Best Cellular Camera?

[Ahuntin1]

I need to upgrade my fleet of cameras and need suggestions of the best cameras. I tried a few of the spypoints last season and decided that cellular is worth it but I need much better cameras (mainly reliability but quality too).
What are the best mid tier and top tier cameras?

 

[BSK]

Personally, I don't use cell cameras in my fleet of cameras, but I don't think you can go wrong with Browning cameras. They are pretty close to top-of-the-line pricewise, but from what I'm hearing from users of their cell cameras, they are worth it. I'm slowly upgrading most of my cameras to Browning models, and they are great systems. Not one failure yet.

 

[AM84]

I tried 4 SpyPoint cameras and I'm not impressed with them after just 2-3 months. They worked great for the first couple weeks and then have gotten worse since.

i recently ordered a few Browning defender Pro Scout cameras and so far they've been very impressive. Great video and good pictures. I tested them at the house and they will send pictures immediately after they take them and watching traffic didn't miss 1 picture. Hopefully they will continue to work that well.

 

[Andy S.]

From all of my research, this is my answer:

Budget friendly - Reveal Tactacam ($125/camera)

Mid Range - appears to be Browning ($200+)

Mid/High Range - Spartan ($300-400)

Top Tier - Reconyx ($600)

I run Reveals and they have been flawless thus far (12 months). My buddies run Spartan and Reveals and they like both, but their Spartans appear to be feature rich when compared to Reveals.

 

[TheLBLman]

From all of my research, this is my answer:

Budget friendly - Reveal Tactacam ($125/camera)

Mid Range - appears to be Browning ($200+)

Mid/High Range - Spartan ($300-400)

Top Tier - Reconyx ($600)

I run Reveals and they have been flawless thus far (12 months). My buddies run Spartan and Reveals and they like both.

Very good analysis, but keep in mind there is more to compare than just the up-front cost of the cam.

For me, I'm getting a better overall value with the Browning cell cams than my Reveal Tactacams.

 

[FredRog72]

I've got one Moultrie cell cam that was around $100 (it was a gift) and it's okay at best. Picture quality has improved as Moultrie has improved their server but still lacking. The data packages are where they get you. So my question is, what are the cost of the data packages that Andy mentioned above because I'm in the market for maybe one or two more cell cameras.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

The data packages are where they get you. So my question is, what are the cost of the data packages that Andy mentioned above because I'm in the market for maybe one or two more cell cameras.

That has been what has deterred me from going cellular. You may have a $100 camera working well, but how long will it last? Another thing - you're paying $10/month for up to 1000 pics.....that's $120 data + $100 camera = $220 that first year, plus taxes. $120/year thereafter.

Not too bad ($220) for when you're comparing that against a quality non-cellular camera for around $200..... you have the benefit of going cellular being only $20 more. BUT all of these cameras in the $100 range are sub-par IMO (Spypoint, Moultrie, etc....). Other than quality and customer service, longevity is what I look for. I love the concept, however, just not for my investments for now.

One more thing, say that $100 camera lasts 3 years and works flawlessly. That's 3 X $120 just for the data = $360. I'd take 2 more quality $200 cameras instead! You're just paying $40 additional dollars. So, in that 3 year period, you have 3 quality cameras instead of just one. That's just me - I always factor in the following years.

 

[AM84]

That has been what has deterred me from going cellular. You may have a $100 camera working well, but how long will it last? Another thing - you're paying $10/month for up to 1000 pics.....that's $120 data + $100 camera = $220 that first year, plus taxes. $120/year thereafter.

Not too bad ($220) for when you're comparing that against a quality non-cellular camera for around $200..... you have the benefit of going cellular being only $20 more. BUT all of these cameras in the $100 range are sub-par IMO (Spypoint, Moultrie, etc....). Other than quality and customer service, longevity is what I look for. I love the concept, however, just not for my investments for now.

One more thing, say that $100 camera lasts 3 years and works flawlessly. That's 3 X $120 just for the data = $360. I'd take 2 more quality $200 cameras instead! You're just paying $40 additional dollars. So, in that 3 year period, you have 3 quality cameras instead of just one. That's just me - I always factor in the following years.

