The Moultrie Mobile Edge cellular trail camera is a game-changing device that is helping to revolutionize wildlife monitoring and property surveillance as it offers innovative solutions to common challenges faced by outdoor enthusiasts and hunters. With its ability to utilize multiple cellular networks, give users unlimited cloud storage, and eliminate the need for SD cards, the Edge provides a seamless and efficient user experience.
In this review, we will explore its various features and delve into the features and performance of the Moultrie Mobile Edge evaluating its strengths and weaknesses so you can find out if it is the right cellular trail camera for you.
- Easy Connectivity: Edge's Auto Connect technology keeps you seamlessly connected. Imagine a dependable hunting ally that auto-detects and links to the strongest signal across multiple networks
- Streamlined Memory: Ditch SD cards; Edge boasts built-in & unlimited cloud storage. Access game photos on the Moultrie Mobile app. Edge auto-clears space for new shots. Ultimate convenience
- Effortless Storage: Get unlimited cloud space for wildlife photos. Edge self-manages its memory, auto-clearing for new captures. Never miss a moment; all images are ready for viewing via the app
- Stunning Game Shots: Edge ensures detailed captures with its top-tier sensor. It delivers sharp 33MP photos & HD 720p videos, both day & night. Capture all the moments with standout image quality.
- Brighten the Night: With Edge, darkness isn't a barrier. Its enhanced IR LED setup lights up to 80 feet, revolutionizing nighttime shots. Say goodbye to grainy images and welcome clear night captures
Table of Contents
Summary of Moultrie Edge Review
The Moultrie Mobile Edge trail camera comes with a wide range of features that make it easy for users to capture high-quality images and videos, manage their data, and remotely control their camera through a smartphone app.
Pros
- Auto Connect technology
- High-resolution 33MP images
- Built-in 16GB memory (no memory card required)
- Free unlimited cloud storage
- Smartphone app for remote control and data management
- Scheduler mode for custom hours of operation
- Motion + time-lapse feature
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Low glow flash
- Slower trigger speed of 0.85 seconds
- No built-in WiFi or GPS
- IP53 weather resistance (most trail camera IP ratings are IP55 or IP56 )
Review of Key Features and Benefits of the Moultrie Mobile Edge Cellular Trail Camera
Auto Connect Technology
The Auto Connect Technology on the Moultrie Mobile Edge cellular trail camera is an advanced feature that helps to ensure reliable performance even in remote areas. Using the technology the camera automatically detects and connects to the strongest signal from multiple nationwide cell carriers, eliminating the need for a specific network. It does all of this without the need to swap SIM cards, providing seamless cellular trail camera performance regardless of location.
Camera
The Moultrie Mobile Edge cellular trail camera boasts an impressive 33MP image resolution, allowing users to capture crisp and detailed photos. The camera can take up to three pictures each time it is triggered and can also record 15-second videos in 720p HD quality with audio. Users can choose between photo mode and photo + video mode, in addition to the ability to customize photo and video detection delays.
When in photo mode users can choose between high (4MP) and enhanced (33MP) resolution options, ensuring that they have the perfect image quality for their needs.
When the camera is set to photo + video mode the camera records a video and uses the first frame of the video as the picture, which works just fine, but know that you won’t be able to request a 33MP HD version of the picture like you would if the camera was set to photo mode with the 33MP resolution selected.
Smartphone App
The Moultrie Mobile app is a powerful tool designed to work seamlessly with the Moultrie Mobile Edge cellular trail camera, enhancing the user experience. With this app, you can easily set up and manage your trail camera, as well as access a range of advanced features that will help you make the most of your cellular trail camera.
To get started with the free Moultrie Mobile app, simply download it onto your smartphone and create an account or log in if you’re an existing user. The app is available in both the Google Play and Apple App Store. Once you’ve done this, you can add your Moultrie Mobile Edge cellular trail camera to your account by scanning the QR code located on the inside of the front cover of the camera. After selecting a data plan, your camera will connect to the strongest network in your area, allowing you to configure its settings through the app.
