I have two game/trail cameras that seem to function very differently. I'm wondering if they use the same method of detection for triggering a shot.

One camera is the Stealth MC2-GV. Its a 35mm type and specs state that it uses heat motion detection. It triggers well at about 35 feet--- almost instantly.

The other camera is the more expensive Moultrie Digital Game 100 camera. Specs state that it, too, triggers at 35 ft. using infrared heat detection. I can only get it to trigger at about 3 to 5 ft.

When I asked the company's repair technician about this, he says that's because it detects heat, not motion. He says it is designed for aiming at game feeders and requires about seven seconds of strong heat to trigger.

Something seems odd here, but I can't figure it out. I sent the camera in for repair once and it still only triggers at 3-5 ft. At that time the tech said it was because it was summer and it couldn't detect heat differential as well. Its now winter and it still can't.

Am I misunderstanding two different types of detection? Need advice. Thanks.

Note: Just checked and the Moultrie camera manual states it uses a "passive infrared" censor to "detect motion." The manual for the Stealth camera says it uses a "PIR sensor to activate camera using heat and motion."

Is there a difference?

tkrussell

PIR stands for Passive Infrared, so they are both the same technology. PIR looks for sudden temperature changes once they settle down to seeing no changes or motion.

Drafts and breezes can affect the operation of these. Most units have a certain range and may be adjustable.


Thou I have no photography knowledge, except to know which button to hit to take a picture, and try to keep the camera still, PIR is popular with motion sensors, occupancy sensors, burgular alarm systems, so only sharing some info on the PIR sensors that may be helpful.

Here are a few web pages that may help more:
http://www.lightsearch.com/resources...s/sensors.html
http://kitsrus.com/pdf/k30.pdf
http://www.shed.com/tutor/sensors2.html