When you need to take snapshots, but just can’t be there to take the photos yourself, trail cameras are there to do the job for you with the least amount of effort and the highest efficiency. Namely, trail cameras.
In this article, we’re going to explore the best types of cameras with phone-sending options, so you can receive the snapshots as soon as they’re taken at the comfort on your favorite recliner chair.
What Is a Trail Camera?
It’s a type of camera that’s placed by photographers in areas where they can’t be, either due to limited access, tight spaces, or in the case of the photographer needing to take photos from different angles at the same time. Trail cameras are commonly used in sports and wildlife photography, and are always placed in suspended positions using either clamps and arms, or tripods when they are placed over the ground.
What are the Best Trail Cameras out There?
To find the best trail camera brands, we reviewed many resources including Best Trail Camera Reviews 2021, Amazon Best Sellers, and Digital Camera World. This search led us to the following three winners: the 4GLTE cellular snyper, the creative XP 4G, and the creative XP 3G. We selected these cameras based on practicality, added features, price, and durability.
Comparison Chart
4GLTE Wireless Trail Camera – Snyper Cellular Trail Cameras 12MP/1080P Wireless Trail Camera with 2″ LCD Screen – Sends to Any Network Phone. GPS Camera Tracking
LTE 4G Cellular Trail Cameras – Outdoor WiFi Full HD Wild Game Camera with Night Vision for Deer Hunting, Security – Wireless Waterproof and Motion Activated – 32GB SD Card + Sim Card (1-Pack)
1. The 4GLTE Cellular Trail Camera Snyper
This camera has a lot of amazing features, including a GPS camera-tracking option, a free Snyper App that allows you to send photos to any phone, and an easy set-up.It costs more than your average trail camera, though. Because everything comes at a price.It doesn’t seem to have a night-vision option, although the description mentions that it shoots great night-time photos. There’s also no mention of whether it includes a tree-mount or not.
Features
- 12MP/1080P, Great, high-resolution photos
- 2 LCD screens
- Includes SIM card
What We Like:
- Camera Track App
- Multi-network Sim Card
- Multi-shot images
- 0.4 second trigger speed
What We Don’t Like:
- Price
- Doesn’t come with memory card
- No night vision option
2. Creative XP 4G Cellular Trail Camera
What we loved about this camera is that it’s motion-activated and waterproof, which means that it can withstand the toughest of weather elements, and is great for security as well.It features full HD night vision at a 65 feet range, has a great resolution (mentioned below), and can connect to your home’s wifi if you intend to use if for security, and it includes a tree-mount.This camera comes with a life-time warranty, making it by far our favorite option.
Features
- 1080P Videos / 12MP Photos during the day or nighttime
- IR night vision
What We Like:
- Reasonable price
- Time lapse feature
- Free memory card
- Free 32G memory card and easy set-up
- 0.35 second trigger speed
What We Don’t Like:
- There’s no mention if it will work with other SIM cards
3. Creative 3G Cellular Trail Cameras
This camera is a great option for those who don’t need high-speed internet to send photos.It has a lot of the same great features as its 4G sister, but runs at a significantly lower price.It can also connect to your home’s wifi, has great photo resolution, includes a free sim-card and tree-mount, and comes with a life-time warranty; so basically all the features we loved about the creative 4G, minus the fast photo-sending.
Features
- 1080P Videos / 12MP Photos during the day or nighttime
- 0.4 second trigger
What We Like:
- Amazing price
- Lifetime warranty
- Free 32G memory card and easy set-up
- IR night vision
- Time lapse feature
What We Don’t Like:
- Slower trigger than its 4G counterpart
- Doesn’t mention if it’d work with other SIM cards
Our Verdict
While we love the price of the Creative 3G, we can’t really guarantee the reliability of 3G compared to 4G, especially if you’re planning to use this trail camera for outdoor hunting rather than home security.Both Creative cameras clearly outshine the 4GLTE Snyper, in terms of: price, practicality, and extra features. But if you’re looking for multiple shot images, you’d want to consider the 4GLTE Snyper.
While we love the price of the Creative 3G, we can’t really guarantee the reliability of 3G compared to 4G, especially if you’re planning to use this trail camera for outdoor hunting rather than home security.Both Creative cameras clearly outshine the 4GLTE Snyper, in terms of: price, practicality, and extra features. But if you’re looking for multiple shot images, you’d want to consider the 4GLTE Snyper.
How Can I Send Photos to my Phone Using Each of the Previous Cameras?
For Creative 4G and 3G:
- We couldn’t find the exact set up steps for both these trail cameras, but can confirm that the steps are easy to follow, as per customer reviews. There are the steps we were able to locate:
- Insert the included SIM card(uses AT&T cell towers)
- Activate it & Purchase a Data Plan.
- Add ANY U.S. phone or email.
- Follow set-up instructions included with your camera pack.
- Wait for the deer or trespasser to turn on the MOTION ACTIVATED PIR sensor.
4GLTE Cellular Trail Camera Snyper:
- Insert and activate included SIM card on the SIM Hero website (instructions are on SIM card)
- Select set-up option on your camera, which will start the search process so that it connects to a signal.
- Press the menu button, select cellular option, then carrier selection (select the SIM card that you inserted)
- To send photos: Go to the cellular option, select “sending options”, then “ok”
- Send to Snyper App, which contains filtering options that you’ll find useful.
- Insert a 10-digit number on the back of your camera to the Snyper App for access.
- Watch full Video on setting up your camera here
How Do I Suspend My Camera?
Your camera will usually come with its mount, as is the case with creative cameras.If not, then you can visit your nearest electronics store for different tripods that are compatible with your camera.
Endnote
Whether you’d like to feel safer at home, you’re a fan of the great outdoors, or enjoy a good hunt every now and then, trail cameras are there to make the job easier for you.Just make sure that you purchase something worth your money. We’ve presented you with the options that hit the highest marks in terms of function, durability, and value for money. The decision is yours now.