Need new trail cam

[Xecute]

I'm looking for a new trail camera fleet. I have used 3 different brands over the years religously and am frankly fed up.

What are you using with good success? Problems that I am having with my cams are longevity. I want a camera that will last for more than a year. I also want good night time pictures and last but not least good quality pics that can snap a good pic of a moving deer and capture that image clearly. Would like to spend under 150 for each camera. Is this possible?

[dakids]

Trail cameras are electronics that are subjected to extremes.  I use the little desicant packs to help remove the moisture from the inside of the cams. So far (knock on wood) I haven't had a camera die on me yet.  I have 2 that are 4 years old and have been straped to the side of a tree since day one.

[Realtree]

I'm in the same situation, looking to put a camera or two out in our woods this year, but not sure which brand to get.

I'm looking for something reliable and that will last out in the woods while still being in the affordable range. Night/day pic quality is important but i won't be framing them so it doesn't need to be perfect. I just want to be able to see what is moving in the woods for setting up stands.

Security is a fairly important consideration also for me with the camera(s) being left out in the woods for extended time frames.

Any suggestions on what you have used with success/longevity would be greatly appreciated.

[Go Big Red!]

I'm no expert but you get what you pay for.  For example, a friend of mine has a cheap $90 one and it's not great.... ever.  Battery pack dies, strap is cheap.  On the other hand, my brother uses Cuddeback and has had zero issues.  Both cameras are left out all year, in all elements, and the visual quality is night and day between the two.

[whiteoakbuck]

i have a wildview extreame 5 works great takes good pic's the only thing that sucks is it uses 4 c battiers i have rechargable ones so i can usally get 3 weeks out of them b4 recharging i got mine as a gift but i think they are around $100 bucks  it's gonna be hard to find a great camera under that $250 range though

[MnDeerStalker]

I have a few different cams and I like my covert II cams they take 8 aa batteries but seem to last awile had mine out from Dec 31 to Feb 7 both had taken over 1300 pics and weren't dead yet I know that's not a long time but we had a few sub zero weeks here so I was happy with that I just use rechargeables. I also have a cuddeback its a good can but my coverts are just as good if not better for the money IMHO!

[deadeye]

I too am starting to look for another trail camera.  Last fall I bought a Bushnell "Trophy Camera" model 119425 from Cabelas.  Although I am happy with the camera performace, things that could be better.  Note: I think they have a new model Trophy Camera on the market today.  Mine has 24 LED's and uses a 4GB card.  The new one has 32 LED's and uses a 16GB card.
First the good.
1. Not to spendy - I bought it on sale and use one of their frequent 20% off coupons.
2. Small (3"X5") size is easy to put in pocket and less noticable in the woods.
3. Excellent battery life.  Uses 8 (or 4) AA batteries.  I had it out from some time in August till early November and did not change batteries.
4. Relatively easy to use and set up.
5. Really good day pictures
The not so good.
1. Remember to Format (in the camera) the SD card prior to use.  I think the biggest complaint I've seen is people saying the camera too 1000's of pictures, all blank.  This will happen if you do not format the SD card in the camera.
2. Short range IR mode.  This may be why the new model has more LED's.
3. Not the fasted trigger speed.  Recommend to point down a trail to get the animal coming or going to avoid half a deer.  Not a problem if you put at a scrap or salt lick.
4. Hard to see data on the digital setup screen.  May only be a my problem with old weak eyes.
5. Blurry pictures of deer moving at night in IR mode.  Maybe better with new 32 LED model.

The big question is would I buy it again?  Well, being this is my first digital IR camera and I am satisfied with it, I problably would not buy another one.  Not that this one is bad, but I would like to have a different model because you never know if something else would better fit what I like.