By Nancy Jo Adams
Using game cameras has long been an advantage in the pursuit of a hunter’s next trophy. Not only can game cameras be used for scouting, they are indispensable in game management. In theory, the essentials in the success of using game cameras is simple and having the experience to find prime locations is key; however, having the option of receiving the images in real-time without having to physically pressure the area is a game changer.
Game cameras require you to not only set up the camera over an ideal spot to capture images, but they also require the user to go out and change the SD cards often and periodically replace the batteries. Not only does this requires a lot of time if your hunting land is not close to home, it also causes the hunter to infiltrate the property pressuring the herd to find other areas to dwell. Then there are the situations where your hunting property may not even be in the same state that you live in.
The Evolution of Cellular Trail Cameras
With all of the electronics we employ in our everyday lives such as smartphones, smart watches, and compact lightweight laptops, we are programmed for instant gratification. To meet the expectations of hunters, game camera manufacturers introduced cellular game cameras to the hunting industry nearly a decade ago. Even though these units were large and some were difficult to operate, these cameras were a game changer for many hunters. Even so, the cellular plans for these cameras were quite pricey, and the coverage was rather sketchy.
As the technology has developed, manufacturers have worked toward solutions to make cellular cameras more affordable to use. Currently, cellular trail cameras are all the rage because they are easy to use and reliable with long battery life and reasonable data plans. Spypoint is one of these manufacturers that are quickly rising in ranks as a company that manufactures premium game cameras and accessories. Spypoint currently has three different camera models in their LINK cellular camera lineup: the Link-EVO, the Link-S, and the Link Dark.
Common Features of the Link Series Cellular Trail Cameras
Each Link series cellular trail camera in the line-up has distinct features, but they also have some premium features in common as well. All three models offer 10 to 90 second HD video recording in 720p and 12 megapixel still images. They all offer a photo first option – a photo is taken first then the video is recorded. The 42 LED lights offer better image quality, especially in low-light or night images: color during the day and infrared at night. Each camera features infrared boost technology, time-lapse, and multi-shot mode with an extended detection and flash range. A pre-activated SIM card is included and users have four different plans to choose from to suit their application and wallet. Spypoint cellular service also offers substantial coverage areas nationwide.
The Link Series cameras allow the hunter real-time images and camera information through an app on any smartphone or from an online portal. Every photo is stamped across the bottom with the date, time, temperature (C/F) and moon phase. A unique technology is now available to all Spypoint Link camera owners that allows the hunter to only see the photos they want to see…deer with antlers! Buck Tracker is an antler and species recognition technology that filters the acquired photos for only the photos that are important to you in your electronic scouting; and this service is FREE.
Link EVO – Easiest to Use Cellular Game Camera on the Market
The Spypoint Link-EVO is the easiest to use camera. It only requires you to turn the unit on, wait for the activation light, and walk away; it is that simple! There are no feature buttons to manipulate on the camera. The highly visible strength indicator bars on the interior of the camera give you an at-a-glance 4G cellular strength reading in the field without guessing. The camera is fully configurable through the app. The fast 4G (HSPA+) image transmission can send you an image to the free app before you leave the area. The 80’ detection range with a 0.3-second trigger speed ensures that the traffic in front of the camera will be captured. The 90’ flash range of the 42 low-glow, high-power LEDs offer quality low-light images and the infrared boost technology results in superior quality night images.
Not only is the Link-EVO the easiest to use cellular trail camera on the market, it is also among the most affordable cellular cameras available based on the price of the unit and the plans available. This product requires an SD card (up to 32GB), eight AA batteries, and can be powered through the power jack by a rechargeable 12V battery kit.
Link-S – Unlimited Power with Innovative Solar Panel
Spypoint combined its superior cellular technology with an innovative solar panel and introduced it as the Spypoint Link-S. The Link-S is my favorite trail camera in the Link Series and will surely be a favorite among hunters seeking a perfect high-tech scouting advantage. The Link-S has allowed me to scout property in NE Kansas from Alabama. I placed the camera in NE Kansas during my turkey hunt there in May and currently, the camera has 100% battery power and is capturing approximately 200-500 photos a week. When I return to NE Kansas in September, I will already have an idea of stand placement and a hit list of bucks in the area The Link-S LTE frequency offers dependability from the field.
