Are you looking for a cellular trail camera that reliably sends pictures and videos to your smartphone regardless of which cellular provider has the strongest signal where you are using it? If so, the SPYPOINT FLEX cellular trail camera is an excellent choice for many people. In this review, we’ll discuss its features, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as provide a summary of the product. Read on to find out if the SPYPOINT FLEX is the right camera for your outdoor adventures!
- 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.
Table of Contents
Summary of SPYPOINT FLEX Review
The SPYPOINT FLEX Cellular Trail Camera is designed to provide high-quality images and videos while allowing you to control the camera remotely through a smartphone app. With a range of features including a 33MP camera, GPS functionality, and customizable data plans, this trail camera is perfect for those who want to capture stunning wildlife images without disturbing their surroundings all while staying within your budget.
Pros
- Dual SIM Functionality
- High-quality 33MP camera with multi-shot setting
- Impressively long 100-foot detection and flash ranges
- Fast 0.3-second trigger speed
- Remote access through the smartphone app
- Customizable data plans for image transmission
- GPS functionality for accurate mapping and security
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Low-glow flash
- Uses microSD memory cards
- No color LCD screen
Review of Key Features and Benefits of the SPYPOINT FLEX Cellular Trail Camera
Dual Sim Functionality
One of the standout features and biggest selling points of the SPYPOINT FLEX is its dual-SIM card capability, which allows the camera to automatically connect to the carrier with the strongest signal. This ensures that users receive consistent and timely updates from their camera, even in areas with spotty cell reception.
The camera comes with 2 SIM Cards included. Both cards are preactivated and installed in the camera when you buy it. This means that you get all the advantages of this new technology without any hassles.
Camera
The SPYPOINT FLEX boasts a high-quality 33MP camera, capable of capturing stunning images and 1080p video clips with audio. It has a 70° field of view (FOV) with distortion correction helping to ensure that everything that passes in front of the camera is captured in crisp detail. The multi-shot setting allows you to capture up to 3 pictures with each detection, ensuring that you don’t miss any important moments. Additionally, the camera offers photo, video, and photo + video modes for added versatility.
The only negative I have to say about the camera on this model is that some of the competition might have a wider FOV, but most of us will be just fine with what the FLEX has to offer. And to be fair there are also other popular trail cams out there that have a narrower field of view.
Smartphone App
To use the SPYPOINT FLEX Cellular Trail Camera, the first thing you will need to do is download the free SPYPOINT app. This app not only allows you to view your captured images and videos but also enables you to set up the camera and change its settings remotely. Other things you can take advantage of with the app include live customer support, GPS geotagging, and cloud storage. There is a version of the app for both iOS and Android devices.
The other thing that you will like about the smartphone app is its filtering capabilities. Instead of spending hours looking at pictures of squirrels, birds, and false triggers, you can take advantage of SPYPOINT’s BUCK TRACKER species recognition software so you can better focus on what you are looking for.
Data Plan
In order to enable remote access and the transmission of images and videos, you will need to subscribe to a data plan. The SPYPOINT FLEX offers multiple data plans to choose from, ranging from a free option with a 100-image monthly limit to a Premium plan with unlimited image transmissions each month.
Each of the paid data plans has an option for you to go month to subscribe to an annual data plan. Subscribing to an annual plan is great for people who want to run their camera(s) year-round. You have to pay for the entire year up front with an annual plan, but when you do the many you will see that it will save you a significant amount of money over the course of the year.
Information about the different plan options is shown below.
| Plan | Number of Photos | Cost Per Month if Paid Monthly | Cost Per Month if Paid Annually |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREE | 100 | FREE | FREE |
| Basic | 250 | $5 | $4 |
| Standard | 1,000 | $10 | $7 |
| Premium | Unlimited | $15 | $10 |
Note: High resolution image and video downloads are not included with the SPYPOINT data plans. However, for $5 you can purchase a package of 50 FULL-HD Photo downloads or 20 HD video downloads (for cameras that can record and transmit video). Like other cellular trail camera data plan providers, SPYPOINT sends you compressed (less detailed) copies of images to reduce the amount of data being used. However, instead of going out to your trail camera and risk disturbing game animals to retrieve the high-resolution version of the photos that are saved on your SD card, SPYPOINT allows you to have the option of paying $5 to have 50 full HD resolution versions of images, that you select, sent to you on your smartphone app. Honestly, most of the time you will be just fine with having the lower-resolution copies sent to you, but sometimes you will run across situations where being able to see the extra detail in those full-HD photos will be very helpful. |
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GPS
The SPYPOINT FLEX Cellular Trail Camera is equipped with GPS functionality, which enhances the accuracy of the customizable maps feature within the SPYPOINT app. In addition, the GPS feature can help you locate your camera should it be moved or stolen.
