looking for something with solar and 4g. This is for a piece of property I picked up -- undeveloped, no power, so looking for something I guess that hunters use? I can get out there a few times a month, so maybe something that'll last a week or two with solar., Not ring.
These cameras sleep most of the time. They have a motion sensor that triggers the camera. Often they record a series of images rather than video and only upload the video several times a day. You may be able to change these settings and record video or upload immediately when it's triggered, but you do so at the expense of battery life. Typically these cameras upload a low resolution image, then you have to go in and select images that you want the full resolution image of. With a set of lithium AA batteries (which doubled in price over the last couple years) and modest settings, you may be able to get up to 6 months of battery. You'll capture the wind more often than anything of interest.
I've used an older moultrie 4G camera for a few years but, the camera is failing (IR filter gets stuck) so I'm evaluating options (their new model is slow to trigger). I don't have a real strong favorite, but am kind of leaning towards the Browning Defender Pro Scout Max Extreme HD. I think my old Moultire takes better pics and has a better app. The Reconyx HyperFire 2 Cellular Covert IR Camera is well regarded but very expensive.
I'd recommend cameras watching cameras, they don't all need to be cellular (picture a triangle). Some more discrete than others, some higher.
I also have an older higher end non-cellular StealthCam that I really like and some others that are garbage / retired. I may even still have an ancient one that used film in a box somewhere.
Here are some reviews, but you have to take them with a grain of salt.
Who makes the best cellular trail cameras? Field & Stream tested popular wireless trail cams from Moultrie, SpyPoint, Browning, and more.
www.fieldandstream.com
Cellular trail cameras might require extra setup, but receiving real-time deer photos on your phone is a huge scouting advantage.
www.outdoorlife.com
www.trailcampro.com