The Link-S has a 100’ detection and flash range with a 0.07-second trigger speed. The infrared boost and blur reduction technology ensures quality low-light and night images. There is a 2” screen viewing screen that is helpful for framing your photo capture area. The single motion sensor in the Link-S detects five zones ensuring that any movement in the detection zones will be captured.
The Link-S offers affordability in a cellular camera with the economical use of having a built-in solar panel with an internal rechargeable battery. The unit has an optional battery compartment which holds eight alkaline AA batteries but is not required for use.
Link-Dark – Imperceptible LEDs
The newest cellular game camera in the Spypoint Link Series is the Link-Dark. The Link-Dark offers many of the features of the Link-S except it does not provide a built-in solar panel. What it does offer that the Link-S does not are invisible LEDs, GPS and Geotagging.
The Link-Dark has a 0.07-second trigger speed with up to a 100’ detection sensor and an 80’ flash range for superior coverage in capturing images and videos. The infrared level is automatically adjusted for crisp and clear night images. The camera requires eight alkaline AA batteries for operation or can be used with the Spypoint 12V battery, charger, and housing kit.
Dedicated External Power for Extended Use
A Spypoint 12V rechargeable battery, charger, and housing kit is available to use with any Spypoint camera equipped with a 12V power jack. The kit comes with a 12V 7.0Ah rechargeable battery, 12’ foot outdoor-rated power cable, an AC charger, and a water-resistant ABS plastic case with carrying strap. This affordable option can keep you out of the woods and from putting pressure on the deer in the area. With the cellular feature and the 12V external power, your camera can be left literally undisturbed for several months.
Reliable and Affordable High Tech Scouting
High Tech Scouting through the use of cellular cameras is a good option for any hunter’s success, especially for the DIY hunting nomad that hunts property in states other than their home state. I am currently scouting private property with several Spypoint cellular cameras in NE Kansas that I will be hunting in the fall. The images and information that I am able to collect will allow me to know in advance exactly where I want to place stands. This will save me valuable hunting time for the limited days that I will be there during the rut.
The easy to use Spypoint App allows for quick activation of the trail camera, as well as manipulation of the camera’s settings right in the app. The app offers an at-a-glance view of the status of each cameras signal, battery, and SD card levels. Spypoint Link Series trail cameras offer every hunter the option of reliable national coverage with three affordable plans and a free plan when no plan is selected on their product. Any of the three models in the Spypoint Link Series would be an advantage in your pursuit of that trophy buck this fall. You’ll know where he roams in real time right in the palm of your hand.
Endorsement Disclosure: Per the guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission, the products reviewed or mentioned within this writing is an endorsement, and the writer may or may not have been compensated by “in-kind” payment to review the product. Logos and photos are the sole property of the rightful owner and used within this writing solely for the promotion of products herein as requested by the product’s manufacturer or in efforts of product exposure for the manufacturers.
FAQs
Can you use SPYPOINT camera without subscription? ›
SPYPOINT offers the only free photo transmission plan for cellular devices, but if you need more than 100 photos sent per month, you can choose the paid plan that fits your needs.
What cell service does SPYPOINT cell link use? ›Simply open the free app on your smartphone or tablet to learn what's happening on your property or hunting grounds. Measuring just 4.4 x 3.1 x 2.2", the LINK-MICRO-LTE transmits 10MP photos via AT&T LTE data plans.
Do you need a cell plan for each SPYPOINT camera? ›PLEASE NOTE THAT A BOOKED TRansmission plan ONLY COUNTS FOR ONE CAMERA. IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE CAMERA IN YOUR USER ACCOUNT, YOU MUST BOOK A SEPARATE DATA PLAN FOR EACH CAMERA.
