Well, it is and it isnt.

It *really* needs motion detection as the chances are the battery/film/memory would run out just as the damned things are coming out. Also part of the challenge is doing it on a budget, like those occasional projects that make it into wired where someone does something for <$300 when the alternative costs $100000 etc

The Tailor made alternatives are trailer cameras, which cost from £150-£500 or so, and take still shots and video (often only 10 sec clips though) during the day and night when triggered by motion. The problem with these are the cost, and the fact that the focus distance is generally set at a few metres +, whereas I want it from maybe 0.5m-3m, and constant video.

I still reckon with the right know how and a bit of luck I should be able to put something together ~£150 which is the same quality or better (in terms of video) that will be able to record animals at night at a close distance and that are smaller than big game.

http://www.pc-point.co.uk/electronic-gadgets/cool-gadgets/ultra-compact-minidv-camcorder-motion-detection-30-fps

I was right about it only being a matter of time before these "MiniDV" cameras with sound detection also got motion detection. Now I just need to wait for someone to bring a decent one out with IR on it and Im sorted

That or I get one of these, and see if the sensor can pick up IR, and just power an IR lightsource separately