A new ‘must have’ Trail Camera for anyone interested in documenting wildlife…
Recently, I had the opportunity to experiment with a superb new trail camera, the OS Wild 4K DS Solar Wi-Fi camera. As many of you will know we at Wild Discovery are big fans of trail cameras, they provide a glimpse into an often unseen world and can capture rare or difficult to study species, and often right on your doorstep (sometimes literally!). The application of trail cameras is huge from a single camera in the garden to a massive array of cameras in a tropical forest. They can be used to capture images and footage of mammals, birds and even insects and reptiles (when used correctly). So, when a brand new UK and independent brand came on the market offering high-spec cameras I was keen to give it a whirl.
To say I’m impressed is an understatement.
This is a camera that has had a lot of thought put into it and then been realised and complimented with top spec hardware and good construction to create a piece of equipment that is invaluable to the naturalist and ecologist.
For a long time the market has been dominated two higher spec brands; Reconyx and Bushnell, but over the past decade we have seen other brands embrace the technology and develop good cameras such as Minox and Ltl Acorn, others have floundered. In my opinion the status is changing with the addition of the OS Wild Cameras and specifically their top model. But what is brilliant is that these cameras are now affordable.
One of the images we captured with this fabulous camera was of an apparent Scottish Wildcat (or hybrid) prowling through the Caledonian forest of Royal Deeside.
Now let’s get technical for a minute. Whatever your use for the camera here are some key specifications that may be of interest and use to you with a little explanation where relevant:
Technical specification for OS Wild 4K DS Solar Wi-Fi camera:
Up to 48MP images by day (From interpolated 13mp SONY sensor) – this means great quality images when zooming in to identify even the smallest of triggers.
Up to 8MP images by night (From interpolated 2mp sensor) – again, an excellent image resolution for a night-time picture
4K 30fps video with sound (day) – stunningly clear and sharp video footage
1080P 30fps video with sound (night) – no longer am I squinting at a handful of pixels to identify rodents and shrews!
Built-in solar panel for class-leading battery life of over 12 months in normal use – this is a game changer! So far, I haven’t had any need to charge the camera and the latest tests indicate that under the right conditions the camera can last for up to 3 years before requiring charging though the in general this is likely to be closer to one year depending on local climatic conditions and recording intensity, this makes the model superb for longer term studies in remote areas. Also great to reduce overall power consumption.
0.35 second trigger speed – a good fast trigger speed, essential for capturing species like Weasels and small mammals.
120 degree motion detection – another brilliant feature which combined with the fast trigger speed maximises the likelihood of capturing anything that passes in front of the camera.
45 No Glow LED with IR flash of 23 metres – good range for nocturnal captures
Night motion detection of 20 metres – similarly good detection range
Up to 512GB SD card compatibility
3 photo burst mode – this is an essential feature for me and a series of images can provide a variety of relevant information.
IP66 waterproof – essential in the UK and Dubai
Temperature, date and moon phase imprint – useful data that can help to develop pictures of activity related to different variables.
-20-60oC operating temperature – good functional range which is certainly adequate for anyone in the vast majority of Europe and beyond.
The camera comes with an excellent mounting strap and clip which, unlike most brands doesn’t slip making attaching to trees, posts and similar very easy. The solar panel sits at a slight angle on the upper side of the camera which itself provides a bit of an eave for the camera and sensors thus protecting them from water droplets and staining.
Within the camera all the controls are very intuitive and allow the user to work through the displayed menu options. There is a USB-C connection point which allows the camera to be connected to a computer for downloading images, and a second USB-C port for charging the integral batteries.
The camera also has a designated App called ‘WILDLIFE CAM’ App which also allows control of all the essential settings and most usefully the option to be able to review your setup making sure that the camera is positioned correctly before you walk away from it.
For a short video summary see below including clips and images of mammals around Royal Deeside.
To Summarise
Pros
· Long battery life and solar panels to maintain charge
· Rapid trigger speed for both photo and video
· Exceptional video and photo quality
· Easy and intuitive setup and use (with a clear manual for use)
· Robust but not heavy build
· Wide detection zone
· An attachment strap and buckle that actually work (most models seem to come with something fairly useless!)
Cons
· None!
Value For money
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I literally can’t recommend this camera enough. It is a brilliant piece of equipment that you will love using. It has been well thought out and brilliantly executed in its construction and application.
For this and other models check out the One Stop Nature Shop Website.
If you want to find more about using camera traps then we will be running an afternoon camera trapping workshop on 15 May, 2024 in Braemar, Cairngorms as part of the Braemar Nature Festival (more details here). Alternatively you can join us on our Scottish Mammal tour in August where we will also be using and learning about camera traps.