Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark Review

The Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark Made a Bold First Impression

The Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark promised a blend of affordability and decent performance, a siren song to a seasoned outdoorsman like myself. After years of fiddling with cameras that either drained batteries faster than a leaky canteen or produced images resembling impressionist art, I was cautiously optimistic. I needed a reliable scouting tool without breaking the bank, something that could capture clear images of deer and other wildlife on my hunting lease. This little unit from Wildgame seemed to fit the bill, boasting 22MP resolution and a “Blackout” flash.

My old camera had finally given up the ghost, leaving me blind to what was moving through my prime hunting spot. I was looking for something with decent image quality, a reasonable trigger speed, and, frankly, something that wouldn’t require a second mortgage. I’d read reviews praising its ease of use and the quality of the day-time pictures, which definitely piqued my interest.

Unboxing the Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark revealed a lightweight, plastic unit clad in Wildgame’s signature TruBark camouflage. The plastic felt a tad flimsy compared to some higher-end models, but it was acceptable given the price point. The camera had a decent heft but wasn’t cumbersome, suggesting portability wouldn’t be an issue.

Compared to my old Bushnell Trophy Cam and a friend’s Moultrie A-30i, the Mirage felt simpler, less intimidating. I picked the Wildgame Mirage over them because of the better price and promise of 22MP pictures and that “blackout” IR flash – hopefully meaning less spooked game. Initial excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism, but I was eager to put it through its paces.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark to the Test

First Use Experience

I deployed the Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark along a well-worn deer trail on my hunting lease in Central Texas. The area has thick brush and gets plenty of sun and shade. I needed to see what bucks were frequenting the area before the upcoming season. The camera was mounted about three feet off the ground, aimed at a mineral lick.

During the first week, the Mirage experienced everything from scorching afternoons to a brief but intense thunderstorm. Setting it up was incredibly simple – the menu was intuitive, even without reading the manual (though I recommend you do!). The image quality during the day was surprisingly good for the price. Night photos, however, were grainy, but still showed enough detail to identify deer and hogs. No issues arose after the first time using the Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark.

Extended Use & Reliability

After two months of continuous use, the Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark has proven to be a reliable, though not perfect, scouting tool. The plastic casing has held up surprisingly well, showing no cracks or signs of sun damage. I did notice some minor fading of the camouflage pattern in areas exposed to direct sunlight.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes dust and mud. The battery life is decent, lasting about a month on a set of batteries with a good amount of activity. The Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark has been outperforming my old Bushnell in terms of image clarity during the day and battery life, and it has definitely exceeded my expectations, given its low price.

Breaking Down the Features of Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark

Specifications

• 22MP Image Resolution: The camera captures images at a resolution of 22 megapixels. This is important for capturing clear, detailed images, especially when you need to zoom in to identify specific features.
• Blackout Infrared Flash: The Mirage uses a “Blackout” infrared flash for night photos. This is designed to be invisible to game, reducing the chance of spooking deer or other animals.
• TruBark Camouflage: The camera body is coated in Wildgame’s TruBark camouflage pattern. This helps the camera blend into its surroundings, making it less visible to both animals and potential thieves.
• Trigger Speed: The advertised trigger speed is not specified, and is likely not incredibly fast. Trigger speed is how quickly the camera detects motion and takes a photo.
• Battery Life: The battery life will vary on the settings chosen on the camera and the activity around it. Battery life is a major factor for game cameras.

Performance & Functionality

The Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark performs its primary job adequately. It captures images of wildlife. Daytime photos are generally clear and detailed, allowing for easy identification of species and sex. The night photos are where it struggles, producing grainy images with limited range.

Its strengths lie in its simplicity and affordability. However, the trigger speed could be faster. The Mirage certainly meets the baseline expectations for a budget-friendly game camera.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent, considering the price. The lightweight plastic body is easy to handle and mount. The menu system is intuitive and straightforward.

There is almost no learning curve to the Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark. The Mirage is incredibly user-friendly and the only user issues will come from not setting the correct settings.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark should last several seasons. Routine maintenance involves cleaning the lens and checking the battery compartment for corrosion. The camera is easy to repair, if needed, due to its simple construction.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark comes with a basic mounting strap. There are no customization options available. The camera is compatible with standard SD cards for image storage.

Pros and Cons of Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark

Who Should Buy Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark?

The Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark is perfect for hunters on a budget or landowners needing multiple cameras for scouting large areas. It’s also suitable for casual wildlife enthusiasts who want to monitor animal activity in their backyard or rural property.

Those seeking high-quality night photos or lightning-fast trigger speeds should skip this product. They should instead invest in a higher-end model with advanced features. A lockbox to protect the camera from theft is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark

The Wildgame Mirage Game Camera 22 MP Blackout Trubark is not a top-of-the-line performer. However, it offers a solid value proposition for the price. The price is justified for those needing basic scouting capabilities without breaking the bank.

I would personally recommend it to budget-conscious hunters or those new to game cameras. If you’re just getting started with scouting and don’t want to risk a ton of money, or if you need to cover a large property on a limited budget, the Wildgame Mirage is a good option. Consider it an entry-level tool that gets the job done adequately, and you won’t be disappointed. So, get out there, set up your Mirage, and see what’s moving through your woods!