8 Must-Have Trail Cameras Under $50 for the Spring Hunting Season
As the spring hunting season approaches, having the right gear can make all the difference in your outdoor experience. Trail cameras are essential tools for monitoring wildlife and ensuring you are well-prepared for your hunting trips.
With a budget of $50, you can find reliable options that offer great features without breaking the bank. In this article, you will discover eight must-have trail cameras that not only fit your budget but also enhance your hunting experience.
Disclaimer: As part of our commitment to transparency, we want to let you know that this post has affiliate links. If you make a purchase using an affiliate link I may get a few bucks, an no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: KJK Trail Camera 36MP 2.7K
- Best Value: usogood Trail Camera 4K 36MP
- Best for Night Vision: 20MP Mini Trail Camera
- Best Compact Design: Vikeri 4K 32MP Trail Camera
- Best for Wildlife Monitoring: WOSPORTS Mini Trail Camera
- Best for Budget: WOSODA 36MP 1920P Trail Camera
- Best for Security: CEYOMUR Trail Camera 30MP
- Best for Easy Setup: iZEEKER Trail Camera 32MP
How We Selected These Cameras
When selecting a trail camera, consider factors such as image quality, battery life, ease of setup, and durability. Each of the cameras listed here has been chosen based on these criteria to ensure you get the best value for your money.
KJK Trail Camera 36MP 2.7K
The KJK Trail Camera is your go-to companion for capturing wildlife moments without breaking the bank. With its impressive 36MP still images and 2.7K video capabilities, this mini game camera is perfect for both casual backyard monitoring and serious hunting expeditions. Its night vision feature ensures you won’t miss a thing, even in low light. Plus, the 0.1s trigger time means you’ll catch every fleeting moment. Whether you’re tracking deer or just curious about the critters in your garden, this camera is compact, waterproof, and easy to set up, making it a reliable choice for all your outdoor adventures.
What People Say
Users rave about the KJK Trail Camera’s ease of use and impressive image quality, especially at night. Many have found it to be a reliable option for both security and wildlife observation, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
- I bought this based on all the positive reviews and was needing to find something that didn’t rely on power or internet. The daytime images and video are impressive quality in my opinion, and I had no issue with them playing or showing. Def gonna be buying more! I also like that this comes with an SD card already in it and programmed.- dz
- This camera helped us identify people that didn’t belong on our boat dock. It’s easy to set up, pictures can be reviewed on site with the built-in viewer, and doesn’t require a dedicated electrical outlet. The sensitivity of this device is high and night time pictures show up clearly.- Ward Hawley
Why You’ll Love It
- Ultra-clear 36MP photos and 2.7K videos
- Fast 0.1s trigger time
- IP66 waterproof design for durability
- User-friendly setup with built-in viewer
Smart Investment for the Long Haul
With its durable design and impressive battery life, this camera can last through many seasons of use without needing frequent replacements. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to monitor wildlife or enhance security without the hassle of traditional cameras.
Rating: 4 (Total: 1278+)
usogood Trail Camera, 4K 36MP Game Camera
The usogood Trail Camera is your reliable partner for capturing wildlife moments without stretching your budget. With stunning 36MP images and 4K video capabilities, this camera is perfect for everything from backyard monitoring to serious hunting trips. Its night vision ensures you won’t miss any action after dark, and the fast trigger speed means you’ll catch every fleeting moment. Whether you’re tracking deer or just curious about the critters in your garden, this waterproof camera is easy to set up and ready for all your outdoor adventures.
What People Say
Users appreciate the usogood Trail Camera for its ease of use and impressive image quality, especially at night. Many have found it to be a dependable option for both wildlife observation and security, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
- I purchased three of these cameras and have been testing them out over the last month. They are so easy to set up, with a variety of settings to choose from. The photo and video quality is good, especially for the price. My only minor issue is that the side sensors can be a bit sluggish, but overall, I’m very happy with my purchase.- Liz P.
- We do a lot of ghost hunting and thought why not try some trail cameras to capture footage. This camera is fantastic! The quality is great, and the motion detection works really well. You can set it to your preference, and it comes with batteries and an SD card, which is a huge plus. Highly recommend!- Amazon Customer
Why You’ll Love It
- Stunning 36MP photos and 4K video recording
- Fast 0.3s trigger speed
- IP66 waterproof design for outdoor durability
- Includes 8 AA batteries and a 32GB memory card
Smart Investment for the Long Haul
With its durable design and long-lasting battery life, this camera can capture thousands of photos before needing a replacement. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to monitor wildlife or enhance security without the hassle of traditional cameras.