I agree with this line of thinking to an extent though I have 7 cell cams now. I don't intend to pay for the service for the entire year on all 7. 4 of the 7 are the spypoint cams and though I'm not impressed with them at all I'm going to stick them on trails where maybe I only get 1 to 2 max pictures of each deer that would walk by and take advantage of the free 100 pics a month deal. I will put the Browning cams I've bought on mineral/scrapes for videos and pictures. For about 6-7 months out of the year.

I will say though that I now look forward to getting an update from my cameras each day to see what's been happening. It's usually a nice surprise to get that notification as it happens.

 

[TheLBLman]

Also don't overlook battery life, which becomes an even larger issue with cell cams because all cell cams drain batteries quicker than non-cell cams.

For quite a bit last year I ran a Reveal Tactacam beside a Browning Scout Pro.
The Tactacam requires 12 AA batteries; the Scout Pro requires 8.
The Scout Pro runs approximately twice as long on 8 as the Tactacam on 12.

Also, it's almost a necessity to ONLY use lithium batteries in cell cams,
whereas I often use rechargeable batteries in non-cell. Situation, timing, and settings will greatly effect battery life. I've gotten as little as 5 weeks and currently have some Browning Scout Pros at 9 months and still going.

Keep in mind there are lots of issues to consider, this is just one, but one that's bigger on cell cams for these reasons in particular:

1) We typically are using cell cams because we want to visit the cam site less often;
2) We may be using cell cams because it's much harder to visit the cam site often.
3) Cell cams drain batteries much faster than non-cell cams.

 

[TheLBLman]

Also, most of the cell cam data plans do allow you to start & stop, remove cams, add cams, etc. Not running them all, say between March & June, can reduce your annual operating expenses significantly.

I will say though that I now look forward to getting an update from my cameras each day to see what's been happening. It's usually a nice surprise to get that notification as it happens.

Yes, it can add some quality moments to every day

Frequency of uploads is another setting that greatly effects battery life.
If you set to upload immediately with each event, you may be very disappointed in how long your batteries don't last.

 

[BSK]

Wasn't familiar with the Spartan cams, so I looked them up. Appears they are the first trail-camera to offer Live Streaming. How interesting.

Reviews show they take great pictures, especially No Glow night pictures (long flash range and clear images). However, they tend to be battery hogs, and their detection circuitry isn't the best.

 

[Chiflyguy]

I use Barn Owl.
I can watch my Tennesee house from 480 miles away.
So far so good. Bought the one with the solar panel.

 

[Antler Daddy]

I just use any brand that I find in the woods and along fields edges. People just leave them everywhere without a name or phone on them!
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[JCDEERMAN]

I will say though that I now look forward to getting an update from my cameras each day to see what's been happening. It's usually a nice surprise to get that notification as it happens.

That's another reason why I don't need these cell-cams. I don't want to be glued to my phone all the time. I wouldn't be able to resist it

 

[TheLBLman]

That's another reason why I don't need these cell-cams. I don't want to be glued to my phone all the time. I wouldn't be able to resist it

Much of the time, I have to change the settings frequently (something easily done remotely with a few mouse clicks) so that my cell cams only send me pics early am and at bedtime. Otherwise, their coming in is just too much a distraction. If using for security purposes, you may want "instant", but at least in that application, shouldn't be going off often.

 

[Andy S.]

I run 12 Energizer Lithium AAs ($16) in my Reveals and they typically last 5-6 months on 3 shot burst and unlimited transmission to my app. I pay $13/month for the unlimited data plan, but could probably get by on the $8/month plan for 500 pics per camera per month. You can also pay up front for one year and save 20% or so. With that said, I may go this route for my more stationary cellular cameras just to see how it all works out.

 

[PickettSFHunter]

I use Spartan and Tactacam. Spartans are definitely nicer but of course cost more. I don't worry about the data cost so much because I'm sure it actually saves me money to not being be burning fuel going to all of these properties checking normal cameras. My choice without cost being a factor: Spartan. I get great battery life out of both brands with lithium's.

 

[Andy S.]

