10 Best Trail Cameras Under $50
Trail cameras appear to be in a state of perpetual sleep only to spring to life on detecting motion or even the body heat of targets. There are different brands and models available in stores worldwide. Their prices and functionality also vary and this brings us to the question: what is the best trail camera under $50?
The Victure Trail Game Camera 16MP is the best trail camera under $50. Its many features include an IP66 waterproof design and password protection for added security.
The fact that a particular trial camera comes at a cheap price under $50 doesn’t mean that it won’t prove to be a good asset for either security and game hunting/watching. In the rest of this article, we will be reviewing a list of the best 10 of these trail cameras so sit tight!
10 Best Trail Cameras under $50
The trail cameras that make our list have shown impressive performance and have features that make most people that need pocket-friendly trail cameras opt for them. The most impressive ones include:
Victure Trail Game Camera 16MP
Coming at the top of our list is this trail camera from the stables of Victure. The Victure trail game camera 16MP sports a particularly attractive look. The picture and video quality coming out of it are also top-notch.
If you are looking to get one of those bucks or just random wild animals caught or even human burglars/trespassers caught on camera for a very low price, the Victure trail cam is there for you. It gives you a well-detailed look at images.
If you are one of those users that love to leave their camera outdoors for a very long time, you don’t need to worry much about this one. It is a waterproof and snow-resistant device. Having a very low battery consumption rate, it would last a long time for you, so should that buck or human target decide to take quite a long time before coming into its field of view, this trail camera can hold on that long for the wait.
Its specifications include:
Illumination: Infra-red
Image Quality: spots a 16MP camera
Video Resolution: Delivers a 1080p (15fps) video
Trigger Speed: As fast as 0.5 – 0.0.7s
Protection: Has an IP66 waterproof design and has password protection.
Screen: 2.4 inches LCD screen
IR Flash: 26 Infra-red LEDs for night imaging
SD card: 32GB max.
Pros
- Good picture and video quality.
- Very fast trigger speed that allows it to catch fast-moving targets easily. Long-lasting battery life.
- Very easy to set up and program.
- Has a 2.4-inch screen that allows for a preview of taken shots.
Cons
- It requires a lot of batteries to run which will make maintaining it costly.
You can check out the Victure Trail Camera 16 MP on Amazon
Wildgame Innovations TX10i1-8 Terra Extreme Camera
This trail camera coming from Wildgame Innovations gives you good value for your money. It makes sure no animal or person steps foot on your property or in its field of view without you knowing about it. Marked as one of the best sellers on Amazon, it captures images and videos with a super-fast trigger speed reacting in less than a second; nothing is ever missed with this one. Having 21 LED flash illumination going 60ft, you would never miss a thing whether during day or night time. It is also a waterproof device with superior durability and wear-resistance.
Its specifications include:
Illumination: Infra-red
Detection range: 60ft.
Image Quality: Spots a 10MP lens
Video Resolution: Delivers a 720p video resolution
Trigger Speed: less than one second
IR Flash: 21 high-quality Infra-red LEDs
Battery: 8 1.5V AA batteries
SD Card: 32GB max.
Pros
- High-quality imaging and video resolution.
- Its design makes it a lightweight device.
- Very easy to set up and with a good enough battery life.
Cons
It doesn’t have a flexible time-lapse mode.
You can check out the Wildgame Innovations Tx10i1-8 Terra Extreme Camera on Amazon
Homcom Trail Camera 16MP
Homcom and Tovendor bring us this very affordable trail camera without dropping quality along the way. The picture quality on this device is crisp and clean for its price as it takes clear photos whether at night or during the day. It has a fast reaction time due to its Passive Infra-red (PIR) sensor with a trigger speed of 0.2 seconds.
The Homcom trail camera would last a long time with its extremely low power consumption rate on the standby operation mode. The audio output is clear and audible enough. Its setup process is also a very easy one.
However, it fails in its protective feature. Its manufacturers say it comes with water-resistant protection but that is not truly the case as you would have to take it indoors whenever it rains or during snowfall.
Its specifications include:
Illumination: Infra-red
Detection range: 65ft.
Image Quality: spots a 16 MP camera
Video Resolution: delivering a 1080p video resolution
Trigger Speed: 0.2 seconds
Field of View: 120 degrees wide
IR Flash: 26 Infra-red LEDs
Screen: 2.4 inches of TFT LCD screen
Battery: 8 1.5V AA batteries
SD Card: 32GB max.
Pros
It is very affordable and has good picture quality at day time.
Cons
Gets moist on the inside after heavy rainfall or snowfall.
