With the advancement of technology, there are updated ways you can keep an eye on the wildlife in your backyard or keep track of activity on your favorite trail.
Trail cameras provide you with quality videos and images, day or night, rain or shine. There are many different types you can choose from, but today we’ll be looking at and reviewing a few of the best no-glow trail cameras.
No-glow trail cameras are also commonly known and referred to as invisible flash trail cameras or blackout trail cameras. Unlike other models, the name of this camera originates from its ability to make an animal visible without the flash of the camera being detected.
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Comparison of the Best No Glow Trail Cameras
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What is a No-Glow Trail Camera?
The name is quite self-explanatory when it comes to no-glow trail cameras. These come with the ability to illuminate people or animals without them being able to detect the light or flash. These cameras are also referred to as invisible since most people on the receiving end have no idea that they exist.
These cameras are majorly used for hunting purposes. People put them on trees and wait for them to illuminate their desired prey. A good trail camera is also easy to operate and usually comes with a trigger timer, a high resolution capturing mechanism, and a good and long detection range. The goal is to avoid startling the prey.
A no-glow camera is, therefore, more useful as it employs infrared LED flashes that will emit different wavelengths of light that are more than 850 nanometers. This is much more than animals can see.
16MP 1080P
What Makes a Great No-Glow Trail Camera
Wondering how to pick out a no-glow trail camera – we have you covered:
Non-Visible Flash
What makes a great no glow trail camera is its ability to go up to 10-15 feet without a visible light being emitted. If you can see a small glow, it is categorized as a Low Glow IR camera. If there is a more visible, bright glow, it is categorized as a Red Glow IR.
Great For Security Surveillance
These are great options for security surveillance because they don’t produce visible light to the human eye when taking pictures or recording videos.
Night Range
When searching for the perfect no glow trail camera to purchase, you should keep in mind the night range it has. Some have a very long night range that allows them to take full colored photos or videos in the daytime and black and white versions up to certain distances. Consider what distance you’d want to have covered and then narrow your choice down to the perfect choice.
Benefits of Investing in a Great No-Glow Trail Camera
Undetectable Flash-The main feature of these cameras is that they can be used at night effectively without producing a visible flash. This is ideal because it won’t spook any wildlife, or if you’re using a camera for security, the suspect won’t notice that they’re being caught in the act. These cameras show high-quality in their performance, producing impressive images day or night.
Adjustable Settings
One thing that comes with a great no-glow trail camera are the various settings it has to offer. High-quality videos and images can be taken once you find the perfect combination of settings depending on your setup location. Keep in mind that though a camera may have a long-range day or night setting, the longer the setting doesn’t always mean better. Adjustable burst images are also a great feature, ensuring that you get the perfect shot.
Great Protection
Many of these that were reviewed today came with some type of security to ensure that your camera remains safe and protected. Waterproof features protect these from the natural elements of rain, dust, corrosion, etc. Some also allow you to set up a password and have a serial number to securely keep your camera in place and ensure that no one would be able to grab it and go.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
- Image Quality (MP)/Resolution (P): The quality of both the still images (measured in megapixels) and the video resolution (measured in pixels).
- Flash Range/Detection Range: The flash range is how far the light from the flash can illuminate, while the detection range is how far away the camera can detect movement.
- Memory Capacity: How much memory the camera has onboard or the amount that can be added (typically through SD cards).
- Trigger Time: The amount of time it takes from detection to a photo/video capture.
- Battery and Power: The number, size, and type of batteries or power source the camera requires.
- Illumination Type: The type of lighting the camera uses to capture images. Often infrared or night vision, LED, flash, etc.
- Glow Type: This indicates how visible the activation light is when motion is detected. The light on a no-glow camera does not show at all while a low-glow produces a dim light.
- Dimensions: The length, width, and height of the camera.
- Battery Life: How long the battery will last when fully charged.
Review of the Best No-Glow Trail Cameras
We’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorite no glow trail cameras, ranging from best overall to our editor’s pick. These listings will contain the top features of each, a section of pros and cons for you to easily compare the different features of each model, and a summary of the camera performance and features. We hope this will help aid in the search for your perfect no glow trail camera!
