Updated July 3, 2020
Trail cameras can be expensive and unless we are using them for something like home security we are usually using them for leisure activities or hobbies and usually we can’t, or don’t want to, break the bank for these activities and hobbies. I use my trail cameras for hunting, but regardless of your intended use there are a lot of reasons why you might not want to buy a high priced trail camera:
- You need to buy multiple trail cameras and don’t want the total cost to get out of control.
- You are planning to use the trail camera on public land and worry that it might get stolen.
- You are simply trying to stay on a budget.
Regardless of your reason for wanting a budget-friendly trail camera, the Victure HC200 might be the perfect model for you. Not only is this Victure model budget-friendly, but it packs a lot of high-quality features that you might not expect on a camera that is this affordable.
Table of Contents
Is It Possible to Find a Good Trail Camera on a Budget?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to find a good trail camera on a budget. However, in order to do so there are a few things you need to understand.
Understand Your Options
The first thing you want to do before buying any trail camera is to understand your options. More specifically, you need to understand all the possible features there are available for trail cameras and the levels of performance for each feature.
If you are new to trail cameras you might want to check out our buying guide for best rated trail cameras to familiarize yourself with the different features that are currently available.
Understand Your Needs
The next thing you need to do is understand your needs. In other words, you need to think about how you plan on using a trail camera by thinking about questions such as:
- Where will you post the camera?
- How big of an area are you needing to monitor
- What range do you need your PIR motion sensor to have?
- What type of flash do you need and what range should it have?
- Do you want to take pictures or videos?
By understanding your needs you will better understand which options and level of performance are essential for your intended use and which options you can compromise on or maybe don’t need altogether.
Introducing the Victure HC200 Trail Camera
The Victure HC200 is one of the most affordable trail cameras available. It is a solid performer that will easily satisfy the majority of trail camera users. The HC200 comes with a strong list of features many of which you might be surprised to find on such a budget-friendly model including a 16MP camera that was recently upgraded from 12MP.
Note: If you see this camera talked about in other places and referred to as being a 12MP camera, know that they are talking about the first version of the HC200 and not the current version.
Pros
- 16MP camera
- 1080p video recording with audio
- Quick 0.5 second trigger speed
- Time lapse photo option
- 2.4″ color viewing screen
- Great price
Cons
- Flash range only rated for 65 feet
- User manual could be better
- Doesn’t have a lot of customizable features (usually found on more expensive cameras)
Review of Key Features
Camera
The HC200 can capture full 1080p HD resolution video. This is becoming the norm for most trail cameras. So the HC200 isn’t asking you to compromise here.
The camera can take 16 megapixel pictures. With the 12 megapixel range becoming the entry point for most modern trail cameras, upgrading the camera on he HC200 to 16MP not only ensures that it will take great pictures but it also emphasizes how great of a value the HC200 is.
Motion Sensor
The 90° detection angle on the motion sensor will easily satisfy the majority of users.
Yes, there are some trail camera models out there with a wider detection angle than the Victure HC200, but having a trail camera with a PIR sensor that has a wider detection angle will increase the cost. So unless you are posting the trail camera in a place where you need to monitor a very wide area you will probably be happy keeping that extra money in your pocket.
Trigger Speed
The trigger speed of 0.5 seconds on this Victure trail camera is very good. This is especially true when you consider that the fastest trigger speeds on more expensive trail cameras come at 0.2 seconds.
Flash
The HC200 comes equipped with 26 Low Glow infrared LEDs that have a range of 65 feet. This is one of the weak spots of this trail camera. A flash range of 65 feet is very much entry-level these days and entry-level is what you expect on a budget-friendly trail camera models like this Victure.
The 65 foot flash range will actually work well for most people. However, if a 65 foot flash range isn’t enough for your needs, know that there are trail cameras with flash ranges of 100+ feet (just be prepared to pay more money for them).
Remember that cameras with low glow flash are not ideal for security purposes. The low glow flash gives off a slight red glow that can give away the camera’s location when capturing images and videos. This red glow doesn’t disturb or spook game animals and is only perceptible if you are looking directly at the camera when the flash is in use.
Input for External 6V Power Supply
If you plan on leaving your trail camera in the woods for long periods of time it is good to know that the HC200 has an input for an external 6-volt power supply.
If you purchase an external battery box or solar panel for your trail camera you can leave it in the field for extremely long periods of time without worrying about running out of power. However, remember that having an external battery box or solar panel can make your camera easier for potential thieves to see.
Time-Lapse Feature
The time-lapse feature is an unexpected bonus and isn’t found on all trail cameras in this price range, which is why we were excited to find it on the HC200.
If you have a trail camera posted by a large open area it can miss a lot of activity that happens in the distance because the motion sensor doesn’t have a long enough detection range. This is especially true with many entry-level trail cameras. Having a time-lapse feature allows the camera to help give you information about activity by taking pictures at regular intervals. Obviously, this feature is only helpful during the day since trail cameras typically don’t have a flash that can illuminate objects much beyond the range of their motion sensors.
LCD Screen
Given its low price, it is quite a bonus for the HC200 to have 2.4″ color LCD screen. Not only does it help you set up the camera more easily and quickly, but it also allows you to preview pictures in the field.
Image Stamp
The HC200 has an image stamp that provides you with key information about when the picture or video was taken. It includes information about the moon phase, temperature, date, and time. This is pretty standard with most cameras these days, but it is good to know that it is included.
Memory Card
The HC200 uses SD cards (up to 32 GB). Using the standard (larger size) SD cards is a definite plus for this trail camera.
When compared to the smaller micoSD cards many people have an easier time getting a standard SD card in and out of trail cameras while they are in the field. This is even truer when you are outside in low temperatures and you are trying to remove or insert the SD card with cold fingers.
Price
The price of this Victure HC200 is a huge selling point. Depending on any special sales or deals it usually hovers around the $50 price point, which makes it one of the most affordable trail cameras on the market today.
Other Options
Campark T40 Trail Camera
As we have found in a previous review, for just a few dollars more than the Victure HC200, the Campark T40 is a terrific trail camera. For that extra few dollars, you get a 16MP camera with a 120° wide-angle lens, a 75 foot low glow flash range, and a motion sensor with a 120° wide detection angle, which will make it hard for anything that is passing through the area to avoid detection. Combine that with the color LCD screen and this is a very good trail camera. You can learn more about the Campark T40 and see its current price here.
APEMAN H45 Trail Camera
We have previously done a full review of the APEMAN H45, which is often priced a few dollars less than the Victure HC200. With its 16MP camera, it has very similar features to the Victure HC200. One area in which the H45 has the upper hand is with its no glow flash as compared to the low glow flash on the Victure. You can check the current sale price of the APEMAN H45 here.
Final Thoughts
As we mentioned earlier the Victure HC200 is one of the lowest-priced trail cameras around. The HC200 is a very attractive model for people who are looking to buy multiple trail cameras, people who want a trail camera for use on public land (or another place it might be spotted and stolen), or someone who is on a budget.
Does it have every top-of-the-line feature? No, it doesn’t, but Victure equipped it with a lot of high-quality features many of which you might only expect to find on more expensive trail cameras. The key is to think about your individual needs and make sure they will be satisfied by the HC200 before you purchase it. If you are someone who is looking to buy a trail camera for the first time you might want to check out our trail camera buying guide to familiarize yourself with some of the different features and options that are available today.
