The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout Made a Bold First Impression
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout promises a lot for its affordable price. From Wildgame Innovations, this camera boasts a 26-megapixel sensor (although advertised as 20MP) and a rapid 0.7-second trigger speed, all wrapped in a package designed for stealth. The promise of clear images and video without spooking game immediately piqued my interest.
My property has been plagued by nocturnal critters raiding my garden. I needed a reliable and discreet way to identify the culprits without resorting to expensive, high-end surveillance systems. The “Lightsout” feature, promising near-invisible infrared LEDs, was a major selling point.
Unboxing the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout, I was pleasantly surprised by its compact size. The plastic housing felt reasonably sturdy, though not exactly premium. The latch seemed secure enough, and the adjustable tree strap with alligator clips looked like it would do the job.
Compared to my older Moultrie A-30i, the Wraith 2.0 felt slightly less robust, but offered a higher megapixel count and a faster trigger speed on paper. It was also considerably cheaper than the Browning Strike Force Pro XD I considered. My ultimate decision hinged on the Wraith 2.0’s Lightsout technology and attractive price point.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The promise of high-resolution images and fast trigger speed at this price point seemed almost too good to be true. I was excited to put it to the test and see if it could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout to the Test
First Use Experience
I deployed the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout along a well-worn deer trail near my garden. The location offered a variety of lighting conditions and potential animal activity. I wanted to capture both daytime and nighttime footage.
The camera performed adequately in daylight, capturing decent images of passing deer and squirrels. However, the nighttime performance was less impressive; the infrared LEDs illuminated a relatively small area, and the images were grainy. Set up was fairly easy using the built in menu.
Programming the settings was straightforward, although the menu system felt a bit clunky. I did find that the detection range was closer to 50 feet than the advertised 70 feet. I was also disappointed that the camera does not record audio with the video.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a month of continuous use, the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 has proven to be reasonably reliable. However, there are some noticeable shortcomings. Battery life is shorter than expected, requiring replacement every 2-3 weeks with alkaline batteries, even with moderate activity.
The plastic housing has held up well to rain and temperature fluctuations, but some minor scratches are visible. The tree strap and alligator clips remain secure. I had to re-tighten it once as it had begun to sag.
Compared to my old Moultrie camera, the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 offers slightly better image resolution in daylight, but suffers in low-light conditions. Overall, it’s a decent entry-level game camera, but it doesn’t quite match the performance of more expensive models. This may be a good first camera.
Breaking Down the Features of Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout
Specifications
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout features a claimed 26-megapixel (advertised 20 MP) image sensor for capturing detailed photos. It records 720p HD videos without audio. Its trigger speed is advertised at 0.7 seconds.
The camera utilizes 40 nearly invisible 940nm infrared LEDs for nighttime illumination. Its detection range is specified as 70 feet. It records images in a 16:9 format and includes time, date, and moon phase stamp settings.
The Wraith 2.0 accepts eight AA batteries (not included) or a 12-volt DC jack for external power. It includes an adjustable tree strap with alligator-style clips. A cable-lock ready latch is included for security (cable lock not included).
These specifications dictate the camera’s core performance. The megapixel count determines image resolution, while the trigger speed affects the camera’s ability to capture moving targets. The infrared LEDs provide nighttime visibility, and the detection range dictates how far the camera can sense movement.
Performance & Functionality
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout performs adequately for its price point, but it’s not without limitations. The trigger speed is reasonably fast, capturing most moving animals, but occasionally misses quicker subjects. Image quality is acceptable in daylight, but suffers from noise and limited range at night.
The camera’s strengths lie in its simplicity and affordability. The menu system is basic but functional, and the camera is easy to set up and deploy. Weaknesses include limited battery life, grainy nighttime images, and a detection range that falls short of the advertised 70 feet.
While it mostly meets expectations for a budget-friendly game camera, the Wraith 2.0 doesn’t exceed them. The “Lightsout” feature is effective at minimizing spooking game, but the resulting image quality is somewhat compromised. Overall, the camera works as advertised but don’t expect premium images.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout features a compact and lightweight design. The plastic housing feels reasonably durable but doesn’t inspire confidence in extreme conditions. The latch mechanism is secure, and the tree strap is easy to adjust.
The camera is relatively user-friendly, with a straightforward menu system and intuitive controls. However, the small LCD screen can be difficult to read in bright sunlight. The overall ergonomics are adequate for basic operation.
Durability & Maintenance
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout appears to be reasonably durable for its price point. The plastic housing should withstand normal outdoor conditions, but prolonged exposure to harsh weather may shorten its lifespan. The absence of weather ratings concerns me, and would be something to consider.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens and battery replacement. The camera is not designed for user repair, so any significant damage will likely require replacement. However, if the unit fails within the warranty period you should be covered.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout comes with a basic adjustable tree strap and alligator clips. It includes a cable-lock ready latch, but a cable lock is not provided. The camera accepts standard SD cards for image storage (not included).
There are limited customization options available for this model. It’s primarily designed for standalone operation. However, the 12-volt DC jack allows for the use of external power sources, such as solar panels, to extend battery life.
The camera is compatible with most standard SD cards and cable locks. It is not compatible with specialized accessories, such as external antennas or advanced triggering systems. This model is designed to be ready to go out of the box.
Pros and Cons of Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for beginners.
- Effective “Lightsout” technology minimizes spooking game.
- Relatively fast 0.7-second trigger speed captures most moving animals.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy deployment.
- Simple and user-friendly menu system.
Cons
- Limited battery life requires frequent replacement.
- Grainy nighttime images with limited illumination range.
- Detection range falls short of the advertised 70 feet.
Who Should Buy Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout?
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout is perfect for budget-conscious hunters and wildlife enthusiasts who need a basic trail camera. It’s ideal for those seeking a discreet surveillance solution without breaking the bank. It is also perfect for someone who is new to trail cameras.
This product is not suitable for users who require high-quality images and videos, extended battery life, or advanced features. Those needing reliable performance in extreme weather conditions should also consider a more robust model. If you want something with a good warranty, you may also want to skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a set of high-capacity rechargeable AA batteries and a reliable SD card. A cable lock is also recommended for added security. Using Lithium batteries may extend battery life.
Conclusion on Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout offers a decent value proposition for its price. It provides a basic but functional trail camera solution for budget-minded users. However, its limitations in image quality and battery life should be considered.
The price is justified for its entry-level performance and “Lightsout” technology. However, users seeking higher quality and reliability may want to invest in a more expensive model. Keep in mind that this unit does not record audio and does not have a weather rating.
I would recommend the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout to beginners or those on a tight budget. For its intended purpose as an affordable and discreet trail camera, it gets the job done. If you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive way to monitor wildlife activity without breaking the bank, give the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout a try.