Best Trail Camera For Night Pictures [Top 9 Rated]

If you want to get your hands on the best trail camera and you would like to know which one was my favorite, then you need to look at the Aucee Trail Camera which has a 16 MP camera and can shoot 1080P HD videos. It also has a decent trigger speed.

So you are looking for the best trail cameras that you can use during night time. Whether it is for home use, out in the wild or maybe you want to be the lucky one to find Bigfoot.

The most common reason for using a trail cam at night is for trying to spot game such as Whitetail or Blacktail deer. Some people also like to look for hogs and maybe smaller critters such as raccoons and squirrels.

It does not matter which reason you choose from the above selected; I believe that the nine trail cameras presented in this article will have potential to do the job.

That is not all.

In this review, I am going to delve into nine of the best trail cameras for night pictures, and I am also going to show you how to use them correctly. I am going to go over essential features such as the image and video quality, the night vision component, how the sensors work and also a small guide that will make you a trail cam expert in no time.

Are you ready?

Ultimate Trail Camera Buying Guide

Finding the right trail camera does not need to be that hard. It is much easier than you think. Today, I have delved into 9 of the best trail cameras that you can find on Amazon, and all of them need to be able to take night pictures as well.

In this section, I am going to go over 3 critical factors that you need to consider before buying a trail camera. These factors will include the pricing, image and video quality and also the use of sensors.

I am also going to give you a short tutorial on how to use a trail camera and even some of the best places to put them.

Let’s start with the cost of these gadgets.

1. What you can expect from the price

These trail cameras are not that expensive, and more than 50% of them will cost you less than $100 per camera. You can expect the pricing of these cameras to range anywhere from around $50 up to even approximately $170.

If you have a very limited budget this time of year or you are that serious about buying the best (more expensive) option, then you will love the Enkeeo PH730S. 

This product is very inexpensive and the reward for being the least expensive option in this review.

If you would like to get your hands on a bargain, then you must look at the Aucee Trail Camera which has a 16MP camera and has the best value for money considering that it does not cost much.

2. What about the image and video quality

a) Image quality in megapixels

What use is a trail camera if the visual quality is lacking. This is the reason why my minimum image quality is going to be 12 MP. A Megapixel is 1000 000 pixels were 12 MP is going to go up to 12 000 000.

This measurement is the best way to estimate the image quality. The higher the megapixel, the better the quality. If you want the best possible image quality that trail cameras can offer, then I will recommend the Browning Strike Force HD Pro which has a whopping 18MP.

b) Video Quality

You will very often be introduced to 720P or 1080P when it comes to video quality. The 720P stands for 720 pixels vertically and 1280 pixels horizontally. The 1080P version stands for 1080 pixels vertically and 1920 pixels horizontally.

The higher this “P” value, the more pixels will be in one square cm which will result in a higher quality video. Another thing that is important when it comes to the image quality is going to be the night vision aspects of these cameras.

c) Night vision

These cameras are not real night vision but make use of IR grade infrared LED. Once the sensor is triggered, these LED’s will flash, and an image will be taken.

This feature will result in a night vision like image where you can see clearly in the dark.

3. What you need to know about the sensors

There are two ways you can trigger trail cameras. The first method is by motion and the second is by variance in temperature. The use of a PIR detector can do this.

You can also visualize the detection range from that of a cone shape. The further you are from the sensor, the wider the detection. The opposite can be said if you move closer to the sensor.

Trail cameras are also more efficient at detecting larger animals than smaller ones. The trigger speed is also a crucial factor that you need to consider. Usually the faster the trigger speed, the better the response especially for fast moving targets.

The trigger speed can range anywhere from 0.2 seconds up to 1.5 seconds. If trigger speed is essential to you, then I would recommend the Aucee Trail Camera as it has a trigger speed of 0.2 seconds.

4. The Four EASY Steps on How to Use Trail Cams

So now you have your trail camera, but you still do not know how to use it. In this section, I am going to show you exactly how to use this gadget to capture the best pictures possible.

a) Find the best batteries

First, you need to get the best AA batteries possible. Most cameras make use of 8 AA batteries. If you want to add some solar power to save some batteries, then you can have a look at the Spypoint Solar which makes use of a small solar panel.

b) Set it to the right height

The height that I found working best for me is between 1 to 1.5 meters. If you go higher than that, then you will miss most of the animals that appear up close. If you set it too low, then you will lose most of the action.

