Best Bushnell Trail Cameras: 5 Picks for Scouting, Wildlife and Remote Monitoring

Best overall: the Bushnell CORE DS-4K No Glow, if you can retrieve an SD card and want Bushnell’s strongest non-cellular video package. For remote photo alerts, choose the CelluCORE 20 Dual-SIM; for live viewing, the CelluCORE Live is the specialist option. The CORE S-4K costs less than the DS-4K while retaining 4K video. These rankings weigh practical use, connectivity and setup—not megapixel figures alone. Listed prices and availability reflect Bushnell pages checked in August 2026 and can change.

Bushnell trail cameras at a glance

Ranges and trigger speeds in this table are manufacturer claims, not comparable independent measurements. Stock status is also date-specific: the CelluCORE 20 Solar page showed out of stock, and the CelluCORE Live page offered a back-in-stock notification when checked.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Bushnell No Glow Trail Camera CORE S-4K	$149.95	Buy on Amazon
2		Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow Trail Camera	$164.95	Buy on Amazon
3		Bushnell Prime Low Glow Trail Camera, 24MP & 1080p Video, Brown	$80.37	Buy on Amazon
4		Bushnell CelluCORE 20 Dual-SIM Cellular Trail Camera, Slate Green	$133.00	Buy on Amazon

How to choose the right Bushnell

Choose cellular only if remote access matters

Non-cellular cameras save the recurring service cost, but you retrieve images from the SD card in person. Cellular cameras can send images to a phone and support remote settings, but need an active service plan and adequate signal at the camera’s exact location. Dual SIM on the CelluCORE models selects between AT&T and Verizon; it does not guarantee coverage where neither network works well. Test reception at the intended mount point rather than relying only on a broad coverage map.

Prioritize capture quality over megapixel labels

“Up to 32MP” does not, by itself, establish that a camera produces more useful detail than a lower-megapixel model. Detection consistency, exposure, flash, motion blur and framing matter. Bushnell’s CORE DS-4K and S-4K manuals warn that high-resolution or 4K settings can perform less well in low light with fast-moving subjects. For nighttime motion, try a lower resolution or the appropriate night-shutter setting instead of assuming the highest setting is best.

#1 Best Overall

Bushnell No Glow Trail Camera CORE S-4K

• Top Quality: For over 70 years, Bushnell has led in optics and trail camera innovation, proudly based in the USA and trusted by hunters and wildlife enthusiasts for reliable performance in the field.
• Advanced Performance: The Bushnell CORE S-4K No Glow Trail Camera delivers stunning 4K video and up to 30MP images, featuring 3 preset menus, Advanced Mode, Pro Image Tuning, and Dynamic Video for professional-grade clarity.
• Tech Specs: Capture every moment with a 4K single sensor, 110 ft no-glow night range, 0.2s trigger speed, and 1s recovery rate. Includes a bright 1.5" color viewscreen for easy setup, navigation, and previewing.
• Built for the Outdoors: This game trail camera is engineered to withstand extreme conditions—rain, snow, and heat—so you can depend on consistent results for hunting, scouting, or wildlife observation.
• Power & Storage: Powered by 6 AA Lithium batteries (sold separately) and compatible with up to 512GB SD cards (sold separately). Perfect for hunting & trail cameras setups, game cameras, and wildlife camera monitoring.

$149.95

Buy on Amazon

Match illumination to the site

No-glow illumination is generally preferable where visible red light could draw attention; low-glow cameras can emit visible red illumination. Neither label makes a camera undetectable: its shape, placement and other cues can still give it away. Bushnell markets the DS-4K and S-4K as no-glow models and the CelluCORE 20 Solar as low-glow.

Budget for the complete setup

For a non-cellular camera, include compatible SD media, batteries and—where theft is a concern—a compatible security box. A cellular camera adds service charges and can use power more quickly, especially with frequent uploads, video, weak signal or cold conditions. Solar power can reduce battery visits, but only in a suitable location. Bushnell includes the first 30 days of cellular service with the CelluCORE 20 Dual-SIM, describing it as a $15 value; verify the current plan and charges before activating. Available plan-price references are not definitive current pricing, so check Bushnell’s service terms for your account and region.

1. Bushnell CORE DS-4K No Glow: best overall

Best for: hunters and wildlife observers who can collect an SD card and want a screen, 4K video and no cellular subscription. Listed price: $179.95 when checked in August 2026.

The DS-4K combines separate day and night sensors, up to 32MP stills, 4K video, a claimed 0.15-second trigger speed, claimed 120-foot night range and a 1.5-inch color viewing screen. It offers preset menus as well as advanced settings. That combination makes it the most versatile Bushnell choice here for an accessible, non-cellular placement.

The dual-sensor design is intended to optimize daytime and nighttime capture separately, but the specifications do not prove superior results in every scene. Likewise, the trigger and range figures are manufacturer claims, not independent test results. For fast nighttime subjects, experiment with lower resolution and night-shutter settings; 4K is not automatically the clearest choice when light is scarce.

Skip it if you need images delivered remotely. Its strongest selling point is the balance of capture features and field setup without cellular service, not remote access.

