Camera Power!
By Ken Piper
We’re heading into the critical part of deer season, when last-minute information from your trail camera might give you the tip you need to make a move, or to move in, on a particular buck.
If you’re using a cellular trail camera, that means changing your settings from uploading one or twice per day to uploading by the hour, or possibly even upon each camera trigger. If you’re not using a cellular camera, this is a good time to change out the batteries to make sure your camera has plenty of power for the critical weeks ahead.
With all the advancements in cameras, keeping them powered is still an issue. Cellular cameras use up to 75% more power than non-cellular models, and while regular cameras don’t go through them as fast, you still want to make as few intrusions into the woods as possible, especially now and into the rut.
One of the best things you can do to lessen battery worries is to switch to lithium batteries. You’ll get a case of sticker shock when you pick up the package at the store, but lithium batteries are no more expensive to use — and possibly will save you a little money — since they last so much longer than traditional alkaline batteries. Another benefit to lithium batteries is they work at full power right up until they die. Alkaline batteries, on the other hand, produce less power as they approach the end of their life cycle, which can keep your camera from functioning properly.
Another option is to switch to a solar panel. Many of the major camera manufacturers offer solar power options specifically for their cameras, which provides peace of mind in knowing the panel will work with your particular camera — but there are independent panels that work with most cameras, too. With the price of batteries, especially lithiums, it doesn’t take long for a solar panel to pay for itself. There are also cameras that come with solar panels right out of the box.
Rechargeable batteries used to be an option when cameras weren’t pulling as much power as they are today, but it’s not realistic to expect regular rechargeables to power a modern trail camera. That aside, a few trail camera companies have created rechargeable lithium battery packs. Most of these are model-specific since the shape of the pack must match the battery configuration, but again, it doesn’t take long for these packs to pay for themselves. There is an upfront investment — Spypoint offers a two-pack of its rechargeable lithium batteries for its Flex series of cameras for $89.99, for example — but when you consider that an equivalent number of lithium AA batteries (16) would cost you about $50 on Amazon right now, the rechargeable packs are a steal.
Switching to solar or rechargeable packs can be intimidating. It’s difficult to put your trust in something completely new, especially when the data your cameras provide is so critical. Since few deer hunters today use just one camera, try out one of these alternate power sources on just one camera to start. If you have a good experience, then go ahead and transition your other cameras. Rechargeable and solar power options are getting better every year, and they’re certainly a money-saving, reliable option right now.