Rating: 4.3 (Total: 1781+)
20MP Mini Trail Camera
The 20MP Mini Trail Camera by OUTDOOR EXPERT is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to capture wildlife moments without breaking the bank. With its impressive 20MP resolution and 1080P video capabilities, this camera is perfect for everything from monitoring your backyard to serious hunting expeditions. Its no-glow night vision ensures you won’t scare off any critters, and the waterproof design means it can handle the elements. Whether you’re tracking deer or just curious about the wildlife in your area, this compact camera is easy to set up and ready for your outdoor adventures.
What People Say
Users rave about the 20MP Mini Trail Camera for its ease of use and solid performance, especially at night. Many have found it to be a reliable option for both wildlife observation and security, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts.
- I have retrieved over 500 photos and several videos from this trail camera. It works just like it should and the clarity of the photos is good. The settings are very easy to adjust with only three buttons. Will be buying and placing more of these out in the woods.- Grant
- I’ve had this camera now going on 2 years, it still has the same 6 batteries, quality at night isn’t perfect but it takes great pics during the day. For $34, the camera works great. Love it so much that I’m buying a second one.- Renee
Why You’ll Love It
- 20MP ultra-high resolution photos
- 1080P HD video recording
- No-glow infrared night vision
- IP66 waterproof design for outdoor use
Smart Investment for the Long Haul
With its durable build and efficient battery usage, this camera can capture thousands of images before needing a replacement. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to monitor wildlife or enhance security without the hassle of traditional cameras.
Rating: 4.0 (Total: 796+)
Vikeri 4K 32MP Trail Camera
The Vikeri 4K 32MP Trail Camera is a solid pick for anyone looking to capture stunning wildlife moments without spending a fortune. With its impressive 32MP resolution and 4K video capabilities, this camera is perfect for everything from casual backyard observations to serious hunting trips. Its night vision feature, powered by 40 no-glow infrared LEDs, ensures you won’t scare off any critters, while the IP66 waterproof rating means it can handle the elements. Whether you’re tracking deer or just curious about the wildlife in your area, this camera is user-friendly and ready for your outdoor adventures.
What People Say
Users appreciate the Vikeri 4K Trail Camera for its impressive image quality and ease of use. Many have found it to be a reliable option for both wildlife observation and home security, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
- I mounted the camera to a tree and it captured everything from squirrels to a bear. The image quality is excellent during the day, and the night shots are surprisingly good too. The setup was straightforward, and I appreciate how well it handles different weather conditions.- Tod Fitch
- I bought this camera to catch my dog’s nighttime antics, and it worked perfectly. The clarity was great, and I love how easy it is to retrieve the images by just pulling out the SD card. So far, I’m really happy with it.- Bonnie
Why You’ll Love It
- 32MP ultra-high resolution photos
- 4K video recording for stunning clarity
- No-glow infrared night vision for discreet monitoring
- IP66 waterproof design for reliable outdoor use
Smart Investment for the Long Haul
With its durable design and efficient battery usage, this camera can capture thousands of images before needing a replacement. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to monitor wildlife or enhance security without the hassle of traditional cameras.
Rating: 4.2 (Total: 3476+)
WOSPORTS Mini Trail Camera
The WOSPORTS Mini Trail Camera is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to capture wildlife without breaking the bank. With a 24MP resolution and 1080P HD video, it’s perfect for everything from casual backyard observations to serious hunting expeditions. Its motion-activated feature and IR night vision ensure you won’t miss any action, day or night. Plus, it’s waterproof, making it a reliable companion for all your outdoor adventures. If you’re looking for a user-friendly camera that delivers great performance, this one is definitely worth considering.
What People Say
Users love the WOSPORTS Mini Trail Camera for its impressive image quality and ease of use. Many have found it to be a reliable option for both wildlife observation and home security, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
- Simple to program, low price, good quality, and easy to use. The pictures are clear and worked out to 80 feet! Operates efficiently on only 4 AA batteries instead of 8. My first one worked so well, I bought 3 more.- William A.
- I’ve been using this camera to monitor visitors to my backyard, and it captures great photos and videos. The night photos are surprisingly good, and I appreciate that it only requires 4 AA batteries, making it lightweight and easy to carry.- Junker5
Why You’ll Love It
- 24MP high-resolution images
- 1080P HD video recording for clear footage
- Motion-activated with IR night vision for all-day monitoring
- Compact and lightweight design for easy transport
Smart Investment for the Long Haul
With its efficient battery usage and durable design, this camera can last for months on just a few batteries. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to monitor wildlife or enhance security without the hassle of traditional cameras.