The best way to find the right hight is to test it. First, set your trail cam on the desired height and the trigger it after a couple of minutes by walking in front of it. You can also test this within different differences which might give different results. 

You can do this for one camera, and once you have the desired height, you can use the same height for the next one. That is if the elevation is the same.

c) Remember to use an SD card

Most trail cameras will give you the ability to use an SD card. Most models are compatible with a 32 GB SD card which is more than enough for the entire trip.

There is nothing worse than relying solely on the internal memory of the trail cam.

d) How to choose the best location

You can do everything right but if you do not choose the best location, then you just as well not buy a trail cam in the first place. Below are some tips on how to choose the best location:

1. Your camera should face north. This tip will make sure that your camera will not be facing the sun which might reduce the image quality. This problem is especially real for those living in the northern hemisphere.
2. Look for common areas where the game usually hangs out. Some of these areas might include water pits, areas where the floor is scraped with either antlers or hoofs, or where dung is located.
3. Choose areas that are open. If there is too many trees or foliage, then you might miss out on some of the action. The wind can also trigger the camera if it is using a moving sensor.
4. Put your camera out the way. Never put your camera in the middle of the roadway or in a visible place where people or animals might see it. You can set it alongside a treeline or between 2 bushes.

This is it, folks. Hopefully, you learned a lot from this article.

#1 Aucee Trail Camera

Best For: This product is ideal for individuals that want the best value for money with an excellent 16 MP camera.

• Editors Rating: 10/10 
• Price Range: $$
• Camera Quality: 16 MP
• Trigger Speed: 0.2 s

The Aucee Trail Camera is another great option for those that want a good quality camera. This trail camera makes use of a 16 MP camera which is much higher than the 12 MP standard. By the way, this product is also my top pick for the day. This camera also makes use of 1080P HD videos which is very good when you want quality.

This trigger speed is also outstanding and ranges from 0.2 up to 0.6 seconds with an effective trigger distance of 20 meters. This camera also uses Low Glow infrared LED’s that will not spook the animals. This camera can also withstand moisture which is useful in wet areas. The sensor has a 120° detection range which will allow you to capture more of the action.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

#2 Enkeeo PH730S

Best For: This product is best for individuals that want a good quality trail camera that won’t break the bank.

• Editors Rating: 7.8/10 
• Price Range: $ 
• Camera Quality: 12 MP
• Trigger Speed: 0.6s

If you would like to use trail cameras at night, but you do not want to break the bank, then I would recommend the Enkeeo PH730S. This product is going to be the least expensive option in this listing. This product has a 0.2-0.6 second trigger time which is not bad. The photos quality is also excellent that is estimated to be 12 MP (megapixels). The video is also not that bad with a 1080P quality.

This product is also waterproof with an IP54 waterproof certification that makes it easy to use while it is raining. This trail camera also has a 120° detection angle and makes use of PIR sensors to spot any movement. This product also makes use of low light IR LED bulbs which makes it better for almost no detection. It is also rechargeable and comes with a USB cable and a tree mount. Inside the product, you will even get an LCD screen where you can look at all the images and videos taken.

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#3 Spypoint Solar

Best For: This trail camera is best for hunters that want to rely more on solar energy.

• Editors Rating: 8.2/10 
• Price Range: $$$
• Camera Quality: 12 MP
• Trigger Speed: 0.07s

If you are into trail cameras that make use of a solar panel, then you will love the Spypoint Solar. This product is the only one that makes use of a solar panel as an energy source. It also makes use of a rechargeable battery. This trail camera also makes use of a 12 MP camera to pictures. It also makes use of a 720P HD video with sound which is not that bad. It also has an adjustable detection range that stretches from 5 up to 80 feet. The flash is also super low-glow IR which will not spook the game. This product is also waterproof with a trigger speed of 0.07-seconds. You can also watch the action on the 2″ screen.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

#4 Browning Strike Force HD Pro

Best For: This product is best for those that want the best quality images.

• Editors Rating: 9.2/10 
• Price Range: $$$$
• Camera Quality: 18 MP
• Trigger Speed: 0.3s

If you would like to have crystal clear images from your trail camera, then you will love the Browning Strike Force HD Pro. This camera has a whopping 18 MP camera which is one of the best in this series. It can also take 1080p Full HD video with sound that will further amplify your experience. It has a 120 ft flash range and an 80 feet detection range which is state of the art. The trigger speed is also phenomenal with a 0.3-second trigger speed. This product is also compatible with 512 GB SDXC memory cards from where you can store all of your data. It also has a lovely 1.5″ viewing screen from where you can see all the photos and videos.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

#5 Wildgame Innovations

Best For: This camera is ideal for individuals that want a trail cam that can scan 360 degrees.

