Let’s Dive into Moultrie MOU DGSI65S CAMERA 6.0 4D MFHDGSI65S
The Moultrie MOU DGSI65S CAMERA 6.0 4D MFHDGSI65S presents itself as a compact and feature-rich game camera from Moultrie. It promises quick, discreet nighttime image capturing, boasting sharp digital photos and videos accessible via computer or the Moultrie iNVISIBLE app. Its slim, pocket-friendly design aims to enhance concealment and ease of deployment, making it an attractive option for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts seeking unobtrusive monitoring.
My journey to this camera stemmed from a need for a reliable, yet discreet trail camera to monitor deer movement on a heavily pressured hunting lease. Existing cameras were either too bulky, too obvious, or lacked the sensitivity to consistently capture quality images in low-light conditions. The Moultrie DGSI65S, with its slim profile and supposedly improved trigger speed, seemed to address these specific shortcomings.
Upon unboxing, the camera felt surprisingly lightweight, a positive attribute for portability. The green housing seemed reasonably robust, though the plastic felt a bit less premium than some higher-end models I’ve handled. Its slim design was immediately apparent, making it noticeably less conspicuous than my older, boxier cameras.
Compared to my older Bushnell Trophy Cam and a Reconyx HyperFire PC900, the Moultrie felt more consumer-grade. The Bushnell was similar in price point but felt more rugged, while the Reconyx, although significantly more expensive, set the benchmark for trigger speed and image quality. I chose the Moultrie for its blend of affordability, slim profile, and advertised features tailored for discreet surveillance.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The size and advertised features were appealing, but the build quality raised some concerns about long-term durability. I was eager to put it to the test in the field and see if it could live up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Moultrie MOU DGSI65S CAMERA 6.0 4D MFHDGSI65S to the Test
First Use Experience
I deployed the Moultrie MOU DGSI65S CAMERA 6.0 4D MFHDGSI65S along a heavily used game trail in a densely wooded area of my hunting lease. The location experiences a wide range of weather conditions, including frequent rain, temperature swings, and periods of high humidity. The camera was mounted approximately 3 feet off the ground, angled slightly downward to capture a broader field of view.
During the first week, the camera performed reasonably well, capturing a decent number of deer photos and videos. Image quality was adequate for daytime shots but noticeably grainy at night, even with the IR flash. The advertised trigger speed seemed slightly optimistic; I observed a few instances where the deer had already passed through the frame before the camera fired.
The initial setup was straightforward, though navigating the menu options felt a bit clunky compared to my other cameras. I also noticed that the battery life seemed shorter than expected, given the relatively low activity levels during that week. I had to return earlier than expected to swap out the batteries to ensure continuous coverage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of continuous use, the Moultrie DGSI65S has shown both strengths and weaknesses. While it has consistently captured images, its durability and reliability have become concerns. The plastic housing has shown some signs of fading and minor cracking, particularly around the battery compartment.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens and housing. However, the battery compartment latch feels flimsy and prone to breaking, requiring careful handling. The image quality, while acceptable, hasn’t improved over time, and the IR flash range seems shorter than advertised, resulting in many dark or blurry nighttime images.
Compared to my older Bushnell Trophy Cam, the Moultrie is more compact and easier to conceal. However, the Bushnell has proven to be significantly more durable and reliable over the long term. My Reconyx camera, although much more expensive, remains the gold standard for image quality and trigger speed, far surpassing the Moultrie in overall performance. The Moultrie, unfortunately, underperforms in side-by-side testing.
Breaking Down the Features of Moultrie MOU DGSI65S CAMERA 6.0 4D MFHDGSI65S
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Moultrie
- Color: Green
- Battery Type: D
- Condition: New
- Battery Quantity: 4
- Range: 50 ft
- Screen Size: 2 in
- Water Resistance Level: Water Resistant
These specifications, while seemingly straightforward, significantly impact the camera’s performance. The D batteries, while providing ample power, contribute to the camera’s weight and size. The 50-foot range limitation affects its ability to monitor larger areas effectively, and the water resistance level, while adequate for light rain, may not withstand prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Moultrie DGSI65S primarily serves its purpose by capturing images and videos of wildlife. However, its performance is somewhat inconsistent. The trigger speed, while advertised as fast, is noticeably slower than higher-end models, resulting in missed shots.
The image quality is acceptable for daytime shots but often grainy and blurry at night. The 50ft range is limiting. While the camera functions as intended, it does not consistently meet expectations for reliability and image quality.
Design & Ergonomics
The slim design of the Moultrie DGSI65S is its most appealing feature. It is lightweight and easy to conceal, making it suitable for areas where discretion is paramount.
The build quality, however, is a concern. The plastic housing feels somewhat flimsy, and the battery compartment latch is particularly weak. Navigating the menu options can be cumbersome, requiring multiple button presses to access desired settings.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Moultrie DGSI65S is questionable. The plastic housing is prone to cracking and fading, and the battery compartment latch is a weak point.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning. However, the potential for component failure raises concerns about its longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Moultrie DGSI65S comes with a basic mounting strap and a user manual. There are limited customization options available.
It is compatible with standard SD cards for image storage. However, it is not compatible with external power sources or specialized mounting brackets.
Pros and Cons of Moultrie MOU DGSI65S CAMERA 6.0 4D MFHDGSI65S
Pros
- Slim and compact design for easy concealment.
- Relatively affordable compared to high-end trail cameras.
- Easy to set up and deploy.
- Decent image quality in daytime conditions.
- Water resistant, suitable for moderate weather conditions.
Cons
- Below average trigger speed.
- Grainy and blurry nighttime images.
- Limited IR flash range (50 feet).
- Flimsy build quality and questionable long-term durability.
- Battery compartment latch is prone to breaking.
Who Should Buy Moultrie MOU DGSI65S CAMERA 6.0 4D MFHDGSI65S?
The Moultrie DGSI65S is perfect for casual users seeking an affordable and discreet trail camera for basic wildlife monitoring. It’s adequate for those who don’t require high-resolution images or fast trigger speeds.
This product isn’t suitable for serious hunters, wildlife researchers, or anyone needing reliable performance in demanding conditions. Someone needing high-quality night vision or long-term durability should avoid this model.
A high-capacity SD card is a must-have accessory. Consider investing in rechargeable D batteries and a charger to reduce long-term costs.
Conclusion on Moultrie MOU DGSI65S CAMERA 6.0 4D MFHDGSI65S
The Moultrie MOU DGSI65S CAMERA 6.0 4D MFHDGSI65S offers a compelling combination of affordability and discretion, making it an attractive option for casual users. However, its shortcomings in trigger speed, image quality, and durability raise concerns about its long-term value.
At $369.99, the price is somewhat justified for its compact design and basic functionality. However, buyers should be aware of its limitations and potential for component failure.
I would cautiously recommend it to those with limited budgets and simple monitoring needs. However, I would strongly advise serious users to invest in a higher-quality camera for improved performance and reliability. If you need a camera to work reliably in a variety of situations, I would skip this model.