This functionality helps the FLEX stand out from the crowd as a large number of cellular trail cameras don’t come with GPS.
However, it is important to note that the camera must be turned on and connected to the cellular network for the GPS feature to update the camera’s location. This means that if the camera is not powered on, the GPS functionality within the SPYPOINT app won’t be able to provide the camera’s current location information if it has been moved to a different area.
Motion (PIR) Sensor
With a single PIR sensor, the SPYPOINT FLEX offers a remarkable 100-foot detection range to go along with a 50° detection angle. When combined with the camera’s 70° field of view you should feel confident that it will capture all the wildlife action within your camera’s detection area.
While it is true that some trail cameras might have more PIR sensors or a wider detection angle, not very many can boast a 100-foot detection range. So unless you have no idea where you should have your trail camera face when you set it up, this is a trade-off that is worth making for most situations.
Trigger Speed
This SPYPOINT boasts a fast 0.3-second trigger speed, which is responsive and automatically adjusts settings based on the conditions at the time of the photo. This makes sure that you don’t miss a shot and that you have optimal image quality every time. The detection delay can also be adjusted from instant to 30 minutes, depending on your preferences.
Flash
The FLEX comes with 4 power low-glow LEDs, providing it with a massive 100-foot range to match its long detection range, which is longer than many competing trail cameras. The infrared illumination automatically adjusts to optimize pictures and videos taken at night to ensure that your nighttime images and videos are well-illuminated and don’t look washed out regardless of where the subject is in the camera’s detection area.
However, it is also fair to point out that if you want to keep the trail camera’s location hidden at night you will view the low-glow flash as a negative as the LEDs will give off a faint red glow that is visible if you happen to be looking directly at the camera when the flash is in use.
Dimensions
The SPYPOINT FLEX cellular trail camera measures 5.14″ W x 4.2″ H x 3.1″ D, making it a compact and easily portable option even for those people who own several trail cameras.
Time-Lapse Feature
This trail camera offers a time-lapse mode as well as a time-lapse + mode
The standard time-lapse mode enables the camera to take photos at intervals you specify, regardless of whether there is anything in the detection area or not. This can be particularly useful when monitoring slow-occurring events or large areas where animal activity may be beyond the reach of the motion sensor.
On the other hand, the time-lapse + mode combines the benefits of time-lapse photography with the camera’s detection capabilities. In this mode, the camera takes photos at the chosen interval while still capturing images when triggered by the PIR sensor. This ensures that nothing within the camera’s detection area is missed, even if they occur outside of the predetermined time-lapse intervals.
I like the option for cameras to have a time-lapse mode. However, I am always hesitant to use it since with most cameras it means that the motion sensor(s) are turned off while this feature is enabled, meaning that I will miss out on capturing pictures or videos of things that come into the camera’s detection area in between the time intervals I have set. Thankfully with the time-lapse + mode on the FLEX, I can forget about those worries. Hopefully, the time-lapse + mode feature will make its way onto an increasing number of cameras in the future.
LCD Screen
If you are looking for a LCD screen on the SPYPOINT FLEX like you would find on many other trail cameras we should point out that it does not have a color LCD screen. However, this is not a significant drawback, as all settings can be seamlessly controlled through the smartphone app, which is becoming the norm for a large number of cellular trail cameras.
The absence of an LCD screen could actually be seen as a benefit by many people, as it reduces the overall size and weight of the camera, making it more portable and easier to install in various locations. Plus, not including something that you don’t need or won’t use helps to keep the cost of the camera down.
Memory Card
The camera supports microSD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards up to a capacity of 512GB, with Class 10 cards required for optimal performance.
I have said this many times before and I will say it again now. I don’t like using microSD cards in trail cameras. They are just too tiny and easy to lose if you drop them in the brush or leaves when in the woods. And the chance of losing them only increases if you are handling them in cold temps. That said, the fact that the FLEX uses microSD cards isn’t a deal breaker for me. This is a cellular trail camera after all and it can handle high-capacity cards meaning that you won’t have to put them in and out of the trail camera very often.
The FLEX stores the high-resolution copies of the videos and pictures it has captured on the memory card allowing you to periodically check the camera’s memory card to see these high-resolution pictures and videos for free without having to pay to have them sent to you through the app. Should the memory card become full the FLEX also has the option for loop recording, which allows the card to overwrite the oldest files to make room for new ones.
