I love trail cams almost as much as hunting, almost.
Most of us have some and all of us want to save money and have them last as long as possible.
So here's some things I've learned that may help you, feel free to add.

* Almost all of them are Chinese except for Reconyx.
* If your going to buy a Chinese cam, try to buy from walmart.com and purchase the 3 year warranty for $22. I've tested this and they replace it, send you the comparable for the current year or give you your money back, they gave me a choice to do either.
* Most Chinese cams come with a 1 year warranty only, there are a few that have 2. Reconyx & Exodus are the only ones I know of that come with a 5 year warranty.
* Chinese cams are not repairable, when it dies, it becomes a decoy or trash. Reconyx cameras are repairable, avg repair cost is $25-$30 (you pay shipping)
* If your unaware, soon last years trail cams (2020) will drop in price considerably, that's the time to buy a trail cam. They go quick once they go on sale.
* What's written on the box is not true true information, mainly detection range, trigger speed and megapixels. It's manipulated information.
* How can I find out which camera is best, it's true/real functions ? www.trailcampro.com tests most of the good cameras and posts their test results. If the cam is not on their tests, they consider it junk for one reason or another to include longevity, so they don't waste time selling it.
* Take batteries out of cams once you put them up for the season. ALL Warranties are void if they find battery acid from an exploded battery.
* Register your camera when you buy it and save the receipt, you will need it if it fails while under warranty.
* If your Chinese camera starts acting up while under warranty, immediately start the process to replace. Fuzzy pics, snowy video is the first sign your cam is about to die. It's usually just a matter of sending it in and waiting on the new one to come.
* I've only experienced this with Bushnell: If your cam is out of warranty, call them and speak to them. They will most times offer a heavy discount on a new purchase from them and will do it right there on the phone.
* Almost all my trail cams have to be pointed slightly up from what you think to detect at maximum range. Example: If the terrain is flat, try pointing it just slightly upwards than you think instead of level with the ground. Your pics/vids will let you know for sure.
* Who cares how good the video is, how clear the pictures are, how far it catches game if it dies in 1 year. Ask around, guys will tell you which ones don't last. Do you're homework before you drop precious money on a cam on sale.
* Cheaply priced cameras doesn't mean they suck. If you've got it on a tight trail and just need to know if there's traffic, you don't have to have a picture that's beautiful. Some do a beautiful job of doing just what you want it to do and that's tell me if this trail is hot.
* Cheap cameras can last longer than they should if you take care of them. Put them out only when you're ready, clean them up when putting away and don't put them where they are going to be bounced around or store in heat. Then again, some just suck.
* Investigate customer service. Some can tell you that getting a hold of these guys can be a chore in itself. It sucks to be sitting on a $250 camera that doesn't work right when it's the perfect time to know what's coming by your kill zone.

Didn't know that about walmart.com and the warranty, I use ALOT of cameras both standard and cell I buy from trailcampro.com they have been great with any issue that arises.

One other tip, when you take them out of the woods, take the batteries out. The batteries can do weird things and leak or corrode if left in them.

I agree those cheap tascos from Walmart with the warranty is a no brainer..

thanks for the tips.

my Cloak Lightscout has worked fine for three years ...