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Gear Reviews

Hunting Guide Reviews

TrailTimer PhotoHunter

April 05, 2004

Features:

Camera: Samsung Maxima 22S 35mm camera.
Camera Independent Use: Yes, you can take the camera out of the unit and use it like a normal 35mm camera.
Power Source: Uses 1 each "9 volt" alkaline battery. the camera operates on 2 "AA" batteries. Batteries not included.
Battery Life: Typically 2 months.
Low Battery Indicator: Main unit no. Camera unknown.
Detection Method: Passive infrared motion detector which is designed to detect heat in motion within a conical area. The ± 4 degree cone-shaped detection zone extends to 60 feet (maximum detection distances vary with ambient air temperature and animal siz
Camera Delay Options: 1, 5 or 10 minute picture delay options.
Operation Modes: 24 hours only
On/off Switch: Yes.
Camera Film: Uses standard 35mm film (from 100 to 800 ISO speed).
Film Date Stamp Options: 2 settings: date or time.
Camera Focus Range: Free Focus 1.5m - infinity.
Camera Flash Range: 5 - 7.9 feet.
Camera Aiming: "Walk/Test" Light" blinks when you walk through the infrared beam to let you know where the beam is pointing.
External Picture Count Observation Window: No. There is no window in the unit to see how many pictures have been taken. You must pull the camera and look at its indicator or turn the unit off and count the blinking light that indicates the number of event
Event Counter: Yes, records 250 events. No date or time recorded of event.
Waterproof: Trailtimers claims it is waterproof. Customers have complained the unit is not totally waterproof.
Temp Range: minus 30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Case: ABS plastic.
Mounting Setup: Olive drab bungee cord.
Size: 6" h x 7" w x 3" d
Weight: Unknown at this time, if anybody has this info please contact us
Sound Insulation: Yes
Camo: SilentCamo™ finish
Lock or Antitheft Capability: No.
Warranty: 90 days.

Other Information

Good battery life and photos. The event timer is okay to learn of movement, but it doesn't tell you what kind of animal passed by. TrailTimer also makes trail event counters that have no camera in the unit if you just want to record events. The TrailTimer Plus 500” Model TT-500 is a 500 event counter. The TrailTimer single event digital TT-100 unit is a lower priced trail counter that uses a string across the trail to activate the counter.

User Comments

I purchased a trail timer 3 weeks ago and it works just as it is advertised too. There is sound insulation that makes picture taking very quite. There are actually two settings for film imprinting, date or time, not both. The camera has auto focus all the way out to the range of the sensor. There is no window in the unit to see how many pictures have been taken. You must pull the camera and look at its indicator or turn the unit off and count the blinking light that indicates the number of events. The events counter (the number of times the light blinks when you turn it off) does not indicate the date or time of the events. The unit is small and light weight. I have taken 3 rolls of film flawlessly. Deer, hogs and one raccoon. Great pictures. I would recommend this unit. - Jeb.

I tried 3 different Buckshot 35 cameras for 6 months. I continually had problems with each new one they sent me. They politely refunded my money. I then bought a Trailtimer Photo Hunter. The first time I had it out, it filled up with water. It went back for refund also. - Ron D.

Here is a list of design problems. On off switch can easily be bumped. Plastic sliding camera cover is easily scratched by the camera. It is not waterproof. Casing made out of plastic. The last one is the one that pushed me over the edge. I had mine for two years and the casing of the unit is made of plastic and it uses a bungee cord to strap on to trees. The casing where the cord holds on cracked and the unit wouldn't wrap onto trees no more. So I sent it back. They were kind enough to replace the outer plastic casing, but did not replace the scratched cover that goes in front of the camera. So I used it when I got it back this fall. I used it 5 times and then in late November take it off the tree and when I go to set it down in my car, water starts to run out. The panel where the battery attaches was all rusted. I send it back and they write me back saying it will cost me for the parts and shipping. No labor charges but I was still pissed. If they say waterproof then it should be. The water came in from where the sliding cover is located. This didn't happen to me with my old casing but it did rust the battery attachment before. All I did for that was raise the battery with an old plastic scent bottle cut in half. What they should do is recess the on off switch so it isn't easily turned on. Reinforce there plastic covering so it doesn't crack. Instead of sliding a cover have it open with hinges. This would also probably make it waterproof. -buckmine.

I purchased a Trailtimer Photohunter system from Cabela's in Owatonna last September and found it easy to use and set up. The only problem I have found is this: During fall in damp weather the plastic case the camera lens looks out of will fog up. This in turn creates very blurry and foggy prints that aren't worth keeping around. I was wondering if drilling a small hole in the case would equalize the pressure on damp rainy days and keep the plastic from fogging? - Mark L.

I work at Cabelas and tried one out this year. I loved it, easy to set up, has 1, 5, or 10 minute delay. But most of all the pictures are great quality. Flash didn't seem to scare the deer, they stayed around for multiple photos. Even the big ones. I'm working on getting more up. I would recomend it to anyone. - Shacker.

I use a PhotoHunter from Cabela's($250) I have never had a problem so don't know about service. I also use 800 film, the 400 at night makes everything look like it was taken at dusk without flash. -Brownie.

The PhotoHunter has a 1-5-10 minute delay. I use the 10 minute mostly because I use it for bear on bait sites. Like you said, I don't need 24 pictures of the same bear.

What I don't like is that it will print the time or the date but not both. I use the date now, I've got pictures of the same deer feeding on apples at 10 a.m, 2 a.m. and most times in between. Bears are even worse, they feed at the same time every day, from the time they wake up til they go to sleep. Brownie.

The unit took great pictures. The event counter is a nice feature. The MAJOR FLAW is the unit is NOT waterproof. I had to return the first unit within 30 days due to water. I had to return the second unit within 60 days for the same reason. I did get a refund. The Sportsmansguide is customer oriented! I love your website! I am building my own trail cams. I have built five and counting. Thanks. - Mike D.

I purchased the Trailtimer Photo Hunter a year ago. It is basically a good unit with a few exceptions. I have to go with the gang in saying that the unit is NOT waterproof and is unsettling to think I can loose a $250 investment due to a rain shower. Having to pull the camera out of the housing to check the picture total is inconvenient, but not a pain. I am disappointed that you only have time or date stamp, instead of both. I have had one mishap with the camera not rewinding on one roll of film out of about 8, but I was able to go into a dark room, pull the film out by hand and salvage the pictures. To the camera's credit, it takes good quality pictures during the day and night, it is easy to set up, and the battery life is good, as I used one battery last season in the unit and one set in the camera. Good starter unit at a good price. I'm looking for a lockable and really "waterproof" unit for my next one, though. Tyree L.

Bought a Photohunter for $200.00 at the Deer & Turkey Expo in Wisconsin in 2001. Figured for that price I couldn't go wrong. Used the camera extensively and found the following problems. First of all the case is defintely not waterproof. Had to replace the 9-V battery twice as it was standing in water both times. Fortunately it did not ruin the unit. I've went through two camera's now also. It took good pic's but major problems getting it to rewind. Tried to get the camera repaired the first time and no one would touch it so I got a hold of a dealer who said he'd replace the camera. After paying shipping and handling the camera arrived. Guess what, must have been someone elses return because the same thing has happened again - frustrating! The camera takes good pic's when you can rewind the film and it doesn't rain. - Scott G.

Pricing Information

$249.99 at Bass Pro Shops (item # 29-866-199-00). $249.99 at Cabela's.
Note: These prices are current as of 7/14/03. Please check for current price and availability.

Manufacturer Information

TrailTimer
http://www.trailtimer.com/photohunter.htm#top