Meidase P80 Trail Camera Review

The Meidase P80 is one of a growing number of trail cameras that offer Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. These cameras allow you to easily access the camera from up to 50 feet away. This is ideal if you want to place the camera in an elevated position or other hard-to-reach location.

Placing trail cameras like the P80 in these difficult to reach spots not only make it difficult for thieves or vandals to wreck or steal your camera, but it can also help minimize the chances that the camera will spook those wise old bucks or other game animals that you are trying to monitor.

Introducing the Meidase P80 Trail Camera

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With the small, but growing number of trail cameras with WiFi and Bluetooth currently on the market there is a great variety in terms of the features and specs available, which can make choosing a camera more difficult.

Unlike some other trail cameras with WiFi and Bluetooth the Meidase P80 is a pretty full-featured camera with some great specs.

Pros

  • High-resolution pictures and videos
  • Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity
  • No glow flash
  • Fast trigger speed
  • Competitively priced
  • IP66 Weatherproof

Cons

  • Detection angle is wider on some other models
  • Records 1296p videos @ 20fps

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Review of Key Features and Benefits of the Meidase P80 Trail Camera

Camera

One of the things that set the Meidase P80 apart from other trail cameras is its megapixel count. It has a 32MP camera with a super-wide 120° field of view (FOV) and a wide-angle 16:9 aspect ratio that captures clear photos and videos. It can record HD video in 1296p at 20fps or 1080p @ 30fps for faster-moving action. This is a great feature to have and most people will be happy with either the 20fps or the 30fps.

In addition to the expected photo and video modes, the P80 has a photo+video mode, where it takes a picture before recording a video. This feature will boost the diversity of your recordings and is something we look for in cameras these days.

Built-In Wi-Fi and App Control

One of the most attractive features of the P80 that help to make the camera more versatile is its Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. Using the free “Meidase Mobile” app, which has versions available for both iOS and Android devices, you will be able to use your smartphone or other compatible devices to connect to the P80 and control it wirelessly.

The user-friendly app enables you to view and download pictures and videos or change the camera’s settings. Once the Meidase Mobile app is installed on your device connecting to the camera is a quick and easy 4-step process.

  • Step1 – Connecting to the camera through Bluetooth
  • Step2 – Activating the camera: Once connected via Bluetooth you will be able to “activate the camera”. In other words, you will be able to turn its WiFi signal on.
  • Step3 – Searching for the camera’s WiFi signal:  Much like you would if you went to someplace new and needed to connect to their WiFi for the first time you would need to search for the available WiFi signals. In this case, you will be looking for P80’s signal.
  • Step4 – Connecting through WiFi: When you see the P80’s WiFi signal you will want to select it so you can connect to the camera. Once connected you will have access to the full features and functionality of the app.

Being able to connect to the camera from a distance allows you to place the trail camera in elevated or other hard-to-reach places without having to worry about having to remember bringing a ladder or other equipment every time you want to check the camera. It has an external antenna that helps to make sure you have a strong connection and minimizes the chances of losing your connection when using the WiFi signal. Depending on the camera’s surroundings, you should expect its Bluetooth to have a range of about 33 feet. Meanwhile, its WiFi signal should have a range of approximately 50 feet.

Motion (PIR) Sensor

The motion sensor is a critical component of any trail camera. It detects movement within its detection range and triggers the camera to start recording video or taking pictures. The P80 has a centrally located motion sensor with a 75-foot detection range. It has a 70° detection angle. Some people prefer a motion sensor with a 110° or 120° detection angle if they don’t know where the action will be in the area they are having the camera monitor, but cameras with wider detection angles or multiple sensors will typically come with a higher price tag.

The motion sensor is adjustable with three sensitivity levels: high, medium, and low. This will allow you to customize the camera for the conditions it is being placed in to ensure it captures as many pictures and videos as possible while minimizing the chances of the camera experiencing false triggers. I typically like to start out with the camera on the high setting, which Meidase says is a good choice when the temperature is warm or you want to capture distant objects. If I find that that camera is getting too many false triggers I will try the lower settings, which can also be helpful when the temperature is colder or if you only want to monitor areas that are closer to the camera.