You can check out the Homcom Trail Camera 16 MP on Amazon
Campark Mini 16MP
If you are looking for a compact-sized and budget-friendly trail camera, this camera from Campark is there for you. Offering the same functionality as many large and high-priced trail cameras, it is surely a beast at a small price. It is a very compact piece of technology that will perfectly fit into palms. Hiding this camera would be an easy task in the field as the color and size act as good camouflage.
The Campark Mini has an adjustable resolution setting that can be set to enhance its battery life. Having a 2.4 inch LCD screen, it allows you to be in full control of your preferred settings. Its hard shell makes it resistant to water and varying weather conditions.
Its specifications include:
Illumination: Infra-red
Detection range: 65ft.
Image Quality: Sports a 16MP lens
Video Resolution: Delivers a 1080p video resolution
Trigger Speed: 0.5 seconds
Field of View: 120 degrees wide
Screen: 2.4 inches of the LCD screen
Battery: 1.5V AA battery
SD Card: 32GB max.
Pros
- It is a very compact and lightweight device.
- It has a water-resistant build.
- The adjustable resolution is remarkable.
- It has a good camouflage design.
Cons
- Night vision shots on this trail camera are not very detailed.
You can check out the Campack Mini 16 MP Trail Camera on Amazon
Tasco 8MP Trail Camera
This trail camera coming from the Tasco brand is here to give especially hunters and wildlife enthusiasts a good experience even at a pocket-friendly price. Having a very rugged design and water-resistant housing, it is great for outdoor use. The Tasco camera spots an 8MP lens having a trigger speed of 1 second. It also features a low glow Infra-red flash for night usage. Users have various setting options to enjoy including time-lapse and burst mode.
Its specifications include:
Illumination: Infra-red
Detection range: 50ft.
Image Quality: Sports an 8MP camera
Trigger Speed: 1 second
Battery: 1.5V AA battery
SD Card: 32GB max.
Pros
- It has a durable design.
- For an 8MP camera, it has exceptional image quality.
- Great value for money.
- It can be operated by anyone, very easy set-up, and a user-friendly interface.
Cons
- It has a trigger speed of 1 second.
- The size might not be appealing to some users.
You can check out the Tasco 8 MP Trail Camera on Amazon
Vikeri E2 Trail Camera
Vikeri brings an affordable trail camera to your doorsteps. This impressive trail camera has a lightning-fast trigger speed of just 0.2 seconds which makes sure that you will not miss a thing (it is sure to catch a fast-flying bird).
This camera sports a very beautiful and clear picture quality with its 16MP lens. If you want a high-quality video recording, you don’t even have to worry because, with its 1080p Ultra-high video resolution, you will always get clean and stunning quality; all at an affordable price.
It features a no glow Infra-red flash for discreet night usage which means that you will always get a picture or video recording of that animal or person without detection. It takes up to three continuous shots at a go with its fast trigger speed.
Its specifications include:
Illumination: Infra-red
Detection range: 65ft.
Image Quality: Sports a 16MP lens
Video Resolution: Delivers a 1080p video resolution
Trigger Speed: 0.2 seconds
IR Flash: 48 Infra-red LEDs
Field of View: 120 degrees wide
Screen: 2.4 inch LCD screen
Protection: IP66 waterproof design
Battery: 8 1.5V AA Alkaline Batteries
SD Card: less than 32GB
Pros
- Very fast trigger speed.
- Ultra-high video resolution.
- A very easy set-up system.
Cons
- It makes use of only Alkaline batteries.
You can check out the Vikeri E2 Trail Camera on Amazon
Zoopod 12MP Trail Camera
Zoopod brings an affordable 12MP trail camera especially for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. This impressive camera captures pictures at a stunning 12 megapixels, with video resolution coming at a full HD 1080p; giving you clean photography at its best.
The Zoopod 12MP trail camera is easily hidden from animals and people crossing on your property since they feature an invisible no glow Infrared flash for night recordings. Having a 0.8 seconds trigger speed, it takes three continuous shots at a go. It also features a 2.0 inch LCD screen with a user-friendly interface.
Its specifications include:
Illumination: Infra-red
Image Quality: Sports a 12MP lens
Video Resolution: Delivers a 1080p Ultra-high video resolution (up to 30 seconds)
Trigger Speed: 0.8 seconds
IR Flash: 26 Infra-red LEDs
Field of View: 180 degrees wide
Screen: 2.0 inch LCD screen
Protection: IP66 waterproof
Battery: 8 Lithium batteries or a 6V external power supply
SD Card: 32GB max.
Pros
- Has nice water-resistant capabilities.
- Powered by Lithium batteries for longer performance.
