Whether keeping an eye on a stock tank or deer feeder, or just seeing what pops up along the wildlife trail, many sportsmen and farmers use a trail camera as their eyes when they can't be present. But occasionally, a trail camera will produce an image that just missed the action. One or two photos of the back leg of a deer is understandable, but when a whole roll of film or a digital card contains nothing but just-missed images, there is a problem. The answer is not necessarily a new camera, though. There are ways to make the camera you have work faster.
Instructions
1. Switch to manual operating mode. If your camera has an automatic operating mode, the shutter might lag due to the camera focusing or adjusting for conditions. Switching to a manual operating mode and presetting the focus will speed up your shutter response time.
2. Change the ISO function. The ISO function is the measurement of light sensitivity in your camera. In film cameras, this is determined by the film you purchase, as well as the camera setting. In digital cameras, the ISO is determined by the camera setting. A higher ISO setting will make your photos more grainy or pixelated, but also will increase your shutter response time.
3. Test all your batteries, and replace or charge any battery that tests below 1.5 volts. Weak or drained batteries also will greatly reduce shutter response time as the battery takes longer to cycle through its power.
4. Reassess your flash. While a standard incandescent flash will generally give you clearer, more colorful photos, they also draw more power from your batteries and spook the animals that you might be trying to photograph. An infrared flash uses less battery power, so there is a faster recycling time and less chance of spooking game.
5. Clean your cameras. Nothing slows down camera performance like a dirty sensor. In the wild, it is common for a curious animal to sniff the camera and leave behind slimy nose prints. Cleaning your camera with a damp cloth or window cleaning wipe will help improve sensor performance.
Tags: operating mode, response time, shutter response, shutter response time, your camera, your shutter response, also will
