I need a couple cameras right away....so I went to look at a couple retail/catalog outlets to see what was available...

Unfortunately, if you read customer reviews on these cameras you almost get the feeling NONE of them are reliable, dependable, and worth what they cost.

Does anyone have POSITIVE experience with a particular camera? I'm wanting IR capability so that I can use it at night without flashes...as it may also double as a security camera on the roads leading into our hunting grounds, and so being effective in that regard is very important.

Other than that, I'm wide open to suggestions.

Don't want cellular stuff, since the area is without cellular signals of any kind.

Thanks for any help you can provide...and moderators, if this belongs somewhere else, please move it and accept my apologies.

I would say you are looking at a Scoutguard...That I beleive is going to be my next camera..I have good experiance with the Cuddebacks and the Moultrie's...Several friends have been swithing to Scoutguards and all I hear from them is great reviews...

I've tried Stealths and Moultries in the last two years. I bought the Cuddeback Capture this fall and it's by far the best camera I've ever owned. It takes great pics, has a really fast trigger speed and believe it or not, but it's had only one set of batteries in it this fall, and it still isn't showing the low battery signal!  

Ray:I have not had experience with the IR cameras but I have been very happy with the Cuddeback. I had ants get into one and mess of the circuitry. I called about it, sent it to them and had it back in 5 days. Their service has been very good, at least my only need to get one fixed.

As Santiam says you are probably looking at a Scoutguard.I now own 4.They are small(about like a soda can),run on 8 AA batteries that will last for hundreds of pics (if not more)and for several weeks--possibly months.You can get a green one for about $200 and you have to buy a memory card.Camo ones run about $210 and you also need the card.Programmed by using an included remote control that you take home with you after setup.Simple to set up.Color daytime pics and black and white night time pics since they are taken by infrared light.Metal boxes that fit this camera are available and you can lag  bolt the box to a tree,place the camera inside the box,put the front cover on,then run a python cable through the whole box.
The camera without a box  can be locked to a tree by using a python cable lock that will fit into a slot on the outside of the camera.If this method is used you can use a small padlock to keep someone from removing the memory card.I myself prefer using a metal box.Chasingame.com has good reviews on this camera.Also there is another camera called a Covert that is very similar and a Covert II that is a higher priced upgrade from information I have been reading.I think the original Coverts were almost identical to the Scoutguard but now I think the appearance has changed.Hope this helps.I really like the size of the Scoutguards.The only other camera I have experience with besides the Scoutguards is an old digital Moultrie that I had to send back for repair and it still has issues and eats 6 volt batteries.I dont think I would buy another Moultrie.

I have one from Leaf River really like it. It takes great pictures and although it takes 6 batteries, they last a long time. The trigger speed is not as good as the Cuddeback, but it takes great pictures and is very well built.

Ray, I just got a Reconyx RC60 IR. Great camera that doesn't miss a thing.
I've had a Cuddeback for years but the flash seems to spook some of the critters and I get tired of sending it back every year for repair.

My little bunch has used several different cameras this year and all have their good and bad. The $100 Moultrie works fine unless you're really, serious about it. The Reconyx is close to $500

Ray,

Scoutgard 550 or the new Covert.  I will send you a PM.

ihave had a bushnell pro with nite vision (invisible infered flash) for about 3 years and have never had a problem.  it has a really fast trigger, and color pics in day, and invisible flash at night.

Thanks, everybody for the input!!! Keep them coming.

Ray, PM sent...Fred

Ray, I have numerous friends that have years of trail cam background. I myself have only been running cameras for three seasons. They are all using the Scoutgaurds. I own two of them and they sound like the perfect fit for your needs.

Trigger speed is very good, they are an IR camera, they are very small and can be tucked away in small places. The battery live is amazing. I am getting 2-1/2 - 3 months on the 8 AA's and that's running non-stop. I buy the good energizer lithium blue batteries. They take very good photos and have a video option.

Highly recommend them.
http://scoutguard550.com/

Ray,

Cuddeback No Flash - This is an excellent cam with good customer service which I have found is somewhat rare in the digital camera companies. I would recommend adding the bear safe for protection and added security. It is a small camera which is good for concealment. The basic setup is easy but will say there are a lot of advanced modes most people will never use. The batteries used in the camera are 4 C's. Battery life is OK but we did go through a spell where it was going through them every week but on the average they are lasting around a month or so. There was also an issue with the battery box but they have since fixed it but if you buy used older ones just be aware of it. IR flash range is OK but thought it would be better for the price. Picture Quality is excellent. The worst thing about them is the cost but with the new capture IR just coming out I may end up giving it a shot. Overall this is the best camera I have owned but with the price still high in the No Flash, and the capture being easy to setup, has a bear safe as an option, and is a little more affordable I think this is route I will be going if I buy more.

Friends of mine have the Moultire I40, and Wildview IR cams and they are very happy with them. Also from what I have read they are getting pretty good reviews.

The one camera I am going to purchase when I get home is the Scout Guard 550 with it's bear safe box. I spoke with Jeff @ Grey Wolf Woolens about them and he has nothing but praise for them. Plus want I have heard about them has been very good which is being echoed above. This is purchase number one on my list once I get home.

Best of luck in your search Ray.

Oh dang I wish ya guys would make a monthly $10 donation to the "rusty wants "SmartScouter" celluar trail cam fund.  The thing is like $650, has an activation fee, and monthly charge (and charge per pic)......but wouldn't it be fun to just have your trailcam send your pics to the internet or cell phone for ya  

rusty

http://www.chasingame.com/

This site has some good info. The guy seems honest and calls a spade a spade.

Rusty,

I was "fortunate" to meet the two brothers that own "Smart Scouter" while I was hunting in Iowa.  Let's just say them made a BIG impression on me and if I was given one of these camera, I'd do an Ashby penetration test with it with a big ol' Snuffer   :mad:

MOULTRIE,,,,the best VALUE out there IMO

I just bought a Remington Ghost at Dick's Sporting Goods back in November. It has a fast trigger speed and is 5 meg.,comes with IR and flash, takes 4 D Batteries and comes with a camera card. Twice the camera that my Leaf River is at 1/3 the price. Payed $100 for it and haven't had any problems yet.

Rick Combs

I'm going with the Scoutguard/Coverts I think.

I cannot get a cell signal where we will likely use them and at 200 each I think these will be a good value.

My thanks to all of you for sharing your experience!!!

Happy New Year.