One of the standout features of the Moultrie Mobile app is the ability to choose between High (4MP, native) and Enhanced (33MP) resolution options for the images uploaded to the Edge platform. This flexibility ensures that you can capture high-quality images of wildlife in your chosen location.
The app and associated data plans also offer free unlimited cloud storage, allowing you to store and access all of your trail camera images without worrying about running out of space.
The Moultrie Mobile app is one of my favorite smartphone apps for cellular trail cameras. With many innovative features, it helps you instantly gain insights into animal behavior that used to take hours to do yourself. By selecting the activity tab, you can find patterns of activity for each of your cameras that relate to factors like weather conditions or time of day. This can help you choose a hunting location for a specific day. In addition, the filtering feature really lets you dig deeper if you want to search for specific details. You can even filter for things like deer, buck, doe, turkey, vehicle, and people. The video below shows an example of how to use the app.
One of the key benefits of the Moultrie Mobile app is that its advanced features are not hidden behind a paywall. This means that you can enjoy all of the app’s capabilities without having to pay extra fees or subscribe to additional services.
Below is an example of how to use the app.
Data Plan
Moultrie offers several data plans to choose from with a wide range of prices and the number of uploads available. A list of the currently available plans and prices is shown below.
If you like the Unlimited plan but find yourself needing to purchase four or more cameras, consider the Pro Series plan. This plan can be shared between multiple cameras, saving you money in the long run.
Adding to the appeal of Moultrie’s data plans is the flexibility that allows you to request high-resolution image downloads through the free Moultrie Mobile App at no cost additional cost. However, each high-resolution image request counts against your monthly picture balance (1 hi-res photo = 5 standard photos). This flexibility for how to use your image allotment makes these data plans an even better value as high-res image downloads are typically extremely limited or require an additional fee with the data plans from many other manufacturers.
It is also worth pointing out that you have the option to easily change your plan or buy more video or image transfers within the app at any time, and your images are never deleted, even if you cancel your plan, thanks to Moultrie’s free unlimited cloud storage.
Speaking of video, I really like capturing videos with my trail cameras. So it would be great if there were more video transfers included in each plan, but I understand that this is an issue with the data plans for most cellular trail cameras as they try to minimize the amount of data used in an effort to keep the prices of the plans down. That being said, as we mentioned earlier, you can purchase more video transfers if you need to.
There are two payment options for whichever plan you choose. A monthly price and a yearly price are available and the latter will save you money if you plan on running your camera(s) year-round.
| Plan | Images per month | Video Transfers per month | Monthly Price - Paid Monthly* | Monthly Price - Paid Annually* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1,000 | 10 | $9.99 | $8.99 |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 | $16.99 | $12.99 |
| Pro Series Unlimited (for multiple cameras sharing same plan) | Unlimited | 50 | 1st cam $34.99/mo. Add'l cams $7.99/mo. or $95.88 annually | 1st cam $22.99/mo. Add'l cams $7.99/mo. or $95.88 annually |
*Note: You can get an additional 50 video downloads for $1. If you are on the Standard plan you can get an additional 500 images for $4.99. |
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Motion (PIR) Sensor
The Moultrie Mobile Edge cellular trail camera features a single PIR sensor with a 40° detection angle and an 80-foot detection range. Users can adjust the sensitivity settings to low, medium, or high, depending on their preferences.
Having adjustable sensitivity setting is a huge bonus. I usually like having the sensitivity setting set to high. However, if you set the camera up in an area where you are struggling with getting pictures of grass blowing in the wind or other false triggers, you can simply turn down the sensitivity instead of having to go out and physically move the camera. This will help you avoid disturbing wildlife, help you to save battery power, and avoid burning up your data plan.
It is fair to point out that there are other cellular trail cams with wider detection ranges or more PIR sensors, but a 40° detection angle works just fine for most settings. The one exception to that would be if you really have no idea where your trail camera should be facing, but odds are you wouldn’t be placing a camera in an area if you don’t know where the activity is happening at.
Trigger Speed
With a trigger speed of 0.85 seconds, this trail camera may not be the fastest on the market, but it still offers reliable performance for capturing wildlife activity.