Trigger Speed

At 0.2 seconds this camera has an above-average trigger speed. When this fast trigger speed is combined with its wide-angle lens it becomes almost impossible for something to trigger the P80 and evade being captured in pictures or video.

Recovery Time

The amount of time it takes for a trail camera to be ready to capture another picture after being triggered and capturing a previous photo is referred to as its “recovery time” or “recovery speed”.

Many manufacturers don’t list the recovery speeds for their trail cameras, but thankfully Meidase does. The recovery speed for the P80 is a fast 0.5 seconds, which is a great combination with its super-quick trigger speed.

Flash

The no glow flash is another great selling point for this Meidase model. The 36pcs 940nm infrared LEDs with their 75-foot flash range provide ample illumination, allowing you to take shots and record video at night while ensuring that the camera remains invisible in the darkness.

As pointed out in other reviews, having a no glow flash makes a trail camera much more versatile and is ideal for use on public hunting land, property security and surveillance, or any other setting where you want the location of your camera to remain hidden a night.

Dimensions

The Meidase P80 trail camera measures 5.6 x 4.2 x 2.5 inches (height x width x depth). Given all of the features of this camera, some of which we have yet to cover, the P80 is pretty compact and its dimensions compare well against other cameras in its class.

Time-Lapse Feature

The time-lapse feature has become pretty common on trail cameras these days and has become something that we expect to see on full-featured trail cameras. So we are happy to report that the P80 has a time-lapse feature.

If you want to monitor activity in an area that is beyond the range of the motion sensors, or if you want to capture a slow occurring event, the time-lapse feature is very useful. It can also be an option if you are dealing with false triggers that you can’t get rid of, although not my first option.

Note: If you use the time-lapse feature on the P80 it will cause the camera’s motion sensor to be disabled. So in other words, if an object comes into the detection area, the camera won’t be triggered to take pictures or record video as it normally would. The only photos the camera will take will be at the time intervals you specified.

Hours of Operation Timer

This feature allows users to specify a specific time period each day when the camera will be in operation. This is a great feature for people that don’t need or want the camera to be monitoring an area 24 hours per day. Plus, not only will the Hours of Operation Timer prevent the camera from taking a bunch of pictures and videos you aren’t interested in, but it will also extend the camera’s battery life and help conserve storage space on the memory card when this feature is enabled.

LCD Screen

The 2.4-inch color LDC screen, which is about as big as you can hope for on today’s trail cameras, helps to make the initial setup of the P80 quick and easy. It also allows you to adjust the settings of the camera and view your photos and videos without having to remove the memory card from the camera. After the camera is initially set up, there is little need to use the screen since you will be able to do all this from a distance using the app on your smartphone.

Memory Card

SanDisk 512GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Card - C10, U3, V30, 4K UHD, SD Card - SDSDXXY-512G-GN4IN

The camera uses SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a maximum capacity of up to 512GB. For best performance, Meidase recommends using Class 10 cards. If you are looking for a high-capacity memory card that will allow you to use your camera in remote locations for long periods of time without worrying about running out of space we suggest the SanDisk Extreme Pro 512GB SDXC memory card. If you plan on checking the camera regularly and aren’t worried about it running out of storage space, maybe because you don’t have the camera posted in a very busy location, you might be happy with the less expensive SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB SDHC memory card. If you are interested in learning more about which memory cards are best for trail cameras you can read our article about the Best SD Cards for Trail Cameras.

In the event the memory card does run out of storage space you will be happy to know that the P80 has a Loop Recording feature. When this option is activated it will cause the oldest files to be overwritten by the new pictures and videos when the SD card becomes full.

Password Protection

Included in the many things the Meidase P80 has going for it is its password protection feature. When you enable this feature, you will be prompted to create a 4-digit password of your choosing. After you have created your password and then activate this feature you will be required to enter the password whenever you want to access the camera’s menu, change its settings or use the LDC screen to view pictures and videos it has captured. This can be a valuable feature – especially for those who are using the camera for security purposes.