- Possesses a no glow Infra-red flash for discrete operation.
Cons
- The trigger speed might be considered slow by some users.
You can check out the Zoopod 12 MP Trail Camera on Amazon
ToguardMini 16MP Trail Camera
The Toguard brand of trail cameras is trusted by millions of homes and businesses for their fast trail cameras. The company has made a very affordable one for hunters who are on a budget. This camera packs a 16MP picture quality and a 1080p Ultra-high video resolution. With its 180 degrees field of view, you are sure to capture lots of activities. Its night imaging capacity is also superb.
Its specifications include:
Illumination: Infra-red
Detection range: 65ft.
Image Quality: Sports a 16MP lens
Video Resolution: Delivers an Ultra-high 1080p video resolution (able to record 1 – 10 minutes of information)
Trigger Speed: 0.3 – 0.8 seconds
IR Flash: 22 Infra-red LEDs
Field of View: 180 degrees wide
Screen: 2.0 inch LCD screen
Battery: 4 1.5V AA batteries
SD Card: 32GB max.
Pros
- Can record videos for up to 10 minutes.
- Takes very clear pictures and videos.
- Has a long battery life.
Cons
- Has a low glow Infra-red flash, while this is a good thing, it can be spotted at night by animals and most people.
You can check out the Toguard Mini 16 MP Trail Camera on Amazon
Meidase SL 122 Pro Trail Camera 16MP
The Meidase brand of trail cameras has been committed to producing high-quality cameras with high performance and a user-friendly interface for smooth operation. This Meidase family model is an upgrade to its previous model as it offers a state-of-the-art imaging sensor and a smart night-photography technology.
The results of its night image and video recordings and stunningly brilliant but are still not the best. It however has a very sensitive microphone that will give you pitch-perfect audio recordings.
This trail camera offers great features under its arsenal for a very low price. Coming with a 16MP and a 1080p video resolution, you are sure to get clear photography especially during the day.
Its specifications include:
Illumination: Infra-red
Detection range: 70ft.
Image Quality: Sports a 16MP lens
Video Resolution: Delivers a 1080p (30fps) video resolution
Trigger Speed: 0.2 seconds
Sound Recording: Yes
Field of View: 120 degrees wide
Screen: 2.4 inches LCD Screen
Battery: 8 1.5V AA batteries
SD Card: 32GB max.
Pros
- Has an excellent video resolution with adjustable sensitivity.
- Comes with a very fast trigger speed.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons
- Its night and low-light picture quality are not very impressive.
You can check out the Meidase SL 122 Pro Trail Camera 16 MP on Amazon
Apeman Mini Trail Camera 16MP
The Apeman brand always boasts of innovative ideas and top-notch technology. This trail camera from their stables is devoted to making hunters and explorers capture stunning and clear photos and videos. It comes with a very portable design as it’s a bit tinier than other cameras in its category.
It features an Ultra-high 1080p video resolution and also a low battery consumption rate (it can last for at least five months on standby mode). The Apeman Mini trail camera sports a fast trigger speed of 0.4 seconds and its settings are quite user-friendly.
Its specifications include:
Illumination: Infra-red
Detection Range: 65ft.
Image Quality: Sports a 16MP camera
Video Resolution: Delivers an Ultra-high 1080p video resolution
Trigger Speed: 0.4 seconds
IR flash: 26 Infra-red LEDs
Field of View: 180 degrees wide
Battery: 4 1.5V AA batteries
SD Card: 32GB max.
Pros
- With only four batteries needed, you get to save more money while not losing battery life.
- Fast trigger speed.
- Crisp and clear picture and video quality.
Cons
- Features low glow Infra-red flash which is great for daylight, but you get a faint glow that becomes visible at night time.
You can check out the Apeman Mini Trail Camera 16 MP on Amazon.
Are Trail Cameras Under $50 Any Good?
Trail cameras are remotely-controlled devices that monitor the environment and get triggered to action on detecting movements and changes in temperature of targets within its field of view. These cameras often tend to be very costly, making them mostly used by wealthy homeowners, hunters, explorers, or wildlife enthusiasts.
With advancements in technology, manufacturers have found a way to make these cameras on a low budget making them more pocket-friendly for the average citizen. Trail Cameras under the $50 mark are as well good as the more costly cameras. The only difference between them is that the more costly cameras have additional features like cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi. They are also mostly upgrades of cheaper brands and models. Nevertheless, these trail cameras that come cheap also feature very good specifications especially in terms of battery life, trigger speed, picture, and video quality.