My want/need for cellular cameras is different than most. I have 6 Reconyx cameras that are 10-15 years old still going strong, and 4 Browning Dark Ops that have been good to me for 3-5 years. I have more than I can use with traditional trail cameras, and just like tinkering with the Reveal cellular cameras, at a cheap price point. I "want" a Reconyx cellular camera to play with, but I am too tight to spend $600 just to experiment. Thus far, the $125 Reveals have done everything I have wanted, and been fun to tinker with.

 

[Andy S.]

I don't worry about the data cost so much because I'm sure it actually saves me money to not being be burning fuel going to all of these properties checking normal cameras.

Amen! My "time" alone is worth more than the monthly data plans.

 

[Hogman43]

The Spypoint cameras I've had were all junk. I made the switch to Spartan last year and they've been great. They're pricey but in the long run worth it.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Amen! My "time" alone is worth more than the monthly data plans.

Totally agree on our precious time, Andy. If I could afford to move to all cellular, I'm sure I would in a heartbeat, even though I try to stay somewhat primitive.

 

[.300 WSM]

Very good analysis, but keep in mind there is more to compare than just the up-front cost of the cam.

For me, I'm getting a better overall value with the Browning cell cams than my Reveal Tactacams.

Do you have to purchase a cell plan for each camera? Please explain that for me… much appreciated

 

[TheLBLman]

Do you have to purchase a cell plan for each camera?

Each brand (such as TactaCam or Browning) will have their own cell "plan".
You may put multiple cell cams on a single "plan", but only the same brand on any branded plan.

This is similar to your having say 3 or 4 cell phones on the same cell plan with a particular phone carrier such as Verizon.

You will typically get a better value per pic and/or per month per cam via using more cams on a single plan.

Some plans have "sweet spot" breakpoints where if you have several cams, huge discount, but try adding a single additional cam, you may pay more for that 1 extra than the last 2 or 3 added.

There are lots of plan options.
Some allow you to upload video clips, some don't.
Some allow HD uploads included in the plan; others charge you extra per HD upload.

It's every bit as complicated as trying to compare the price/value aspect of using Verizon or AT&T for your personal cell phones. In fact, with cell cams, you will typically have to choose to either use Verizon or AT&T towers, although you only pay your cell cam's proprietary cell plan (not Verizon or AT&T).

Cell cam "plans" are totally separate from anything you may be doing with your personal cell phones.

 

[Rem7600]

Tractor supply 2 for$100 year round stealth cams I've had good luck with I hunt a lot of wma and if something happen to it or stolen not a big loss. I've also been watching Richard's sporting goods the past 2 years and been picking them up and wildgames for$25a piece and was verysurprised at the quality of pictures. Mainly around holidays Richard's has them on sale. Overall these cameras do its job and no issues. I start putting them out right after 4th of July with energize batteries and don't have to change them all year. My cameras are out 6 months a year

 

[Rem7600]

Also tractor supply has a card reader usb and c port in one for 9.99 take the card from the camera and check it on my phone and put it right back. This makes checking them easier for me I have a lot of cameras

 

[13pt]

