion detection, the camera records images and notify users via emails or cellphones.
Since you usually carry cellular trail cameras for outdoor activities, route cables, and power adapters to supply power are redundant. Therefore, most models are wire-free and run on batteries or solar energy.
Can you include two cams connected at the same point to send images to a single smartphone?
It's possible in the sense that two cameras support each other to produce the highest image quality. In other words, you can divide these units into two levels: primary and secondary. The primary camera is responsible for capturing images, while the other enhances certain features from clarity, depth to zoom capabilities.
How long do cellular trail cameras last?
It depends on the current operation mode, the number of videos or images taken, the temperature, and the frequency of flash. On average, cameras operating on lithium batteries are more durable than those using alkaline, lasting up to over a year. Alkaline batteries only power the device with the energy left, but a lithium battery can work to the maximum of its power source until it dies.
On the other hand, provided that there's enough sunlight, your cellular trail camera can be active on solar panels all the time. Any model equipped with an external power port makes room for the installation of a solar panel. The setup will take you some effort, but it's worthwhile in the long run.
What is the difference between a game camera and a trail camera?
A game camera and a trail camera are different terms to indicate a type of camera that instantly takes images and gets powered by batteries. The setup process is such a breeze.
Both game and trail camera models come with LED and infrared options to capture the picture and location of the wildlife as clearly as possible. The infrared emits a minimal to zero amount of glow, thereby not disturbing the natural habitat.
Conclusion
A low-quality game camera is likely to spoil your hunting day shortly. Understanding the everyday needs of hunters, I’ve finished reviewing the best cellular trail camera products in terms of size, purpose to performance. I hope you can pick out your favorite from the list.
Don’t forget to update me on your latest trip with pals!