One of the few potential shortcomings of the Moultrie Mobile Edge is its slightly slower trigger speed compared to some other models on the market. Let’s be honest a sub-1-second trigger speed was considered amazing just a handful of years ago, but now many cameras are capable of much faster speeds. While the 0.85 trigger speed works just fine for helping you to capture most activity if a deer were to run through the detection area too close to the front of the camera, the Edge could struggle to capture it in time.
Flash
The low glow flash has a long 80-foot range and uses IR LEDs for night illumination. The improved arrangement of LEDs in this trail camera produces more even illumination than some of Moultrie’s previous models, resulting in clearer night images.
While the low glow flash is designed to minimize disturbance to animals, it isn’t as discreet as a no-glow flash system, which emits no visible light at all.
The infrared LEDs on cameras equipped with low glow flash emit a faint red glow that is visible if you are looking directly at the front of the camera when the flash is in use, but it doesn’t cast a visible light over the area it is illuminating for pictures or videos. While I have never had a problem with cameras with low glow flash spooking animals it is possible that particularly sensitive animals may still be aware of the camera’s presence. Additionally, the low glow flash may be more visible to other people in the area, which could be a concern for those who wish to keep their camera locations hidden.
Dimensions
The Edge measures 5.39” H x 4.0” W x 3.54” D. making it easy to mount in a variety of locations.
Its height and width are fairly compact, but it is almost twice as deep or thick as some other trail cameras. The reason for this extra depth is due to its large battery tray. This adds weight to the camera, which can be an issue if you hike into the backcountry carrying multiple cameras. However, it is a tradeoff that I am willing to make when I think about the extra time I can leave the Edge in the field thanks to how many batteries it can accommodate, which we will talk more about later.
Time-Lapse Feature
In addition to the traditional time-lapse mode found on most trail cameras, the Moultrie Mobile Edge also offers a motion + time-lapse mode. This unique setting combines the predetermined intervals of time-lapse photography with the ability for the camera’s PIR sensor to trigger a photo if something walks by the camera. This setting is ideal for situations like when the camera is set on a deer trail leading into a field or large food plot.
In the past, I have often been hesitant to use the time-lapse mode on my trail cameras since using it usually means that the motion sensor gets turned off and I don’t want to miss what might come through the detection area in between the time intervals I selected. That is why I am excited to see that this trail camera offers both regular time-lapse mode and motion + time-lapse mode. Hopefully, this fantastic feature continues to be available on more and more trail cams in the future!
Hours of Operation Timer (Scheduler Mode)
The Scheduler Mode allows users to set specific on and off times for the camera, ensuring that it only captures images during desired periods. This is a great feature to take advantage of as it will help you save on both your data plan and batteries.
LCD Screen
While this trail camera does not have a color LCD screen, users can control all settings through the Moultrie Mobile app, eliminating the need for a screen on the camera itself. Not having things that you don’t need on a trail camera, like an LCD screen in this case, helps to minimize the size of the camera and keep the price down.
Built-In Memory
One of the revolutionary things that Moultire has done with the Edge is eliminate the need for a memory card slot. With 16GB of built-in memory, there is no need for a separate memory card. The unlimited cloud storage and easy access to images through the Moultrie Mobile app make managing data simple and efficient.
This means users no longer have to worry about performance issues because the SD card you purchased didn’t have the right specs. You also don’t have to worry about remembering to format memory cards before using them in your camera for the first time. The built-in memory operates similarly to an SD card, but it is included with the camera and is not removable.
I suppose there are some traditionalists out there who will be bothered by not being able to physically pull the memory card from their cameras, but most people will be like me and enjoy not having to think about memory cards. Gone are the days of being 200 miles away from home and heading out to the woods to put up my trail cameras only to realize that I left my memory cards at home next to my computer (yes, that actually happened).
Batteries
The Moultrie Mobile Edge cellular trail camera can be powered by 8 or 16 AA batteries, with the 16-battery option being the clear choice when you need to maximize how long you can leave the camera in the field.