Rank #2

Sale

Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow Trail Camera

• Day/Night Viewing: The CORE DS-4K game camera offers dual sensors with the highest picture resolution for the best image quality both day and night. One sensor is optimized for daylight photography and the other is designed for sharp photos after dark.
• Advanced Performance: The Bushnell CORE DS-4K No Glow Trail Camera delivers stunning 4K 30FPS video and up to 32MP images.
• Tech Specs: Capture every moment with 120 ft no-glow night rang and a 0.15s trigger speed. Includes a bright 1.5" viewing screen for easy setup, navigation, and previewing.
• Weather Resistant Housing: This game trail camera features weather-resistant housing for protection against elements during extended outdoor use. Temperature Range: -5 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C.
• Mounting Options: The Core DS-4K can be mounted with the included web belt, using the tripod socket on its base, or your own security cable via built-in channel. An external power port is supplied for Bushnell's separately sold solar panel. The camera records to a user-supplied SD card up to 512GB.

$164.95

Buy on Amazon

2. Bushnell CelluCORE 20 Dual-SIM: best cellular value

Best for: users who want phone-delivered images and remote setting changes without paying for live streaming. Listed price: $179.95 when checked in August 2026.

The camera uses dual SIMs to select between AT&T and Verizon, records 20MP stills and 1080p video, and advertises sub-one-second triggering and an 80-foot detection and night range. Bushnell says the phone app supports setting changes and organizes images by categories such as weather, wind and moon phase. It uses AA batteries and carries a two-year limited warranty. The first 30 days of service are included.

Independent tests are more useful than the advertised range for setting expectations. Trailcampro reported good image quality, straightforward cellular setup and solid battery performance; its estimate of about 4.3 months used 12 AA lithium batteries under a defined photo-capture scenario, not a general runtime promise. The same review described detection performance as average and noted there is no internal setup/viewing screen. Outdoor Life found reliable close-range triggering and captured a nighttime series at 60 feet, but did not consistently trigger at 60 or 100 feet during daytime testing. It praised the app and customizable flash while flagging long-distance inconsistency. See Trailcampro’s test and Outdoor Life’s comparison.

Skip it if the site lacks reliable AT&T or Verizon service, or if you need to view footage live rather than receive images. Its value depends on usable coverage and a service plan, not just the camera’s purchase price.

3. Bushnell CelluCORE 20 Solar: best for sunny, hard-to-reach sites

Best for: remote placements with dependable direct sunlight where cellular images are still needed. Listed price: $199.95; Bushnell’s page showed it out of stock when checked in August 2026.

The model combines the CelluCORE 20’s dual-SIM service and 1080p video with a detachable solar panel that can be aimed toward stronger sunlight. Bushnell says the system can maintain a full charge at up to 70 images per day with adequate direct sunlight. Treat that as a conditional manufacturer claim, not a promise for shaded woods, winter weather or heavy transmission.

Rank #3

Sale

Bushnell Prime Low Glow Trail Camera, 24MP & 1080p Video, Brown

• [BUSHNELL] is a leading Optics manufacturer based in the USA that has been serving the outdoor and wildlife enthusiast for more than 70 years.
• [THIS CAMERA FEATURES] Field Scan Mode, 2x Time lapse w/ Live Trigger, records time lapse sequence and explands camera coverage. Programmable: trigger interval, multi-image mode, video length/resolution, adjustable PIR
• [FOR ADDED CONVENIENCE] Full color high resolution images settings (3MP, 12MP, 24MP) and date, time, and temperature stamp on every image.
• [TEC SPECS] 24MP resolution, 80' Night Range, 0.3s Trigger Speed, 1s recovery rate, 1080p 30fps video w/ audio
• 6 AA Batteries and up to 32GB SD card (batteries and SD card NOT included) 1/4-20 socket for use with deluxe tre bracket, Master lock python compatible.

$80.37

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The product page describes an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery in the solar-panel system, while its specification block labels battery type “AA.” Because those details conflict, confirm the exact current power arrangement in the manual or with Bushnell before buying. The model carries a two-year limited warranty and includes 30 days of service.

Skip it if the panel will be shaded, snow-covered, poorly angled or exposed to weak winter sun. Solar can reduce visits for battery changes; it does not make the system maintenance-free.

4. Bushnell CORE S-4K No Glow: best lower-cost 4K option

Best for: SD-card users who want 4K video and a viewing screen at the lowest listed price among these five. Listed price: $149.95 when checked in August 2026.

The S-4K has a single sensor, up to 30MP stills, 4K video, a 1.5-inch color screen and AA power. Bushnell claims a 0.2-second trigger, one-second recovery and 110-foot night range. It offers three preset menus and an advanced mode. Its lower price than the DS-4K makes it a practical choice for a second camera or for buyers who want 4K without paying for cellular service.

The principal compromise is the single-sensor design, rather than the DS-4K’s separate day and night sensors. Its headline trigger and night range are manufacturer claims. A Bushnell customer review reported delayed video capture after a burst of stills in hybrid mode; that is an individual report, not evidence of a universal defect.

