Trail cameras, also known as game cameras, are rugged, waterproof cameras. They are designed to be installed outside and operate automatically, triggering through motion sensors. Some higher end models have remote control capabilities through cellular networks. Game cameras generally have big batteries and can be autonomous for weeks on end.
Trail cameras are predominantly used in the monitoring of wildlife for different purposes. Hunters use trail cameras for hunt planning, while conservationists may use the data to fight extinction of rare species. These cameras can also have security applications and are actively used to fight poaching. Due to their sensor triggering, trail cameras are even used in paranormal investigations.
In recent years, the image quality of game cameras has rapidly improved. Because of this, they are increasingly utilized by wildlife photographers in pursuit of elusive species. This is why we’ve decided to have a look at the current offers on the market. As one of the leading trail camera manufacturers, Spypoint has a comprehensive model line-up to match every need and budget.
FORCE-20
At only $99, the FORCE-20 is Spypoint’s entry level model. Despite the affordable pricetag, the camera comes with an impressive list of features. In fact, the FORCE-20 is the highest resolution camera in the current Spypoing line-up. The camea can shoot still images, video and timelapses with it’s 20 megapixel sensor.
Daytime images are in full color, while at night the camera shoots IR black and white. Like all game cameras in the Spypoint range, the FORCE-20 features a low-glow IR LED flash light to enable capture in complete darkness. Photos and videos can be timestamped for easier reference. In addition data such as moon phase and temperature can also be imprinted.
| Resolution | 20 megapixels |
| Video | 720p without sound |
| Trigger speed | 0.7 sec |
| Detection range | < 70 feet (21m) |
| Flash range | < 80 feet (24m) |
| Screen | 1.5″ settings only |
| Network | none |
| Storage | SD/SDHC card up to 32GB 16GB SD card included |
| Power | 8 x AA Batteries Optional addtional rechargeable battery pack via 12V DC Input |
| Dimensions | 3.8″ W x 5.0″ H x 2.7″D (9,6 cm W x 12,7 cm H x 5,1 cm D) |
| Attachment | 1/4″-20 Standard tripod thread mount Strap (included) |
FORCE-DARK
The FORCE-DARK is a step up in the Spypoint line-up both in features and price. Coming in at $129.99, the FORCE-DARK game camera punches way above it’s pricepoint. An extra $30 over the FORCE-20 gets you some significant upgrades such as ten times shorter trigger time and increased detection and flash ranges. The 0.07 sec triggering speed of the FORCE-DARK matches the Spypoint top models, including the $499.99 flagman LINK-S.
Like the FORCE-20, the DARK can also shoot still images, video and timelapses. Megapixel count is lower, but video resolution is improved (1080p vs 720p for the FORCE-20). In additon, you get a 2 inch color LCD screen to view images. The same data stamp settings are available on both models.
| Resolution | 12 megapixels |
| Video | 1080p with sound |
| Trigger speed | 0.07 sec |
| Detection range | < 110 feet (33.5m) |
| Flash range | < 90 feet (27m) |
| Screen | 2″ color viewing screen |
| Network | none |
| Storage | SD/SDHC card up to 32GB 16GB SD card included |
| Power | 8 x AA Batteries or LIT-09 Battery pack (not included) Optional addtional rechargeable battery pack via 12V DC Input |
| Dimensions | 3.8″ W x 5.0″ H x 3.2″D (9,6 cm W x 12,7 cm H x 8,1 cm D) |
| Attachment | 1/4″-20 Standard tripod thread mount Strap (included) |
SOLAR-DARK
In terms of shooting capabilities, the SOLAR-DARK is exactly the same camera as the FORCE-DARK. At $199.99, the SOLAR-DARK adds a built-in solar panel and battery. The camera retains the ability to use 8 x AA batteries as additional power back up. It also retains support of the external rechargeable lithium battery pack LIT-09 or any 12V DC input.
| Resolution | 12 megapixels |
| Video | 1080p with sound |
| Trigger speed | 0.07 sec |
| Detection range | < 110 feet (33.5m) |
| Flash range | < 90 feet (27m) |
| Screen | 2″ color viewing screen |
| Network | none |
| Storage | SD/SDHC card up to 32GB 16GB SD card included |
| Power | Built-in solar panel with a rechargeable battery Optional 8 x AA Batteries or LIT-09 Battery pack (not included) Optional addtional rechargeable battery pack via 12V DC Input |
| Dimensions | 3.8″ W x 6.9″ H x 3.9″D (9,6 cm W x 17,5 cm H x 9,9 cm D) |
| Attachment | 1/4″-20 Standard tripod thread mount Strap (included) |
LINK MICRO
Listing at just $149.99 (and even less right here) the LINK-MICRO is Spypoint’s smallest and most affordable cellular trail camera. The small camera forgoes a screen in favour of wireless set up via the Spypoint app. Also, no memory card is included, so make sure you get one separately. Because of it’s small size, the MICRO is the only game camera of the Spypoint line up that uses MicroSD cards.
| Resolution | 10 megapixels |
| Video | none |
| Trigger speed | 0.5 sec |
| Detection range | < 80 feet (24m) |
| Flash range | < 80 feet (24m) |
| Screen | none |
| Network | 4G (HSPA+) Preactivated SIM Card included |
| Storage | MicroSD card up to 32GB (not included) |
| Power | 8 x AA Batteries Optional addtional rechargeable battery pack via 12V DC Input |
| Dimensions without anntena | 3.1″ W X 4.4″ H X 2.2″ D (7,9 cm W X 11,2 cm H X 5,6 cm D) |
| Attachment | 1/4″-20 Standard tripod thread mount Strap (included) |
LINK-EVO
The LINK-EVO is a mid-range cellular trail camera. At $249.99 (and a whole lot less here) it sits between the LINK-MICRO and the LINK-DARK both in terms of specs and price. With a 0.3 sec trigger speed, it’s not the fastest trail camera Spypoint offers, but it’s not the slowest either.
