Trail cameras are an ideal tool to hunt or learn more about the wildlife in your area. These gadgets are now being used in home security systems to deter unwanted intruders and prevent theft.
The best trail cameras capture videos and photographs in high definition, deliver fast performance, and are wind-proof. Not only that, but they are equipped with excellent batteries to keep them on for a long time.
If you don’t get the right batteries for your trail camera, it might power off without you knowing and you would lose your valuable feed. Therefore, it is very important to select good AA batteries for your trail camera.
When it comes to batteries, there are a wide variety of options available in the market. This smorgasbord of choices can make it hard for you to select the right battery for your unit. But, don’t worry, in this article we narrow down the choices to just five. This should make it easy for you to select a battery that is right for you trail camera.
Best Batteries for Trail Camera
1. Mr. Batt NiMH AA Rechargeable Batteries Pre-Charged 1600mAh
If you don’t want to use the conventional alkaline batteries, consider going with the Mr. Batt NiMH AA Rechargeable Batteries. These batteries come pre-charged with 60 percent power and the manufacturer claims that they last for 2,100 cycles, which makes them a good option at this price range.
Their voltage is 1.2V, which means that they should be able to power your trail camera. The capacity of the Mr. Batt NiMH AA Rechargeable Batteries is rated at 16000mAh.
It is worth noting that with time, the voltage output of these batteries will lower, affecting performance. However, their self-discharge rate is low and they would maintain 75 percent rate capacity after three years of no use.
Overall, the Mr. Batt NiMH AA Recharge Batteries are a decent option for trail camera users who look for affordable recharge batteries.
Pros
- An affordable option
- 2V with 1600mAh capacity
- Low self-discharge
Cons
- The voltage output of the batteries will lower with time
2. EBL Pack of 8 AA Batteries 2800mAh High Capacity NiMH AA Rechargeable Batteries
The EBL NiMH AA Rechargeable Batteries feature a high capacity of 2800mAh. Each piece has an average voltage of 1.2V, which means that they would keep your trail camera working for a long time.
You should be careful when you charge these batteries because they might exceed the energy your device requires. Overall performance of these batteries will be high until they are depleted.
The EBL NiMH AA Rechargeable Batteries have a low self-discharge rate due to which they maintain 80 percent of capacity even after three years of no use. These batteries come pre-charged, which means that you can use them right out-of-the-box.
They are a little expensive than the Mr. Batt NiMH featured above, but this is probably because of their high capacity. So if you need more capacity, you can go with the EBL NiMH AA Rechargeable Batteries.
Pros
- High capacity of 2800mAh
- Excellent performance
Cons
- Considerable energy loss
3. Panasonic Eneloop 12 Pack AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries
The Panasonic Eneloop AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries have a low self-discharge rate and they can keep 70 percent of its charge for five years with no use.
Another great thing about these batteries is that they won’t freeze quickly, which means that you can use them in low temperatures.
The capacity of the Panasonic Eneloop Rechargeable Batteries is rated at 2000mAh, while their voltage is 1.2V. This makes them suitable for use with trail cameras.
Compared to other options in our list, the discharge rate of these batteries is higher when they are in constant use. The voltage drops rather quickly, which means that charging them could become a chore.
Pros
- Rechargeable and cost-effective
- Cold weather resistant
- Good capacity of 2000mAh
Cons
- Voltage drops rather quickly
4. Energizer AA Lithium Batteries
If you don’t want to go with rechargeable batteries and are looking for conventional lithium batteries, consider the Energizer AA Lithium Batteries.
These batteries feature a leak proof construction that protects them. They can perform in extreme temperatures – from -40° to 140°F which means that you can use them in cold temperatures.
The Energizer AA Lithium Batteries are rated at 9V, which is why you should check their compatibility with your trail camera before you buy them.
Pros
- Cold weather resistant
- Rated at 9V
- Leak proof construction
Cons
- May not work with all trail cameras
5. Panasonic BK-3HCCA8BA Eneloop Pro AA Rechargeable Batteries
The Panasonic BK-3HCCA8BA Batteries are rechargeable, cold weather resistant, and feature a low discharge rate. They can be recharged up to 500 times, can work in temperatures as low as -4°F and maintain 85 percent of their charge up to a year when not in use.
These batteries are a good option for users that want a more extended energy output. They are available in a pack of 4 and 8 and you can buy them with or without a charger.
The Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA Rechargeable Batteries have 2500mAh capacity, 27 percent more than the standard Eneloop batteries. However, their lifespan is shorter – 500 cycles – compared to that of standard Eneloop batteries – 2,100. They can be recharged using any NiMH charger and it doesn’t take long to charge them to a full capacity.
Overall, the Eneloop Pro AA Rechargeable Batteries are a good option for trail cameras users who need rechargeable AA batteries that can last long and work in cold temperatures.
Pros
- Can handle cold temperatures
- Can maintain 85 percent of their charge for a year when not in use
- Higher energy output
Cons
- Shorter lifespan of 500 recharge cycles
Buying Guide for Trail Camera Batteries
When you look for the best batteries for trail cameras, consider the following things:
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Type of Batteries
You might come across three types of batteries when shopping – lithium, alkaline, and NiMH batteries. Lithium batteries have a long lifespan but they aren’t the best option for trail cameras. Their voltage is generally high, which is why they might not be compatible with all trail cameras.
Alkaline batteries are standard batteries that can be easily found in stores. They come at a reasonable price but aren’t a good option for low temperatures. They have a high energy capacity but once they deplete, they cannot be recharged and you will have to buy new ones to power your device.
NiMH batteries are the best option for trail cameras. These batteries are rechargeable, which means that you don’t have to buy new batteries for you device again and again. Buy these batteries and recharge them once they deplete. The average voltage of NiMH batteries is 1.2V, which makes them suitable for the majority of trail cameras.
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Voltage Rating
Pay attention to the voltage rating of the batteries you plan to buy. Make sure that the batteries are compatible with your trail camera. Check how much voltage is required to power your device and then buy the batteries accordingly.
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Capacity
Capacity is one of the most important things to consider when buying AA batteries for a trail camera. It is given in mAh and you should go with the battery that boasts a high capacity rating so that it lasts a long time without needing replacement or recharge.
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Rechargeable or Not
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on batteries, we recommend you go with rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries don’t require replacement and can be charged again and again, which makes them an ideal option for trail cameras.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we list some of the best AA batteries for trail camera and discuss their features, pros, and cons. Now it should be easy for you to choose batteries that are right for your device. For questions and queries relating to batteries or trail cameras, feel free to reach out to us.