Rating: 4.1 (Total: 3415+)
iZEEKER Trail Camera
The iZEEKER Trail Camera is a solid pick for anyone looking to capture wildlife moments without spending a fortune. With its impressive 32MP resolution and 1080P video capabilities, it’s perfect for everything from backyard wildlife watching to serious hunting trips. The motion-activated feature and no-glow night vision mean you won’t miss a thing, whether it’s day or night. Plus, its waterproof design ensures it can handle the elements, making it a reliable companion for all your outdoor adventures. If you want a camera that’s easy to use and delivers great performance, this one is definitely worth checking out.
What People Say
Users appreciate the iZEEKER Trail Camera for its excellent image quality and ease of setup. Many have found it to be a dependable option for both wildlife monitoring and home security, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
- Highly recommend this camera. It’s a great price, the shipping was super fast and it’s just all around a great camera. I love that you have the option to view your pictures right on the camera. The strap it comes with is very easy to use, it’s sturdy and very long in length.- Briana
- The camera was loaded and able to take pics in low light where I could see what animal was just shredding my lawn at time. I found out it was skunks and they were looking for white grub worms. The camera works great and takes good pics.- Barrett
Why You’ll Love It
- 32MP high-resolution images for clear and vibrant photos
- 1080P HD video recording to capture all the action
- Fast 0.2s trigger speed ensures you won’t miss a moment
- IP66 waterproof design for reliable outdoor use
Smart Investment for the Long Haul
With its efficient battery usage and durable construction, this camera can last for months on just a few batteries. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to monitor wildlife or enhance security without the hassle of traditional cameras.
Rating: 4.0 (Total: 1480+)
WOSODA 36MP Trail Camera
The WOSODA 36MP Trail Camera is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to capture stunning wildlife images without breaking the bank. With its impressive 36MP resolution and 1920P video capabilities, this camera is perfect for everything from backyard wildlife observation to serious hunting expeditions. Its motion-activated feature and night vision ensure you won’t miss any action, day or night. Plus, the waterproof design means it can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it. If you’re after a reliable and easy-to-use camera that delivers great performance, this one is definitely worth considering.
What People Say
Users rave about the WOSODA Trail Camera for its excellent image quality and ease of setup. Many have found it to be a dependable option for both wildlife monitoring and home security, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
- Customer service made things right. I was sent a new camera and the new one worked perfect. I really like the video quality from these cameras for this price point. The camera has another feature that I really like. When you have the camera on setup mode, it allows you to see where the camera is aimed. The screen is on the body of the camera and not the door. I also like that the battery compartment comes out. It’s very nice to load. Conclusion: I would get this camera again!- Shorebird
- For the price you can’t beat it. Takes decent photos and videos. Good enough and the sensitivity is perfect. I was really impressed for the price.- Daniel
Why You’ll Love It
- 36MP high-resolution images for vibrant and clear photos
- 1920P HD video recording to capture all the action
- 0.2s trigger speed ensures you won’t miss a moment
- IP66 waterproof design for reliable outdoor use
Smart Investment for the Long Haul
With its efficient battery usage and durable construction, this camera can last for months on just a few batteries. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to monitor wildlife or enhance security without the hassle of traditional cameras.
Rating: 4.3 (Total: 1782+)
CEYOMUR Trail Camera
The CEYOMUR Trail Camera is a solid pick for anyone wanting to capture the beauty of wildlife without spending a fortune. With a 30MP resolution and 1080P video capabilities, this camera is perfect for everything from backyard observations to more serious hunting trips. Its motion-activated feature and low glow IR night vision ensure you won’t miss any action, whether it’s day or night. Plus, the IP66 waterproof rating means it can withstand the elements, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures. If you’re looking for an affordable and effective way to monitor wildlife, this camera is definitely worth checking out.
What People Say
Users appreciate the CEYOMUR Trail Camera for its ease of use and solid performance. Many find it to be a dependable option for both wildlife monitoring and security, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
- I bought this for security while camping and to capture wildlife at remote sites. The camera is nearly invisible when mounted correctly, and it worked well in both day and night conditions. I appreciated that it was waterproof and held up well in the rain. However, I found that checking the batteries and SD card daily became a bit tedious. Overall, it’s a great low-priced camera for monitoring wildlife.- AZEnergizer
- Setting up the camera was a breeze, and I got some great quality photos. The customer service was also impressive when I faced a minor issue. They offered a replacement quickly, and the new camera has been working perfectly. I love the various settings available, but the battery life could be better, especially for night use. Still, for the price, it’s a fantastic option.- Caroline
Why You’ll Love It
- 30MP high-resolution images for clear and vibrant photos
- 1080P video recording to capture all the action
- Low glow IR night vision for discreet nighttime monitoring
- IP66 waterproof design for reliable outdoor use
Smart Investment for the Long Haul
With efficient battery usage and a durable design, this camera can last for extended periods on just a few batteries. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to monitor wildlife or enhance security without the hassle of traditional cameras.