Like the LINK-MICRO, the EVO does not have a screen. It relies on link with the Spypoint app for any setting up.
| Resolution | 12 megapixels |
| Video | 720p without sound |
| Trigger speed | 0.3 sec |
| Detection range | < 80 feet (24m) |
| Flash range | < 90 feet (27m) |
| Screen | none |
| Network | 4G (HSPA+) Preactivated SIM Card included |
| Storage | SD/SDHC card up to 32GB (not included) |
| Power | 8 x AA Batteries or LIT-09 Battery pack (not included) Optional addtional rechargeable battery pack via 12V DC Input |
| Dimensions without antenna | 3.8″ W x 5.0″ H x 3.2″D (9,6 cm W x 12,7 cm H x 8,1 cm D) |
| Attachment | 1/4″-20 Standard tripod thread mount Strap (included) |
LINK-DARK
As the name suggests, the LINK-DARK at $349.99 (or less here) is a lot like the FORCE-DARK camera with cellular connection. It retains the FORCE-DARK‘s invisible IR LED technollogy and adjustable illumination. It also keeps the 0.07 sec triggering time and 2″ screen.
There are, however, a couple of changes. The firts area where it differs is video recording. The LINK-DARK only does 720p video to the 1080p of the FORCE-DARK game camera. It also has slightly shorter detection and flash distances, at 100 and 80 feet respectively.
| Resolution | 12 megapixels |
| Video | 720p with sound |
| Trigger speed | 0.07 sec |
| Detection range | < 100 feet (30m) |
| Flash range | < 80 feet (24m) |
| Screen | 2″ color viewing screen |
| Network | LTE Preactivated SIM Card included GPS Geotagging |
| Storage | SD/SDHC card up to 32GB (not included) |
| Power | 8 x AA Batteries or LIT-09 Battery pack (not included) Optional addtional rechargeable battery pack via 12V DC Input |
| Dimensions without anntena | 3.8″ W x 5.0″ H x 3.2″D (9,6 cm W x 12,7 cm H x 8,1 cm D) |
| Attachment | 1/4″-20 Standard tripod thread mount Strap (included) |
LINK-S
The LINK-S is Spypoint’s flagship game camera at a price point of $499.99. The only Spypoint camera to include cellular data and solar power, it is the ultimate solution for remote monitoring.
| Resolution | 12 megapixels |
| Video | 720p with sound |
| Trigger speed | 0.07 sec |
| Detection range | < 100 feet (30m) |
| Flash range | < 100 feet (30m) |
| Screen | 2″ color viewing screen |
| Network | LTE Preactivated SIM Card included GPS Geotagging |
| Storage | SD/SDHC card up to 32GB (not included) |
| Power | Built-in solar panel with a rechargeable battery Optional 8 x AA Batteries or LIT-09 Battery pack (not included) Optional addtional rechargeable battery pack via 12V DC Input |
| Dimensions without anntena | 3.8″ W x 5.0″ H x 3.2″D (9,6 cm W x 12,7 cm H x 8,1 cm D) |
| Attachment | 1/4″-20 Standard tripod thread mount Strap (included) |
Best Spypoint camera for photography
If you are looking for resolution, the FORCE-20 with it’s 20 megapixel sensor is the highest resolution camera in the current Spypoint range. On the other hand, if you are trying to capture some high speed action you might find the FORCE-20‘s 0.7 shutter trigger speed lacking. In this case, the FORCE-DARK model might be more suitable with it’s 0.07 sec trigger speed, albeit at a lower 12 megapixels. With it’s invisible IR LED flash, the FORCE-DARK is also a better choice if you are looking to shoot mostly at night.
Best Spypoint camera for video
If it’s video you are after, Spypoint currently only has a couple of models that offer FullHD capture. These models are the FORCE-DARK and the SOLAR-DARK. They are identical, save for the built-in solar panel and battery in the SOLAR-DARK. If autonomy is important for you, that might be a valuable addition, although these cameras can run for months on a set of batteries. For the time being, Spypoint does not have a cellular equipped model that shoots 1080p video.
Best Spypoint cellular camera
Spypoint currently offers four cellular game cameras. All four support remote configuration and image transfer via the Spypoint app. Two of them, the LINK-MICRO and LINK-EVO use 4G (HSPA+) networks. The other two, LINK-DARK and LINK-S use LTE technollogy and also include GPS geotagging support.
The models are all different enough in specs and in prices to justify some deliberation. In our opinion, the LINK-DARK gives you the best bang for the buck. If you are looking for a completely autonomous solution, then the solar powered LINK-S is your set-and-forget solution.