Which SPYPOINT cameras no longer work? ›With the planned discontinuation of the 3G-HSPA+ networks from AT&T and T-Mobile in the United States, the communication features available on your SPYPOINT cellular trail camera(s) will be affected. You will lose connectivity between your camera(s) and your SPYPOINT app.
Do you have to pay a monthly fee for cellular trail camera? ›Do Cellular Trail Cameras Require A Subscription. The answer is YES because you need to pay subscription fees to enable your cellular trail camera to transmit data. Generally speaking, a cellular trail camera plan costs $5 to $10 for every 1,000 photos.
How long does the SPYPOINT free plan last? ›The free plan transfers 100 images every month to the SPYPOINT App. Every SPYPOINT cellular camera comes with 30 days of unlimited photo transfers after activation. You can then select and use the perfect plan based on your budget or the volume of photos you received during your free month.
Is SPYPOINT Verizon or AT&T? ›SPYPOINT Link Micro 4G Cellular Trail Camera with Steel Security Box (AT&T (USA Nationwide)) Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
Can SPYPOINT work on WiFi? ›Spypoint WiFi only uploads in 640x480 (full size images are stored on the camera) and requires that you have an agent running on a Windows PC to accept uploads (a proprietary network protocol is used).
Do SPYPOINT cameras have SIM card? ›Do I need a separate SIM card to use the data transfer camera? No, all SPYPOINT data transmission cameras have a pre-installed and pre-configured SIM card.
Will SPYPOINT send pictures without SD card? ›All SPYPOINT devices need a memory card to function, either and SD or Micro SD, depending on the device. We always recommend using a premium quality SD or MicroSD card that is class 10, 2-32 GB and SDHC.
Is SPYPOINT cell link free? ›
All cameras of the SPYPOINT LINK series have a free data plan. This includes 100 images each month. If you need more than 100 images per month, you can buy a data plan.
Can SPYPOINT send to two phones? ›Can this camera send photos to multiple phone numbers? No, this camera sends photos to our app. You can download and login to the app from as many devices as you wish.
Do SPYPOINT cameras work at night? ›Photos will be shot in color during the day and black and white during the night. Once the camera is installed and a signal is found, the delay light will flash for 30 seconds, allowing you to leave the site without being photographed. Captures the image.
What is the alternative to SPYPOINT? ›- +972-3-5447782.
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Welcome to Spypoint Support
Here are reasons that could be causing your camera to take photos of nothing (false triggers): There is dust, debris, or something else on the Fresnel Lens (motion detector). The camera`s motion detector is triggered by differences in temperatures moving in the detection zone.
Trail cameras are legal in most states, but there are some restrictions on their use. For example, in Nevada and Arizona, trail cameras are banned for hunting purposes. In Montana, Utah, Kansas, New Hampshire and Alaska, the use of wireless or cellular cameras is prohibited during the hunting season.
What cell cameras don t require a subscription? ›| Camera | Best for | Video resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Reolink Argus 3 Pro | Best overall | 1440p (2K) |
| Eufy Indoor Cam 2K | Best indoor | 1440p (2K) |
| Reolink Lumus | Best outdoor | 1080p |
| TP-Link Tapo (Pan-Tilt) | Best budget | 1080p |
Trail cameras can shoot 20,000 photos on a set of batteries. And last as long as 8-12 months. Some factors affecting battery life include shooting video, using rechargeable batteries, temperature, night shooting, and trigger delay.
Can you cancel SPYPOINT subscription anytime? ›Account Discontinuation. You may terminate or cancel your account on the Platform for any reason, at your sole discretion and without notice, without liability to SPYPOINT.
Do SPYPOINT cameras update automatically? ›Insert the micro SD card into the LINK-MICRO LTE. Switch on the camera. The camera will install the update automatically.
Why is my SPYPOINT camera dying so fast? ›
There can be many factors causing the battery to drain quickly: Transfer frequency: Cellular transmission, especially if your camera is set to “Each Detection.” The higher the frequency of photo transfers, the faster the batteries drain.
