Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera Review

First Impressions of Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera

The Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera promises to bring cellular trail camera technology to the masses with an accessible price point and user-friendly interface. From Cuddeback, a brand known for its innovation in trail cameras, the Tracks model aims to offer reliable remote monitoring without breaking the bank.

I needed a solution for keeping tabs on a remote property where deer poaching had been an issue. I specifically wanted something cellular that didn’t require constant trips to check SD cards.

Unboxing the Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera, my initial impression was that it felt robust, but not overly bulky. The brown casing blends well with natural surroundings, and the overall design seemed straightforward.

I considered the Spartan GoCam and the Reveal by Tactacam, both solid cell camera options. Ultimately, the Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera’s lower price point and promise of easy setup swayed me.

Overall, I was cautiously optimistic. The promise of remote reliability and image quality at this price was exciting, but I was keen to see how it performed in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera to the Test

First Use Experience

My first use of the Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera was on my rural property, primarily focused on a heavily trafficked game trail. I set it up about 10 feet off the ground, angled slightly downward for optimal coverage.

The camera faced harsh weather conditions – a week of rain and fluctuating temperatures. Setup was surprisingly simple; pairing it with the data plan and configuring the settings through the app was a breeze.

I was pleasantly surprised by the trigger speed; the camera captured clear images of deer moving at a decent pace. However, the nighttime images were a little grainy but acceptable given the price point.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera has proven to be quite reliable. The camera has consistently sent images, even from areas with moderate cell service.

There are minimal signs of wear, which is impressive considering the exposure to the elements. The Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera is easy to clean with a damp cloth, and the battery life has been consistent, requiring replacement of the 4 D batteries every 2-3 months depending on activity.

Compared to my older Moultrie game camera, the Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera far outperforms it in terms of remote accessibility and ease of use. The image quality isn’t quite as sharp as some higher-end models, but the convenience and reliability make it a worthwhile trade-off.

Breaking Down the Features of Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera

Specifications

• 0.25 second trigger speed: This ensures the camera captures fast-moving subjects without significant motion blur. This is essential for capturing fleeting wildlife.
• 2 yr product warranty with online registration: Offers peace of mind and demonstrates Cuddeback’s confidence in their product. This is a significant selling point.
• Patented Auto camera delay: Prevents over-triggering by automatically adjusting the delay between photos. This maximizes battery life and reduces unnecessary image clutter.
• Compatible with all power and mount options: Provides flexibility in deployment and power management. This allows users to customize the setup to their specific needs.
• Uses SD card up to 256GB (not included): Allows for ample storage of images and videos. Having a high capacity SD card is critical for long-term monitoring.
• Uses 4D batteries (not included): Offers a good balance between power and cost. The larger size generally equates to longer battery life.
• Low-glow IR LEDs (850nm) 100′ range: Provides effective nighttime illumination without spooking game as much as brighter, more visible IR. The 100′ range is adequate for most scenarios.
• High-def sensor optimizes image clarity and brightness for LTE delivery and phone viewing: Ensures clear images are transmitted efficiently to mobile devices. This is essential for quick identification of subjects.
• 3rd Gen sensor with 7 sensitivity settings: Allows users to fine-tune the camera’s sensitivity to reduce false triggers. This feature is crucial for minimizing unwanted notifications.
• Blue backlit display for easy viewing: Enhances visibility of settings and status information, especially in low-light conditions. This makes setup and adjustments much easier.
• Delays ranging from 5 seconds to 5 minutes: Provides customizable delay settings between photo triggers. This helps manage battery life and the number of images captured.
• Dual timelapse modes (Prime Time & standard): Enables users to monitor activity over extended periods by taking photos at set intervals. The Prime Time mode focuses on peak activity hours.
• Weight: 1.7 lb: Lightweight and easy to deploy. This helps with concealment and ease of handling.

Performance & Functionality

The Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera performs admirably as a budget-friendly cellular trail camera. Its key function, sending images remotely, works consistently and reliably.

The trigger speed is quick enough to capture most wildlife activity, and the cellular transmission is generally consistent. However, image quality can be somewhat grainy in low light conditions, a common trade-off at this price point.

The camera meets expectations as a reliable remote monitoring tool, though it won’t compete with higher-end cameras in terms of image clarity. Overall the performance and functionality matches the price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera sports a simple, functional design. The brown casing blends well in natural environments, and the camera is relatively lightweight.

The user interface is intuitive, with a blue backlit display that makes adjustments easy, even in dim lighting. There is a small learning curve, but the user manual is thorough.

Durability & Maintenance

The camera seems durable enough to withstand typical outdoor conditions. After several months of use, there are no major signs of wear or damage.

Maintenance is minimal. Regularly checking and replacing batteries and occasionally wiping down the casing is all that’s needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera is compatible with standard mounting brackets and security boxes. No accessories come with the camera other than the basics.

The Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera relies on Cuddeback’s cellular data plans, offering some flexibility. The mounting options can be easily customized.

Pros and Cons of Cuddeback Tracks Infra Red Cell Camera