Wildlife cameras have revolutionised the ways we can observe and study animals in their natural habitats. These specialised cameras allow wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, and conservationists to capture incredible footage of animals without disturbing their natural behaviours.
Whether you're interested in monitoring local wildlife, aiding conservation efforts, or simply observing animals for your own interests from a distance, wildlife cameras provide a powerful tool for non-intrusive observation.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wildlife cameras - how they work, their various uses, the benefits they offer, and how to choose the right one for your needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced wildlife watcher, this guide will help you make the most of your wildlife camera.
What are wildlife cameras?
Wildlife cameras, also known as trail cameras or camera traps, are specialised cameras designed to capture images or videos of animals in their natural habitats - without human interference. Simply place them in your wildlife-friendly garden or local wildlife hotspot to leave them to capture footage of all your feathered friends, prickly pals and rare finds - it couldn’t be easier!
How do wildlife cameras work?
Wildlife cameras work by using motion or heat sensors to detect animals nearby. When the sensors are triggered, the camera automatically captures photos or videos of the wildlife - often using infrared technology for night-time recording. These cameras are typically mounted in outdoor locations and are designed to operate autonomously for extended periods, thanks to their long battery lives.
Common uses of wildlife cameras
Curious about how you could use a wildlife camera? Here are the most common uses of wildlife cameras:
1. Wildlife monitoring
Wildlife cameras can be used to track animal behaviour, bird migration patterns, and wildlife populations in local hotspots.
2. Conservation efforts
Conservation is a huge part of wildlife watching. Wildlife cameras are often used to help study endangered species in their natural habitats and monitor protected areas for changes and threats.
3. Habitat assessment
Even if you’re not capturing any wildlife on your cameras, they can be used to observe ecosystems, such as lakes, forests and wildlife reserves, to assess the health and biodiversity of the different habitats within.
4. Research and science
It's not just your everyday person who can use wildlife cameras either. Researchers and scientists use wildlife cameras to gather data for ecological and environmental studies.
5. Ethical hunting
Whilst we don’t promote hunting at Green Feathers, wildlife cameras can assist hunters and farmers by monitoring overpopulated animal activity and movement.
6. Security
Finally, wildlife cameras are often used by landowners and farmers, helping them to detect and prevent poaching or trespassing in remote areas.
Benefits of wildlife cameras
People from all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of wildlife cameras, whether they’re everyday wildlife enthusiasts, farmers or researchers. Here are 7 benefits you could gain from purchasing a wildlife camera:
1. Non-intrusive observation
One of the number one rules of wildlife watching is to leave the wildlife alone. Wildlife cameras give you the opportunity to capture natural animal behaviour without human presence disrupting the environment, keeping everyone happy within the space.
2. 24/7 monitoring
Forget heading out at the crack of dawn to wildlife watch, or camping out late at night to capture nocturnal creatures. Wildlife cameras operate day and night, meaning you can collect consistent footage over extended periods - without actually being there.
3. Cost-effective
Whilst you may consider a wildlife camera to be an investment, it’s a one-time cost. However, if you’re more than just a wildlife watcher - perhaps a farmer or researcher - wildlife cameras can reduce the need for constant human observation, saving you considerable time and resources.
4. Improved research
If you’re a wildlife researcher - pro or novice - wildlife cameras can provide valuable data for your scientific studies, including capturing species populations, activity patterns, and biodiversity in specific areas.
5. Enhanced conservation
Whoever you are, if you want to do your bit to help wildlife conservation, the footage you capture on your wildlife camera can aid in tracking endangered species and detecting threats like poaching - all of which can be shared to the appropriate sources, or through local groups.
6. Educational value
Whether you’re new to wildlife watching or want to make it a whole family activity, wildlife cameras allow people to learn more about wildlife in their natural habitats through recorded footage.
7. Versatility
As we mentioned earlier, wildlife cameras have all sorts of uses, for all different sorts of people! From gardeners to farmers, novices to researchers, everyone can use a wildlife camera.
Different types of wildlife cameras
Wildlife cameras come in different types, each suited for specific uses. Here's a breakdown of the different types of wildlife cameras, though some cameras may have multiple features:
1. Motion-activated wildlife cameras
Motion-activated wildlife cameras are triggered by motion or heat to capture footage. They typically have a high detection range and fast trigger speed, making them ideal for capturing fleeting moments when animals pass by.
