Best Trail Cameras Under $200: Setting up a trail camera can improve your odds of finding a trophy buck. But you don’t need to break the bank to get one. We have reviewed some of the top-rated trail cameras on the market to find you the Best Trail Camera Under $200.
If you are in a hurry: Meidase S900 is the Best Trail Camera Under 200 as per our reviews.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Now, let us move on to our in-depth reviews.
Best Trail Cameras Under $200 Reviews
Here is our pick of the 7 Best Trail Cameras Under 200.
- Meidase S900 Trail Camera – Overall Winner
- Spypoint LTE Trail Camera – Best Solar + LTE
- Ceyomur CY95 Game Camera – Best Solar + WiFi
- Bushnell Trophy Cam HD – Best Nighttime Shots
- Moultrie P-180i Deer Hunting Camera – Best FoV
- Creative XP 4G Trail Camera – High-End Option
- Stealth Cam G42NG Wildlife Camera – Budget Pick
1. Meidase S900 Cellular Trail Camera
As a deer hunter, I know how important it is to have a reliable and high-quality trail camera to track the deer movements in our hunting area. The Meidase S900 Cellular Trail Camera definitely delivers on both of those fronts.
One of the standout features of this camera is its 4G LTE connectivity. It allows you to connect the camera to your cell phone via the included SIM card, which supports AT&T and T-Mobile networks. Meidase Mobile App makes activation a breeze, and the flexible data plan options let you choose a plan that works for you.
The Meidase S900 can capture 32MP still images and record 1296p or 1080p HD video with sound. The 36 no-glow 940nm IR LEDs allow you to capture deer images up to 100ft even in the dark. You can receive these pictures and videos directly on your cell phone, which is a huge plus. You’ll be able to get a good look at the deer in your hunting area.
The camera boasts a fast 0.1s trigger speed, 3 motion sensors, and a 120° detection view so that you don’t miss a single moment of the deer’s movement. It is also IP66 waterproof and dust-proof to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
The overall performance of the Meidase S900 Cellular Trail Camera is very impressive. It is a great choice for any deer hunter.
Key Features
- One of the Best Trail Cameras Under $200.
- IP66 waterproof and dust-proof construction.
- 4G LTE connectivity with flexible data options.
- Captures crystal clear 32MP images.
- Records 1296p or 108p HD video with sound.
- Free phone app for activation and navigation.
2. Spypoint Solar LTE Trail Camera
As deer hunters, we know the importance of finding the perfect spot to set up your trail camera. You want to set up your camera in an area where the deer are most active. But you also do not want to disturb their natural habitat. That’s why I wanted to test out the latest Spypoint Solar Cellular Trail Cameras.
This is an LTE-capable trail camera. And you can choose the carrier that offers the best coverage at your hunting location. This is a huge plus for me as I don’t like missing images due to spotty signals.
It comes with an integrated solar panel and rechargeable lithium battery. So now you don’t need to worry about changing batteries or running out of power when you are away from the camera.
The camera itself captures full-HD 10MP images. It comes with a 4 LED infrared flash to take photos in low-light conditions without disturbing the deer. The 80 feet detection range and 0.4-second trigger speed mean that you don’t miss a single shot.
You can receive the images in your mobile app, which makes it easy to check in on the deer activity while you’re on the go. And, the photo transmission plans are easy to understand and affordable.
Key Features
- LTE-capable cellular trail camera.
- Integrated solar panel with a rechargeable battery pack.
- 4 LED infrared flash and 80-foot detection range.
- Receive the Full-HD images in your mobile app.
- Easy to understand and affordable photo transmission plans.
3. Ceyomur CY95 Solar WiFi Game Camera
As a deer hunting expert, I am always looking out for new equipment for scouting and tracking deer. That’s why I was excited to test the Ceyomur Solar WiFi CY95 Trail Camera.
It is a solar-powered camera that comes with a built-in 4400mAh rechargeable battery. So now I don’t have to worry about constantly changing batteries in the field. On days when there isn’t enough sunlight to keep the battery charged, there is an option to use AA batteries as well.
I am impressed with the image and video quality of the camera. It takes 40MP photos and 4K 30FPS HD videos with clear audio. There is also superb night vision thanks to the 2 large 850nm low glow LEDs. The 0.1s trigger speed and 3 PIR sensors even capture deer or any other game in motion. You can view the images live on your phone using the built-in WiFi.
The camera is easy to activate and set up from your phone using the mobile app. The camouflage design makes it easy to conceal the camera in the field. And the IP66 waterproof rating keeps it protected from the elements.
