I received many responses to my request for recommendations for timelapse cameras to use at field sites—thanks everyone for your advice and for sharing your experiences. Almost everyone recommended a different camera/set-up, however, which makes deciding which to try more challenging but provides lots of good options. I didn’t get any “stay away from…” advice, but each seems to come with its own pros and cons. I’ve summarized them below with contact info from folks who are good resources for these devices. I haven’t yet decided which I’ll use, but I really appreciate this valuable feedback!
Wingscapes Birdcams & Plantcams (~$100) [specs: photos + video, includes software to stitch photos together, 52° FOV, can add solar powerpanel $80] – PROS: (used to record streams & stormwater ponds) inexpensive, easy to install/use, rainproof, works well – CONS: lens isn’t the greatest (fixed focus), FOV is limited Recommended by (for more info): Mark Sommerfield ([email protected]), Montgomery Co., MD DEP and Matthias Peichl ([email protected]), Swedish Univ of Agricultural Sciences Moultrie Game Spy Plot Stalker (~$100) [specs: 8.0 MP, software stitches time-lapse images together, 16 MB internal memory (expandable to 32 GB w/SD card), 4 AA batteries or attach Moultrie Power Panel (solar, ~$50]) – PROS: (used to record stream flow) decent waterproof housing; several photo resolution and frequency settings; good battery life – CONS: had to construct additional lock box for data security Recommended by (for more info): Ana Morales ([email protected]), Iowa State Univ Wingscapes TimelapseCam 8.0 (~$100) [specs: 40-43°FOV, photo + video, 4AA batteries, 8 MP] – PROS: (used to record rattlesnake behavior) solar panels available to extend battery life; image quality is pretty good (able to ID snake species) – CONS: shut off in very hot weather (>90 F in full sun) Recommended by (for more info): Melissa Amarello ([email protected]), www.socialsnakes.org Bushnell TrophyCam HD (~$200) [specs: 8 MP, HD video w/audio record; hyper night vision; tags images w/GPS coords, widescreen or full-screen setups, up to 32GB SD-card capacity] – PROS: has field scan mode that you can use for set time pictures and a motion detector; affordable, batter life is extremely long (runs on AAs); they make protective lockboxes that you could easily waterproof; has flash; 8 MP camera gets good shots with relatively wide FOV – CONS: Recommended by (for more info): Britt Johnson ([email protected]), Desert Research Institute DLC Covert Extreme Red 40 (~$200) [specs: 8MP w/video, built-in 2”LCD viewer] – PROS: (used for camera trapping of shorebirds); pretty good time interval presets and decent battery life; very weatherproof – CONS: some camera failure (1 in 7 in extreme rainy/humid weather) Recommended by (for more info): Ana Guerra ([email protected]), Stanford Univ Canon A810 (~$75) w/ power adapter kit and 12V to 3V converter & waterproof housing (~$200) – PROS: can install CHDK script to have hourly pictures taken; wider field of view & better picture quality (compared birdcams) – CONS: more complex configuration than packaged trailcams Recommended by (for more info): Matthias Peichl ([email protected]), Swedish Univ of Agricultural Sciences GoPro Hero2s (~$300) w/ ‘Cam-do’ time-lapse controller (~$100) and battery backpack (~$50) [specs: small, light, HD, 1080p video, 170° wide angle, 11MP photos @10 photos/sec] – PROS: (used underwater) very waterproof; great battery life – CONS: more expensive than backyard birdcam; Cam-do customer service & manual not user-friendly Recommended by (for more info): Kevin Turner ([email protected]), Univ of Washington Reconyx (>$450) [several models available] – PROS: (used to record stream & ice dynamics throughout winter months) good battery life, options for timed and motion photos; very rugged- held up well in cold and wet weather (SD winter) – CONS: costly Recommended by (for more info): Malia Volke ([email protected]), South Dakota State Univ
