Capturing Wildlife Images and Video
Recently I have been experimenting with various methods to capture images and video of birds and other wildlife in my garden. I would like to share with you what I have learned and show you some ways to accomplish this.
My Wingscapes camera set up
Dedicated Cameras
There are a few manufacturers who make cameras dedicated solely to the task of capturing images and video of birds and other wildlife. One of the better known is Wingscapes. Wingscapes makes a number of cameras ranging in price between $100 and $200 depending on model. I found an older unused model on eBay and set up the camera on one of the feeder poles using the adjustable camera arm that is available as an accessory. The image to the right shows my set up.
The built in motion sensor allows capture of still and video images. There is a built in flash for night photography and the camera also has a time-lapse feature. I have included some examples of the still images captured by the camera. Overall, this camera works quite well. However, it is quite large, requires four D-cell batteries (the current Birdcam Pro uses six C-cells), and the video quality on my model was SD only. The video specs for the current Birdcam Pro are listed as AVI – 640 x 480 at 30FPS. The current specs for still images are listed as 8.0 MP, JPEG, Low 640 x 480, WideHD 1920 x 1080, High 2592 x 1944, Max 3264 x 2448.
An image of a Blue Jay captured by my Wingscapes camera
I tend to use the camera primarily for still images. A number of accessories are available for the cameras, including straps for mounting on a tree or post, the camera arm mentioned above, and power supplies for extended operation. The camera is also threaded for mounting on a camera
A Junco approaches the feeder as captured by my Wingscapes camera
tripod. The most recent model, the Birdcam Pro, is described as having the capability to use an optional WiFi SD card to send video and images to your computer. For those wanting to capture images of wildlife the Wingscapes Birdcam is an acceptable solution.
Action Cameras
My son has been able to capture very good bird images using his GoPro Hero camera. These cameras tend to be expensive so I looked at a variety of the other cheaper action cameras that have been produced recently by various companies. The marketplace for these can be quite confusing in terms of sorting out the various models and their capabilities. I started off with a camera made by EKOO. One of the main features I wanted in selecting a camera was the ability to control the camera using WiFi. I wanted a range of anywhere from 20 to 25 feet.
My assumption at first was that these would work in conjunction with my WiFi network. In fact, the cameras produce the
Close up of the camera in it’s weatherproof case
WiFi signal. Control of the camera is made possible by apps for IOS and Android devices. The EKOO camera WiFi worked OK at shorter ranges but tended to drop out at the longer distances I wanted.range of anywhere from 20 to 25 feet. My assumption at first was that these would work in conjunction with my WiFi network. In fact, the cameras produce the WiFi signal. Control of the camera is made possible by apps for IOS and Android devices. The EKOO camera WiFi worked OK at shorter ranges but tended to drop out at the longer distances I wanted.
Further research led me to the SJCAM 4000 action camera. My tests using this camera and its associated app have thus far been successful. Using the app provided by the manufacturer on my iPhone I have been able to control the camera over a distance of about 25 feet with line of sight through a window. The WiFi connection appears stable (thus far I have experience no drop outs)
Image of a dark-eyed Junco captured by the SJCAM4000
and I have been able to remotely control the camera to capture still images and video. A nice feature is that I am also able to change the camera settings through the WiFi link. The camera can also be set in various automatic modes including using motion sensing and taking images at specified intervals. While the Wingscapes camera produces its best results in bright direct light, the SJCAM 4000 allows adjustments for cloudy skies and it is also possible to increase or decrease exposure settings.
The SJCAM 4000 ranges in price from approximately $80 to $100 depending on source and comes with a range of accessories including a water resistant case and many different attachments for connecting the camera to bicycles, bike helmets, etc. The water-resistant case and another attachment for holding the camera are threaded to accommodate a standard camera tripod connector. This allows me to mount the camera on the arm attached to my feeder pole.There are many potential uses for the SJCAM 4000, including as a car dash cam, and as an action cam. I like the versatility this provides over a single purpose camera.
Image of a Common Grackle captured on an overcast day by the SJCAM 4000
Note: I have no commercial interest in any of these products. There are probably several other products and methods that would produce satisfactory results. I set out with certain goals in mind and looked for products that would let me accomplish them. This blog post shares my process of discovery.
The SJCAM 4000 field of view extends across 170 degrees. These images have been cropped and some photo processing may have been done to enhance the images. However, both cameras can achieve very good levels of clarity and resolution. Each has features and capabilities that the other does not. Both will continue to find a use in my photography. The SJCAM 4000 does have the edge on video given that it is capable of HD quality video.
The low resolution images required for the Internet do not properly convey the quality of images. To see better quality images and video samples for both cameras follow the link to my Flickr album of bird cam images. All images in this post and on Flickr are copyright Murdo Morrison and may not be used without permission.
