Game cameras seem like the perfect security solution. These cameras are lightweight, portable, stealthy, and suited for outdoor use. But, what if someone can’t place their camera outdoors? Can they use these security devices through their windows?
Unfortunately, many game cameras will not work through glass. The glass interferes with the PIR sensors and detectors. Meaning, the camera won’t be able to pick up on motion when looking through glass. However, placing your camera at an angle and disabling the flash may offset poor capture quality.
So, are you out of luck if you can’t use your trail camera outdoors? Luckily, there may be some creative solutions for individuals looking to use their trail cameras through a window.
Can A Game Camera Work Through Glass?
Game cameras seem like a great security solution. In theory, you can place these cameras far up in trees or even in your windows, right? Unfortunately, this may not always be the case.
Many game and trail cameras will not work through glass. This is because the glass interferes with the PIR sensors and detectors. This means the camera won’t pick up on motion when looking through glass. Additionally, glass can result in lens glare, reflections, and poor picture quality.
Besides that, the flash from your camera can affect picture quality during the night. Users have suffered from problems like reflections, glare, and generally poor picture quality. Unfortunately, using a game camera through glass is not a viable solution.
How Do Game Cameras Work?
Game cameras have passive infrared (PIR) sensors. PIR sensors are constantly scanning while sitting idle. These are known as the “normal” infrared levels for the area it’s monitoring. When a person, animal, or other object enters the site, it emits infrared. Once the infrared is emitted, the camera captures it.
Glass windows block and absorb infrared radiation. The PIR sensors can’t detect motion through glass windows, as the glass doesn’t allow the infrared radiation to pass through the camera. This means trail cameras won’t be detecting and capturing new infrared information, rendering them useless.
How Can Game Cameras Work Through Glass or Windows?
As mentioned earlier, most trail cameras aren’t going to work through glass. If placed between the glass, many of these cameras capture grainy and useless photos. However, if you don’t have any other solution, there may be some things you can do to offset poor capture quality.
Place Camera as Close to Glass as Possible
Be sure to place your trail camera as close as possible to the window. Doing so will minimize the chance of your camera picking up on its own reflection. For the best results, try placing your camera in front of the window with no gap between the lens and glass. Keep in mind, this solution works well for daytime use but poorly for nighttime use.
Try Placing at an Angle
Alternatively, you can try placing your camera at an angle. An angle can reduce your camera’s chances of capturing reflections and lens flare. However, this solution isn’t guaranteed and may only work in some circumstances.
Disable/Cover Flash Settings
Be sure to disable or cover your game camera’s flash. Your camera’s flash settings may result in pictures with glare and reflections, rendering them useless. Those with outdoor lighting may be able to use this solution better than others. However, this solution may not work for every application, but it’s worth a shot.
Try Using the Time-Lapse Feature
Try using the time-lapse feature on your trail camera. This feature turns off the motion sensor on your camera. However, we know windows disrupt the motion sensors on most cameras, so it won’t be that big of a deal. The downside to this solution is that you may have a lot of pictures and videos with no information.
Try Other Placements
Unfortunately, glass and windows disrupt game cameras. The glass absorbs infrared radiation and causes poor picture quality. The best solution to this problem is to use other camera placements.
Some good alternative camera placements can include shrubs, trees, rain gutters, and any other location out of the way. Hanging a camera from a tree aimed at your door is an excellent solution.
Alternatively, hiding your camera in a shrub or bush close to your front door works as well. Placing your camera in an out-of-sight location like the roof or near the rain gutters can be a fantastic solution.
What Game Cameras Can Work Through Glass?
Trail cameras are meant for stealth and outdoor use. We typically place them in a hard-to-reach area that’s out of the way. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to use a game camera outside. Luckily, some individuals have found success with certain brands, allowing them to use game cameras through windows.
Merkury Game Cameras have worked for some individuals through glass windows and doors. However, it’s still important to turn off night vision settings and turn on any porch lights when using them. These cameras are best suited for outdoor use, but they can be decent solutions for those placing them in front of windows.
All that being said, be sure to read all of your products reviews, instructions, and guidelines for the best results. Some cameras work better in different situations, so your mileage may vary.
Can Night Vision Game Cameras Work Through Glass?
So, what’s the verdict? Can you use your game camera through glass? The short answer is: probably not.
Game cameras are meant to be used outside without any obstructions. This goes the same for night vision cameras and non-night vision cameras. Placing these types of cameras in front of glass can result in lens flare, reflections, and poor picture quality. However, high-quality cameras with HD capture quality may not have these issues.
Additionally, using a porch or outdoor light may offset poor capture quality. Disabling the flash and using time-lapse features may help picture quality as well. That being said, be sure to read your products reviews, instructions, and guidelines for the best results.