Several statistical models have recently been developed to estimate animal density using camera trappings without individual animal recognition. However, most models assume that detection by camera traps of animals passing a specific area of the camera view is perfect. A recently developed REST model (Nakashima et al. 2018; Journal of Applied Ecology 55: 735–744) also depends on the trapping rates and staying times within a specific area. We tested whether commercial camera traps provided unbiased estimates of these parameters by conducting an experimental trial using a domestic dog in a city park in Japan. Additionally, we tested the effects of camera angle on the estimation of these parameters using the Bushnell camera. The Bushnell camera captured the dog 96% of the time, while the Ltl-Acorn camera missed about half of his passes. The staying time was underestimated by 4% using the Bushnell and overestimated by 25% using the Ltl-Acorn camera. The bias in density estimation was < 10% using the Bushnell camera. Camera angle did not affect detection probability, while the downward-angled cameras underestimated staying time due to the delayed trigger. We hope to share the results with manufacturers to make camera traps more suitable for animal density estimation.