Hi everyone,
We have a few updates to go through this newsletter starting with getting the best out of your camera.
A trail camera is a valuable tool for those that hunt and want to keep an eye on specific assets.
Setting your camera up correctly will lessen the chances for missed or sub-par shots. Follow these handy tips the next time you head out into the field.
- Face Your Camera North or South if Possible
The direction your camera faces when mounted will have a direct correlation to the quality of images. Always point the unit north or south if you can. If facing east or west, the rising and setting of the sun can produce false triggers and overexposed images.
- Height Requirements
Mounting your camera four to five feet above the ground is a good rule of thumb to follow. Your camera should also be angled slightly down, which can easily be achieved by wedging a small branch behind the back of the unit or by using a lockbox specifically angled.
Keep in mind this is just a suggestion. Depending on the size of the animal/human you are targeting, raising or lowering the height is recommended.
- Sensitivity
Setting your camera to the highest sensitivity setting will result in better image or video captures. However, if the area you are set up in is comprised of long vegetation or is heavily treed, a lower sensitivity setting will be beneficial in order to negate the chances of false triggering.
Keep the setting high if faced with wide open and uncluttered areas.
- Trigger Speeds, Mega Pixels and Effective Range
Utilizing a trail camera that has the quickest trigger speed, the highest MP’s, while also having the greatest effective range will produce the best images and videos. If in the market for a new unit, keep these two options in mind. As with most hunting aids, you do often get what you pay for.
- Angle Your Camera to the Trail
Always angle your camera at a 45-degree angle to a trail, if not hunting over bait, a scrape, or rub. Doing so will increase the trigger time exponentially, allowing you a greater chance to capture the complete animal in the frame. The same applies to the asset you are looking at protecting or if looking to capture number plates of vehicles heading up trails or driveways.
- Neutralize Your Scent
A deer’s sense of smell can be anywhere from 500 to 1,000 times more acute than a human’s. Best practice when setting up your trail camera is to wear gloves to lessen the chance of transferring scent.
- Go For a Big Card
Go with the biggest memory card your trail camera will accept. A reputable and brand-name card is also your best bet. Although no-name cards can be attractive due to a lower price point, the likelihood of card errors and sub-par images and videos will be more prevalent. As a minimum you need a Class 10 and 80MB/s write speed card for the best results. If this is confusing dont worry we have you covered as we have them available in our webstore.
- Upgrade to Black Flash
Typical flashes on standard infrared cameras use a burst of red light 850nm to illuminate subjects at night. A black flash, or no glow flash, uses a low glow or no glow flash, which is the least detectable. We only sell black flash cameras which are in the 940nm infrared range which is undetectable to the human or animal eye.
- Take a Test Shot
Most trail cameras have a built-in viewing screen. The advantages to this is the ability to check images or videos while out in the field, but also for reviewing a test shot after setting up your cam.
A test shot will ensure that height placement is correct while also giving you a general idea of what is contained in the coverage area.
If your unit doesn’t have a screen, simply place your cell phone on top of the camera and take an image.
Next up is some important info we have received directly from Ltl Acorn. They are looking at ending the production of the 6210MC which is a favorite amongst many of my Govt clients and focusing on the 6210PLUS which i mentioned in my last newsletter. The 6210PLUS is the same as the old 6210MC but on steroids as it has a bigger LED array for better night time images, more robust waterproofing and a slightly bigger bottom panel with LCD for viewing your images. It also has a much improved sensor and newer lens system. Below you will see an image we took of the older 6210MC and the 6210PLUS side by side for comparison. If you want to up your stocks of the older 6210MC let me know as soon as possible as once Ltl Acorn have cleared the factory of these models they will not be available anymore. From my last correspondance with them last week they only ahve a few hundred left.
Finally Afterdark Surveillance are proud to announce we are now Australian Dealers for Flir, Cono, Pard and Pulsar. If you need any night vision or thermal scopes (hand held or rifle) we can get them for you at prices that cant be beat. We guarantee to give you a cheaper price than any you have been quoted. Also if you are a Govt or Military Dept we have night vision and thermal products that arent available to the general public, just shoot us a message and we can give you a price. We are also a DECS registered business (Defence Export Control) and conform to ITAR regulations.
Well thats it for from us for now. As always if you have any questions please feel free to send us a message.