So, are trail cameras under $50 any good? The answer is Yes! All you have to do is find a camera within that price range that would fit your camera preference. Every brand of trail camera would have that particular specification that is its selling point. All you need to do is to check the specifications featured on our list and then make a confident and informed choice.
Things To Consider When Buying A Cheap Camera
Cheap trail cameras are usually below $100 or even below $50 and when considering purchasing one, there are certain things you need to look out for to make sure that you do not end up buying a faulty or substandard camera in the name of getting something cheap.
This section of this article will be looking in detail at things to consider or look out for before purchasing a cheap trail camera. These considerations include:
Resolution:
When getting a cheap trail camera, regardless of the amount you are willing to spend, you should ensure that you get one with a top-notch resolution. This feature isn’t only for high-end trail cameras; the cheaper cameras also offer great picture and video quality.
The resolution of a camera determines how the quality of images and videos will be. Getting a camera with at least an 8-megapixel lens would be good for your needs. For video coverage, you should consider getting at least a 720p resolution camera. With these specifications, your images and videos would come out brilliantly and you will have good value for your money.
Night Vision:
Don’t just get a trail camera because it is cheap and affordable; get one because you want it to serve you. A trail camera without night functionality is pretty useless because most wild animals are nocturnal. Also, most burglars or trespassers will feel safer under the cover of darkness. Getting a picture or video recording of targets at night is better with night vision functionality pre-installed on your trail camera.
The trail camera must come with an Infrared flash installed. Infrared flash is an upgrade from the traditional white flash that older models of trail cameras sport. Infra-red flash is not easily detected by most humans though animals can see them. The better option is a no glow infrared flash camera which emits no red glow that is typical of IR cameras. The low glow versions emit minimal red glow and will still give a good image and video output even in low light conditions.
It is important to note that a trail camera should be able to function discretely because if it can be easily detected by human targets, they will often be stolen or destroyed. When human targets spot trail cameras, they will often change their minds and restrategize and this will make a breach of security more likely. Easily detected trail cameras will often spook animals especially deer and that will make them scamper to safety.
Detection Range:
This is the function of the Passive Infra-red (PIR) sensor. The detection range is described as how far away the motion-sensor of a trail camera can detect either a target’s motion or body heat. The farther away it can detect this, the more preferable and effective the camera will be. The detection range is usually measured in feet; and you will be better off investing in a camera with a detection range of at least 50 feet.
You should also check for trail cameras having a wide-angle field of view which will increase the possibility of recording a target. Luckily, there are some trail cameras with good detection ranges on our list. Purchase any of them and you won’t be wrong.
Trigger Speed:
Trigger speed is typically how fast your trail camera would be woken up from standby mode to capture a picture or video. Capturing a fast-moving target would require a very fast trigger speed camera, and this feature is available in some cheap trail cameras.
The range of trigger speed of your cheap trail camera should be from 0.2 seconds to 1.5 seconds for effective performance. Anything faster than that means that you are lucky or that the camera is expensive. On the other hand, anything slower than 1.5 seconds is not worth buying as it will often miss most targets especially persons or animals moving swiftly through its field of view.
Waterproof Ability:
Most trail cameras are designed for outdoor usage, and should your trail camera fail to withstand harsh weather conditions like rainy seasons, the purpose of purchasing it will be defeated. Always check for the waterproof feature on your camera; the camera needs to have either an IP65 or IP66 waterproof feature to be worth buying. Luckily, many trail camera manufacturers understand the importance of waterproof capacity and have been churning out brands and models that are compliant with this need.
Durability:
This feature describes how tough the casing, finishing or housing is. The material for a trail camera should be tough enough to withstand extreme sunlight and temperature fluctuations without tearing apart. It should also be able to withstand any impact coming from either human or animal targets.
Battery Life:
This is one of the most important features to watch out for in a cheap trail camera. The life of the battery needs to be sufficient enough to record activities without your having to change them frequently. Frequently visiting the location where the trail camera is mounted increases the chances of it being spotted.
Also, a trail camera with a high number of batteries in its battery compartment doesn’t necessarily mean the camera would last long without needing a battery change. Most cheap trail cameras come with either alkaline or lithium batteries while the more expensive ones can even be solar-powered. You would be better off purchasing a camera that has a low power consumption rate.
Connectivity:
We know you would love to have a cellular connection on your trail camera. However, this feature is rarely found on a cheap camera, so you might want to forget about looking for a cheap camera with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Cellular connectivity allows you to send photos or videos to your mobile phone or other handheld devices though usually on a subscription. You may not find a cheap trail camera with cellular capability but of course, there’s no harm trying. We know that as technology keeps advancing, more and more cheap trail cameras will have full options.
