Can anyone recommend a trail/outdoor wildlife camera that actually takes good photos?

[SwedishEdith]

I bought one last year that we had to return as never really worked. But when I research for one for this year, I can see the one I sent back still being recommended. Maybe we got a dud but would rather not chance it again. So, can anyone recommend a reliable one they use?

Thanls

Are/were you using the camera in auto mode? If so that is likely to be why you're not getting good results. With something like wildlife photography, you really do need to be shooting in manual, or one of the semi manual modes.

If that is the case you may find yourself better off if you learn some basic photography skills. That way, any camera that will allow you to shoot in manual or semi manual modes will be adequate as you will be dictating exactly what is captured. In auto modes, it's complete guesswork on behalf of the camera and results can be questionable even on "good" cameras.

Thanks. No, not shooting in any mode at all as sent it back. I mean this type of thing? Maybe trail camera isn't the right term?

www.amazon.co.uk/s?ref=sr_st_review-rank&s=review-rank&crid=ZJX08KFULDN2&sprefix=trail+%2Caps%2C228&k=trail+camera&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1607378080

I bought one a few months ago but couldn’t get it working so sent it back, it’s kind of out me off too. I’m hoping my dad has got me one for Christmas so I don’t have to do too much research. I think it’s best to go with one that have WiFi or blue tooth so you can connect it to your phone or laptop, they cost a little bit more but worth it as you can watch it live from your device rather than using a memory card and downloading footage.

Yeah, I don't mind paying a little bit more if it works. Apparently, there are a lot of fakes out there or low quality ones.

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PVP3NHP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_PA4ZFbDPK6DGQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

We have this one. Used it loads over lockdown to record footage of badgers, foxes, mice etc. We used it on video mode rather than photo, and then took stills from the videos. We haven't had any problems with it!

I bought one of these Little Acorn earlier in the year and have been pleased with the results. I used it mainly as a night time camera because we were attempting to attract hedgehogs in to the garden and I wanted to know if any did in fact visit.

They sure did! I got lots of lovely 20 second clips of a hedgehog popping in and out of the garden at night. Even more clips of various other creatures - mainly mice and birds and the occasional squirrel.

One thing though that made a BIG difference was having the right sort of batteries. It seems that not all AA batteries are created equal and even the best Duracell in the supermarket didn't really cut it. The make of batteries recommended for the camera were these Energizer AA Ultimate Lithium and having the right sort was essential. These had enough power to get good results and did last ages

Thank you both! Frustratingly, think we bought the Apeman one for in-laws who a) haven't said anything negative about it and b) don't seem particularly interested in using it.

I hate reading Amazon reviews though as I always focus on the bad ones.

We are really pleased with the Apeman one. We left it next to a badger set for a week and got some amazing videos. Are your in laws local enough for you to borrow it for a while, to see how you get on with it?

They wouldn't lend it to us, I'm sure. Plus, T3 here - excuse not to visit.