How many cameras can you have on SPYPOINT plan? ›| Plan | Photo count | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 100 | Always free |
| Basic | 250 | Have to Buy (Free with Insiders Club) |
| Standard | 1000 | Have to Buy |
| Premium | Unlimited | Have to buy |
Each device, when turned ON, should communicate at least once every day. If you have missed 4 or more consecutive communications, you will need to access your device to troubleshoot. The information displayed on the Status page is not ''live''.
Does SPYPOINT have a GPS? ›Our internal GPS is designed to provide an extremely accurate point on your in-app MAP feature. The camera must be turned on for it to update, which it will do automatically once a day.
Can I make my SPYPOINT camera take a picture remotely? ›The SPYPOINT LINK App lets you connect and control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. Features include viewing your camera status, pictures, full control of the camera settings and more.
Does SPYPOINT have live view? ›New for 2022, the Spypoint FLEX is the first in the wireless trail camera range to feature Live View, offering peace of mind and complete observational control.
Does SPYPOINT save pictures to SD card? ›Yes, the original photos are stored on the Micro SD card (Sold separately) inside of the CELL-LINK. The pictures sent to the APP are a lower resolution, Full resolution can be sent when buying a FULL-HD package.
Do SPYPOINT cameras have video? ›The SPYPOINT FLEX takes photos with 33 megapixels and videos with sound in 1080p. Videos are displayed as animated previews in the SPYPOINT app and can be loaded into the app in full length.
Why does SPYPOINT have two SIM cards? ›If you don't have a good signal where you are trying to use the camera, no trail camera is going to come with a cellular tower to get service there. By installing two preactivated sim cards in the FLEX, SPYPOINT has all but ensured if there is a viable cellular network to be found, the camera will find it.
How do I get my photos from SPYPOINT? ›Photos are sorted on the memory card immediately after they are taken. Photos will be recorded on the DCIM folder on the memory card. You will then need to open the DSCIM subfolders to access the full-size photos.
Why is my SPYPOINT camera taking black pictures at night? ›
If the batteries' power supply is too low, the camera may lack the necessary output to power the LEDs at night. If the flash does not work and the night photo is not clear: Check the batteries and change them if they are low.
How far will a trail camera send pics to phone? ›Range: Different trail cameras have varying ranges that determine how far away they take photos. Ranges can vary from 20 feet to 80 feet. Multi-shot mode: Some cameras have a feature that takes multiple pictures after sensing movement. This way, it's easy to capture a series of animal movements.
Why does the green light stay on the SPYPOINT camera? ›Once signal is found, the status light will remain a steady color. Green: good signal. Orange: fair signal. Red: poor signal.
Will SPYPOINT send pics with 25% signal? ›25% or 1/5 bars of signal strength is likely to cause photo transmission issues.
Do you have to have Verizon to use a SPYPOINT camera? ›Spypoint uses either the Verizon or AT&T cellular networks, however the data plan does need to be purchased through Spypoint. They also have a free option.
Which SPYPOINT is for Verizon? ›Spypoint Link-Micro LTE (Verizon)
How far does a SPYPOINT camera reach? ›| LINK-MICRO-LTE | LINK-MICRO-LTE-S | |
|---|---|---|
| FLASH RANGE | 80 FEET | 80 FEET |
| DETECTION RANGE | 80 FEET | 80 FEET |
| MEGAPIXELS | 10 | 10 |
| MODES | PHOTO AND MULTI-SHOT | PHOTO AND MULTI-SHOT |
With initial investments and ongoing costs to consider, are cellular trail cameras worth it? To put it simply, yes. These trail cameras are worth it for anyone who regularly relies on them for hunting, wildlife watching and photography or home security.
What's the difference between a Wi Fi trail camera and a cellular trail camera? ›The primary difference between wireless and cellular game cameras is the method of connectivity they use to send photos and video. Their titles give away their methods of connectivity, with wireless trail cameras using Wi-Fi signals and cellular trail cameras using a cellular network.
