Low-Glow vs. No-Glow Trail Cameras: Which One Should You Buy?
When choosing a trail camera for night use, the most critical decision is the flash type. Unlike daytime photography, trail cameras rely on Infrared (IR) LEDs to capture images in the dark without alerting the subject.
There are two main technologies available: Low-Glow (850nm) and No-Glow (940nm). Understanding the trade-offs between stealth and image quality will help you choose the best trail camera for your needs.
1. Trail Camera Flash Types
Low-Glow Trail Cameras (850nm)
These cameras operate on the 850nm wavelength spectrum. When a Low-Glow trail camera triggers at night, the LED array emits a faint red glow visible to the human eye.
- Visibility: Visible red glow (resembling dying embers) when looking directly at the source.
- Image Quality: Produces brighter, crisper black-and-white night images with less digital noise.
- Flash Range: Typically offers a longer illumination range (approx. 30% further than No-Glow).
No-Glow Trail Cameras (940nm)
Also known as "Black Flash" or "Invisible IR," these cameras use the 940nm wavelength spectrum. The light emitted by a No-Glow trail camera is completely invisible to humans and the vast majority of wildlife.
- Visibility: 100% invisible. The camera emits no visual light signature when triggering.
- Image Quality: Night images are generally slightly darker and softer (grainier) compared to 850nm models.
- Flash Range: Shorter illumination range due to the physics of 940nm light output.
Learn more about trail camera flash types
2. Detailed Comparison: 850nm vs 940nm
| Feature | Low-Glow (850nm) | No-Glow (940nm) |
|---|---|---|
| Stealth Rating | Moderate (Red glow visible) | High (Completely invisible) |
| Night Image Clarity | High (Crisp, less noise) | Moderate (Softer, more grain) |
| Flash Range | Long Range (~100ft) | Moderate Range (~70ft) |
| Cost | Generally Lower | Generally Higher |
3.Which Camera Should You Buy?
There is no "perfect" flash type, only the right tool for the job. Here are our recommendations based on common use cases:
Best for Sensitive Wildlife (Mature Bucks & Predators)
Recommendation: No-Glow (940nm)
If you are tracking mature bucks, coyotes, or foxes, choose a No-Glow trail camera. These animals are highly pressured and sensitive to unnatural light. The faint red glow of an 850nm camera can alter their behavior or cause them to avoid your setup entirely.
Best for Home Security & Anti-Theft
Recommendation: No-Glow (940nm)
When catching trespassers or thieves, stealth is the priority. A No-Glow camera ensures the intruder is recorded without revealing the camera's location. A Low-Glow camera's red light acts like a beacon in the dark, giving away its position immediately.
Best for General Observation & Inventory
Recommendation: Low-Glow (850nm)
For monitoring food plots, feeders, or general deer herds, a Low-Glow trail camera is the industry standard. Most younger deer and raccoons are indifferent to the red glow. In exchange, you get significantly better picture quality and flash range, allowing you to count antler points or identify animals at a distance more accurately.
Best for Maximum Range & Budget
Recommendation: Low-Glow (850nm)
If you need to cover a large field edge or are setting up multiple cameras on a tight budget, 850nm cameras offer the best performance-to-price ratio. Their extended flash range makes them superior for wide-open spaces.