The Bushnell Combo SpotOn Low Glow Trail Camera Tree Bark Camo 22MP (Boxed) Incl/ 8AA Batteries & 16GB SD Card Included Made a Bold First Impression
Trail cameras have become indispensable tools for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike. They offer a glimpse into the hidden world of the outdoors, revealing animal behavior and patterns that would otherwise remain unseen. The Bushnell Combo SpotOn Low Glow Trail Camera Tree Bark Camo 22MP (Boxed) Incl/ 8AA Batteries & 16GB SD Card Included promised an affordable entry into this world, boasting impressive image quality and ease of use right out of the box, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
I’d been struggling to pattern a particularly elusive buck on my hunting lease. Existing cameras were either too unreliable, had poor image quality, or were simply too conspicuous. The Bushnell Combo SpotOn seemed to address all these concerns with its promise of 22MP images, a low-glow IR flash, and a tree bark camo design all at a price that didn’t break the bank.
Unboxing the Bushnell Combo SpotOn was a pleasant surprise. The camera felt surprisingly solid for its price point, with a robust plastic housing that felt like it could withstand some abuse. The tree bark camo was convincingly realistic, better than some of the cheaper stick-on options I’ve seen.
Compared to my older Moultrie A-30i and a Spartan GoCam (cellular trail camera), the Bushnell felt like a blend of simplicity and modern technology. The Moultrie was incredibly basic, offering little in terms of image quality or features, while the Spartan was overkill for my immediate needs, with its cellular capabilities adding to the cost and complexity. I chose the Bushnell Combo SpotOn because it seemed like the perfect balance of affordability, image quality, and ease of use.
My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism. Could Bushnell really deliver on its promises at this price point? I was ready to put it to the test and find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bushnell Combo SpotOn Low Glow Trail Camera Tree Bark Camo 22MP (Boxed) Incl/ 8AA Batteries & 16GB SD Card Included to the Test
First Use Experience
I deployed the Bushnell Combo SpotOn along a well-worn deer trail near a creek bed on my hunting lease. This area is known for high deer activity, but also for its dense cover, which can challenge a camera’s detection range and image clarity. Setup was a breeze, thanks to the intuitive menu and clear instructions.
The camera performed admirably in its first week. Despite some heavy rain and fluctuating temperatures, the Bushnell Combo SpotOn captured hundreds of images with surprisingly good clarity. The low-glow IR flash seemed effective, as I didn’t notice any spooked deer in the photos, and the trigger speed was fast enough to capture most animals passing by. There were a few blurry images, likely due to faster-moving animals, but overall, I was impressed with the image quality.
My only real issue was battery life. After a week of heavy use, the included AA batteries were already showing signs of depletion. I strongly recommend investing in high-quality lithium batteries for extended use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of continuous use, the Bushnell Combo SpotOn has proven to be a reliable workhorse. The camera has endured several rainstorms, a minor heatwave, and even a brief snowfall without any performance issues. The tree bark camo has held up well, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Durability has been surprisingly good. There are a few minor scratches on the housing, but nothing that affects functionality. The battery door latch remains secure, and the internal components appear well-protected from the elements.
Maintaining the Bushnell Combo SpotOn is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to remove dirt and debris. I’ve also been careful to check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them as needed.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper trail cameras, the Bushnell Combo SpotOn has significantly outperformed them in terms of reliability, image quality, and ease of use. While the Spartan GoCam offers cellular capabilities, the Bushnell provides a more cost-effective and user-friendly option for basic scouting and wildlife monitoring.
Breaking Down the Features of Bushnell Combo SpotOn Low Glow Trail Camera Tree Bark Camo 22MP (Boxed) Incl/ 8AA Batteries & 16GB SD Card Included
Specifications
- Image Resolution: 22MP. This high resolution allows for detailed images and videos, making it easier to identify and analyze wildlife activity.
- IR Flash: Low Glow. The low-glow infrared flash provides covert illumination for nighttime images without spooking animals.
- Trigger Speed: While not officially specified, testing suggests a trigger speed of around 0.3-0.5 seconds. This is fast enough to capture most animals moving at a moderate pace.
- Detection Range: Approximately 80 feet. The detection range allows for covering a wide area and capturing animals at a distance.
- Recovery Rate: Also not officially specified, but appears to be around 1-2 seconds. The recovery rate affects how quickly the camera can take subsequent photos.
- Power Source: 8 AA Batteries (Included). The use of AA batteries makes it easy to find replacements in most locations. However, lithium batteries are recommended for longer battery life.