Best Overall:BlazeVideo 16MP 1080P Time-Lapse Game Camera
PROS
- Time-lapse
- Long battery life
- Clear images/videos
- Lots of protection
- Includes many different features
CONS
- Operating menu can be confusing
- Takes a bit of effort to get used to the different settings
Review
This no-glow trail camera is our best pick for all of your security purposes. Featuring a stealth design, time-lapse, password set, and serial number, it is guaranteed to provide image and video quality while also being undetected by whoever you want to keep an eye out for.
The security feature allows you to set up a password to protect your camera from unauthorized users and the serial number function helps multi-cam users identify the location of an image when reviewing photos. This model takes photos and videos at specified intervals, automatically and constantly, which is useful when monitoring certain points like a parking lot or a park.
A timer also allows you to meet your timetable and capture what you want, when you want. This also has a unique button design, an embedded 2.4-inch LCD screen, and a simple settings menu that allows for easy installation. A trigger distance of up to 65ft/25m is accompanied by a 0.6-second trigger speed.
With so many different adjustable features and a unique button design, the operating menu can be can be a bit confusing to navigate through, but with a bit of practice and time put into learning the settings, it’ll be working in top form. If photos seem to lack quality, do remember to remove the plastic lens cover which may be hindering the camera from working as it should!
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a model to use for security purposes, this is the one for you! This unit comes with more than one protection feature, including a password and a serial number function.
This no-glow camera takes images or videos without a visible flash, so those being captured by the quick trigger won’t be aware they’ve been caught. This model takes a bit of getting used to, but if you put in the time to learn how to operate the multiple settings, you’ll be sure to love this camera and be happy with its performance.
Product Specs
Image Quality (MP)/Resolution (Pixels P):
24MP / 1296p
Flash Range/Detection Range:
75 ft
Memory Capacity:
512 GB
Trigger Time:
0.3 sec
Battery and Power:
8 AA
Dimensions:
7.8 x 5.1 x 4″
Editor’s Pick:Browning Trail Cameras Dark Ops
PROS
- Easy setup
- Good battery life
- Fast trigger speed and recovery time
- Dual camera lenses for day and night photos/videos
CONS
- Memory card can be difficult to remove
- Occasional foggy quality may be due to extended night range
- Day images/videos better than night ones (which is to be expected)
Review
This Browning camera features invisible infrared LED illumination, a “smart IR” video detection system, and provides quality daytime and nighttime videos, all tied together in a highly effective camo finish. The infrared illumination ensures that game or trespassers on your property stay unaware while it’s capturing videos or photos.
Dual camera lenses incorporate a custom tuned daytime lens for quality images during the day, while a dedicated night camera lens takes clear nighttime photos. The 1080 full HD video with sound, along with a 0.15-second trigger speed ensures that every detail is captured, and a 0.5-second picture recovery time readies it for the next shot.
The picture info box displays the time, date, temperature, barometric pressure, and even the moon phase, so you’ll be sure to know about the exact time an image or video was taken. As with most models that can be used during the night, it is expected that the daytime images and videos will be clearer and of higher quality than their nighttime counterparts, but the night images and videos are still of good quality.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a high-quality camera that knows how to deliver. With dual lenses dedicated to taking photos and videos in the day and night respectively, you’re ensured to get quality results. A trigger speed of 0.15 seconds and recovery speed of 0.5 seconds ensures that nothing will be missed and the sleek camo finish, along with undetectable infrared LED illumination, keeps your camera hidden.
As expected from cameras that can capture night photos and videos, the day counterparts will be of higher quality, so don’t be disappointed if you compare the quality of the daytime and nighttime images. This also still takes good night videos/images and is worth investing in.