As with all trail cameras, remember to format your SD card in the camera before using it for the first time.
Batteries
The SPYPOINT FLEX requires 8 AA batteries for operation. It is recommended to use premium alkaline or lithium batteries for maximum battery life. Rechargeable NiMH AA batteries are not recommended due to their lower voltage (generally 1.2V), which can cause performance issues, especially during nighttime recording.
SPYPOINT recommends using Energizer AA Lithium batteries and we agree, especially if you plan on putting the camera in an area with a lot of activity, if you plan on leaving it in the woods for extended periods of time, or want to use it in temps that are below freezing.
- 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
The camera features a 12V input for an external power supply, providing additional flexibility for long-term deployments.
Beyond the additional cost, the negative that I see when using an external power source with the FLEX, or any other trail camera, is the fact that it will make the camera easier to spot, which can be a big issue if you are using it on public hunting lands or for security purposes and want to keep its location hidden.
Image Stamp
Images captured by the SPYPOINT FLEX include a stamp displaying the date, time, temperature, moon phase, and a camera name of your choosing. This data provides valuable context for each captured image or video, allowing users to better understand the behavior patterns of the animals they are observing.
Included Accessories
The SPYPOINT FLEX comes with the following items included in its packaging.
- 1 – Mounting Strap
- 1 – Quick Start Guide
- 2 – SIM Cards (preinstalled and preactivated)
While the camera has a 1/4″-20 tripod mount, it does not include a threaded mounting bracket, so depending on how you want to mount the camera you may wish to purchase one separately.
Areas of Use
The SPYPOINT FLEX Cellular Trail Camera is perfect for use in various outdoor settings, such as wildlife observation, hunting, and property surveillance. Its remote access capabilities make it an excellent choice for those who want to use it in hard to get to locations or want to minimize disturbance to the environment while still being able to view stunning images and videos.
Despite all of its impressive features, the one thing that might limit where you want to use the FLEX is its low glow flash. While it shouldn’t scare off any animals you are monitoring, the flash could be detected at night as we mentioned earlier. Giving away its location at night could put it at risk of being stolen if it is being used for security or on public hunting lands. That said, its GPS feature will help you to locate the camera if it ever gets moved or stolen.
Pricing
You can usually find the SPYPOINT FLEX cellular trail camera priced below $100, making it a great value for its price, considering the advanced features and reliable performance it offers. It is such a good deal you will find that the FLEX is priced similar to or just a few dollars more than many traditional (non-cellular) trail cameras.
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 SPYPOINT FLEX, 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.
Tactacam REVEAL XB Cellular Trail Camera
The Tactacam REVEAL XB Cellular Trail Camera and the SPYPOINT Flex Dual-Sim Cellular Trail Camera are both high-quality trail cameras with unique features that set them apart.
Among the first things you will probably notice is that the Tactacam REVEAL XB has a higher price and comes with a no glow flash. However, the 80-foot flash and detection range on the REVEAL XB are 20 feet less than the 100-foot flash and detection ranges offered on the SPYPOINT FLEX.
The other big difference between these two cameras is that while the REVEAL XB can operate on ATT or Verizon nationwide LTE/4G Networks you need to choose the network you want to use and put the appropriate SIM card in the camera. Conversely, the FLEX can accommodate 2 SIM cards at once and will automatically switch between and use whichever network that has the strongest signal, meaning that you don’t need to know which network is the strongest before putting the SPYPOINT FLEX in the field.
While the smartphone app that comes with the REVEAL XB has a user-friendly interface and a variety of features, it is fair to point out that the apps from SPYPOINT have some fancier filters and let you look for activity patterns based on things such as weather conditions or the time of day. That said, the Tactacam REVEAL app works well and gets the job done.
If you want to learn more about the differences between these two cameras you can read our Tactacam REVEAL XB Cellular Trail Camera Review.
Moultrie Mobile Edge Cellular Trail Camera
The similarly, but usually lower 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.
On the other hand, 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.
If you would prefer a camera with a built-in memory, the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple national networks, or a lower price tag the Moultrie Mobile Edge cellular trail camera might be for you. You can read our Moultrie Mobile Edge review if you want to learn more.
Final Thoughts
The SPYPOINT FLEX is an excellent choice for those looking for a cellular trail camera that can reliably transmit photos and videos regardless of location. This feature-rich trail camera with its high-resolution camera, built-in GPS, flexible data plans, and user-friendly smartphone app, addresses many common frustrations faced by cellular trail camera users.
Last update on 2024-04-27 at 08:48 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