Key Features
- Solar-powered with a built-in rechargeable battery.
- Easy to set up from a phone using the mobile app.
- Built-in WiFi for live viewing and easy file sharing.
- Camouflaged body and Lockhole design for concealment.
4. Bushnell Trophy Cam HD 24MP No Glow
I’ve recently tested out the Bushnell Trophy Cam HD 24MP No Glow Trail Camera. As a hunter, I know how important it is to have a reliable trail camera to capture clear and fast images. I am happy to report that this one definitely delivers!
One thing that I most liked is the no-glow night vision flash. It has 48 black LEDs that are completely invisible to deer and other hunters. This let me set up the camera in a very strategic spot without worrying about spooking the deer. The quality of the images it captured in low light conditions is really very impressive.
The detection range of 100 feet also gives you a lot of flexibility in where you can set it up. The 0.2 seconds trigger speed means that it is more likely to capture that big buck even if it is moving fast.
The pre-set menus and backlit 5-way buttons make setup a breeze. Even if this is your first trail camera, you’ll have no trouble getting it set up and ready to go.
Key Features
- Black LEDs that are invisible to deer or any game.
- Unparalleled detection distance and brightness.
- Stunning 24MP images and 1920×1080 resolution video.
- Fast 0.2-second trigger speed and 0.5-second recovery rate.
- Field-proven design with a removable anti-reflection LED cover.
5. Moultrie P-180i Deer Hunting Camera
I tested the Moultrie P-180i Game Camera on a recent deer hunting trip. This camera is specially designed for hunting. The Mossy Oak Country camo design and weatherproof case help it blend in and stand up to the outdoors.
I feel the most standout feature of this camera is its 3 lenses with a 180-degree field of view. This lets you cover large areas so that you don’t miss a single shot. I set mine up in a clearing and the camera captured shots of many deer from different angles.
The camera captures 14-megapixel images and 1080p full HD video with sound. It uses 108 invisible infrared LEDs for a 70 ft flash range. You will get some amazing images of deer at night without even disturbing them.
I recommend the Moultrie P-180i if you are looking for a trail camera for deer hunting. The 180-degree FoV, 70 feet flash range, and 14MP images make it a great choice for capturing deer images and videos. Thanks to the 2-year warranty, you can trust that it is built to last. It gives you peace of mind that you’re buying a reliable and durable game camera.
Key Features
- Fixed lenses to capture motion without any sound.
- 180-degree field of view to cover large areas.
- 108 invisible infrared LEDs for nighttime shots.
- HD video recording in 1080p with sound.
- Field-tested with a 2-year warranty.
6. Creative XP 4G Trail Camera
I’ve been hunting deer for years and I always search for new trail and game cameras to get me the best shots. Here’s what I found when I tested the Creative XP 4G Trail Camera.
First of all, this camera captures amazing night vision photos and videos. It uses no-glow IR LEDs with a 65ft detection range to capture excellent low-light shots. I was able to identify deer tracks and see what was happening in the woods even at night. The motion detector sensor is so reliable that it never misses a shot.
It came with a 32 GB SD card that lets you hold 500 free photos and send them straight to your cell phone. You can use the 4G LTE PLUS SimHero card that comes with the camera or you can use any AT&T, T-Mobile, Rogers, or Sprint sim card. It’s so convenient!
I tested the Creative XP 4G Trail Camera mainly for tracking and scouting deer. But it is very versatile. You can use it for home security, property, or farm surveillance.
I tested it in some tough weather and found it to be very sturdy and durable. It’s rated IP66 waterproof, snowproof, and windproof. You can mount it in your hunting area, field, mountain, backyard, or driveway.
Key Features
- No glow IR LEDs with 65 feet range.
- 1080p videos and photos in low light.
- 32 GB SD card and cellular card included.
- Dependable motion detector sensor.
- IP66 waterproof, snowproof, and windproof.
7. Stealth Cam G42NG Wildlife Camera
I tested the Stealth Cam G42NG Trail Camera on a deer hunting trip. I can say that it is one of the top options for capturing deer images and footage in your hunting area.
The camera produced clear 32MP resolution photos and 1080P videos of deer sightings. The 80ft detection range allowed it to capture footage of deer at a distance. The fast 0.4-second trigger speed means that you don’t miss a single moment, even if the deer is moving quickly.
The camera also uses blur reduction technology, so you don’t get any unclear images. This is very important for fast-moving deer, as the blur can ruin an otherwise great shot.