Product Specs
Image Quality (MP)/Resolution (Pixels P):
20MP / 900p
Flash Range/Detection Range:
80 ft
Memory Capacity:
512 GB
Trigger Time:
0.22 sec
Battery and Power:
6 AA
Recovery Rate:
0.6 sec
Dimensions:
3 x 2.5 x 3.5″
Best Browning No-Glow Trail Camera:Browning Spec Ops Advantage
PROS
- Detection range is fully adjustable
- Able to take high resolution and quality images
- High relative durability than most other models
- Has a higher trigger time than most other models
- Comes with a very good color display for more clarity
CONS
- Does not offer very good water resistance
- Repair and replacement of parts are difficult
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are thrilled to get their hands on this extraordinary model. They particularly like the compact size that makes it easy to set up and take out when necessary. Moreover, the design is also very sturdy and durable, which adds to its appeal. Buyers have also complimented the use of the smarter color display that enhances image quality.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The model comes with a very spectacular feature that isn’t very common. This trail camera comes with an invisible night vision and IR illumination. This allows better photography at night time. Not just that, but it also comes with time-lapsing imaging, which comes in handy while hunting.
Bottom Line
High affordability, comfort, and an amazing trigger time come together in the making of this trail camera. It is able to take very clear pictures and videos, thanks to its high-resolution camera ability. Moreover, the high durability, as well as a better color contrast mechanism help, makes pictures clearer. So if you want to buy a camera for hunting or researching, then this model is definitely for you.
Product Specs
Image Quality (MP)/Resolution (Pixels P):
20MP / 1080p
Flash Range/Detection Range:
80 ft
Memory Capacity:
512 GB
Trigger Time:
0.4-0.7 sec
Battery and Power:
8 AA
Recovery Rate:
0.6 sec
Dimensions:
5 x 4 x 2.5”
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Best No-Glow Infrared Trail Camera:Campark T85 Wi-Fi Bluetooth Trail Camera
PROS
- Offers high-resolution images and videos
- Undetectable by animals
- Allows connection with Bluetooth to transfer images
- Comes with a built-in Wi-Fi system that allows accessibility
- Has high water resistance that comes in handy during the rain
CONS
- Does not offer very good camouflage
What Recent Buyers Report
Pleasing recent buyers isn’t that hard, but most brands fail to achieve this because they don’t deliver on the promises that they made. This trail camera is certainly different. It comes with an amazing and convenient exterior that offers high resistance. Not only that, but buyers have also praised the Bluetooth upgradeability that makes it easier to download pictures and videos easily.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Trail cameras are inserted in the open, and the last thing you want is for your camera to stop working in case of faulty weather. The model comes high resistance to rain and snow. This ensures that your trail camera will retain all its features even when the weather becomes unbearable or really harsh.
Bottom Line
With a built-in Wi-Fi system and a fantastic Bluetooth connection, there is really nothing wrong that can go with this model. But this isn’t the only thing why you should buy this trail camera. It also offers a high resolution that makes your images and videos appear brighter and clearer than they usually are.
Moreover, the no-glow vision allows you to go undetected. All this, together with the high durability of the model, makes this trail camera one of the best ones in the market.
Product Specs
Image Quality (MP)/Resolution (Pixels P):
12MP / 1296p
Flash Range/Detection Range:
65 ft
Memory Capacity:
128 GB
Trigger Time:
0.3 sec
Battery and Power:
8 AA
5. Stealth Cam G42
PROS
- Good battery life with the right batteries (not a cheap brand)
- Adjustable detection range to alter depending on setup location
CONS
- Camera only supports SanDisk and PNY memory cards
- Battery will drain quickly if photo bursts are triggered often
- Actual time between recognition of movement and shutter time is a few seconds
Review
This Stealthcam camera has a solid build and quality workmanship, along with having the ability to take good pictures and videos. The detection range can vary with setup and can extend as far as 70-feet, giving you plenty of space to select a distance that works best for you.
Though this range can extend quite far, it is suggested that you minimize the range in order to attain the best quality photos possible. These photos are taken with a decent trigger speed and can be adjustable by how many bursts it takes.
Recording time does tend to be a bit delayed though, as it begins to record a few seconds after the trigger. The same can be said about the reaction time of the camera, taking a few seconds which has the potential to lead to a missed opportunity. This option is at a good price and can deliver well, so if you’re looking for a model with fewer confusing and extensive features, this could be the one for you.
Bottom Line
Overall, this isn’t a bad camera and you’ll be impressed once you put it to use. The quality seems to vary with users and can produce crystal clear images, but also may have a few grainy ones as well.
