Scouting camera?

DONDALINGER

Hey everyone, I have not been around for a while. Its been a busy summer. With archery season right around the corner, I am thinking about getting a scouting/trail camera. Anybody got some insight/suggestions for something reasonable? Dicks has a .3 megapixel for $59. I definitely want digital with the removeable card. Any info much appreciated.

I also posted this on the "experts" forum, but I wanted to ask over here as well.

Thanks.[8D]

DONDALINGER

I was at Dicks today and they have a "Wildview" brand 4.0 megapixel scouting camera onsale for $119. It normally sells for $169. Are these any good? Any suggestions on a scouting camera in the $150 range?

Thanks.

Slash0311

Several of my buddies have digital game cams. Out of our group, we have brands from Cuddyback to Moutrie. I would go with the most megapixles you can afford. A game cam won't do you much good if the pics are so "grainy" that you can't judge how good the rack it. I still use a 35mm but I know that they have had a lot of luck with the Moultrie that runs about $100. I don't know what megapixle it is but the pics are good and can be zoomed in on the computer to get a close look at the rack. Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions.

buckeyboy

I have two and dont use them I know the deer are there and dont want to keep going in there to check the camera , Just my thoughts. mine were 35 mm too so had to get the film developed if you do distance scouting if possible with spotting scope or binoculars I personally think you are better off,, I know I'm gonna get slammed for this one[B)][B)]

dcso3009

I know lots of people using them. My Father in law uses his cheap digital to get good spots to put up 35mm for good picttures. Works well for him, but he is working with 8 cameras.
My dad bought a Cuddyback and has had nothing but problems with it. He has now had to send it back, and who knows when he will get it back.

KrisW

What problems did you dad have with his Cuddeback? What kind was it? not to hijack the thread. I always thought they were top of the line. My dad just got one. Stealthcam makes a decent one. I dont think i would get over a 2.something megapixel. More is nice, but its just gonna drive up the price. Spend the extra money on one with a larger flash range, faster triggering, night vision. Just my .02

dcso3009

Kris I didn't ask the model, or what he paid for it. I was in the woods with him and was trying to help him get it set up. It was difficult to mount on the tree. The lock loops kept getting hung up on the tree, post, or anything else we tried to mount it to. I ended up getting a 2X10 and screwing that to the tree, then the camera to that.
Another problem I noticed was, it did not have a wide trigger area. With it set on a wide (12-15') trail I could walk in from either side and it wouldn't trigger until I was right in front. Then I moved out to about 30 yds and it tripped with me directly infront, but not more than 5 feet from that spot.
Next problem was it was taking pictures and storeing them on internal memory, but wouldn't put it on a card. The card is fine, it worked in my digital camera.

Slash0311

My buddy had problems with his Cuddyback also and sent the first one back but the second one seems to be working better. I don't worry too much about disturbing the deer. I check mine about once a week and I'm in and out as fast as I can. I have even left it for a couple of weeks. The deer don't seem to mind. But I'll warn you that these things are very addictive especially once you start getting good bucks on film. For example, our guys have been getting a good 12 pt on film for a few weeks. The camera puts the date and time on and we checked it on Sat. On the 29 of Aug, we got him in velvet and then on the 2 of Sept, without the velvet!!! Seasons getting close.[:D]