The no-glow infrared flash doesn’t scare the wildlife at night. Yet the 42 black IR LEDs helped the camera capture some amazing nighttime shots. The flash emits enough light to capture clear low-light images up to 80ft away.
I also liked the burst mode that can take 1-9 images per triggering. It takes multiple images in quick succession without having to wait for the trigger. You will not miss any deer movement using this mode.
Stealth Cam G42NG is a budget pick. But if you are looking for more affordable options, you can check out our reviews of budget trail cameras to find the right one for your needs.
Key Features
- 32MP image and 1080p video resolution.
- Records 5-180 seconds videos with audio.
- 80 feet detection range and flash range.
- 42 black infrared LEDs with 100 feet range.
- Burst mode 1-9 images per triggering
How to Choose a Trail Camera
A trail camera is useful for monitoring the hunting area to track deer movement. You can mount it using mechanical arms, clamps, or other such fixtures. Once mounted, you can operate most trail cameras remotely. Many top-rated trail cameras use laser and infrared technologies for capturing images and videos.
Here is a video explaining some of the top things you need to know when choosing a trail camera.
Picture & Video Quality
Image quality refers to clarity, coverage (field of view, focal length), and sharpness.
The image resolution is stated in megapixels, bit depth, dynamic range, and color depth. HD trail cameras usually have image resolution in the range of 12MP to 30MP. Sometimes an increase in the number of pixels results in a smaller pixel size. This can reduce the image quality. A top-rated game camera should balance the number of pixels and the size of the pixels.
High Definition video is in the range of 720P to 1080P. The depth, brightness, and contrast are other important factors that impact video quality. The infrared technology helps in recording quality videos during the night.
Here is a video with some tips that can help you get better pictures and videos from your trail camera.
The trail camera can have two audio sources i.e. internal and external. The external device is usually connected to the XLR input. Whereas the internal device is usually an inbuilt microphone. A good trail camera should also be able to adjust the audio level within the peaking and lower points.
While using external sound input, the audio should match with video sequencing. Otherwise, the audio and video may lag each other. Do remember, the sound quality depends on the detection zone as well.
Detection Range
The detection range is the distance between the subject and the trail camera. A long-range shot can reduce video quality due to environmental factors and distortion. The detection zone is the max distance at which the image or video recording can get activated.
Usually, the flash range matches the detection range. Otherwise, the image and video quality could be much lower. Some trail cameras use infrared technology for shooting images and videos at night without spooking the deer or other animals.
Trigger and Recovery Time
Trigger speed is the time between motion detection and the start of the image or video recording. The field of view, range, and recovery speed impact the trigger speed. Recovery speed is the time for re-activation after one session. Good trail cams balance all these parameters to deliver optimal trigger speed.
You can watch this Cabela’s video on trail camera interval and trigger speed settings.
Video quality varies with FPS, recording speed, and trigger speed. If a trail camera with a high FPS has a low recording speed, then it may result in poor video quality.
There are times when the animal (e.g. deer or buck) moves randomly within the detection range. This makes it difficult for the trail camera to capture quality images. But most of the best trail cameras have inbuilt settings to optimize range, resolution, quality, and speed.
Durability
The durability depends on the build quality. A waterproof body with impact resistance and an IP rating are some key features to look for when assessing durability. Most hunting trail cameras offer protection from dust, moisture, humidity, and heat.
Battery Backup
The runtime depends on battery backup, recording time, and idle time. Lithium batteries have longer run times as compared to alkaline batteries. A good lithium battery should work in temperatures from -30 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the top-rated game cameras come with an external power option.
Most trail cameras come with inbuilt storage. They also support external storage options like SD cards, USB drives, or flash drives. Once the internal storage is full, the trail camera switches to the external storage.
Conclusion
Meidase S900 is the Best Trail Camera Under $200 as per our reviews. But all the trail cameras that we have reviewed are great and will get the job done. You can pick one for your specific needs.
Spypoint LTE Trail Camera is our top pick for Solar and LTE. But if you need WIFI instead of cellular then you can pick Ceyomur CY95 Game Camera.
If you need a trail camera with a 180-degree field of view to track deer in a wide area then we suggest you pick Moultrie P-180i. If you need a trail camera for amazing nighttime shots then you can go for Bushnell Trophy Cam HD.
If you would like to recommend any other trail camera, then please let us know via the comments section. We will try to include it in our next update.
We hope you liked our pick for Best Trail Cameras Under $200. Let us know if you have any questions about our reviews or need help picking a trail camera. We are happy to answer all the queries that we get.
Last Updated on January 14, 2024 by Marty Prokop