You have the option to use alkaline or lithium batteries in the Edge. However, Moultrie does not recommend using rechargeable NiMH AA batteries due to potential performance issues, especially during nighttime recording. For the longest battery life in trail cameras, especially in cold weather, we recommend lithium batteries, like the Energizer AA Ultimate Lithium batteries, as the best batteries for trail cameras.
Input for External Power Supply
This trail camera also has a 12V input for an external power supply, providing additional options for extended use in the field.
Let’s face it cellular trail cameras can burn through batteries much faster than traditional trail cameras – especially if they are in an area with a lot of activity. Using a solar panel or external battery box will not only vastly extend the amount of time you can leave the camera in the field, but using external power sources can save you a ton of money on batteries. The only downside of using an external power source it that it will typically make your camera more noticeable, which can be an issue if you have it located in an area where you need to keep its location concealed.
Image Stamp
Images captured by this trail camera include an image stamp, or an “Info Strip” as Moultrie calls it, that displays the date, time, temperature, moon phase, and camera name, allowing users to better understand the conditions under which the photo was taken. This information can be crucial for tracking animal behavior and patterns over time. Users have the option to turn off the image stamp if desired.
Included Accessories
The Moultrie Mobile Edge cellular trail camera comes with a 6-foot mounting strap and a Quick Start Guide to help users get started quickly and easily.
Unlike some other cellular trail cameras where the antenna is packaged separately from the camera, requiring you to install it, the Edge has its antenna already attached as it folds neatly against the camera body.
While the camera does have a 1/4″-20 tripod mount, it does not include a threaded mounting tripod bracket like some other models out there. So depending on how you want to mount the camera, you may purchase one separately.
Areas of Use
The Moultrie Mobile Edge cellular trail camera is ideal for monitoring wildlife activity, hunting, and even property surveillance. Its compact size and versatile features make it suitable for various environments and applications.
Thanks to its cellular capabilities, long battery life, ability to hold up to 16 batteries, and external power input, it is particularly useful for hunters and nature enthusiasts who wish to capture images and track wildlife in their natural habitats with minimal disruption.
Plus, thanks to the Edge’s Auto Connect technology, it automatically connects the camera to the strongest cellular network in the area, making it an excellent choice for remote locations with varying signal strengths.
Pricing
With the ability to automatically connect to the strongest network in the area, built-in memory, one of the best smartphone apps available, and a price that is routinely below $100 the Moultrie Mobile Edge is an affordable option for those looking to invest in a high-quality cellular trail camera.
Other Options
Do you want to look at what other options are available? If so, you might want to check out our free Find Your Perfect Trail Camera Tool, which shows you trail camera options based on the criteria you select. Otherwise, if you like the Moultrie Mobile Edge, but are just wondering about what other good trail camera options might be out there, we have identified some other great alternatives for you, which are shown below.
SPYPOINT Flex Dual-Sim Cellular Trail Camera
The SPYPOINT Flex Cellular Trail Camera is equipped with a Dual-Sim LTE, allowing it to operate on the strongest cellular network available. The Flex offers four capture modes: Photo, Video, Time-Lapse, and Time-Lapse+. Its’ high-performance camera captures 33MP photos and transmits 15-second 1080p videos with sound to the SPYPOINT app. This camera also boasts a low glow infrared LEDs with a 100-foot flash range, a 100-foot detection range, and a swift 0.3 second trigger speed. Furthermore, it is GPS enabled, enhancing the functionality and accuracy of the customizable maps feature of the SPYPOINT app.
On the other hand, the similarly priced Moultrie Mobile Edge Cellular Trail Camera also captures 33MP resolution photos but has a slightly slower 0.85-second trigger speed. Unlike the SPYPOINT Flex, the Moultrie Edge does not require an SD card as it comes with 16GB of built-in memory. It has an 80-foot detection range and a 40-degree field of view. This Edge uses multiple national networks, switching between them as needed without requiring a change of SIM cards, adding to its ease of use, and performance, providing excellent value for money.
If you need a camera with a faster trigger speed, a longer detection range, or the GPS functionality the SPYPOINT Flex Dual-Sim cellular trail camera might be for you. You can read our SPYPOINT Flex review if you want to learn more.