Batteries

Energizer AA Batteries, Ultimate Lithium Double A Battery, 24 Count

This trail camera uses 8 AA alkaline or lithium batteries. It is important to note that while rechargeable NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries can be used – they are not RECOMMENDED. This is because the lower voltage rechargeable batteries provide can cause performance issues with the flash when recording video or taking pictures at night. To get maximum battery life and top performance we suggest that you use some high-quality lithium batteries like the Energizer AA Ultimate Lithium batteries. If you want to learn more about why we suggest using the batteries we do and why you can read our article on the Best Batteries for Trail Cameras.

Sale
Energizer AA Ultimate Lithium batteries
  • 24 Pack of Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries
  • Leak proof construction protects the devices you love (based on standard use)
  • Powers your most critical devices ideal for your smart home devices, outdoor surveillance systems, digital cameras, and handheld games
  • Holds power up to 25 years in storage for trustworthy backup energy, so you’re always prepared. Warning: Risk of fire. Battery can explode or leak and cause injury if installed backwards, disassembled, charged, crushed, mixed with used or other battery types, or exposed to fire or high temperature
  • Performs in extreme temperatures, from -40F to 140° F, for year round, indoor and outdoor use

Input for External Power Supply

It has an input for a 12V, 1A DC external power supply with a 5.5 x 2.1mm plug. Using an external power supply will give you the option to use extend the amount of time you can leave the camera unattended without having to worry about the batteries dying.

Being able to use a solar panel or other external power sources can be invaluable, especially if you mount the camera in an elevated position or live far away from the area you are monitoring and are not able to check the camera regularly.

Image Stamp

The image stamp on the Meidase P80 shows you the date, time, temperature, moon phase, and camera name (which can be very helpful if you end up purchasing multiple cameras). You have the option to turn the image stamp on or off. However, unless you are using the camera for nature photography I really can’t imagine very many situations where you would ever need or want to turn this off.

Using the details included in the image stamp can really give you a leg up when you want to sort through your images and recordings to look for patterns of behavior with game animals.

Included Accessories

You can expect the following items to be included with the Meidase P80’s packaging.

  • 1-Mounting strap
  • 1-Mini-USB Cord
  • Instruction Manual

Unlike some other cameras, it does not come with a mounting bracket. A mounting bracket gives you a lot of options for how and where to place a trail camera including mounting it from elevated positions. However, the P80 does have a 1/4″ tripod socket, which can accommodate any number of inexpensive tree camera mounts or holders on Amazon. Mounting trail cameras from elevated positions is not just helpful when using cameras for security purposes, but it is becoming increasingly popular when using trail cameras to monitor deer and other game animals as well.

Areas of Use

As evidenced by its great features this is a very adaptable trail camera. Thanks to its no glow flash keeping the camera’s location concealed at night you can feel confident using it in a variety of ways including monitoring game animals (even on public land), property surveillance, and nature photography. Plus, with its Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, you have the option of putting the P80 in hard-to-reach places and know that all you need is your smartphone to easily change the camera’s settings or see what it has captured.

One of the only ways this camera may come up short for you would be if you need a camera that sends you pictures over a cellular network as soon as they are captured. If that is the case you need to be looking at a cellular trail camera.

Pricing

The Meidase P80 is admittedly priced higher than entry-level cameras but, it offers so many features and is so well-equipped, that it is an exceptional bargain. The Meidase P80 is a WiFi/Bluetooth trail camera that has features most people would want in a top-of-the-line camera, but at a very affordable price it is a camera you can feel good about purchasing.

