Any camera would have to be modified to be used with trail monitors. The TM35-1 modified Canon Sure Shot is recommended because it comes specially adapted by TrailMaster and is waterproof and has auto-focus and auto-wind. It can also be used as a stand alone, normal camera. Digital cameras cannot yet be used due to technical difficulties in adapting their controls and with their power consumption.

If you wish to use you own SLR with a TrailMaster system, special adapter cables are available for some models e.g. Nikon F1, F5, F100 and the Canon EOS range - please contact us for further details.

With a standard trail monitor (passive or active system) the camera will take pictures each time the infrared beam is broken, either 24 hours a day, or during one or two selected time periods. The TM1550-PS models have more advanced camera controls. For even more flexibility, add an Intervalometer (camera controller).

The camera can be sited up to 25 feet away from the trail monitor, allowing selective monitoring of an area, while using the camera to photograph the whole area. For example, the monitor could be positioned to be activated by a bird coming to a nest - it would see the edge of the nest but not into the nest - but the camera could be sited to take pictures of everything in the nest, when the parent bird arrives. Add the Multi-Camera Trigger to the system to use more than one camera to take photographs of the same event from different angles.

Use a video camera with a trail monitor system to obtain video footage of wildlife activity whenever the animals are in the area. A video camera can be connected only to a TM700v trail monitor, which is a passive system monitor. You can use an active system as a trigger for a video camera by linking the active system with a TM700v-RT to control the video camera. The TM700v can be used with any video camera that adheres to the 'Control L' remote control protocol (most Sony Handycams).

Night photographs can be taken using standard film and built-in flash with little disturbance to the animals. You may also use infrared film with an infrared filter over the flash. For details of using video cameras at night with trail monitors click here.