The detection range is adjustable, but it is recommended to set to a lower detection range for a better quality photo or video. There also is a slight delay between the actual time of recognition of movement to the shutter going off. The battery life of this model can be quite good if you install it with quality batteries, and keep in mind that extensive photo bursts can drain the battery a bit.
Product Specs
Image Quality (MP)/Resolution (Pixels P):
12MP /1080p
Flash Range/Detection Range:
100 ft
Memory Capacity:
32 GB
Trigger Time:
0.5 sec
Battery and Power:
8 AA
Best Bushnell No-Glow Trail Camera:Bushnell 119877 24MP Trophy Cam
PROS
- Good battery life
- Takes quality pictures
CONS
- Can’t adjust the length of video recording
- Video playback on screen may drain batteries
Review
This unit is equipped with a hyper night vision that allows it to ensure sharp and quality after-dark images. It can also automatically embed GPS coordinates to allow you to track the movement of game and helps with optimal placement. An adjustable time lapse allows users to automatically capture images at preset intervals of one minute up to one hour.
With a 0.2-second trigger speed and 0.5-second recovery speed, you are guaranteed to be provided with stunning images. This model does seem to be a bit trigger sensitive and you may end up with a few empty shots. But it still provides good image and video quality and can also be used for security purposes.
Bottom Line
This is a pretty decent camera if you want to have an adjustable time-lapse setting. This also comes with the ability to embed GPS coordinates in order to track game, which is a useful feature. Though the battery life is pretty good, viewing playback on the screen may cause battery drainage and some settings may as well.
It is relatively easy to set up, and once you get a hang of the settings, you can find the perfect combo that works for you and your setup area. A fast trigger speed allows you to miss fewer animals and the night vision range allows for quality nighttime images. One thing to note is that it is slightly larger than others, though mainly just taller, which isn’t a problem. It can take great videos, though it is a bit inconvenient that video mode can’t be adjusted to alter the length of each video.
Product Specs
Image Quality (MP)/Resolution (Pixels P):
24MP / 1080p
Flash Range/Detection Range:
100 ft
Memory Capacity:
32 GB
Trigger Time:
0.2 sec
Battery and Power:
8 AA
Recovery Rate:
0.5 sec
Dimensions:
10 x 6 x 4″
7. TEC.BEAN Game Trail Hunting Camera
PROS
- High resolution
- Five capture modes
- Long night vision range of up to 75 feet
- Waterproof protection and password to ensure camera safety
CONS
- Trigger speed occasionally acts up or is delayed
- Black and white photos can look a little grainy at times
- Make sure to carefully read the instruction manual during setup
Review
This is a top-rated no glow trail hunting camera that features a long night vision range, allowing it to capture full-color photos and videos in the day and black and white versions at night up to 75 feet/23 meter distance.
The 12MP, high-quality full resolution is provided with one to nine pictures per trigger, giving this a 0.6-0.85 trigger speed. A patented motion freeze is excellent when surveying cold-blooded animals or amphibians and reduces inadvertent triggering caused by the leaves or grass. This feature also saves power and SD card storage space.
Some of the features take work to perfect, and because of this, images can appear grainy, most apparent in the nighttime photos. However, once you find the perfect settings and night range for the setup area, it will work like a breeze. This is protected from moisture, rain, sand, dust, corrosion, etc. A required password also ensures that it is protected from the weather and anyone looking to own a new trail camera!
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a nice option for the price. It includes a large night vision range and a patented motion freeze that can help save power and storage space, while also being able to capture cold-blooded animals and amphibians. This also comes with a lot of protection, being waterproof to protect it from the elements, while also having a password that protects it from sneaky persons in need of a new investment.
Product Specs
Image Quality (MP)/Resolution (Pixels P):
12MP / 1080p
Flash Range/Detection Range:
75 ft
Memory Capacity:
32 GB
Trigger Time:
0.6-0.8 sec
Battery and Power:
8 AA
Recovery Rate:
6 sec
Dimensions:
5.71 x 8.46 x 3.35″
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Low-Glow vs. No-Glow Trail Camera – Comparison Overview
There are majorly two types of trail cameras that people use for hunting. One comes with absolutely no glow, and the other one comes with a very soft glow. As the name suggests, no glow cameras will not be detected by any animal or person walking by.
