Trail Watcher 4220

I ordered a Trail Watcher 4220 as soon as I found that they were available. After using the previous three models I had a lot of confidence that the 4220 would be another real nice digital trail camera.

The Trail Watcher 4220 uses a Sony W220 12.1 MP digital camera.

I have given the 4220 an A for picture quality. You can see pictures and read our comments about the picture quality here.

The Trigger Speed of the 4220 compares well with other digital trail cameras that use real digital cameras and is similar to the 2035. One thing that I noticed with this camera was that it wanted to pick me up out on the edges better than the other cameras I have tested. Over the years power up time has become somewhat less important to me but faster is better than slower.

The Trail Watcher 4220 operates on one 9-volt battery and the Sony camera operates on a rechargeable Sony battery pack. We've been getting 300 to 400 pictures on a charge. This is not quite as good as the other two cameras that use this battery, but the viewing screen can not be turned off which may be using some of this power. The nine volt battery has lasted for several months similar to the other cameras I have, which is excellent service.

Like some of the prior Sony digital cameras this camera does not imprint the date and time on the pictures. This is one knock against these cameras but you can always check the picture properties and see the date and time.

Setup is done using two buttons. This is the same set-up as the prior Trail Watcher cameras and I've grown used to it and have no problems using it. They have performed well for me. The electronics are made by Snapshot Sniper.

The Sony W220 has an extending lens and must be placed in the case properly similar to the 2035, Swamp Ghost and my old Camtrakker. I've learned to make sure these cameras will take my picture before I leave them and that has eliminated any problems. Positioning the camera in the case has not been a problem.

There is an on/off switch on the outside of the case so you have to make sure you turn it on when you leave the camera. This switch is handy when setting the camera up or making changes to settings as the camera will not take pictures as long as it is off but the electronics will still be on.

The settings are a little different on this Sony camera as compared to the older ones. I've had to do a little thinking to change settings on this one, but this isn't a problem. You may want the book close until you get used to it.

A ratchet strap is provided with the Trail Watcher 4220 to attach it to a tree and a Python Cable Lock can be used to lock it to the tree.

The Sony W220 uses a Memory Stick Duo and has 15 MB of internal memory. We’ve been using 512 MB, 1 GB and 4 GB memory stick duo’s lately in our cameras. We’ve been happy to see the prices on all camera memory cards falling over the past couple of years.

The Sony W220 has a large 2.7 inch viewing screen to take a look at your pictures in the woods. I like these larger screens as my vision gets worse and they are getting larger.

There are eight time delays ranging from five seconds to 10 minutes. Time delays are separate for day and night operation which comes in real handy. The time delays include 5, 10, 15 and 20 seconds and 1, 2, 5 and 10 minutes. I like this range of time delays.

You can also set the Trail Watcher 4220 to take up to 5 pictures per each motion detected from five to eight seconds apart depending on whether it is day or night.

There is also an activity mode which allows the camera to take pictures every four to twelve seconds. It will shut off after 20 seconds of no motion or after one minute of constant motion.

The Trail Watcher has a walk test feature that will turn itself off and allow the camera to start taking pictures after one minute or you can turn the walk test mode off.

The Sony W220 can be removed from the unit and used as a personal camera.

The Trail Watcher 4220 does have video capability. You have a choice of 15 or 30 second video clips.

I have given the Trail Watcher 4220 an A for an overall grade. This camera has been a very dependable camera providing great pictures, good battery life, easy use and it is a steady performer for me.

Learn more about and purchase a Trail Watcher 4220 here.

Here is a picture of the Trail Watcher 4220 camera and a picture taken by the 4220.

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