I am interested in getting into DSLR camera trap photography, but honestly I'm not quite sure where to start. I've been looking into the Camtraptions PIR sensor, because I'm unfamiliar with how to program one of the SSI sensors. Not sure if anyone in the US is making any reliable active/passive IR triggers these days, but if an option exists I would for sure look into it. I'm also thinking about getting the Camtraptions wireless trigger kit with 2 receivers for triggering a pair of SB-28s, unless there is another less expensive, but reliable option out there? I'm planning to use either a Nikon D300s, a D3200, or D3300 camera for this build.

Because I live in an area with a healthy population of both black and grizzly bears, I'm planning to build the camera housing from a Pelican case. Any suggestions as to which box would fit the cameras I've mentioned above? I would also appreciate any thoughts on relatively inexpensive housing for the flashes with wireless receivers attached.

Questions I have:
Does anyone have any experience with the newer Camtraptions PIR sensor?
Are there any other reliable options for wireless triggers for Nikon SB-28s?
Besides the camera, flashes, sensor, wireless triggers, and the camera connecting cable, is there anything else I would need to complete the build? (Besides camera/flash housing)

Thank you for your help!

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Wilderness Images - Exceptional Nature Photography by Zack Clothier
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Hi Zack.
1. I bought the new Camtraptions sensor last summer and have really enjoyed using it. It's simple enough to use and the instruction manual is very informative. As much as I didn't want to, I read the entire manual before messing with the sensor and it helped.
2. For my SB28's, I use the Camtraptions flash triggers, however for shorter-term sets, I'll use SB24's equipped with Cowboy Studios triggers. Both the SB24 and those triggers can be had for cheap-might be an option if your funds were as limited as mine were when I started!
3. Sounds like you're off to a good start with what you have. I use rechargeable batteries (AA and AAA) in my sets just to help keep the cost down. If there are other battery options, then I'm not sure of them and would like to hear from someone else on that subject.

One other thing-if you're using a D3200 or something similar in size, you might be able to fit the camera into a .50 caliber ammo can. I modified a can for use with one of my sets using a Rebel T3I and it fits nicely. Even though we don't have the grizzlies on this side of the country, I still worry about the black bears having their way with one of my cameras. I'm not saying the case is entirely bear-proof, but it may offer a little more protection in an attack. The ammo cans can be bought for $10-$20 at Harbor Freight or Tractor Supply, and so far, it has stayed dry inside. I drilled a vent hole in mine and keep a silica gel tin in there and I haven't had any problems. I also used some packing inside to keep the camera cushioned in the event of a fall or any other trouble.

Hope that helps a little and best of luck!

the commlite comTrig T320 appears to be identical to the Camtraptions unit
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Commlite-Com ... :rk:2:pf:0

Oh so many questions... The Camtraptions PIR works well, from my experience. You can also check out TRLcam's stuff. They are excellent. I am still in the Stone Age and love my Trailmaster 1550s. They are rock solid performers, if you can find them and the manuals to use them. I have used both Camtraptions and Pixel Pawn remote triggers with some success. Like I said, being stuck in the Stone Age, I still prefer my TRLcam flash box system.

I’m using the SS2 from snapshot sniper as well as the Game Watcher from RCDavis. Both have worked very well for me and are super easy to use.

For cases I have used HPRC 2100, nanuk 903 and UK 309. The HPRC is probably my fav of the three but are all good.

For my flashes I’m using SB28 with Pixel Pawn triggers. Just the internal AAs in the flash are fine for a month or so. I soldered in AA battery holders to power the receivers. I get 1 month + on that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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I used the Camtraptions PIR this season. It did seem to get a lot of "false triggers" but they could be a result of setting up by a little pond - sun reflections could have tricked it. I recently heard from Julius Kramer (not sure he is still a member). He had heard from other camera trappers of many false triggers and less good battery life of the Camtraptions PIR.

I have also used the TRLcam PIR. It seems to have less "false triggers".

My first PIR was the TrailMaster TM300. I liked it very much but unfortunately lost it to a polar bear - no photos...

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Lars Holst Hansen, Field Biologist, Nature Photographer, Tour Leader, Guest Lecturer
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