I have built one and to compare it with a $50.00 Tasco is like comparing a Cadilac to a Chevette. You can build one for around $100 depending on the price you pay for the actual camera. As far as comparisons go. there is no way you can compare the picture quality or sensing ability of a homebrew to any really cheap camera. Believe me, I have owned probably 15 different brands of cameras and nothing, with the exception of the Reconyx, matches the sensing ability of a homebrew. The quality of the photos are second to none and the reliability is great. Plus, if something does go wrong with it, you are your own customer service. You built it and you can repair it. I will say they are not without their faults though. For example, unless you can find a way to hook them up to a car battery, they will not give you the battery life of most commercial units. Also, they are a bit finiky to use until you get used to them. If you prefer an IR unit, it can be done but they are a bit trickier and I am not crazy about the pics I have seen from the homebrew IRs. I'm not sure I got into building my own because they were neccessarily better than a commercial cam. Rather, it just seemed to be the next step for me with this hobby. Good luck with whatever you decide. Here are some photos both day and night. Compare them with anything else you have seen from any other unit.








Blessings.....Pastorjim