I have used Cuddeback, Reconyx, Moultrie, and Primos cameras over the last two years. I have not used Bushnell cameras, but intend to use a couple for comparisons in 2012.
Both models of the Cuddebacks that have a flash have worked reasonably well. The limiting factor would be that they flash at night, if that is a factor in study design. Cuddeback IRs have not worked well at all, in my experience. I had the same problems that Jim described below. The website http://www.trailcampro.com/ does not review Cuddebacks for some reason. Moultrie cameras...I took them back very quickly. Their trigger speed was too slow, recovery time (time need to save and reset before taking another picture) was too slow, and animals were missed. That was in 2010. I'm told they have improved significantly over the last 18 months. Primos 46 (10 cameras) all failed to work consistently within 10 months. They simply would not trigger consistently or reliably. Primos 35 (4 cameras) have worked consistently and reliably for nearly 2 years. Night-time images can be a bit blurry. Reconyx is the top of line and I have had great experience with them. Much like optics, you get what you pay for. Bryan Gasper Senior Environmental Scientist/Wildlife Biologist Environmental Studies & Permitting Burns & McDonnell 9400 Ward Parkway Kansas City, MO 64114 816-349-6770 - Office [email protected] www.burnsmcd.com Proud to be one of FORTUNE's 100 Best Companies to Work For -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jim Boone Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2012 9:16 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Game cameras I have had very bad luck with Cuddeback Capture cameras. Mine can drain fresh batteries in a day or two for no apparent reason (very annoying when they have been set out for 2 months), sometimes go off every 30 seconds (photographing nothing) until the batteries run out (again, very annoying when out for 2 months), and two cameras set side-by-side often do not capture the same moving object (e.g., animal, person, vehicle). I've had worse luck dealing with the company regarding repairs. I would not buy this brand again. Of 10 or so cameras, I still have two that usually work, but I only use them for fun (e.g., at a campsite) when I can check them everyday. Cheers, Jim Jim Boone Las Vegas, NV birdandhike.com -----Original Message----- From: Brandon Calderon <[email protected]> To: ECOLOG-L <[email protected]> Sent: Mon, Feb 27, 2012 6:42 pm Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Game cameras Hi Michael, Like Blair stated, the Scoutguard SG550 is an excellent choice, as is the DLC Covert Assassin II and Cuddeback Capture IR (in my experience). However, if you are not limited by $$ the best of the best is just about any model of Reconyx, but they are expensive. Also, for a great review on almost any game camera, check out: http://www.chasingame.com/ Hope this helps! -- Brandon L. Calderon Graduate Student Fort Hays State University Room 425, Albertson Hall [email protected]
