Hello all. I'm in the market for a new trail camera. My Leaf River IR5 was likely smacked around by a bear last week and has been placed on the IR (injured reserve, not infra red ) Anywho, I liked the IR5 quite a bit but the IR flash range wasn't very good, the trigger speed was a bit slow and it was kind of a pain to set up. But still, I was pleased with the battery life, clarity of photos (both day and night, especially day) and its size and design. So the IR5 is still in the running. But I was curious if you guys had any recommendations for a new camera. I'm thinking in the $200-250 price range. I looked at the Cuddeback Capture and Capture IR but I got mixed reviews but I am considering one of those as well. Your guys experienced opinions are greatly appreciated!
You are fortunate, there are alot of great cameras in that price-range. A few that immediately come to mind are the Scoutguard, Bushnell Trophycam, Moultrie I-40, Cuddeback Capture, do not get the IR version though. Moultries new cameras are also in that price-range, although I have not seen any reviews or examples of pics. I have also seen a new camera that is coming out this fall from Stealthcam. It is an HD video camera with sound. The mfg. suggested is $309.00 so that might be something worth waiting for. Hope this helps. Blessings.....Pastorjim
The Bushnell Trophycam is definately the best of the above mentioned cams and hands down the best in that price range. One feature they should have added IMO is a laser, but if you can live with out a laser aiming device then you will be very happy with it. If you buy the model with the built in view finder then it may not be a big deal though. The best price I have found (around $180-$210 depending on the model) is at www.natchezss.com P.S. I'm not sure about that Stealthcam. It may end up being in your price range and if it works good would be pretty cool. Try checking www.chassingame.com for info on that one.
What is wrong with the IR Capture? When looking at reviews for the Capture and Capture IR I noticed that the Capture got rave reviews while the IR version was less than standard it seemed.
Every night-time picture I've ever seen from the Capture IR version is almost unviewable. They are so dark that the animals that are not close to the camera are almost impossible to see. Honestly, I think if I buy more cameras, I will stick with white-flash. The animals seem to stand and stare at my IR cameras just as much as they look at my flash cameras. And I really prefer night-time color pictures over any IR pic I have ever seen. Blessings.....Pastorjim P.S. If you want a really great camera, save up a little more money and wait until you can afford a Reconyx. IMO, there's nothing else out there that comes close.
Have the Leaf River 5 Mega pixel I'm not completely satisfied with it either. Basically what you said was something I would say about it. Try a Reconyx or Bushnell Trophy Cam. If I went for a Reconyx I'd go for the Mathews Edition cam because Mathews makes the best bows. Forget bowtech's they're just as crappy as PSE's
I'm leaning towards the Capture. Being a QDMA member I can get it for like $180 I think, w/o shipping and taxes of course. CAleb.. or any Capture users for that matter- What is the battery life like?
Have 0 experience with Cuddes or Leaf River but I love my Bushnell. I have been using Moultrie and cheapo Wildviews. At the time I just wanted to see what was out there but now that I have purchased the Trophy Cam I will never buy a cheapo again. Dont get me wrong Moultrie isnt bad but these blow them away. I too wish they had a laser for adjustments but you cant have everything unless you want to spend the $$ on Reconyx. I can almost buy 3 Bushnells for 1 of those so I know what my answer to that would be.LOL
I have 2 captures in the field right now on their second year. I get anywhere from 4-6 weeks from the batteries depending on the amount of pictures. The most I've gotten on one set is 800+/- pics over about 5 weeks. That was the only time I've actually found dead batteries when I've checked the Captures. I usually check them every couple weeks and swap batteries every 4 just to keep them up and running.
i would go with the cudde capture, simply because any one who has bought it has loved it. STAY AWAY FROM STEALTHCAMS WHATEVER YOU DO! crappy service, crappy pictures, crappy camera, take it from a guy who made the mistake already stay away from the stealthcams
I absolutely love my moultrie it has never let me down and I really like the 30 second video clips that it takes. It was worth every cent that I spent on it.
If it does NOT get atleast several thousand pics on one set of batteries, or months of service. Have video OR picture capabilities. Have a lot of adjustability in settings. and IMO IR ( not a fan of flash at all).....then you are wasting your money. I never understood the guy "saving" money by going with a $140 cam over a $220, only to turn around and spend $100/year on batteries while the other might spend $10...who really saves money? Pick your poison as far as brands go, just make sure you are at least getting the best features for the price range you pick.
