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Gear Reviews

Hunting Guide Reviews

CamTrakker

March 31, 2004

2001 model - Samsung Evoca 70SE 35mm camera with panaramic mode. Lens: 35-70mm Schneider-Kreuznach. Aperture: f4.5 to f8.5. Shutter speed: 1/3 to 1/400 seconds. Film speed: ISO 50 to 3,200. Auto rewind: Yes. Auto film advance: Yes. Built-in flash: Yes. Red-eye reduction: Yes. Fill flash: Yes. Flash-off mode: Yes. Focus method: Automatic. Autofocus system: Active infrared. Focus distance: 0.7 meters to infinity. Macro mode: Yes. Panorama: Yes. Date imprinting: Yes, optional wireless remote. Self-timer: Yes. Battery type: 3-volt lithium-ion (not included). Width: 4.37 inches. Height: 2.40 inches. Depth: 1.34 inches. Weight: 7 ounces.

2000 model - 35mm Yashica T4 Super camera (with Zeiss lens) fully automatic (auto focus/advance/rewind/flash). Programmed electronic high speed shutter/auto exposure (1 sec.—1/700 sec.). Fast shutter allows high speed, freeze action shots. Carl Zeiss Tessar f3.5T lens 4 elements/3 groups. Carl Zeiss lens incorporates the exclusive T* multi-layer coating to suppress multiple internal reflections. The Tessar lens used on the T4 is a legendary high performance lens. Mid roll auto rewind button lets you recover the roll before it is finished if needed. Dimensions: 4.6”W x 2.6”H x 1.6”D. Weight: 6.7 ounces

Features:

Camera Independent Use: No, you cannot take the camera out and use it like a normal 35mm camera.
Camera Film: Uses standard 35mm film (from 100 to 3200 ISO).
Film Date Stamp Options: 2 options of day/month/year or day/hour/minute imprint on each photograph.
Camera Focus Range: Close range is 20 inches and will focus on subjects not centered in the frame (a critical feature for a surveillance camera). Advanced 160 step, 3-Beam active infrared auto focus system w/focus lock. Distant/Scenery (Infinity Lock) mod
Camera Flash and Range: Auto flash, Fill flash (forced flash) and Night Scene (No Flash) modes with indicator in LCD window. Red eye reduction. Metering range: EV 3.5 to EV 17 (ISO 100). Flash range is 13 13/16" to 9.8 feet (ISO 100).
Power Source: Uses four "C" alkaline batteries. The camera operates on a single CR123A 3-volt lithium camera battery.
Battery Life: Typically 3 months.
Low Battery Indicator: Yes, unit has a low battery indicator. Camera has low battery indicator in the LCD display.
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: 6 settings, 20 second, 1 1/2, 3, 5, 25 or 45 minute delay.
Operation Modes: unit has a "light sensor" which allows you to select continuous 24 hour operation, day-only operation or night-only operation.
Event Counter: No.
Programming Modes of Operation: Dip Switch inside unit, small screwdriver or your fingers will set the dip switches.
On/off Switch: Yes, external on/off push button switch. Green LED indicates when unit is on.
Camera Aiming: Small red LED aiming test light you walk through to set the infrared beam coverage. Velcro provided to cover up red LED when not in use. Unique auxiliary viewfinder, located on the top of the camera body lets you see what the camera shutter
External Picture Count Observation Window: Yes, you can view the number of pics taken from the top cover view window. The camera pic frame indicator is a LCD digital display and easy to read and has an auto reset when you change the film.
Waterproof: Yes, Camtrakker says it is, but there is no gasket on the top access cover.
Temp Range: minus 30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Case: ABS plastic.
Mounting Setup: None. You must supply a bungee cord or small wire to tie the housing bracket to the tree.
Size: Unknown at this time, if anybody has this info please email us at
Weight: Unknown at this time, if anybody has this info please email us at
Sound Insulation: Yes, foam around the camera.
Camo: NaturalGear® camo finish.
Lock or Antitheft Capability: Locking bracket with 2 cable holes supplied.
Warranty: 6 months parts and labor.

Other Information

This game trail camera has been a popular choice of hunters for several years. My Dad has an old 1994 model that has worked good for deer and coon pics. Long battery life, excellent photos, good camo on case blends in well on tree bark Camtrakker's operation and setup manual was easy to follow as was the Yashica camera operator's manual. Setting up the dip switch option settings was a snap. Installing the "C" batteries was a bit of a pain because of the battery case having flanges that made it difficult to insert the batteries without bending the battery contact springs. To remove the camera from the housing you have to dump the unit over or pull on the camera shutter trigger cable to get the camera out of the tight fitting foam padding. Don't grab the coiled shutter trigger wire cable, you could pull the wiring loose.

The external on/off switch is not a very positive switch, I had to check it every time I switched it on to make sure I had activated the unit. Camera was easy to set up the time/date settings and to load film and camera battery. The camera battery compartment did require a coin to pry open the compartment door, a simple slide lever would work better and require no prying. One other thing I found annoying with this cam was when you push the camera back in after a film change, the foil around the flash hole gets bent up badly, blocking the flash window. You can reshape it every time or trim it to stay out of the way with some small scissors. There is no gasket around the top cover even though Camtrakker claims this unit to be waterproof.

