Components & Materials
Over the years I've found I was much happier with my scouting cameras if I spent a little extra $$ to buy quality components and materials. The following is a description of what all goes into a complete MI scouting camera.

The Cameras
The cameras used inside a Monarch Images (MI) scouting camera, are:

  1. Sony DCS P41
  2. Sony DCS P32
  3. Sony DCS S40

I've tried and tested many different brands, and models of digital cameras for scouting cameras over the years, and theses three have been the best performers in my mind, for the following reasons:
  • Low Battery Consumption
  • Quick firing
  • Good flash Range
As new developments are ever changing in the world of technology, I will be testing new cameras as they come on the market and will be offering new products as they prove themselves. The following camera models are scheduled for testing in the near future:
 
  1. HP E337
  2. Nikon L14

Stay tuned for updates on how they performed!

The Motion Sensor Electronics
There are a few companies out there that make pre-assembled camera control boards specifically for the purpose of custom made scouting cameras. I've tried a few different companies and models over the years, testing them with many different cameras, and in all sorts of conditions and situations.

The camera control board that's offered inside a MI scouting camera is the Bigfoot board from Bigfoot (BF) Outdoors. I've found this particular control board to be very reliable, simple, and very easy to use. It has a fast re-trigger, and coupled with TrailMaster programing you will capture virtually every animal that ventures by. Just like with the cameras, as new control boards come out onto the market, I like to test them out to measure their performance.

Cases and Hardware
The outer shell of a MI scouting camera is a waterproof, crush proof Pelican 1040 case. These cases are very durable, light, and small. With the case dimensions being 8" x 5"x 2", it's not hard to fit a number of them in a small backpack, and barley know that their there! All cases are camo dipped, with 10 different patterns to choose from to match your area.

Quality Anti-reflective glass is used for the shutter and flash holes. Images will be much more clear than regular glass and will give a bit extra flash range.

The hardware on an MI scouting camera consists of an eyebolt, aluminum pipe, threaded hook, EZ-Webb adjustable bungee cord, and a Masterlock Python locking cable. The eyebolt and aluminum pipe are also camo dipped for a professional look.

The EZ-Webb bungee cord can be used in areas where theft is not an issue, and is the perfect choice for adjusting the angle of the camera. Just place a shim (small stick) behind the camera at the top or bottom, to get the desired camera angle.
Info from EZ Web - EZ Web Tie-Downs are a long lasting, adjustable and safe alternative to bungee cords and tarp straps Our rubber is made of super resistant epdm rubber and will last for years even out in the sun. All of the EZ Web attachments are uniquely adjustable, so you always get the right fit. Our patented Connex is truly a revolutionary concept when it comes to tie-downs. It allows the rubber to be tied off as a slipknot that are safer to use compared to dangerous metal hooks. EZ Web products are:
  • Safe, Reliable & Always the Right Size
  • Resists Sun, Weather, Ozone, Road Salt, Salt Water, & Most Chemicals
  • Attachments won't Rust, Dry Rot or Scratch
  • Rubber won't Dry Rot or Get Brittle.