• Editors Rating: 8.7/10 
• Price Range: $$$$
• Camera Quality: 12 MP
• Trigger Speed: 1.5 s

If you would like a trail camera that can scan 360°, then you will love the Wildgame Innovations 360. This camera is not suitable for placement on a tree and is best used on a standing pole. It also makes use of a camera that has a 12 MP quality, and it can also record 720P video which is excellent considering what this gadget can do.

It can be used during both day and night time and has a trigger speed of 1.5 seconds which is not that great (I do not know whether the 360-degree build of this camera contributes to the slow trigger speed). It has a flash range of 70 feet and uses 8 AA batteries. This product also makes use of T-post mounting bracket because of its unique functionality. You also have an option to use a 32 GB SD card that will store all of your footages and images.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

#6 Stealth Cam G42 No-Glo

Best For: Is best for individuals that want to use GPS tagging, so their unit does not get lost.

• Editors Rating: 9.4/10 
• Price Range: $$
• Camera Quality: 12 MP
• Trigger Speed: 0.5 s

If you would like another trail cam that can compete with most other brands, then you might want the Stealth Cam G42 No-Glo. This product uses a 12 MP camera and a 1080P HD video recorder with sound. The trigger speed is also around 0.5 seconds which is not bad. This product also features No Glow technology which does not spook the game at night.

This technology entails 42 black IR emitters that give the camera some light to work with. This feature also allows the camera up to 100 feet visibility. It also has a USB port and a video output and makes use of a 32 GB SD card (Not included). This product also uses 8 AA batteries that you need to buy separately. This product also uses GPS tagging which is useful for hunters that have a lot of units on the field.

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#7 Moultrie A-30i

Best For: It is ideal for buyers that want to have the ability at a later stage to view the images from their computer.

• Editors Rating: 8.4/10 
• Price Range: $$
• Camera Quality: 12 MP
• Trigger Speed: 0.7 s

The Moultrie A-30i is another excellent addition to this list of the best trail cameras. This item also makes use of a 12 MP camera, and it gives you two video quality setting which is the 720P and the 1280P. The videos are also 15 seconds long per video triggered. This product makes use of 32 LEDs that are also infrared which won’t spook the game away. It also has a 0.7-second trigger speed which is not bad.

You also have the option to a Moultrie Field Modem which gives you the ability to connect your phone or laptop to this device wirelessly. Now you can view the images and videos from your computer while being far away from the device. It also makes use of 8 AA batteries which can capture up to 16 000 images before it runs dead. You can also add a 32 GB SD card on a later stage.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

#8 Apeman Trail Camera

• Editors Rating: 8/10 
• Price Range: $$
• Camera Quality: 12 MP
• Trigger Speed: 0.4 s

The Apeman Trail Camera is another excellent product to include in this list that will stack up to its name. It also makes use of a 12 MP camera and a 1080P HD videos to give you the best footage possible. The sensors also have a trigger speed of 0.2 up to 0.4 seconds and cover an area of a 120° angle. It also uses IR LED’s that will not spook the animals away for when it flashes. It also makes use of a 2.4″ screen from where you can watch all of the footages.

>> Check Price And Availability <<

Trail Camera Comparison Table

Product Name	Camera Quality	Trigger Speed	Price
1. Aucee Trail Camera	16 MP	0.2 s	$$
2. Enkeeo PH730S	12 MP	0.6 s	$
3. Spypoint Solar	12 MP	0.07 s	$$$
4. Browning Strike Force HD Pro	18 MP	0.3 s	$$$$
5. Wildgame Innovations	12 MP	1.5 s	$$$$
6. Stealth Cam G42 No-Glo	12 MP	0.5 s	$$
7. Moultrie A-30i	12 MP	0.7 s	$$
8. Apeman Trail Camera	12 MP	0.4 s	$$

Final Take

After reading this article, you can almost consider yourself a trail camera expert. I have gone through 9 of the best-known trail cameras online that are best suited for night time pictures and videos.

You will also find my guide on how to use these gadgets very useful. Now it is your turn. Leave a comment below and tell us which cam was your favorite and why.