New Trail Cameras of 2023 are Loaded with Features

More power and better battery life are among the top features of the new Spypoint FLEX-S. (Photo courtesy of Spypoint)

We're amid the golden age of game cameras, with more innovation and technology packed each year in these small units. The best new trail cameras of 2023 are no different, with longer battery life, solar chargers, artificial intelligence and better quality in the images and videos transmitted to your phone.

It's addicting to have a cellular camera. Notifications at all times of day or night often make you leap to see what's there. It could be a buck or doe, predators, turkeys, trespassers, a hawk or owl flaring in front of the sensor, or perhaps something else. Cameras are used for scouting, of course, but many people use them for camp or home security, watching non-game wildlife at feeders or other things.

Here are some of the best new cellular game cameras coming to the market this year:

Browning has several highlights in its new Dark Ops Full HD Extreme, including its new invisible Radiant 4 LED system, an 80-foot detection range and flash range to 90 feet. That means you're going to have a better chance to see what's in the distance if a buck is trying to sneak around. The camera also includes Illuma-Smart tech that automatically adjusts the infrared flash for a better image, 24-megapixel images and 1080p full high-def video. The four LEDs in the Radiant system help create better nighttime images and video. Other features include GPS-tagged images, adjustable trigger speed, picture info bar display and more. browningtrailcameras.com

What if you had the ability to stream video on your phone from your game camera? That's pretty much what Bushnell has added to its CelluCore Live camera, which has on-demand streaming video. All you have to do is tap a button on your phone's app. The CelluCore offers 32-megapixel images, No Glow infrared LEDs with 80 feet of range at night, and can sort images based on the options you choose. It also offers Dual SIM Connectivity and an optimized antenna, which means it automatically selects the best AT&T or Verizon signal. It's part of the CelluCore family, which includes the CelluCore 20 Low Glow, CelluCore 30 No Glow and CelluCore 20 Dual SIM, each offering different features and price points. $299.99 | bushnell.com

Cuddeback introduced its multiple-camera linked system several years ago to acclaim, yet some hunters prefer just one or two unlinked cameras. Cuddeback answered those requests with its new Tracks camera, which has an upgraded infrared image sensor for better images and videos. It runs on four D batteries, and works with Cuddeback's external battery packs, solar panels and mounting accessories. It has two high-gain external paddle antennas for better reception and transmission. Two SIM sockets allow users to choose between AT&T or Verizon LTE service (but not both simultaneously). $149.99 | cuddeback.com

Ever have a great camera setup and your images show … nothing. No deer, turkeys or other target species. But a branch is triggering the camera sensor. With the new Edge Pro camera, its very cool False Trigger Elimination option and artificial intelligence technology will allow you to block that waving branch. How? Through the camera's SmartZones feature, a grid of the camera's view on which you can tap the screen and turn off that zone. Tap the grid detection zone with the branch and stop the false triggers until you can get back to trim the limb. SmartCapture allows you to pick from a list of animals or other targets; photos not detecting selected targets won't be uploaded. It also has a built-in SD card system that eliminates the need to buy and change cards, another great feature. Edge Pro has 36-megapixel images, 1080p videos, detection and flash range to 100 feet, Auto Connect to the best Verizon or AT&T signal, and more. $179.99 | moultriemobile.com

The Matrix is a solid cellular camera option with a handful of features to ensure quality images and videos. With its auto-detect technology, the Matrix selects the best signal from AT&T or Verizon to ensure the strongest connectivity. It has an 80-foot detection and flash range, 1- to 3-image burst photo option, time-date-temp and moon phase on each image, and seamless transmission thanks to the Stealth Cam Command Pro app. It also has an option for 20-, 8- or 4-megapixel image quality. There's a lot packed into the Matrix at an affordable price. $99.99 | gomuddy.com

More power and better battery life are among the top features of the new FLEX-S, the upgraded camera of the 2022 FLEX model. Coming this summer, the FLEX-S combines an integrated solar panel with an internal lithium battery for longer, stronger life and transmission. An optional battery back-up gives you even more comfort should anything go awry. It automatically connects to the best carrier and has an optimized antenna for more reliable connectivity. Flash detection and range is 100 feet. Images are crisp thanks to the 33-megapixel sensor, along with 1080p video, and setup is a breeze with the Spypoint App that offers multiple options for camera settings, management, customization, species selection, maps, weather info and more. $189.99 | spypoint.com

Stealth Cam has a long reputation for speedy trigger sensors and quality images, and the new Deceptor capitalizes on all that with more upgrades. It works with AT&T or Verizon networks, and has a 0.4-second trigger speed that along with the 80-foot detection and flash range won't let anything slip past. The Deceptor has 36 NoGlo infrared emitters, allows you to adjust file sizes from four to 40 megapixels, 1440p video/audio, and more. $149.99 | stealthcam.com

Tactacam has updated its popular original cameras with the new Reveal X Gen 2.0 to have longer, stronger battery life, enhanced image and video quality and more. The adjustable nighttime illumination detection range reaches almost 100 feet, which with the Low Glow infrared tech won't scare deer or other animals. Reception and transmission has been improved thanks to a better antenna, too. Setup is a cinch, too, and the price is friendly. $139.99 | tactacam.com

One of the coolest features of the new Encounter XT is its On Demand capability, which allows you to see what's going on in real time without spooking anything walking in front of the sensor range. Encounter XT works with AT&T or Verizon networks, switching if necessary to obtain the strongest signal, and seamlessly connects with the Huntsmart app for transmission and viewing. It has an 80-foot detection and flash range, 1-3 photo burst capability, 34-megapixel images and 720p HD video/audio. Trigger speeds are zippy, too, at less than half a second. $149.99 | wildgameinnovations.com