Game Camera Novice...need advice

I used to run SpyPoint. Now I run Wildgame Innovations. There will be lots of brand opinions. Many middle priced, and some lower priced cameras also have the video option. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Now is also a great time to buy because it’s after season. The type of camera you want should be well under $100. But be sure the camera you use either runs on AA batteries or a solar power panel option.

I’ve bought all my cameras, except one, off Amazon. They (usually) have the best deals if you know how to shop on there. And they have a great return policy. I don’t buy hardly anything from Cabela’s or Bass Pro. Unless they are having crazy sales, their prices aren’t very good.

Another good option is OpticsPlanet and their “Members only” savings club DVOR. But you have to compare prices and pay attention to shipping costs. They can be sneaky. OH!! And Walmart.com. You wouldn’t believe what they sell on there that you’ll never see in a store. Some prices are crazy cheap.

Every brand of camera is going to make a few that just don’t work. It happens. That’s why I like Amazon so much. I’ve had to return a few items and the sellers didn’t want to take them back because they were defective and they knew it. Amazon always made it right.

Are you asking for a specific camera I would suggest?

I'm also interested in a game camera or two, but also know very little about them. Let me rephrase that, I know nothing about them.

What are some of the features available, and which are the ones you actually need or will use?

I get along really good with Moultrie and I usually pay about $100 for a camera. I think I have 6 out right now, and one of them is taking pictures of every vehicle and varmint that comes up my driveway. They work great. I always try to face them toward the north if I can to keep the sun from affecting the picture. I pulled the card on one of my cameras this weekend and it has a good picture of two big bucks that don't like each other very much. Also, a picture of a buck in the red. Daniel Boone always talked about shooting deer in the red and that would be in the warm weather months after they had shed their winter hair.

I don’t feel like I can give you specific models because I use a camera until it stops working. I am still using the Wildgame Innovations Blade series since 2014. It’s why I have so much faith in them. WGI cameras are easy to set up and their battery life is fantastic. @sage5907 mentioned Moultrie. Another good brand that has been around even longer than WGI.

Things to look for are battery type, trigger speed, how many megapixel for pictures, and resolution of the video. Also, there are adapters that you can buy to download your photos directly to your phone from your card so you don’t have to swap cards out and wait till you get home to see what’s been out there. My adapter cost $15.

For a first camera, I wouldn’t spend more than $50-$75 dollars. You should be able to easily find one in that range. Don’t over think this. Just find a camera that has good reviews and try it on day one for a few days. If it works, keep it. If it doesn’t, You can send it back.

You can search threads for “game camera pics” and see what others on here use.

My best camera is a Bushnell camera from Walmart. It was $100 or so and I wouldn't trade that camera for nothing. I've got a Wild game Innovations for $80 at Wal-Mart that has been a really good camera too. The both I've mentioned take really good pics even at night and battery life is fantastic.

IMO stay away from the cheap WGI camera Wal-Mart has for like $40 those things are TRASH. I went through 5 of them in 2 years the motion sensor in them just quit working. WGI CS was of no help and basically told me tough cookies.