Skip it if you need remote alerts or specifically want dual day/night sensors. For fast nighttime movement, test settings instead of assuming 4K will avoid blur.

Rank #4

Sale

Bushnell CelluCORE 20 Dual-SIM Cellular Trail Camera, Slate Green

• High-Quality Images and Video: The CelluCORE 20 game camera captures stunning 20MP images and records 1080p HD video, providing you with high-quality visuals of your wildlife activity.
• No Glow Infrared Night Vision: The trail camera's no glow infrared night vision feature allows you to capture crystal clear images in the dark, without spooking the wildlife.
• Wireless Connectivity: The CelluCORE 20 wildlife camera has wireless connectivity, so you can receive images and alerts directly to your phone or computer, and manage the camera settings from anywhere.
• Dual-SIM Card Support: With dual-SIM card support, you can switch between different carriers and ensure you always have a reliable connection, no matter where you are.
• Works with OnX Hunt: Tracking and predicting Whitetail movements to create better hunts just got easier with Bushnell + onX. Simply add your Bushnell cellular trail cams to your onX hunt account, and you've got all your images and info from every camera location in one app.

$133.00

Buy on Amazon

5. Bushnell CelluCORE Live: best for live remote viewing

Best for: land managers or wildlife observers who will actively use live video to inspect a site. Listed price: $299.95; Bushnell’s page displayed a back-in-stock notification option when checked in August 2026.

The Live streams from a smartphone in sessions of up to two minutes, supports 32MP stills and 1080p video, uses dual-SIM AT&T/Verizon connectivity, and has no-glow IR LEDs with a claimed 100-foot night range. It supports SD cards up to 256GB, has a removable tray for 12 AA batteries and includes a two-year limited warranty.

Live video is the reason to pay its premium, not a guarantee of better ordinary scouting. Streaming likely uses more power and data, but no controlled runtime figure is established here. A useful live view also depends on signal, charge and camera framing.

Skip it if still-image alerts are enough. The CelluCORE 20 Dual-SIM costs less and is a more rational fit for routine photo scouting.

Setup and placement that prevent avoidable misses

Prepare the camera and media

• Use an SD card compatible with the exact model manual and format it in the camera where the manual recommends. CORE manuals cite SDHC media and recommend SanDisk Class 6 or faster; check the manual for your specific unit’s capacity limits.
• Use one battery chemistry throughout the camera. Bushnell’s CORE manual warns against mixing battery types; use all lithium or all alkaline batteries.
• For a cellular model, activate it in Bushnell’s service/app workflow, allow network registration, then send a test image before leaving. Confirm remote settings changes reach the camera.

Aim and test the detection zone

• Position the likely animal path across the camera’s detection zone rather than pointing straight down the trail. Clear excessive foreground vegetation and verify framing with test images.
• Avoid aiming directly at the sun. The CORE manual also cautions against shading the light sensor while the lens faces a bright area, which can create exposure problems.
• Check the image at the intended day and night settings before relying on the deployment. A claimed range does not mean every subject, angle or movement will trigger reliably at that distance.

Troubleshoot by symptom

• Dark night images: check battery condition and night settings. For moving subjects, try the manual’s higher NV Shutter setting or a lower resolution if high-resolution capture is struggling in low light.
• Delayed or missing cellular images: verify signal at the mounted camera, account/service activation, battery state and upload status. Weak signal can delay uploads, block remote changes and increase battery drain.
• Solar charge falls behind: inspect shade, panel angle, snow, seasonal sun and daily image volume. The stated 70-image figure assumes adequate direct sunlight.

Manual guidance for CORE setup is available in Bushnell’s CORE trail-camera manual and DS-4K / 4K-S manual.

Should you consider another Bushnell or brand?

The Prime Low Glow is a basic non-cellular budget alternative: Bushnell listed it at $99.95, with 24MP stills, 1080p video with audio, a claimed 0.3-second trigger and 80-foot flash range. The page showed it out of stock when checked, and its displayed rating was 3.5/5 from four reviews. Consider it only if it becomes available from a reliable seller and price matters more than stronger documented performance or no-glow concealment.

If Bushnell’s options do not match your needs, compare alternatives by exact model and use case rather than brand reputation alone. Tactacam Reveal may suit buyers focused on a cellular ecosystem; SPYPOINT is another option for budget cellular setups; compatible GardePro models can offer app connectivity over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth but are not substitutes for long-range cellular service; and Reconyx is a premium alternative for buyers prioritizing reliability and fast triggering over purchase price. Current model, plan and price comparisons for those brands are not established here.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

Bushnell No Glow Trail Camera CORE S-4K

$149.95

SaleBestseller No. 2

Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow Trail Camera

$164.95

SaleBestseller No. 3

Bushnell Prime Low Glow Trail Camera, 24MP & 1080p Video, Brown

Max focal length: 1.0 millimeters

$80.37

SaleBestseller No. 4

Bushnell CelluCORE 20 Dual-SIM Cellular Trail Camera, Slate Green

$133.00

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.