2. Time-lapse wildlife cameras
Time-lapse wildlife cameras capture images or videos at set intervals, regardless of movement. These time intervals are adjustable, though can be less reliable to capture the footage you need. That said, time-lapse wildlife cameras are often suitable for studying long-term processes, like vegetation changes or animal migration.
3. Cellular wildlife cameras
Cellular wildlife cameras send images or videos to a smartphone or email, with real-time data transmission, via cellular networks. These are ideal for remote wildlife monitoring, where instant updates are needed.
4. Wireless wildlife cameras
Wireless or Wi-Fi wildlife cameras connect to nearby Wi-Fi to transfer camera footage without any physical retrieval needed. These are great for areas with stable Wi-Fi access, though can be limited by Wi-Fi range - however Wi-Fi extenders can help with this.
5. Infrared wildlife cameras
Infrared wildlife cameras use infrared light for night-time images without startling animals. There are typically two types of these cameras - no-glow cameras, with an invisible infrared light (better for stealth), and low-glow cameras, which have a dim red glow visible. These types of cameras have excellent night vision and are best for nocturnal wildlife observation.
6. Flash wildlife cameras
The complete opposite of infrared wildlife cameras, flash wildlife cameras use a bright flash to capture night-time images in colour. This provides superior image quality at night but may startle animals and affect animal behaviour.
7. Hybrid wildlife cameras
Hybrid wildlife cameras combine photo and video modes, often with time-lapse and motion detection. Whilst they do have multi-mode functionality, they may cost significantly more than other types of wildlife cameras. However, they are much more versatile and suitable for various wildlife monitoring uses.
8. Specialised wildlife cameras
Beyond the list above, there are also specialised wildlife cameras. These include underwater cameras, for capturing aquatic wildlife, 360° cameras, that capture a panoramic view of the environment, and compact cameras, which are designed to be lightweight for easy setup in challenging terrain.
Features to look for in a wildlife camera
Wildlife cameras are equipped with various features that enhance their functionality. Key features to look for in your next wildlife camera include:
1. Resolution
Resolution refers to the quality of the image or video footage. For photo resolution, this is measured in megapixels (MP) and the higher the MP, the sharper the images. For video resolution, you want to look for 1080p or higher for clear footage.
2. Trigger speed
Trigger speed measures how quickly the camera captures an image after detecting movement, typically found in the range of 0.2 to 1 second. Faster trigger speeds are crucial for capturing quick-moving animals.
3. Detection range
If your wildlife camera uses motion detection, you need to know how far away it can trigger the camera. Detection ranges in wildlife cameras often vary between 50-100 feet. A longer range is useful for monitoring larger areas.
4. Battery Life
Wildlife cameras are rarely connected to mains electricity and instead use batteries and sometimes solar power compatibility for extended use. The battery life on a wildlife camera determines how long the camera operates without needing a recharge or new batteries.
5. Storage
Different wildlife cameras store your footage in different ways. Some use SD cards or internal memory, and others (like cellular and Wi-Fi cameras) use cloud storage. Make sure that your wildlife camera has adequate storage for your wildlife-watching needs - especially if you intend to use it for longer periods of time.
6. Weatherproof design
As wildlife cameras are primarily used outdoors, they need to be able to handle harsh outdoor conditions - especially in the UK! Look for waterproof and dustproof ratings of IP65 or higher, to ensure reliable performance whatever the weather.
7. Mounting options
Consider how you need to mount your camera. Wildlife cameras can come with various mounting options, including brackets and straps for securing onto trees, poles, and tripods. Be sure to pick the right one for you, as this ensures stability and adaptability in your chosen environments.
How much do wildlife cameras cost?
Wildlife cameras generally range in price from £50 to £300 or more, depending on features such as resolution, trigger speed, connectivity, and durability.
- Budget models: £50–£100
- Mid-range models: £100–£200
- High-end models: £200–£300+
At Green Feathers, we want wildlife watching to be accessible to all. That’s why our wildlife cameras range in price from £69 to £395, depending on what features you need.
How to choose the right wildlife camera
No two wildlife watchers are the same, and neither are the cameras. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to help you determine which wildlife camera is best for you:
Step 1: Assess your needs
What are you using a wildlife camera for and where are you planning on using it? Assessing these needs will help you to determine what types of features you’re looking for.
Step 2: Consider your budget
Wildlife cameras can become expensive, but only if you need them to be. Figure out how much you can reasonably afford to spend on a wildlife camera, and try to find options that fit within that budget.
