trail cam with longest lasting batteries?

I have a stealth cam and I find the batteries die so quickly I often get no pics... anyone have a camera that actually does not use batteries too heavily?

I know the Lithium Ion batteries last longer but this is crazy... I have been using regular batteries.
Thanks, Tom

 

I'll only buy trail cameras now if they take AA batteries then use the lithium. Last over a year.

 

I have a Moultrie 550, Stealth G30, Cuddeback IR. Keep them out year round. I just use regular Rayovac batteries and only replace them 3 or 4 times in a year. I usually replace them sooner than they need to be just so I don't end up missing anything. The batteries I take out go home and get used in remotes, flash lights or any of the kids items that need batteries.

 

One set of AA's last a full year??
T

 

I am surprised they are still useable.. I just checked a camera.. it was out for 3-4 weeks with new batteries when I put it out. It is totally dead and has no pictures which tells me it died shortly after I put it out.

It was cold for half of that period, but warmer than normal more recently.

I don't get it.
T

 

Just heard a great podcast about trail cams in regard to batteries. You gotta use lithium not alkaline.

 

I bought AA adapters for D size batteries but they didn't seem to work well.

 

ok, so where can these be purchased for a reasonable price?

Are they rechargeable?
T

 

What model Stealth are you having issues with? A newer camera or older one? If it's newer you should try updating the firmware as there are some updates that significantly help with battery life. If it's older (pre 2014) I would throw it in the garbage and buy a new one. Their old cameras were horrific when it comes to battery life. These days I'll get a solid 4-5 months on a set of alkalines in a G30. A set of Lithiums will get me close to a year.

Lithiums are definitely the way to go if you can afford them. Depending on how many cameras you have out they can get very costly very quick. I use them in my Stealth wireless cameras and it's $30 for a single set of 12. Ouch.

 

If its cold out or below 40 degrees you definately want to use Lithium ultimates as they are not affected by cold temperatures. If you use alkalines when its cold out they will die fairly quickly like you are experiencing.

Like Justin said, What is the model of the camera and I first would be checking if it has the most current firmware version. I do this for all my cameras every summer before I put them out for the fall.

 

G42NG
pretty new imo
T

 

how is the software updated??
T

 

how large a card do people use if their camera is out for several months?
T

 

Download from here based on which model you have. Instructions are also there.

Stealth Cam G PRO/ G Series

 

I use all 4 and 8gb cards for the most part. I can get thousands of pics on them easily.

I've also got a bunch of G42's. While their batteries don't last as long as the G30 I have, they will still last a good 2-3 months and maybe 10k pics. I think you either have a camera defect or need to update the firmware.

 

^And the 'brutal and unseasonably cold' 60 degrees of Florida probably helps give him a bit longer life than anywhere up north.

To the OPs other question on card size when having a cam out that long... Andrew, are you running 3g cams down there?

 

thanks... I hope it is not a defect.. I have hardly used it!
T

 

I get a really good battery life on my Stealth cam G30. Over 4 months. I got 11 months on 8 AA alkaline batteries in a Covert MP6. Over 20,00 pics and I still had 1 bar of battery life showing.

 

Camera issue. I would Call Stealth Cam.

 

LOL, you guys would wear short on our coldest days

My lease is in Central FL so it will get down to the 30's but not usually for long.

I've got about 20 cameras out there and I buy what ever is decent and under $100. A friend get deals on Bushnells now so I'll be going with them. I don't really worry about quality of the image. It take a long time to go through so many photos to upload to photo bucket.