Are Trail Cameras Good for Home Security? The Ultimate Guide

Everyone agrees that home security is of utmost importance, but sometimes, it is not easy getting security equipment that meets your needs. If you are in the market for security cameras for your home, you might find an unusual yet effective option in trail cameras for security.

Also known as a remote or game camera, the trail camera is mostly used by hunters and sports photographers. However, it works just as well in your home security surveillance system.

Can You Use a Trail Camera for Home Security?

The answer is YES; trail cameras can be used for home security because trail cameras have basic features that make them suitable for home security surveillance.

Trail cameras or game cameras can capture suspicious activity near your property and alert you immediately. And because they run on batteries, they can be placed just about anywhere - even in remote areas where power outlets are unavailable.

Why Trail Cameras are Suitable for Home Security?

Here are a few reasons why we think trail cameras are great for home security:

1. A trail camera's Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor or heat sensor detects relative temperature changes or moving objects in an area, respectively. This feature is originally used to film animals in the field, but it is also efficient for capturing security footage.

2. Trail cameras have night vision, making them excellent for night security surveillance.

3. Most modern trail cameras now offer remote access to their feeds. An in-built cellular or Wi-Fi transceiver allows you to remotely download videos and photos to your phone/computer. The cellular trail camera has a SIM card, which is connected to a cell network. Plus, installation is easy and requires no wires.

4. Since they are battery-powered, trail cameras do not affect your energy bills. They can be set up in places where it's not easy to run lines, like in a tree or on top of a shed roof! You won't have to worry about replacing its batteries either; they can last for months.

Drawbacks of Trail Cameras for Security

The benefits of a trail camera for home security are undeniable. They can provide an extra layer of protection for your home, and some of them may be less expensive than professional security cameras. But they do have some drawbacks, so let's take a look at them.

• They are not suitable for indoor use. Trail cams are square blocks with camouflage army colours and do not match most indoor decor styles. However, other home security cameras are white and have cute shapes.

• Another drawback is that they don't have pan/tilt functionality due to their fixed lenses. Although they take larger, clearer pictures, they often miss things in the surrounding background. Pan/tilt cameras are great for home security because they offer more flexibility when positioning them around your property.

• A third disadvantage is that AA batteries in trail cameras don't last very long when recording videos, so you'll probably need to keep an eye on their charge levels and replace them regularly (or make sure you have backup batteries).

• Finally, their mobile/desktop apps offer limited function compared to professional security camera apps that provide more features for monitoring your home's activity.

Trail Camera vs. Security Camera: What's the Difference?

There are a couple of differences between both camera types. An obvious one is their purpose – trail cams are made to track wildlife, while security cams are for security and surveillance. Another major difference is that security cameras can relay 24-hour video feeds, while trail cameras only take pictures and short videos when they detect a presence.

A professional security camera is usually much more obvious than a trail camera, and sometimes that's what you want when protecting your home. A visible security camera is a preventative measure and can deter criminals from making any moves on your property.

Professional security cameras also have a vast selection of features: they can be pan/tilt and zoom cameras, they can be powered via network cables with Power over Ethernet (POE), and they can even link up through an NVR (network video recorder) system so you can monitor multiple cameras at once.

Professional Advice of a Trail Camera for Home Security

If you've already bought your trail camera and want to use it for security surveillance, then we'd say go for it! You can definitely use a trail camera for home security.

However, if you need a camera for security purposes, we recommend you go with actual security cameras since they are specialized for that purpose.

If you're looking for a professional security camera, we've got you covered. Our cameras offer many features you can choose from, including 4G connectivity, various sizes, PTZ functionality, Wi-Fi and wireless capabilities. These features are what make the difference between a good camera and an outstanding one.

A professional security camera is made to be used in a professional setting like an office or retail store. It's designed with durability in mind so that it can stand up to the elements and rigours of daily use.

Best Trail Camera for Security Recommendation

Best cellular trail camera for security: Reolink Go Ranger PT

The Reolink Go Ranger PT is the best wireless cellular trail camera for security. It’s the first 4K 4G LTE wildlife camera with a 360° all-around view, providing unparalleled coverage of your property or remote areas.

With 4K 8MP Ultra HD resolution, it delivers crystal-clear images and videos, ensuring every detail is captured. Its advanced animal detection and recognition minimizes false alerts, while the battery/solar-powered design ensures continuous operation without the need for external power.

Go Ranger PT

4K 4G LTE Wildlife Camera with 360° All-Around View

4G LTE Network, 4K 8MP Ultra HD, No-Glow IR LEDs, Person Detection, Animal Detection, Two-Way Audio, Battery/Solar Powered.

Learn More about Go Ranger PT

Best no-glow trail camera for security: Reolink TrackMix LTE-C

The Reolink TrackMix LTE-C is the best no-glow trail camera for security, combining stealth and advanced features to deliver top-notch outdoor surveillance. Its no-glow night vision ensures completely discreet monitoring, making it ideal for capturing activity without drawing attention.

Equipped with pan and tilt functionality, it offers a 360° field of view, ensuring no blind spots. The camera supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing remote access and alerts in real time. Powered by a rechargeable battery or solar panel, the KEEN Ranger PT is reliable and eco-friendly.

How to Set Up a Trail Camera for Home Security?

If you're looking to use a trail camera as part of your home security system, there are some things you can do to make sure you're doing it right.

Before you get started, check that your camera has time stamps on it. Time stamps help you track the occurrence of activities on your property. They are also vital if you want to use the footage as evidence against a trespasser.

Once you've installed the camera, test it to ensure everything is working correctly. You don't want to discover that the camera doesn't work when it's too late. Plus, if something goes wrong with your system, having a backup for when things don't go according to plan is essential.

Making your trail camera conspicuous or not depends on you. If you want it hidden, try fixing it someplace where people won't look twice at it — this way, they won't suspect anything walking through your yard or doing suspicious stuff.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing wrong with using trail cameras for security purposes – they actually do an okay job of it. So, you can go ahead and repurpose your trail cameras for home security.

But if you really mean business about setting up a security surveillance system, you can't go wrong with professional security cameras. After all, that is specifically what they are designed for, and they have features that make them efficient at it.