Updated March 2023

Trail cameras are a great way to more efficiently scout an area to determine if it is worth hunting or not. Trail cameras are often used by deer hunters to learn about the quality and structure of their local deer herd. Trail cameras are also an effective tool for patterning a trophy buck and learning where, when and why he is traveling in certain areas. As you have probably noticed, trail cameras vary widely by features, uses and price. Below are five of the best budget-friendly trail cameras you can buy for under $40. To learn more about the benefits of trail cameras, what to consider when purchasing a trail camera, and trail camera tips, take a moment to check out our 13 Best Trail Cameras for Hunting article.

Summary List

1. Stealth Cam QS-12
2. Simmons Whitetail Classic
3. Victure HC300 Trail Camera
4. Campark Mini T20-1 Trail Camera
5. Apeman H45 Trail Camera

5 Best Budget Friendly Trail Cameras Under $40

1. Stealth Cam QS-12 – The QS-12 by Stealth Cam is a 12 megapixel compact trail camera that has a 60 foot range and video recording capability. This energy efficient camera comes equipped with a Rapid-Fire burst mode and a Quick Set mode for simple and easy set up. The burst mode of this camera captures 1-3 images for each trigger which decreases the chance of missing an animal traveling by quickly. This camera is also equipped with Stealth Cam’s integrated Python lock latch that acts as a deterrent for thieves and as added security. Stealth Cam is a trusted brand among fellow hunters and the QS-12 is a quality and reliable camera at an unbeatable price.

Features:

• Records up to 15 seconds of video
• Lo-Glo flash
• Images display time, date and moon phase
• Quick set program setting

Specifications:

• Megapixels: 12
• Range: 60 feet
• Memory: Up to 32GB SD card
• Battery: 8 AA

Click here to view this trail camera on Amazon

2. Simmons Whitetail Classic – The Whitetail Classic trail camera by Simmons is built for simple and reliable performance. The quick trigger speed and 10 megapixel camera provide consistent ultra-clear images, similar to cameras that cost much more. The easy to use navigation menu makes setting up this camera a breeze. The Whitetail Classic has a sensor range of 70 feet that delivers premium night photos. This is a great do-it-all camera that is perfect for patterning a trophy whitetail buck or simply capturing wildlife in your backyard.

Features:

• Low glow flash for clear nighttime images
• Simple to use menu and buttons
• Small, compact design

Specifications:

• Megapixels: 10
• Range: 70 feet
• Trigger Speed: 0.7 seconds
• Battery: 8 AA
• Battery Life: Up to 9 months

Click here to view this trail camera on Amazon

3. Victure HC300 Trail Camera – This trail camera by Victure is a powerful camera at an affordable price. This Victure trail camera has a 16 megapixel camera and can record video in 1080p full HD. The 2 inch LCD screen makes setting up and using this camera simple. The HC300 also has a completely waterproof case for increased durability and longevity. This Victure trail camera id equipped with a quick trigger speed and has a no glow flash for capturing clear photos at night. This do-it-all camera comes ready with many features all at a budget-friendly price.

Features:

• 1080p HD video capability
• Large LCD screen with easy navigation
• Time lapse and multi-shot image capture modes

Specifications:

• Megapixels: 16
• Memory: Up to 32GB SD card
• Trigger Speed: 0.3 seconds
• Battery: 8 AA

Click here to view this camera on Amazon

4. Campark Mini T20-1 Trail Camera – The Campark Mini is another powerful trail camera that comes in a small and compact design. This trail camera has full 1080p HD video recording ability and features a wide 120 degree lens that is designed to capture more images before they exit the frame. The 65 foot sensor range combined with the quick trigger speed of this camera makes it fast and efficient. A convenient feature on the Campark Mini is the 2.4 inch LCD display screen which makes setting up and using this camera very simple and easy to understand. This camera is also completely waterproof for increased durability.

Features:

• Infrared LED flash for clear nighttime photos
• 1080p HD video capability
• Large 2.4 inch LCD display screen

Specifications:

• Megapixels: 12
• Range: 65 feet
• Memory: Up to 32GB SD card
• Trigger Speed: 0.5 seconds

Click here to view this trail camera on Amazon

5. Apeman H45 Trail Camera – The Apeman H45 trail camera has a high resolution 16 megapixel camera for crisp photos and can record 1080p full HD video during both the day and night due to its no glow infrared LED flash. The Apeman H45 has a quick trigger speed that captures images almost instantly as they enter into the frame of the camera. The convenient 2.4 inch LCD display is clear and simple to use. On top of the features of this camera, it is completely waterproof for use in every condition. This is a great entry-level trail camera that is equipped with many features of much more expensive cameras.

Features:

• 2.4 inch LCD screen
• No Glow infrared flash
• Completely waterproof

Specifications:

• Megapixels: 16
• Memory: Up to 32GB SD card
• Trigger Speed: 0.5 seconds

Click here to view this trail camera on Amazon

Summary

As you have learned above, you don’t need to spend and arm and a leg on a trail camera. Whether you are a beginner hunter looking to purchase your first trail camera or are an advanced hunter looking to add a few more cameras to your collection, these five trail cameras offer all of the basic features you need at an affordable price. For more articles and buyer’s guides, please check out other articles on Bowhunting Depot!