Does the SPYPOINT camera record? ›When you put the SPYPOINT FLEX in video mode, the camera takes a :15-second video and stores it to the microSD card.
What cellular service does SPYPOINT cameras use? ›
Spypoint MICRO-LTE
Simply open the free app on your smartphone or tablet to learn what's happening on your property or hunting grounds. Measuring just 4.4 x 3.1 x 2.2", the LINK-MICRO-LTE transmits 10MP photos via AT&T LTE data plans.
SPYPOINT LINK-MICRO-LTE Cellular Trail Camera-4 LED Infrared Flash with 80'f Detection and Motion Sensor,LTECapable Cellular Game Camera 10MP 0.5sec Trigger Speed,Cell Cameras for Hunting-For USA only.
Do you have to buy a plan for every SPYPOINT camera? ›IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE CAMERA IN YOUR USER ACCOUNT, YOU MUST BOOK A SEPARATE DATA PLAN FOR EACH CAMERA.
Why can I not change my SPYPOINT plan? ›You cannot downgrade your plan during the billing cycle. You must toggle the auto-renewal off and wait for the reset date. Once you've reached the reset date, you can then choose any plan of your choice.
Why does my trail cam take pictures of nothing? ›These are called “False Triggers” and are the result of placing the camera in an environment where tree branches, grass, leaves, etc., are blowing in the wind and creating motion. Sunlight can also cause false triggers as the PIR sensor is reading the sun beam as hotter than the surrounding environment.
What is better SPYPOINT Optimal or Fast? ›Optimal : Takes higher quality images. Fast : Takes photos more quickly. Allows the user to select the battery type in use to get a more precise battery level reading.
Will cellular trail cameras take pictures without service? ›The simple answer is no. A cellular trail camera uses cellular connectivity to transmit images to a cloud-based system. If you want to view your pictures on your smart devices soon after they're taken, you should ensure your camera can consistently connect to a cellular connection.
Can I use a SPYPOINT camera without cellular? ›No, all SPYPOINT data transmission cameras have a pre-installed and pre-configured SIM card.
Is the SPYPOINT app free? ›The free app for Android & iOS offers a wide range of options and settings. Manage and configure your cameras comfortably on the go and always keep an eye on everything in your area.
What states don t allow cellular trail cameras? ›Trail cameras are legal in most states, but there are some restrictions on their use. For example, in Nevada and Arizona, trail cameras are banned for hunting purposes. In Montana, Utah, Kansas, New Hampshire and Alaska, the use of wireless or cellular cameras is prohibited during the hunting season.
Can you use a trail camera as a security camera? ›
The answer is YES, yes trail cameras can be used for home security, because trail cameras have basic features that make them suitable for home security surveillance. Trail cameras or game cameras can capture suspicious activity near your property and alert you immediately.
What's the difference between a Wi-Fi trail camera and a cellular trail camera? ›The primary difference between wireless and cellular game cameras is the method of connectivity they use to send photos and video. Their titles give away their methods of connectivity, with wireless trail cameras using Wi-Fi signals and cellular trail cameras using a cellular network.
Can SPYPOINT send pics to two phones? ›Can this camera send photos to multiple phone numbers? No, this camera sends photos to our app. You can download and login to the app from as many devices as you wish.
Is there a security camera without a monthly fee? ›SimpliSafe, abode, Ring Alarm, and Arlo are the best security systems without monthly fees.
What security camera does not charge a monthly fee? ›SimpliSafe tops our rating for Best No Monthly Fee Home Security Systems of 2023. The other three companies in our rating include Ring Alarm, Abode, and ADT Self Setup. All companies offer DIY and professional installation. They also all offer one-year warranties.
Is there security camera without monthly subscription? ›Is there a security camera that doesn't require a subscription? There are many security cameras that don't require a subscription. The best include Lorex, Ring, Blink, and Wyze. Lorex, for example, lets you set up a DIY monitoring system that requires no subscription fee.