Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit Review

First Impressions of Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit

The Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit promises big performance in a small package, and that’s exactly what caught my eye. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless trail cameras come and go, each with their own set of compromises. The promise of a compact, concealable camera that doesn’t skimp on image quality is an enticing proposition, particularly for situations where discretion is paramount, like monitoring remote areas for poaching or conducting wildlife surveys without disturbing the subjects.

I was specifically looking for a trail camera that could easily be hidden and deployed in areas with high foot traffic, but that could still deliver clear images and videos. I’ve had issues in the past with larger, more conspicuous cameras being tampered with or stolen. The white bark camo was a feature that I felt would help my specific requirements of minimizing visibility.

Upon unboxing, the Micro-42 immediately impressed me with its size. The compact design felt solid and well-constructed, despite its diminutive dimensions. The white bark camo is surprisingly effective, blending in well with many tree species.

Compared to my older, bulkier Bushnell trail camera and a Reconyx HyperFire 2 (known for its top-tier image quality but significant size and cost), the Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit occupies a unique space. It isn’t trying to be the most feature-rich or highest-resolution camera on the market. Instead, it prioritizes concealability and ease of use, while still offering a respectable 42MP image resolution. I chose the Micro-42 because of its affordability and compact design, hoping it would strike a balance between performance and practicality.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the potential of the Micro-42 to fulfill my need for a discreet, high-quality trail camera. I was also slightly concerned about whether such a small device could deliver the performance I’ve come to expect from larger, more established brands.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place on a private hunting lease in East Texas. I wanted to monitor a heavily used game trail without alerting deer or other hunters to the camera’s presence. I mounted the Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit about six feet off the ground, angled downward, using the included strap.

The weather during this initial test was mixed: periods of heavy rain followed by bright sunshine. I was pleased with the camera’s performance in both conditions. The images were surprisingly clear, even in low light, and the trigger speed seemed reasonably fast, capturing most of the deer that passed by.

The ease of use was a major plus. The menu system is straightforward and intuitive, making it easy to adjust settings in the field. I did notice that the image quality degraded slightly in very wet conditions, but overall, I was impressed with the Micro-42’s performance during its first outing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continuous use, the Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit has proven to be a reliable and capable performer. The battery life, powered by 4 AA batteries, has been exceptional. I am well on my way to obtaining the approximate 13,000 images the manufacturer claims.

The durability has also been impressive. Despite being exposed to the elements for weeks, the camera shows no signs of wear and tear. The white bark camo has held up well, and the housing remains water-resistant.

Maintenance is simple: just wipe down the lens and housing with a damp cloth as needed. Compared to my older Bushnell, which required frequent battery changes and was prone to fogging, the Micro-42 has been a significant improvement. It’s not quite in the league of the Reconyx in terms of sheer image quality, but for its size and price, it far exceeds my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Moultrie Feeders. This is a well-known brand in the hunting and wildlife observation space.
• Resolution: 42MP. This resolution provides sharp, detailed images for identifying animals or other objects of interest.
• Memory: Up to 32GB SD Card (sold separately). The SD card capacity is sufficient for storing thousands of images and videos.
• Color: White Bark Camo. This camouflage pattern helps to conceal the camera in wooded environments.
• Battery Type: AA. Common and easily replaceable batteries are utilized.
• Width: 3.25 in, Depth/Thickness: 2.625 in, Length: 3.5 in. The compact dimensions make it easy to conceal and transport.
• Focus Range: 70 ft. Provides a reasonable detection distance for most trail camera applications.
• Battery Quantity: 4. Four AA batteries provide adequate power for extended use.
• Video Record Resolution: 1280×720 pixels. This HD video resolution provides adequate video quality for most monitoring situations.
• Range: 100 ft. The long-range flash effectively illuminates subjects at a distance.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the camera’s performance and usability. The high resolution ensures clear images, while the compact size allows for discreet placement. The long flash range is crucial for capturing images at night.

Performance & Functionality

The Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit performs its job admirably, delivering high-resolution images and HD video in a small, easy-to-use package. The trigger speed is fast enough to capture most moving subjects, and the detection range is sufficient for monitoring trails and feeding areas.

The main strengths are its size, ease of use, and image quality for the price. The weakness is the lack of audio recording with video. Also, image quality, while decent, will not compete with more expensive trail cameras on the market.

For the price, the Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit greatly exceeds my expectations. I did not anticipate the image resolution to be as crisp as it is for the size and cost.

Design & Ergonomics

The Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit features a compact and well-thought-out design. The white bark camo is effective, and the housing feels durable. The light weight makes it easy to carry and mount.

The menu system is user-friendly, and the buttons are easy to access, even with gloves on. There is virtually no learning curve; operating the camera is very intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

The Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit seems built to last. The housing is weather-resistant, and the components appear to be of good quality. I expect it to last for several seasons with proper care.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens and housing. The battery compartment is easily accessible, making battery changes quick and easy.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit comes with a heavy-duty strap for mounting. The only required “accessory” you will need is an SD card, which is not included in the kit.

There are not any specific customization options, such as lens attachments or external power sources. However, it is compatible with standard tree mounts and security boxes.

Pros and Cons of Moultrie Feeders Micro-42 Camera Kit