The foam insulation really keeps this cam quiet, although it makes it tough to get the camera out. There is a plastic mesh screen over the infrared sensor that protects the sensor, but you must be careful not to damage this screen. Security bracket good for as long as it takes the dirtbags to get the pry bar or cable/lock cutters. Problems reported with the new Yashica T5 camera. Camtrakker appears to be going back to using the Yashica T4 camera. The Yashica T4 camera is noted for it's sharp pics produced by the Zeiss lens.

Customer service never answered my e-mail inquiry. My Dad's Camtrakker was sent in for repair on 10/31/00 and we still are getting different excuses when we call about the status as of 1/16/01. Yup, that's going on 3 months now. Just pray your Camtrakker never breaks. I personally don't do business with companies who have poor customer service no matter how good their product is, the headaches just aren't worth it. If you like this cam but want a cheaper version, check out the other cams reviewed on this webpage.

User Comments

I have a Camtrakker, bought in early August this fall 2000, and have had no complaints whatsoever. 16-18 rolls of film through it, lots of great stuff. Only 1 or 2 pics with nothing in them. I tend to try to keep it set in places that are fairly shady most of the day, and followed the instructions which say to point it either north or south. Wish I'd had one years ago. Definitely worth the cost of one deer on the wall, or by trading in some gun you don't shoot much anymore. - Wary Buck

I bought a Camtrakker in August of 99. So far so good. Never had a picture without an animal in it. Although sometimes the animals are squirrels. I feel like it was money well spent. I have some great photos. - CRobH

I sell both Camtrakker and DeerCam in my shop, ( I should say I used to sell both). I have never sent ONE Camtrakker in for repair, but have sent in over 50% of Nontypical products, (and I've actually sold more Camtrakkers by far). Maybe it's just coincidence! I have 4 Camtrakkers myself, (some are the originals, must be 3 or 4 years old) and have never had a problem. Personally, I would buy the Camtrakker, this years model is better than ever. - ArcherJ

I have a Camtrakker and I have had very good results with it. I also have had to return it with a on/off switch failure with a quick turn around on repairs (7 days). - cedar N sandy.

Got a Camtrakker this past summer. Best investment ever. I agree, they're not a substitute for good old fashioned woodsmanship, but they are a neat tool. By the way, I'm up to 82 bowhunts for deer this fall and 275 hours on stand. Have a photo of the nice 5x7 a few days before I bow killed him. Also photos of both of the smaller bucks a brother killed. It has been useful now in seeing what bucks survived the rifle season here. Also learned tons about when deer were visiting scrapes without having to be there in person to stink the place up. I could go on and on. Now I've got it set up at a place where I'm feeding corn (we've just been hammered with bitter cold and hard, drifted snow) and everyday's like opening Christmas gifts. Just wish they weren't so blamed expensive. - Wary Buck.

Cam Trakker gets my vote. I had one for three years now and there are the best trail cam out there. Nothing compares to them. Got my for $400.00. - Hunter00.

I also have a Camtrakker and love it. Planning to buy a second one next summer. - Two Beards.

My Camtrakker was just over $400. As far as the security on it you will need the keys or a bolt cutter to get in it. The quality of the pics is getting to the postcard range. I need to go check mine tonight. You can look at some of my pics at http://community.webshots.com/user/Camtrakker I keep it updated as I get new pics so everyone can see what westcentral Wisconsin has to offer. - stork.

The features I like best with my Camtrakker: 1. day/night/either setting. 2. time intervals. 3. better quality camera. - whitetail1.

Another vote for camtrakker. 1. Longer battery life ( 3 months). 2. Lockable security flange. 3. Camo. 4. On/Off thumb pad on side. - RET3006.

Just wanted to send "review" on the Camtrakker, for your use on JHP. I know, you've probably got enough, but I've seen one too many complaints now. So here it is:

I got a Camtrakker as a gift and it worked great... until some critter got in it and busted up the camera. I sent it in for repairs and was told it was a total loss. The truth is, that was not the case, and they most likely didn't even look it over. With the help of this site I was able to replace the camera myself. It now works as well, or even better than before. What I've found, in a nutshell, is that Camtrakker makes a great product, but if it needs repair out of warranty they won't waste their time with it. I'm only writing this because I've heard too many similar complaints in which Camtrakker has lied to a customer in hopes that they will drop another $400+ into a new unit. Don't fall for it! You may be able to repair it yourself with the help of this site. -msfelton.

I bought my Camtrakker carried it out would not work. Carried it back, switch was bad on a new unit hows that for a new product? I had a problem about a year later carried it to them they check it out said nothing wrong but charged me 32.00 dollars hows that for service the unit is overrated don't waste your money as good a units out there at a cheaper price. - Johnny.

Pricing Information

$429.95 at CamTrakker.

Manufacturer Information

http://www.camtrakker.com/
Repairs out of warranty are $25.00 for check out plus the costs of replacement parts.