Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit Review

First Impressions of Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit

The Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit promises big performance in a small package, a concept that immediately appealed to me as a seasoned outdoorsman. Moultrie Feeders has long been a trusted name in the game camera world, and the “Micro” series intrigued me with its promise of compact convenience and enhanced concealment – key considerations for any serious wildlife observer or property manager. This camera boasts a 42MP resolution and invisible flash, piquing my curiosity about its image quality and ability to remain undetected.

For years, I’ve wrestled with bulky, easily-spooked cameras. I needed a scouting solution that was small, discreet, and wouldn’t alert wary game. My older cameras were cumbersome to set up and often triggered by swaying branches, filling my SD cards with useless images.

Unboxing the Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit, I was immediately struck by its size. The Mossy Oak camo pattern is effective, and the camera feels surprisingly robust despite its diminutive stature. It certainly felt smaller and lighter than my older Bushnell and Reconyx cameras. I chose this over other budget-friendly models due to Moultrie Feeders’ reputation for reliable performance and the promise of an invisible flash.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The size is a definite plus, but I was eager to see if its performance would live up to the hype. It seemed the perfect fit for my needs, and I was genuinely excited to get it into the field.

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

First Use Experience

I deployed the Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit along a well-used game trail in my hunting property, nestled deep within a heavily wooded area. The weather during the first week of testing was typical for late fall: cold mornings, occasional rain, and plenty of dampness. I was keen to see how the camera performed in these challenging conditions.

The setup was straightforward, and the camera easily attached to a tree using the included strap. The camera proved simple to operate even with gloved hands. The Micro-42i initially surprised me with its rapid trigger speed, capturing deer moving at a brisk pace.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of continuous use, the Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit has proven to be a reliable workhorse. The camera has withstood several rainstorms and sub-freezing temperatures with no noticeable degradation in performance. There are no signs of wear and tear beyond some minor scratches from brush.

Cleaning is a breeze with a damp cloth, and battery life has been impressive. It requires minimal maintenance. Compared to my older trail cameras, the Micro-42i has delivered consistently clearer images and videos, with significantly fewer false triggers. Its performance has largely exceeded my initial expectations.

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

Specifications

• Resolution: 42MP. This high resolution allows for detailed images, even when cropping or zooming in post-capture.
• Video Resolution: 1280×720 pixels. While not full HD, the video quality is acceptable for scouting purposes.
• Color: Mossy Oak Camo. This helps the camera blend seamlessly into the environment, making it less noticeable to both animals and potential thieves.
• Battery Type: AA. Readily available and relatively inexpensive, AA batteries are a practical power source.
• Battery Life: 1 Year. This extended battery life minimizes the need for frequent trips to check and replace batteries.
• Bulb Type: Invisible Flash. This emits no visible light, preventing animals from being spooked and reducing the risk of theft.
• Focus Range: 70 ft. This is the maximum distance at which the camera can effectively focus, providing clear images of subjects within this range.
• Battery Quantity: 4. Four AA batteries power the camera.
• Video Record Resolution: 1280×720 pixels. Adequate for viewing on smaller screens and sharing online.
• Trigger speed: 0.4 sec. This allows the camera to capture fast-moving objects.
• Detection range: 70 ft. This is the maximum distance at which the camera can detect motion.
• Flash range: 80 ft. Adequate for illuminating nighttime subjects.
• Flash technology: invisible flash. This is beneficial for not spooking game.
• Battery life: 13,000 images. This minimizes trips to the camera.
• Motion detect delay: 0 sec./15 sec./30 sec./1 min./5 min. Adjust the delay for different scenarios.
• Multi-shot mode: 1 photo, 3 photo. Capture multiple images for a better assessment.
• Image and video aspect ratio: 16:9. Modern aspect ratio for viewing on most devices.
• Infostrip data: time, date, temp F only, camera name (1-9 characters), moon phase. Displays important information.
• Moultrie mobile compatible: yes when connected with modem. Remotely monitor the camera.

These specifications combine to create a well-rounded trail camera suitable for a variety of scouting and security applications. The high resolution, invisible flash, and long battery life are particularly noteworthy.

Performance & Functionality

The Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit performs admirably as a scouting tool. Its 42MP resolution captures detailed images, allowing me to identify individual bucks and assess their antler development. The trigger speed is fast enough to capture most animals in motion, although occasionally a very fast-moving deer will be slightly blurred.

The invisible flash is a major advantage, as I’ve noticed a significant reduction in spooked animals compared to cameras with traditional white or low-glow IR flashes. The only real weakness is the 720p video resolution, which is acceptable but not ideal for detailed video analysis. Overall, it meets and generally exceeds my expectations for a camera in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and conceal. The Mossy Oak camo pattern is effective in blending the camera into various environments. The build quality feels solid, although the plastic housing is not as robust as some higher-end metal-cased cameras.

The user interface is simple and intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons and a straightforward menu system. There’s virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit seems reasonably durable for its price point. While I wouldn’t subject it to extreme abuse, it has withstood normal outdoor conditions without any issues. The plastic housing is likely the weakest point, but it seems adequately protected against rain and dust.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and periodic battery replacement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit includes a basic mounting strap. It does not come with an SD card, so you will need to purchase one separately. Moultrie Feeders also offers a range of compatible accessories, including security boxes and solar power options.

While the camera itself is not highly customizable, it is compatible with standard SD cards and various mounting systems.

Pros and Cons of Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit

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Who Should Buy Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit?

The Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit is perfect for hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and property owners who need a reliable and discreet scouting tool. It’s also a good option for anyone looking for a basic security camera to monitor their property.

This product might not be suitable for users who require high-resolution video or demand extreme durability in harsh environments.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality SD card. Consider a security box if deploying the camera in an area prone to theft.

Conclusion on Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit

The Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit is a well-rounded trail camera that offers excellent value for its price. Its high-resolution images, invisible flash, and long battery life make it a compelling option for a variety of scouting and security applications.

The $109.79 price tag is certainly justified considering its features and performance.

I would definitely recommend the Moultrie Feeders Micro-42i Camera Kit to anyone looking for a reliable, compact, and affordable trail camera. Upgrade your scouting game today and see what you’ve been missing!