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ZEISS Secacam 3 Trail Camera Released

The ZEISS Secacam 3 Trail Camera has officially been released, launching on 16th January 2025 at a lower price than any previous model from ZEISS. Packed with quite a number of significant upgrades, the Secacam 3 sets a new standard for wildlife observation, offering sharper image quality, smarter security features, and improved usability.

Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, hobbyists, and nature photographers, the Secacam 3 is ideal for capturing wildlife activity in your local woodlands, garden, or semi-remote areas. Its improved performance ensures reliable footage day or night, while the new SecaTrack security service adds peace of mind for users concerned about the theft of their trail camera.

In this first-look review, we explore what’s new, who the camera is for, and why the Secacam 3 is a major upgrade from its predecessors, the Secacam 5 and 7.

Pricing and Availability

The ZEISS Secacam 3 Trail Camera was released on 16th January 2025 at a price of £119.99, which undercuts previous models by quite a margin, despite the many upgrades included. At the time of launch, the Secacam 7 was £249.00, and the Secacam 5 cost £159.00.

What’s New with the ZEISS Secacam 3?

The Secacam 3 from optical giant ZEISS who are known for binoculars, scopes and thermal cameras and of course camera lenses, brings several noteworthy upgrades that set it apart from earlier models, including:

Improved Image Quality

• A new chipset enhances image processing and compression (H265), producing faster video transmission and sharper, clearer video footage.
• Larger sensor pixels allow the Secacam 3 to maximise light efficiency, outperforming the Secacam 5/7 in low-light conditions.
• ZEISS IR Boost Technology improves infrared performance for superior night-time images without visible light, which is perfect for discreet wildlife monitoring.

Enhanced Motion Detection

• A new PIR-Fresnel-Lens features a glossy surface that focuses infrared light better. This improves accuracy and sensitivity, allowing the camera to detect smaller or more distant animals up to 5 metres further than previous models. This is further enhanced by a wider area coverage with 16:9 image format for mobile viewing for bird and wildlife recognition at the edges of the frame.

New User-Friendly Features

• A front-facing 1.9” LCD display simplifies alignment, ensuring quick and hassle-free setup.
• The test button lets users confirm connectivity before leaving the camera in place, saving any unnecessary time in the field.
• OTA (Over-the-Air) firmware updates make it easy to keep the camera up-to-date without needing an SD card, which ensures that the latest features and functionality are readily available.
• The Secacam 3 now features 32GB built-in memory for improved system reliability, eliminating the risk of SD card failures or poor connections that can lead to image loss. This also increases security, as the memory cannot be easily removed, unlike standard SD cards.
• With newly added USB-C connectivity, files can be quickly and easily copied to an external USB-C memory stick for convenient field transfers, removing the need for additional cables or adapters.

SecaTrack Security Service

• The all-new SecaTrack service allows users to locate stolen cameras. When activated in the app, the camera sends its GPS location every 10 minutes when turned off and captures images to assist in tracking.
• This feature provides peace of mind, particularly in locations where theft could be a concern.

How SecaTrack Adds Value

The introduction of the SecaTrack security service is a game-changer for ZEISS trail cameras, providing reassurance for users concerned about theft. Here’s how it works:

• Activate SecaTrack in the ZEISS app to enable location tracking.
• If the camera is turned off by someone else, it will send its GPS position every 10 minutes, along with images to help identify the thief.
• This functionality is perfect for semi-remote areas where trail cameras can be vulnerable to theft, providing a level of security unmatched by previous models.

Subscription pricing for SecaTrack is still TBC, but it will be a key selling point for users who want to safeguard their equipment.

Who is the ZEISS Secacam 3 For?

The Secacam 3 is a versatile wildlife camera designed for a variety of users, including:

• Wildlife Enthusiasts – Perfect for monitoring animal activity in local woodlands, as a garden camera wildlife​, and nature reserves. Capture wildlife behaviours and patterns effortlessly.
• Nature Photographers – Ideal for discreetly capturing high-quality stills or videos with superb low-light performance.
• Gardeners and Homeowners – Discover which animals are visiting your garden at night, from foxes and hedgehogs to birds and squirrels.
• Community Projects – Wildlife trusts, local councils, and schools can use the camera for biodiversity monitoring, educational projects, or conservation efforts.

With its user-friendly features, the Secacam 3 is accessible to both beginners and experienced users, ensuring excellent results in any environment.

Practical Uses for the ZEISS Secacam 3

Some real-world applications where the Secacam 3 excels include:

Wildlife Documentation

• Perfect for capturing detailed, high-quality images of animal behaviour during the day and night, especially with the improved infrared technology, which ensures that you don’t miss a moment.

Garden Wildlife Monitoring

• Set up as a garden wildlife camera​ to observe frequent visitors like birds, foxes, badgers, and other nocturnal mammals. It’s a brilliant tool for garden hobbyists and for families who want to spark an interest in wildlife or conservation.

Community and Conservation Projects

• Use the Secacam 3 for monitoring biodiversity in local parks or nature reserves, or as part of wildlife education projects for schools and let your students discover the diversity in rural, semi-rural and urban environments.

Wildlife Photography

• Wildlife photographers can benefit from using an outdoor wildlife camera​ as a tool for preparation and behavioural observation. By setting up the camera in wildlife hotspots, photographers can gather valuable insights about the species present and their behaviours, which can be crucial when considering how to capture decisive wildlife images.

Security for Outdoor Areas

• Beyond wildlife, the Secacam 3 a great option for monitoring rural properties or semi-remote installations, especially with the new anti-theft SecaTrack feature.

Wildlife Observation Tips with the Secacam 3

Make the most of your ZEISS Secacam 3 with these practical tips:

1. Choose the Right Spot and position the camera near wildlife trails, water sources, or feeding areas for the best results.
2. Optimal Height is crucial, and you could mount the camera at animal height (around knee-level for most small mammals) to capture clear, natural shots.
3. Use the new Test Button to confirm alignment and connectivity before leaving the camera in place to save time later.
4. Firmware Updates are useful, and you could take advantage of OTA updates to ensure you’re using the latest features and optimisations.
5. Avoid Direct Sunlight by angling the camera away from direct sun to reduce glare during the day.

ZEISS Secacam 3 vs Secacam 5/7

The table below highlights how the new Secacam 3 compares to its predecessors.

The Secacam 3 is a significant leap forward in trail camera technology, offering sharper images, smarter motion detection, and advanced security features. With its SecaTrack service, improved image processing, and hassle-free firmware updates, the Secacam 3 is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, nature photographers, and hobbyists looking to observe local wildlife more easily, and has become one of the best wildlife cameras​ currently available.

Whether you monitor your own garden, local woodland, or semi-remote location, the Secacam 3 is built for reliability and convenience, helping you to capture unique wildlife moments with newfound reliability and clarity.

Explore the ZEISS Secacam 3 Trail Camera today and take your observations to the next level!

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By Nick Dautlich on 16/01/2025