I am looking at purchasing my first trail camera soon. For those that have had a lot of experience (different models/features) with trail cameras, do you feel that a "built in" viewer is necessary? Is a viewer worth the extra $50? I would like to get an infared camera but I'm not sure I really need the built in viewer. I can see it usefullness but I wonder if it's just another thing that can stop working. Just thinking about it, I think having a couple SD cards that you could swipe out each time you check your camera would be sufficient but I wanted to hear what you guys had to say. For those that have several trail cameras: If you bought one today would it have the "built in" viewer or would you put the extra $50 towards something else.

Thanks for your input.

I have four different brands of trailcams and none of them have a viewing screen. In my opinion, I don't think it would be worth it for several reasons. First of all, most of the viewing screens are so small you can't really tell a whole lot about anything. Secondly, I don't know about you but I wouldn't want to stand out there getting eat up by mosquitos while I'm scrolling through the pics. I also don't like to stay in the area for very long to keep my human presence to a minnimum. Some alternatives for you could be to buy one of those digital picture frames they sell at wally-world, or just about anywhere else, for 79.00 and keep that in your truck and then you can view them when you come out. If I can't wait till I get home to view my pics, which is every time I check them, I just bring along my laptop. It is also a good idea to have two cards for each camera. That way you are not bringing your camera in and out all the time. Whatever you decide to do, have a blast!! Hope this helps.

Blessings.....Pastorjim

I just use my digital camera and also have 2 SD cards for every cam that I have so I can switch the cards evert time I check my cams. Pike

Same here, I am currently working on some software to plug them into a Windows Mobile Phone or IPhone. My goal is for the camera guys to use Blue Tooth so we can just beam the pictures to our phones.

i agree, never use the viewer on the cameras i have actually bought the little viewer that Moultire sells, but only because i like to see the pics on the way home

I just swap cards and bring them home so i can show you guys!

I'll be the odd guy here. I always use the built in viewer. If there are lots of pics, I may leave the cam where it is. If there are few or none it generally gets relocated. Rather know at the time than when I get home. Agreed they're small, but it gives me the info I want at the time.

none of my 4 cams have them.

X 2

I use homebrews which have their own lcd screens. I couldn't do it without them.

In my opinion, there would be nothing worse than getting your cards home and then realize your trailcamera is not triggering or only a couple deer in a few weeks time. That means you need to make another trip out there just to move it.

The viewer does not give alot of detail because of its size. But can let me know if I need to shuffle my camera over to the next trail. With that said I do not have a viewer on any of my cameras now. But will take my laptop to the tree with me.