23
Information on the use of game and surveillance cameras
Game and surveillance cameras detect sudden changes in the ambient temperature using their infrared
sensor. The signals of the highly-sensitive infrared sensor (PIR = Passive Infrared sensor) switch the camera
on and trigger an exposure or video recording. All customary game and surveillance cameras are based
on this working principle. To get the most reliable results a few fundamental rules should be observed.
1) Camera triggered by passing animals in summer/winter
In winter, when the temperatures are low, game cameras generally operate more reliably than in the
summer months. When ambient temperatures are high the temperature of the animal’s body adjusts to
that of the surrounding area. During summer months it may occur that the game camera does not trigger.
Sensor sensitivity should therefore be set to High in the summer in order to be able to detect the slightest
temperature differences.
2) Exposure to sunlight
Direct sunlight can heat up the sensor window and IR radiation contained in the sunlight can, in extreme
cases, lead to the camera not taking an image. It is therefore recommended to mount the camera in a
place that is entirely in the shade.
3) Backlight situations
The camera should be mounted in such a way that backlight situations are ruled out. Pay attention to the
sun’s course! With a bright background (sky) it is often difficult to determine wildlife clearly.
4) IR sensor
The IR sensitive motion sensor (PIR) detects temperature differences within an angle of approx. 60 de-
grees. The effective angle of the lens is considerably smaller and comparable to that of a 35 mm wide
angle lens (in 35 mm photography). The PIR angle is larger in order to enable the camera to capture the
approaching game in the center of the image. The shutter delay in customary game cameras is less than
1 second. It may sometimes occur that game in fast action is only partially captured in the shot or slow
moving animals trigger the camera several times. If there are branches or bushes inside the sensor range
a strong wind can cause a triggering of the camera by mistake. If this is the case, you should change the
position of the camera or cut back branches or twigs. Particularly in feeding places birds or mice may
trigger the camera several times. If the respective model of the game camera does not feature a sensor
sensitivity setting, just set up the camera further away from the feeding place.
5) Handling of the memory card
Image data are stored on a SD memory card. In practice it has proven expedient to acquire an additional
SD card and to replace the cards out in the terrain from time to time. It is then easier to view the shots
taken on the computer at home. It is recommended to use SD memory cards of brand manufacturers with
a corresponding memory card speed (for videos) wherever possible. Depending on the use of the SD card
and the corresponding PC it is possible that other files may be written on the card without you noticing
it. Sub-directories that are possibly created when the SD card is used in other equipment may impair the
storage of videos and images of the DTC game/surveillance camera. In individual cases this can lead to
the camera not being able to complete data storage for the individual scene, especially when in video
mode. As a safety measure, we recommend formatting the SD card on your PC prior to use.