Other Options

GardePro E6 Trail Camera

GardePro E6 Trail Camera WiFi 24MP 1296P Game Camera with No Glow Night Vision Motion Activated Waterproof for Wildlife Deer Scouting Hunting or Property Security, Camo

We previously did a review for the GardePro E6, which is very similar to the Meidase P80. However, there are a few areas where the Meidase P80 has a slight advantage over the E6. First, the E6 has a wide-angle lens with a 110° FOV compared to the 120° found on the Meidase. The second area where the P80 has a leg up over the GardePro E6 is with its faster 0.2-second trigger speed compared to the 0.5-second trigger speed found on the GardePro E6. A third difference between the GardePro E6 and the Meidase P80 is in the capacity of memory cards they can accept with the E6 being able to accept cards with a maximum capacity of 256GB while the P80 can accept cards with a larger 256GB storage capacity (both 128 and 256GB cards are very large).

In the end, the Meidase P80 is a better camera in terms of its specs, but both cameras would probably make users happy. So my recommendation would be to check and see the price of the GardePro E6 and see if it is lower than the Meidase P80 and let that help you make your decision. You can see the current price of the GardePro E6 here.

GardePro E8 Trail Camera

GardePro E8 Trail Camera WiFi 32MP 1296p Fast 0.1s Trigger Speed Motion Activated 100ft Night Vision IP66 Waterproof

If you really like the Meidase P80, but really wished that it had a wider detection area or would like to have more control over the detection area the GardePro E8 is a great choice. Instead of one PIR sensor with a 70° detection angle, the GardePro E8 has 3 PIR sensors that give the E8 a massive 120° detection angle with the option to turn the side sensors off if needed. In addition, the E8 boasts a longer 100-foot no glow flash range and a faster 0.1 second trigger speed. Other than that the GardePro E8 has pretty much the same features and specs as the Meidase P80.

While the Meidase P80 will do a great job in most situations, the GardePro E8 will offer you a few advantages if you are willing to pay a few extra dollars. You can see the current price of the GardePro E8 here.

Campark T85 Trail Camera

Campark T85 WiFi Bluetooth 20MP 1296P Trail Hunting Camera

If you are interested in having a Bluetooth and WiFi-enabled trail camera, but like the idea of having a wider detection range the Campark T85 trail camera could be the choice for you as it has 3 PIR sensors with adjustable settings, which give it a 120° detection angle. The T85 has adjustable no glow flash is listed as having a 65-foot range, which is shorter than the 75-foot range on the Meidase P80, but some users will report the T85 having a range of up to 75-feet. This Campark doesn’t have an external antenna, which could disappoint some users who want to connect from longer distances, but most people won’t notice a difference.

The other difference between the Campark T85 and the Meidase P80 is the camera. The T85 only captures 20MP images compared to the 32MP pictures on the P80. However, the Campark T85 records 1296p video at 30fps, which is a higher frame rate than the 20fps the P80 captures 1296p video at. That said, both cameras capture 1080p video at 30fps. If you want to learn more about what this difference in frame rate means you can read our article where we discuss frame rates.

We previously did a full review of the Campark T85. Unlike the GardePro E8, which we just discussed, the Campark T85 is often priced the same or less than the Meidase P80. You can check the current price of the Campark T85 here.

Final Thoughts

With a terrific blend of value and functionality, the Meidase P80 Bluetooth and WiFi-enabled trail camera is ideal for the hunter who likes to keep his presence in the woods a secret. Its high-resolution photo and video capability, no glow flash, and fast trigger speed make the P80 a great addition to your trail camera arsenal.

You can check the current price of the Meidase P80 here.

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 05:31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Dan G.
Dan G.

Dan is an avid hunter and outdoor enthusiast who has a passion for trail cameras and other hunting equipment. With years of experience in the field, Dan has gained extensive knowledge about the latest technologies and trends.

He has written numerous articles and reviews on trail cameras, tree stands, game calls, and other hunting accessories, helping fellow hunters, property owners, and wildlife enthusiasts make informed decisions when choosing their equipment.

When he's not in the woods, Dan enjoys sharing his love for the outdoors with his family and friends. If you're looking for expert advice on trail cameras and hunting gear, Dan is a go-to source for reliable and unbiased information.