First Thoughts on the STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO
The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO, a trail camera from Stealth Cam, promises to be a powerful scouting tool for outdoors enthusiasts. With an 8.0 megapixel camera, 50-foot IR flash, and video recording capabilities, it aims to capture detailed images and videos of wildlife. The added features of time, date, moon phase, and temperature stamping further enhance its utility for tracking animal behavior and environmental conditions.
I’ve spent years tracking wildlife on my property, using various trail cameras with mixed results. My biggest frustration has always been image quality, especially at night. I was looking for a camera that could deliver clear, detailed images and videos, even in low-light conditions, allowing me to accurately identify and monitor the animals frequenting my land. This quest led me to the STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO.
Upon unboxing, the camera felt surprisingly lightweight but solid enough. The plastic housing seems durable, though I’d want to test it further in harsher weather. Compared to my older Bushnell Trophy Cam, the STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO felt slightly less bulky but had a similar overall design. I also considered the Moultrie A-30i, but the Stealth Cam‘s video recording capabilities and temperature stamping swayed my decision.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The features seemed promising, but the real test would be its performance in the field. I was excited to see if it could truly deliver on its promises of high-quality images and reliable performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO to the Test
First Use Experience
I deployed the STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO in a heavily wooded area near a known deer trail on my property. This area provided a mix of sunlight and shade during the day, and complete darkness at night. The first week was relatively dry, with only a light rain shower. The camera was easy to set up, with intuitive controls.
Initially, the image quality was impressive during daylight hours, capturing clear details of passing deer and other wildlife. The infrared flash performed reasonably well at night, though the 50-foot range seemed slightly optimistic; clarity dropped noticeably beyond 35-40 feet. One surprise was the sensitivity of the motion sensor – it occasionally triggered on swaying branches, resulting in some empty photos.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of continuous use, the STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO has proven to be a reasonably reliable performer, though not without its quirks. The plastic housing has held up well, showing no signs of cracking or fading despite exposure to sun and rain. Battery life is decent, lasting approximately 6 weeks with standard alkaline batteries and moderate activity.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens and housing. Compared to my older camera, the Stealth Cam offers a slightly better image quality in daylight. However, the trigger speed feels a bit slower, resulting in some missed shots of faster-moving animals. It is important to note, the slower trigger speed compared to other brands can lead to missed shot opportunities.
Breaking Down the Features of STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO
Specifications
Image Resolution: 8.0 Megapixels. This allows for detailed images suitable for identifying wildlife and observing their behavior.
IR Flash Range: 50 Feet. Provides nighttime illumination for capturing images and videos in low-light conditions.
Video Recording: 5-240 Second Clips. Offers flexibility in capturing different types of events, from short interactions to longer behaviors.
Data Stamp: Time, Date, Moon Phase, Temperature. This invaluable data helps in correlating animal activity with environmental factors.
Memory: 32MB Internal, Expandable to 16GB SD Card (Sold Separately). Allows for storing a significant amount of images and videos, with the option for expansion.
The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO‘s specifications are well-suited for basic scouting needs. However, serious users will likely want to upgrade to a faster SD card.
Performance & Functionality
The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO performs adequately for basic trail camera tasks. The image quality is decent during the day. It captures enough detail for identifying most animals.
The nighttime images are acceptable within a limited range. The video recording function is useful for capturing animal behavior. However, the slower trigger speed and tendency to trigger on non-animal movement are weaknesses.
The camera mostly meets expectations for a budget-friendly trail camera, but higher-end models offer superior performance in image quality and trigger speed. A faster trigger speed would ensure more animals are properly recorded.
Design & Ergonomics
The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO has a functional design with a simple and user-friendly interface. The plastic housing feels reasonably durable, though not exceptionally rugged.
The lightweight design makes it easy to mount and transport. There is a slight learning curve when setting the camera.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic housing appears capable of withstanding typical outdoor conditions for a few seasons. Long-term durability remains to be seen. Regular cleaning and battery replacement are the only maintenance requirements.
Replacing worn or damaged parts may be difficult or impossible. Given its price point, it is likely a disposable unit.
Accessories and Customization Options
The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO comes with a basic mounting strap. There are no included accessories beyond that. The camera is compatible with standard SD cards up to 16GB.
Third-party security boxes can be used to protect the camera from theft. It is not highly customizable, lacking options for external power or advanced trigger settings.
Pros and Cons of STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO
Pros
- 8.0 Megapixel Image Resolution allows for detailed daytime images.
- Video Recording Capability is a useful feature for observing animal behavior.
- Time, Date, Moon Phase, and Temperature Stamp aids in tracking activity patterns.
- Simple and User-Friendly Interface makes setup and operation straightforward.
- Affordable Price Point makes it accessible for beginner to casual users.
Cons
- Slower Trigger Speed may result in missed shots of fast-moving animals.
- Limited 50-Foot IR Flash Range reduces image quality at longer distances.
- Tendency to Trigger on Non-Animal Movement causes false positives.
Who Should Buy STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO?
The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO is perfect for casual users. This includes those needing a basic trail camera for monitoring wildlife in their backyard or on small properties. Beginner hunters on a budget could also make use of this.
Those needing high-performance cameras with fast trigger speeds, long-range IR flash, and advanced features should skip this product. For serious wildlife researchers or hunters tracking game in challenging environments, higher-end options are necessary.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality, fast SD card. This maximizes image capture and video recording performance.
Conclusion on STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO
The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO offers a decent set of features at an attractive price point. It provides adequate image quality, video recording capability, and useful data stamping. However, the slower trigger speed, limited IR flash range, and tendency to trigger on non-animal movement are drawbacks to consider.
For casual users and those on a budget, the price is justified. It offers a reasonable balance of features and performance.
Personally, I would recommend it to someone just starting out with trail cameras. However, more experienced users might want to consider a higher-end model. If you need a reliable and affordable trail camera for basic scouting, the STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO is a solid choice.