I can help some with the high end cell camera review. I'm a Reconyx fanatic and currently own 18 of them. I still even have one that used the C size batteries which is likely 15-20 years old...though they finally developed a kit to convert that older model to AA lithium. The reason I have 18 is I have 4 separate properties I hunt, and when used strategically trail cameras are a game changer. I've often said if they outlaw game cameras I'd probably have to retire from hunting...lol...but seriously . The reason I use only Reconyx came from a couple of years of extensive side-by-side testing with most other well known models several years ago. The difference in missed pictures with the competition was just not acceptable. Why even put out a trail camera if you're going miss some activity, which could be the very buck you've been waiting to see. Their tag line, "See what you've been missing" couldn't be more accurate. Now, having said that, I realize technology has evolved considerably since my test sessions, but I'm sticking with what I know will never fail me. Ok, so now you know why I use only Reconyx and have 18 of them. Earlier this year I purchased their cell camera. Now, I absolutely do not plan to replace my non-cell cameras with cell cameras, and many have already stated my same reasons why. I have a unique need for a top end cell camera. One need is I have evidence someone has been sneaking into the back side of my trophy bass pond and fishing...probably at night. Hopefully they aren't reading this, but that camera is active right now at the backside of my pond. I can see the pond from my house, but it's wooded around two sides, so trespassers are likely coming in at night. I have it set to take only night time pictures to keep my billing usage down. Another need is we live at a dead end road, so when we leave for vacation I put the camera on the driveway. A third need comes around at deer season. I have one of the properties where I have exclusive permission that I suspect the neighbor is sneaking in on occasion to check my food plot. It's a ways off and I generally only hunt their a few days out of the season...and he knows it and lives right there. So, this year I'll be spying the likely entry point with my Reconyx cell camera. This means I'll probably be buying one more. I don't plan to use them to replace how I use trail cameras on my scrapes, trails, etc, but for the needs I just mentioned they are necessary. The things I like about the Reconyx, other than you don't miss a thing, are...1) I can turn off the cell plan for up to 6 months of the year basically making it dormant with no monthly fee...2) I can modify all camera settings from my cell phone...3) the battery life so far has been excellent with over 10,000 pictures during my testing period and no noticeable battery drain on the Energizer lithiums...4) Reconyx customer service has always been top notch over my 15+ years of experience with them. Obviously the drawback is the price tag, but like everything else, you generally get what you pay for. For what's it worth, Reconyx cameras hold their resale value incredibly well. You can buy another brand for $150 and use it for 2-3 years and be lucky to get $50 for it if you sell. The cameras I paid $450 for 5-10 years ago I can still sell for $250-$300 no problem. So, you may be paying more, but you'll retain much more value with a much better camera, so really how much difference are we talking to have the peace of mind "I'm not missing a thing"!

 

[Andy S.]

Worth mentioning too, each cellular camera can be used as an ordinary trail camera if you do not want to purchase a data plan to transmit photos to the app. Food for thought.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Worth mentioning too, each cellular camera can be used as an ordinary trail camera if you do not want to purchase a data plan to transmit photos to the app. Food for thought.

When the Spypoints all came out and went down to $100 or slightly under that, I thought about doing just that, in the event I ever wanted to turn the service on. But first, I wanted reviews from others of how the camera worked - glad I didn't go that route. However, I have definitely kept this thought in my back pocket and will use this approach for other wallet-friendly cameras with the cellular option (Moultrie Delta types, etc....).

 

[TheLBLman]

Worth mentioning too, each cellular camera can be used as an ordinary trail camera if you do not want to purchase a data plan to transmit photos to the app. Food for thought.

Yes, this is a big deal, and maybe everyone wasn't aware.
Ongoing, I plan to use my two Tactacams as just regular trail cams, as I'm very happy with their image quality, and they're a good cam for using over salt licks.

 

[Andy S.]

I just replaced my 12 AA Energizer Lithium batteries ($16) in my Tactacam Reveal (Gen 1) yesterday evening. Here are some stats for those interested:

Deployed Monday November 2, 2020
Batteries died Sunday June 6, 2021
Duration in field: 217 days (scrapes, frigid cold February, turkeys, salt lick)
32GB card used, 22.4GB of storage used, no photos overwritten on SD card
Settings were 12MP, 3 shot burst, flash setting on high (all can be changed from the app)
10,299 pics taken, A LOT at night (more battery drain when using flash at night)
3,433 pics transmitted to my Reveal app on my phone
Average of 475 pics transmitted to app per month (assume 30 day month)
Average of 15.82 pics transmitted to app per day

If you chose to pay monthly, you can pay $8/month for 500 photo data plan. $8/month = $96/annually. If you pay for a year up front, that cost is $85 for 500 pics per month, so you save $11 over the year. Not worth it IMO if you think you will turn camera on/off throughout the year like many choose to do.

Assume 2 sets of lithium batteries at $16 a set are needed for a calendar year, and you have $32 invested.

After initial sunk cost of $125 for camera and $10 for SD card, a rough estimate to run this camera for 12 months is $96 + $32 = $128 for the year. There are some locations I hunt that I literally have to spend $25 gas to drive 120 miles to/from one time, PLUS 4-6 hours of my time are tied up in that one excursion. As I have stated before, my time is worth more than my money at this point in my life. Cellular cams definitely have a place for many outdoorsmen who are extremely busy with careers and life in general, which is a lot of us I suspect.