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We cover the ins and outs of “Do trail cameras flash” and what to look for when choosing the right flash type for your needs.
We asked ourselves the same question but figured it out once we bought our first trail camera.
Do Trail Cameras Flash?
Short answer: Yes. Just like a DSLR camera, trail cameras also flash. Nighttime photography requires a good flash to take high-quality photos and videos.
There are three trail camera flash types: white flash, which is becoming rare, low glow, red infrared, and black or no glow infrared.
Most modern trail cameras use infrared cameras because they are less likely to frighten animals being photographed.
Types of Trail Camera Flash
Low Glow Flash
Low glow flashes usually operate just above the noticeable range (at a wavelength around 732nm). This means that they emit light at the source, but it is not so much to startle the animals.
However, there is a slight chance that it can spook animals. Trail cameras with low glow flashes also produce better photos and videos at night.
Red glow cameras usually create a red glow from the infrared emitters when taking videos or pictures at night. However, the red glow is usually faint but is visible when you look directly at the camera. If the camera is positioned correctly, animals will rarely notice red glow flash.
No Glow Flash
The no-glow flash operates just at a wavelength of around 864nm and is usually stealth. Trail cameras with no glow do not display light when taking videos and pictures at night, which means animals will go about their typical business without being alarmed.
The no-glow flash is widely preferred by hunters who trail animals that are very sensitive to light, like deer. However, this type of flash generally takes weaker videos and photos at night than trail cameras with red glow flash, meaning sometimes you can miss a good opportunity.
An advantage of trail cameras with no glow flash is that they can stay better hidden. Other hunters around will not spot your trail camera while walking around at night. This flash is ideal for hunters who don’t want other hunters to steal their cameras.
White Flash
Trail cameras with white flash are rarely used because they are more likely to scare and cause it to run. However, unlike infrared light that only takes black and white pictures ad videos, white flash allows you to take color photographs at night, thus providing better visibility.
Trail cameras with white flash emit white light when triggered at night. It gives The same effect as The settings of a DSLR camera in The dark. Typically, researchers who want to see specific markings on their research subjects use trail cameras with white flash.
Trail cameras with white flash are not ideal for hunters.
Which Type of Flash is the Best?
Of course, The question that you may be asking is, which type of flash is the best? Each type of flash used in trail cameras has advantages and disadvantages. For instance, white flash can easily cause The animal to flee, but it takes high-quality and color videos and cameras. On The other hand, low glow flash usually takes quality videos and photos and is not easily detected, but the pictures and videos are generally black and white.
Trail cameras with low glow flash and no glow flash are highly recommended for hunters because they don’t disturb animals you’re tracking. On the other hand, trail cameras with white flash are ideal for researchers who want to study specific animals or plants.
Final Thoughts
If you have been wondering whether trail cameras flash, then today you have the answer. Yes, trail cameras do flash at night. There are three types of flash used in trail cameras, including white flash, no glow flash, and red glow flash.
All these types of flash have their pros and cons, as discussed above. When buying a trail camera, ensure that it is fitted with the right type of flash for your needs.