Wildlife Camera Traps for Researchers Overview

We are fortunate enough to help research organizations all over the world select camera traps for their wildlife projects. Trust the source: the world's leading research organizations.

Using Camera Traps for Research Projects

We have supplied wildlife camera traps to hundreds of researchers all over the world working in a variety of climates including:

Tropical climates
Temperate environments
Arid deserts
Rainforests
Mountainous regions
Arctic tundra of Antarctica

With the vast knowledge and experience of our Research Scientist clients combined with our tests, reviews and product knowledge, we will help you find the perfect wildlife camera trap for your research project.

If this becomes overwhelming, please email (info@trailcampro.com) or call us (1-800-791-0660) and receive individualized help with your specific project.

Here are the steps:

Identify your budget - How many cameras are needed to cover the project area? If you have a maximum budget, how much money will be allocated to each camera trap? Don't forget memory cards, batteries mounts, desiccant packs and locking devices. We can provide keyed alike locks in large quantities.
Climate variables - Can this camera withstand a tropical rainy season or sub-zero temperatures?
Infrared vs. Incandescent - infrared cameras take color daytime, monochromatic (black and white) night pictures. Will your project require color night photos?
Detection capabilities - some cameras are slow to "trigger" while others "trigger" instantaneously (2/100th second).

Finding a Camera Trap

1. Budgets.
Purchasing cameras in large quantities can create discount opportunities. We offer quantity discounts starting at just 5 cameras. However, discounted units do not receive our exclusive warranty. Many research organizations opt to purchase camera traps at our listed price in order to get our 2-year warranty. We're happy to help you work through both scenarios and determine which option makes the most sense.

2. Climate Variables
Every camera trap on the market is classified as "weather resistant." From our own personal experience and more importantly, field studies of our Research Scientist clients, we've identified certain models which outperform their competitors in harsh environments. For instance, the only camera trap brand on the market that can withstand the frigid conditions of Antarctica is Reconyx. These trail cameras are rated down to -20° Fahrenheit, but some researchers have used them successfully at even lower temperatures. High humidity rain forests can wreak havoc on an ill-equipped camera trap. Most cameras are fully sealed (with a rubber gasket on the inside) protecting the camera from moisture damage. Additionally, many are designed for use with desiccant packs.

3. Infrared vs Incandescent

This is an age old debate. Incandescent cameras risk scaring animals with their blinding flash, but capture detailed color photos. On the flip side, many infrared cameras are undetectable when they trigger, but only produce black & white images.

Incandescent flash camera traps are almost always required for cat researchers in order to identify individual animals based on their spots. Infrared cameras may not do this as well.

Infrared cameras are less "intrusive" and will not spook animals. Many modern infrared camera traps produce excellent monochromatic photos. We publish sample pictures from every camera we sell to help you determine if a camera's photo quality is sufficient for your use. If the camera must be completely "covert" at night, you will need a No Glow Infrared Camera Trap.

camera traps used for research width="480" height="360"

4. Detection Capabilities

A camera is useless if matched with an inferior detection circuit. Quick trigger speeds, fast recovery times, long detection ranges and optimized detection zones ensure you collect the most data.

Here are the comprehensive tests we perform every year:

Also, in every camera trap review, you will find all pertinent detection capabilities listed for that specific camera.

Picking the Best Camera Trap

Take a few seconds to answer a few questions and find out with camera trap is perfect for you.

Leopard from red glow camera trap width="360" height="270"

Lion cubs from no glow camera traps width="360" height="270"

Color Leopard night picture width="360" height="270"

Putting it All Together

Every situation regarding wildlife camera traps for researchers is different. If you have any additional questions, we are always here to answer your inquiries. You can email us (info@trailcampro.com) or call us at 1-800-791-0660 (Mon-Fri, 9-5 Central Time).

Already Know Which Camera Trap You Need?