- DUAL SIM: SPYPOINT Flex Dual-Sim Cellular Trail Camera Automatically connects to the best possible cellular network, regardless of providers. No more worrying about carrier models or if your cell camera will work when moved to a new area.
- Trail Cameras come with 33MP photos and 1080p videos with sound that give you that extra edge when reviewing what is going on in the woods.
- EASY SETUP DEER CAMERA: The dual-sim and optimised antenna make cellular trail cameras getting setup quick and easy, as does the addition of the format and test buttons. Know your camera is working when you get it mounted. This trail Camera sends picture to cell phone.
- OVER-THE-AIR FIRMWARE UPDATES: The FLEX will notify you of available firmware updates in the SPYPOINT app so you can request the update is made without visiting the cellular camera.
- COMPLETE PACKAGE: This Cellular game camera includes FLEX Camera, Quick Start Guide, Sim Cards, and Mounting Strap.Cellular game camera includes FLEX Camera, Quick Start Guide, Sim Cards, and Mounting Strap.
Tactacam REVEAL XB Cellular Trail Camera
The Moultrie Mobile Edge and the Tactacam REVEAL XB are both cellular trail cameras, but they differ in a few key aspects. The Moultrie Mobile Edge is the more affordable option with a 33MP image resolution and 720p video resolution. It features a low glow flash and an 80-foot detection range, making it suitable for capturing clear images of wildlife. One of its standout features is its ability to switch between different cellular networks automatically, ensuring optimal signal strength without the need to change SIM cards.
On the other hand, the Tactacam REVEAL XB, while priced higher, offers a 24MP image resolution and 1080p video resolution. It also has a no-glow flash and an 80-foot detection range, similar to the Moultrie Mobile Edge. However, it can operate on either AT&T or Verizon nationwide LTE/4G Networks, requiring a SIM card change for network switching. This camera also boasts integrated GPS tracking, offering additional functionality that the Moultrie Mobile Edge does not provide.
If you need no glow flash or the GPS functionality the Tactacam REVEAL XB might be for you. You can read our Tactacam REVEAL XB Cellular Trail Camera Review if you want to learn more.
- CELLULAR FUNCTIONS: On-board Wi-Fi connects to app for simple set-up and live view option with instant image capture | Reveal XB can operate on ATT or Verizon nationwide LTE/4G Networks (SIM change required) | LED indicator showing signal strength and battery level
- ULTIMATE REMOTE SCOUTING TOOL: Tactacam’s REVEAL XB Cellular Camera is the ultimate remote scouting tool. The camera is ideal for locations with limited access or to put on your hunting properties. Start seeing the action as it’s happening even when you’re not in the woods!
- POWERFUL: The REVEAL XB Cellular Camera is not only small and discreet, but powerful enough to handle the extreme outdoor weather. Watch the magic unfold right before your very eyes. Achieving your goal has never been so simple.
- CAMERA FEATURES: LTE / 4G Wireless Multi Carrier Module | 24MP/ 16MP/ 12MP/ 8MP Photos | Image on Demand with HD photo download request from app (additional data charges may apply) | HD video requests from app (additional data charges may apply) | No Glow IR Technology
- ADVANCED TECH: Adjustable No Glow Night Illumination at 80+ft Detect animals with PIR at 80+ft Integrated GPS offers camera location tracking Requires 12 AA Batteries External Port for Solar Panel IP66 Waterproof Certified One Year Warranty In-house Customer Service USA developed and supported app
Final Thoughts
Many cellular trail cameras that are priced the same or higher than the Moultrie Mobile Edge might share some of the same features or specs, but don’t have built-in memory or the ability to switch between cellular networks and connect to the strongest signal automatically, making the Edge a competitive choice.
While it may not have the fastest trigger speed or GPS location, its other features more than make up for these shortcomings. Overall, this trail camera is a reliable and user-friendly option for capturing and managing wildlife images and videos, even in remote areas where knowing which carrier has the strongest can be difficult.
Last update on 2024-04-27 at 08:48 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
