I had never heard of a trail camera, but as soon as I did, few months ago, I wanted one, right away. I got this HC-801A trail camera. I knew I would love seeing the critters that visit my yard, day and night. We never would've known that we had coyotes visit at night. It sets up fairly easily but I still haven't really figured out how to see the pics and videos on the camera, so I just watch them on the computer (with included cord) and can click right thru each one quickly. I set it up for pics and videos and so there are about 10 still pics and then a video clip and so on. It takes 8 AA batteries but says it will work on 4, but I stick with 8. We have rechargeables which are great. It seems to be able to record a few days before recharging batteries. It also has a plug for 6V 1.5A power plug (not included), but out in my yard, I don't have power. You push the 3 position switch from off to the right, wait about 5 seconds and then push to third position and a light on front blinks, then it starts recording. It has a tight seal so it can stay out in the rain and be fine. There are no visible lights to alert that it's recording so nothing is scared away by it. This would also be a great security camera except if used continuously, you would want to get a power cord. Of course, it wouldn't alert you of any problems, but if there was one, it would capture it. It records alot of clips and then I guess would record over old clips when it runs out of space. We bought a 64 GB card. It also has a tripod hole to be able to mount it. So buy one and have fun too.