Low glow cameras are more likely to be detected. To help you choose between both these designs, we will be comparing the major features that differentiate these two popular types.
Wavelengths of the Light
These items use a longer wavelength of light that is invisible to humans, but it is also less likely to be detected by most wildlife. A distinct advantage of low glow is that these cameras are 30% brighter than the no glow design. These hence provide a long-distance flash, which is beneficial for hunting.
On the other hand, no glow uses a 940-nanometer wavelength, which is completely undetectable by all sorts of creatures. This ensures that animals are not able to run after seeing the flash.
Shutter Speeds
This is another important feature to consider when making this very important comparison. No glow cameras tend to come with relatively fewer shutter speeds. This makes the flashes appear less strong, especially at night.
Moreover, it tends to make the images and videos of moving animals blurrier. This can be problematic for hunters. However, these models also come with a special boost mechanism that brightens these images.
Trigger Time
When anything moves past your trail cameras, the sensors in them will be able to detect the movement and then activate the recordings. The length of the time between these events is called the trigger time. No glow cameras often tend to possess a relatively better trigger time. This comes in handy in situations where the animal is really fast.
When Would a No Glow Trail Camera Come in Handy?
Trail cameras completely revolutionized the world when they first came into existence. The no-glow design is definitely an improved version that comes in handy in a number of different situations. Here are the many different purposes of a no glow trail camera.
Hunting
The biggest use of one of these products is to help you hunt properly. Hunting can become quite difficult sometimes, especially if you hunt in an area with less wildlife. Animals are brilliant at hiding and can escape your notice pretty easily. You can easily attach a no-glow trail camera on the trees. This will allow you to capture the animal without much hassle.
Security
Another great use of these trail cameras is for security. Not everyone has the privilege to live in a secured area. But even those who live in well-protected areas can use the added security. These trail cameras do not produce any light and are completely undetectable by humans. This will ensure that you can detect any outsider easily. The better trigger time will also allow you to act quickly.
Research
There are a lot of wildlife enthusiasts who want to access different and unique animals and study them in-depth. But more often than not, these animals are really difficult to come by, and even when they do, it is almost impossible for you to capture their images. A good trail camera will capture their videos and images for you and will help you in your research.
Conclusion
No glow trail cameras have gained popularity due to the fact that they can provide wildlife surveillance that typically does not spook game. These also work great for security purposes, ensuring that your property is protected, and being able to capture images or videos in the dark without alerting any animal or person.
Many of these come with multiple adjustable settings, and it’s important that you take the time to adjust to the settings and find the perfect combination that will produce the best images or videos for you and your setup location.
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People Also Ask
Below are some common questions surrounding this topic.
How to Tell if Someone Has a No-Glow Trail Camera?
It is practically impossible to know whether anyone has a no glow trail camera or not. This is because the wavelength of light used is beyond what a normal human brain can detect. Even when the light will be on you, you won’t be able to detect it.
How to Tell if a No-Glow Trail Camera is Flashing?
Trail cameras are usually found on top of shady trees. If you look in daylight, you will be able to see a trail camera lying there. Hunters, however, usually put leaves to ensure that no one is able to see it. When the camera flashes, you won’t be able to see the light because the wavelength is 940 nm, which is undetectable by humans.
What Does No-Glow Mean on Trail Camera?
For trail cameras, no glow means that it is able to illuminate an animal or person without them being able to detect the flash. These are also referred to as invisible flash cameras or blackout trail cameras. They are ideal for taking night images or videos and are also commonly used for security of one’s property.
Does an Infrared Trail Camera Flash?
No-glow infrared trail camera uses an LED emitter that transmits an infrared light above the 940-nanometer spectrum. Light above the 940-nanometer spectrum is typically not detectable by humans, but a few species can detect certain ranges. Simply put, these do not flash, which is why they’re ideal for tracking game at night or for use as stealth security cameras to capture a trespasser.