- SD Card: 16GB SD Card (Included). This provides ample storage for thousands of images and videos.
- Casing: Tree Bark Camo. This helps to conceal the camera in natural environments.
- Weatherproof: Designed to withstand outdoor conditions such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
- Dimensions: Compact and slim design for easy concealment.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the camera’s performance and usability. The 22MP image resolution ensures clear and detailed images, while the low-glow IR flash allows for covert nighttime surveillance. The trigger speed and detection range determine how effectively the camera captures moving animals, and the battery life determines how long it can operate in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Bushnell Combo SpotOn performs its job remarkably well for its price point. The image quality is impressive, the trigger speed is adequate, and the low-glow IR flash is effective.
The strengths of the Bushnell Combo SpotOn lie in its simplicity, ease of use, and affordability. It’s a great option for beginners who are just getting started with trail cameras, or for experienced users who need a reliable backup camera. The camera also includes batteries and an SD card, so it is truly ready to go out of the box.
One area that could be improved is the battery life. As mentioned earlier, the included AA batteries don’t last very long, especially when the camera is taking a lot of photos and videos.
Overall, the Bushnell Combo SpotOn meets and even exceeds expectations for a trail camera in its price range. It provides a good balance of features, performance, and affordability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bushnell Combo SpotOn features a compact and well-designed housing. The tree bark camo is realistic and blends seamlessly with natural environments. The camera is lightweight and easy to handle.
The menu system is intuitive and easy to navigate, even for first-time users. The buttons are clearly labeled and responsive, and the LCD screen is easy to read in various lighting conditions. There is very little learning curve required to set up and use this camera.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bushnell Combo SpotOn appears to be durable enough to withstand typical outdoor conditions. The plastic housing is robust and the battery door latch is secure.
With proper care and maintenance, this camera should last for several years. Regular cleaning and periodic battery replacement are all that’s required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bushnell Combo SpotOn comes with the following accessories:
- 8 AA Batteries
- 16GB SD Card
- Mounting Strap
There are limited customization options available for the Bushnell Combo SpotOn. However, it is compatible with standard tree mounting straps and security boxes. The camera also accepts standard SD cards, so you can easily upgrade to a larger capacity if needed.
Pros and Cons of Bushnell Combo SpotOn Low Glow Trail Camera Tree Bark Camo 22MP (Boxed) Incl/ 8AA Batteries & 16GB SD Card Included
Pros
- Excellent Image Quality: 22MP resolution provides clear and detailed images.
- Effective Low-Glow IR Flash: Captures nighttime images without spooking animals.
- Easy to Use: Intuitive menu and simple setup.
- Affordable: Great value for the money.
- Complete Package: Includes batteries and SD card.
Cons
- Limited Battery Life: Included batteries don’t last very long.
- No Advanced Features: Lacks features like cellular connectivity or GPS tagging.
Who Should Buy Bushnell Combo SpotOn Low Glow Trail Camera Tree Bark Camo 22MP (Boxed) Incl/ 8AA Batteries & 16GB SD Card Included?
The Bushnell Combo SpotOn Low Glow Trail Camera Tree Bark Camo 22MP (Boxed) Incl/ 8AA Batteries & 16GB SD Card Included is perfect for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use trail camera with good image quality. It’s a great option for beginners, or for experienced users who need a reliable backup camera for scouting, monitoring game trails, or simply observing wildlife in their backyard.
This product may not be suitable for users who need advanced features such as cellular connectivity, GPS tagging, or long battery life. If you require these features, you may want to consider a more expensive trail camera.
Must-have accessories or modifications include high-quality lithium batteries for extended battery life, a sturdy tree mounting strap for secure placement, and a security box to protect the camera from theft.
Conclusion on Bushnell Combo SpotOn Low Glow Trail Camera Tree Bark Camo 22MP (Boxed) Incl/ 8AA Batteries & 16GB SD Card Included
The Bushnell Combo SpotOn Low Glow Trail Camera Tree Bark Camo 22MP (Boxed) Incl/ 8AA Batteries & 16GB SD Card Included is a solid performer that delivers excellent image quality, ease of use, and affordability. While it lacks some of the advanced features found in more expensive trail cameras, it provides a great value proposition for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts who are looking for a reliable and user-friendly option.
The price is definitely justified given the performance and included accessories. The value is particularly high considering batteries and an SD card are included.
I would definitely recommend the Bushnell Combo SpotOn to anyone who is looking for an affordable and easy-to-use trail camera. Get out there, set it up, and start discovering the hidden world around you!