STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO Review

The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO Made a Bold First Impression

In the world of game cameras, Stealth Cam has carved out a name for itself, often delivering solid performance at a reasonable price point. The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO, also known as the “Jim Shockey The Sniper,” promises to be no exception, boasting 8.0 megapixel image capture, a 50-foot flash range, and video recording capabilities. I was particularly intrigued by the inclusion of temperature and moon phase stamping, features I thought could add real value to my scouting efforts.

My foray into the world of trail cameras began years ago, attempting to track deer movement on my property. Early models were clunky, unreliable, and produced images that were more “blob-squatch” than “trophy buck.” I was hoping that this would deliver more.

The unboxing was straightforward: camera, instruction manual, and mounting strap. My initial impression was that the build quality felt decent for the price. The plastic housing didn’t scream “bombproof,” but it felt sturdy enough to withstand typical outdoor conditions. Compared to my older Bushnell Trophy Cam, the STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO felt a little lighter and more compact, which I appreciated. While other cameras with similar specs were on the market, the inclusion of Jim Shockey’s name and the promise of temperature and moon phase data tipped the scales in favor of this Stealth Cam model.

I was cautiously optimistic. While 8MP is far from cutting edge, I figured it should be adequate for scouting purposes. I was eager to see how the IR flash performed and how the camera handled video recording.

Real-World Testing: Putting STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO was a heavily wooded area on my property, near a known deer trail. I mounted the camera approximately 3 feet off the ground, angled slightly downward, hoping to capture clear images of passing wildlife. The weather during this initial test was typical for late autumn: cool, damp, and occasionally drizzly.

Setting up the camera was relatively easy. The menu system was intuitive, and I quickly configured the date, time, photo resolution, and video length. After leaving it out for a week, I came back expecting some great images. Overall, the images were okay. The detection range was good but the image clarity, even in daylight, was below what I expected.

One immediate issue I noticed was the sensitivity of the trigger. Several images were triggered by swaying branches, resulting in a lot of empty frames. I adjusted the sensitivity setting, hoping to mitigate this problem in future tests.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO has proven to be reasonably reliable, but not without its quirks. The battery life is acceptable, lasting about a month on a set of six AA batteries with moderate activity. Durability-wise, the camera has held up well to rain and temperature fluctuations. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, and the housing remains watertight.

However, I’ve consistently been underwhelmed by the image quality. Even under optimal lighting conditions, the images lack sharpness and detail. The 8MP sensor seems to be stretched thin, resulting in photos that are noticeably inferior to those produced by my older, similarly priced cameras. The IR flash range is also shorter than advertised. The advertised 50ft range appears to be closer to 30ft.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. Compared to my older Moultrie game camera, the STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO is easier to set up and navigate. However, the image quality and flash range are noticeably worse.

Breaking Down the Features of STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO

Specifications

• The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO boasts an 8.0-megapixel image sensor, capable of capturing stills and video. While 8MP is acceptable for scouting, higher resolutions provide better image quality.
• It features a 50-foot infrared flash range, designed for nighttime image capture. Real-world performance suggests the range is closer to 30 feet, significantly limiting its effectiveness in darker environments.
• Video recording is supported, with clip lengths ranging from 5 to 240 seconds. The longer clip lengths can quickly drain the battery, so shorter clips are generally preferred.
• The camera stamps each photo with the time, date, moon phase, and temperature. This is helpful to track trends.
• It has 32 MB of built-in memory. This is virtually useless.
• The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO accepts SD memory cards up to 16 GB (sold separately). Using a larger SD card is essential for storing a decent number of images and videos.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO is to capture images and videos of wildlife. Its performance in this regard is adequate, but not outstanding.

Image quality is the biggest weakness. Photos lack sharpness and detail, particularly in low-light conditions. The advertised 8MP resolution feels misleading, as the images appear more like upscaled versions of lower-resolution captures. Video quality is similarly underwhelming, with noticeable graininess and limited dynamic range. While the temperature and moon phase stamping is a nice feature, the poor image quality detracts from its overall utility.

Design & Ergonomics

The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO has a fairly compact and lightweight design. The plastic housing feels reasonably sturdy.

The menu system is easy to navigate, and the built-in viewing screen allows for quick review of captured images and videos. However, the screen resolution is low, making it difficult to assess image quality accurately in the field. The camera is relatively user-friendly, with a simple setup process and intuitive controls.

Durability & Maintenance

The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO appears to be reasonably durable, capable of withstanding typical outdoor conditions. The housing is water-resistant, protecting the camera from rain and moisture.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. However, the plastic lens cover is prone to scratching, which can further degrade image quality over time. The camera should last several seasons with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO comes with a basic mounting strap, which is adequate for securing the camera to trees or posts. No additional accessories are included.

The camera is compatible with standard SD memory cards, allowing users to expand storage capacity. Aftermarket security boxes are available, providing added protection against theft and damage. The limited customization options are a drawback.

Pros and Cons of STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO

Who Should Buy STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO?

The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO is perfect for casual hunters or outdoors enthusiasts who need a basic game camera at a budget-friendly price. The temperature and moon phase stamping can be useful for tracking trends. This camera is also suitable for property owners who want to monitor activity on their land without investing in a high-end surveillance system.

Serious hunters or wildlife researchers requiring high-quality images and videos should skip this product. Individuals who need a camera with long-range detection capabilities or extensive customization options should also look elsewhere. A high-capacity SD card is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO

The STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO is a budget-friendly game camera that offers a decent set of features for the price. However, its poor image quality and limited IR flash range are significant drawbacks.

The value proposition is questionable. While the camera is inexpensive, its performance falls short of expectations, particularly in terms of image clarity and flash range. I would personally recommend considering other options in the same price range, as there are cameras that offer better image quality and overall performance.

Ultimately, the STEAL 8MP 36 IR VIDEO is a passable option for those on a tight budget. But buyers should be aware of its limitations before making a purchase. Do your research and read reviews before investing in this game camera!