Step 3: Work with your experience
Are you new to wildlife cameras? Whilst some models can seem incredible, they may not be that easy to use. Look for models that are user- and beginner-friendly - including the maintenance. You can always upgrade your camera later down the line!
How to use a wildlife camera
Once you know how to use a wildlife camera, it’s a walk in the park. However, using a wildlife camera properly involves proper setup, placement, and maintenance.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a wildlife camera:
Step 1: Get to know your camera
Before you jump straight into wildlife watching, it’s important to understand how your camera works. Spend some time playing around with the features, and perhaps even try it out at home before using it in the wild.
Step 2: Choose the right location
Once you know how to use your camera, you can place it wherever you want! Take some time to research the habits of the wildlife you want to observe and place the camera along animal paths or near areas of activity.
Step 3: Set up the camera
Now that you have your location figured out, it’s time to set it up. We’ll go into a bit more detail on this, but essentially you need to check the batteries and storage, adjust the settings and test the camera.
Step 4: Mount the camera
Once your camera is set up, you need to mount it. Use straps, mounts, poles or a tripod to secure the camera to a tree or another stable surface. Make sure to position your wildlife camera at the right height and angle that captures your target area - this is usually around 2 to 4 feet above the ground for most wildlife.
Step 5: Optimise for the environment
After mounting your camera, make sure it’s in the best place. Avoid mounting cameras pointing directly north or south to avoid glare from the sun, and use natural cover to help blend the camera into its surroundings. You should also check that there are no branches or grass nearby that could trigger false captures.
Step 6: Activate the camera
Now that your camera is all setup and ready to go, you can activate it. This could simply be turning it on, but with motion-sensor cameras, you may need to activate them for automatic triggering. Then, close and lock the camera to protect it from tampering or theft.
Step 7: Monitor and maintain
Whilst a great perk of wildlife cameras is that you don’t need to physically be there to see wildlife in action, it’s always a good idea to monitor and maintain your camera. Regularly retrieve footage - easily done if it is a cellular or Wi-Fi camera - and check the battery levels. If the footage isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, adjust the camera settings or come back to change the placement.
Step 8: Analyse the footage
Finally, the fun part! Once you’ve collected all your footage, it’s time to sit back, relax and take it all in. We recommend sorting your images and videos by date and location, so you can look back on them for easy analysis.
Ethical considerations when using a wildlife camera
Using wildlife cameras comes with ethical responsibilities to minimise disturbance to animals, their habitats and local human residents. Here are key considerations to keep in mind when using your wildlife camera:
1. Respect wildlife
When using your wildlife camera, it is so important to respect the animals and birds you’re watching. Avoid placing cameras too close to nests, dens, or other sensitive areas that could stress or scare animals, and choose locations that allow for observation without interfering with natural behaviour. You should also refrain from using food or other attractants unless you have a bird feeder camera, that could disrupt dietary habits or create dependency.
2. Protect habitats
Part of this respect is also protecting wildlife habitats. Ensure the camera setup does not harm vegetation, nesting areas, or ecosystems, and avoid leaving trash or other materials that could impact the environment.
3. Ensure animal safety
Using your wildlife camera should be a way to observe wildlife, not cause them any harm. Secure the camera to prevent sharp edges or loose parts that could harm animals, and avoid setups that could entangle or trap wildlife.
4. Obtain permissions
If you are recording footage outside of your property, it is always best to seek permission first. This could be with landowners on private property or permission from the local authority.
5. Maintain privacy
Your wildlife camera should be used to capture wildlife - not people. Do not set up cameras in areas where people might unknowingly be recorded, and if they are, protect captured footage to ensure it is not misused.
6. Ethical use of data
If you choose to share your wildlife footage, ensure you do so responsibly, avoiding animal exploitation or misrepresentation. You should prioritise using the footage to promote awareness or research, not for immoral entertainment - such as mocking an injured animal.
7. Seasonal and species considerations
As you know, or will soon learn if you’re a beginner, the species you will capture need to be understood and considered. Respect breeding seasons by avoiding placing cameras near nesting birds and breeding sites during sensitive periods, and be aware of local species protection laws.
8. Community awareness
People can sometimes get the wrong idea if they find a hidden camera. If you’re planning on placing cameras near communities, communicate their purpose to reduce misunderstandings and ensure that your cameras are not perceived as invasive to people’s privacy.
When it comes to wildlife watching and conservation, consider us the experts. Find more resources to help you get started on our blog, or contact us today for helpful advice on finding your next wildlife camera.