Rating: 4.2 (Total: 1079+)
FAQ
What should I consider when buying a trail camera under $50 for the spring hunting season?
When you’re looking for a trail camera under $50, focus on key features like image resolution, battery life, and trigger speed. A higher megapixel count, like 36MP or 32MP, will give you clearer images, which is essential for identifying wildlife. Battery life is crucial, especially if you’re placing the camera in remote areas; look for models that can last several weeks or even months on a single set of batteries. Additionally, a fast trigger speed (ideally under 0.5 seconds) ensures you capture quick movements, which is vital during active hunting seasons.
How do I set up my trail camera for optimal performance?
To get the best results from your trail camera, choose a location with a clear line of sight to the area you want to monitor. Make sure to mount it at a height that captures the best angle, usually around 3 to 4 feet off the ground. Avoid placing it facing direct sunlight or near heavy foliage that could trigger false captures. Test the camera by reviewing the images on-site to ensure it’s capturing the desired area. Also, consider using high-quality batteries and a reliable SD card to avoid issues with power and storage.
What are common issues I might face with budget trail cameras, and how can I troubleshoot them?
With budget trail cameras, you might encounter issues like poor battery life, slow trigger speeds, or low-quality night images. To troubleshoot, first, ensure you’re using fresh, high-quality batteries, as cheaper ones can drain quickly. If you’re getting blurry images, check the camera’s focus settings and ensure it’s clean from dirt or moisture. For night images, make sure the camera is equipped with adequate infrared capabilities. If the camera isn’t capturing anything, try adjusting the sensitivity settings or repositioning it to a more active area. Regularly check and format your SD card to prevent storage issues.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, investing in a trail camera under $50 can significantly enhance your hunting experience this spring. The options listed above provide a range of features suitable for various needs, whether you’re monitoring wildlife or ensuring security on your property. By choosing one of these cameras, you can enjoy the benefits of wildlife observation without exceeding your budget.
Pricing Table (Note – Prices subject to change prior notice)
| Product | Image | Rating | Highlights | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KJK Trail Camera 36MP |  | 4/5 (1000+ reviews) | 36MP, 2.7K video, night vision, 0.1s trigger time, waterproof | Compact, easy setup, good daytime quality | Night vision could be better, battery life issues | $29.57 |
| usogood Trail Camera 4K |  | 4.3/5 (1781 ratings) | 4K video, 36MP, 120° detection angle, includes 32GB card | High resolution, easy to set up, includes batteries | Side sensors can be sluggish | $39.99 |
| 20MP Mini Trail Camera |  | 4/5 (796 ratings) | 20MP, 1080P, no glow night vision, 80ft illumination range | Good daytime quality, easy to adjust settings | Battery door hinge issues, sensitivity adjustments needed | $29.99 |
| Vikeri 4K 32MP Trail Camera |  | 4.2/5 (1000+ reviews) | 4K video, 120° wide lens, IP66 waterproof | Excellent daytime quality, durable design | Nighttime performance could be improved | $59.99 |
| WOSPORTS Mini Trail Camera |  | 4.1/5 (3415 ratings) | 24MP, 1080P, waterproof, motion activated | Good price, easy to use, clear images | Nighttime performance may suffer | $39.99 |
| WOSODA 36MP Trail Camera |  | 4.3/5 (1782 ratings) | 36MP, 1920P, waterproof, 120° wide sensor | Good video quality, easy setup | Battery life issues reported | $37.99 |
| CEYOMUR Trail Camera |  | 4.2/5 (1079 ratings) | 30MP, 1080P, low glow IR, motion activated | Easy to set up, good customer service | Battery life could be better | $33.99 |
| iZEEKER Trail Camera |  | 4/5 (1480 ratings) | 32MP, 1080P, no glow night vision, IP66 waterproof | Good image quality, easy to use | Nighttime performance may vary | $38.99 |
Rohan, the founder and driving force behind Trail Cam Rookies, first discovered his passion for trail cameras during an expedition in Central Europe. Fascinated by how these devices bridge the gap between humans and wildlife, he has since dedicated himself to exploring and sharing the intricacies of trail camera technology. Through Trail Cam Rookies, he offers beginner-friendly guides, comprehensive product reviews, and practical tips to help enthusiasts connect more deeply with the natural world.