PlotWatcher Game Camera
PlotWatcher Game Camera
The PlotWatcher TLV (time-lapse video) game camera puts a whole new twist on scouting for game. Set aside any preconceived notions about how traditional game cameras work, and let's take a look at this new trail camera concept. Day6Outdoors broke into the market with this first dedicated time lapse video game camera.
Due to the popularity of this concept, other game camera manufacturers have since released their own models of TLVs. Primos released their Turkey Tracker TLV and TRUTH DPS models. Cuddeback added TLV capability to their Attack game camera line. Moultrie released the Plot Stalker, which is a dedicated TLV game camera, but also added time lapse capability to their M-80 and M-100 models.
Time lapse video is a hot trend that is here to stay!
What is a Time Lapse Video Scouting Camera?
A time lapse video game camera takes pictures every 5 to 10 seconds. When the pictures are played back in succession, you end up with a video that is approximately 10 minutes long. This is a very different concept than the traditional game cameras. What is ideal about a TLV camera is that no passive infrared sensors are used. Game does not have to pass within close proximity to your camera for you to get a picture of it. You can capture images of game for as far as the eye can see.
The images are stored on a USB memory stick, that can be removed from the Plotwatcher and placed directly in your computer.
Special software is included that allows you to rapidly scan through the pictures for "motion". Motion is detected by comparing the successive images to look for differences, such as a deer entering the frame. When all of these images are played back sequentially, it is like watching a time lapse video movie.
Benefits of a TLV Scouting Camera
Time Lapse Video scouting cameras have some big advantages over traditional game cameras.
The biggest advantage is that it gives the owner a much bigger view of game activity in the area. Since no activation of a passive infrared sensor is required, pictures of game that are a hundred yards off or more can be captured. Essentially as far as the eye can see. This is ideal for monitoring fields, large clearings, or open areas of woods. If the game passes anywhere in front of the game camera, you are going to get a picture of it.
You have the ability to see game as it enters the frame, and watch the routes that they are traveling. Armed with this knowledge, a hunter can fine tune their tree stand placement, for an optimal shot.
One of the disadvantages of TLV game cameras is that they only operate during the daytime hours. Since no infrared or flash lighting exists on these cameras, you are limited to only capturing daytime photos.
Plotwatcher Videos on YouTube
Watch the videos below to see the Plotwatcher in action.
Plotwatcher Pro HD
It is here!
UPDATE: Day6Outdoors has released the next model of their Plotwatcher game camera, and that is the Plotwatcher Pro HD. This has all of the same features as the original Plotwatcher HD, but also has a few nice added features.
The Pro HD model has four times the battery life of the original Plotwatcher, and will give you up to 4 weeks of operation. That is a huge plus. And they are still doing this with only four AA batteries.
They have also included a built-in 2.5 inch LCD. This can be used for camera setup, video aiming, camera status messages, and for defining the time of day for start and stop operation.
It is still just as simple to use as the original Plotwatcher, with a simple 1-button setup, and two resolution settings.
Plotwatcher on Amazon
If you are in the market for a Plotwatcher TLV game camera, then check out these great offerings from Amazon. They are the most trusted retailer on the Internet.
Do you own a Plotwatcher TLV game scouting camera?
Tell us about your experiences and let us know if you have any good tips.