First Thoughts on the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout promises an affordable entry into the world of game cameras, offering a blend of decent image quality and infrared LED technology for discreet monitoring. Wildgame Innovations aims to deliver a reliable tool for hunters and nature enthusiasts on a budget, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
I needed a reliable, yet budget-friendly, camera to monitor activity around my deer stand. I was tired of relying on guesswork and wanted concrete evidence of deer patterns and potential predators.
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout felt surprisingly lightweight upon unboxing, primarily due to its plastic construction. The build quality seemed adequate, but certainly not premium; however, for the price, I wasn’t expecting anything extravagant.
I compared the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout to the Moultrie A-30i and the Bushnell Trophy Cam HD Essential E2. I chose the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout primarily because of its lower price point and the promise of “Lightsout” infrared LEDs for truly covert operation.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic, hoping that the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout would provide a decent surveillance tool without breaking the bank. The Lightsout feature intrigued me, as completely invisible flash is a major plus for not spooking game.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout to the Test
First Use Experience
I deployed the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout near a well-used deer trail in a wooded area behind my property. The camera was exposed to varying conditions, including a light rain shower and moderate temperatures.
The camera performed adequately but not exceptionally in the initial test. The detection range seemed shorter than the advertised 70 feet, and I noticed a slight delay in trigger speed, resulting in a few images of deer rumps disappearing into the brush.
Setting up the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout was reasonably straightforward, though the menu interface was a bit clunky and unintuitive. I experienced no initial issues, though I had to refer to the manual to figure out the date and time settings.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a month of continuous use, the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout showed some signs of wear, particularly a slight fading of the plastic housing due to sun exposure. The battery life proved to be shorter than expected, requiring replacement after only two weeks, despite moderate activity levels.
The camera’s durability seemed adequate for its price range, but I wouldn’t subject it to extreme conditions. The latch remained secure, but the plastic felt brittle, raising concerns about long-term reliability in harsh weather.
Maintenance was simple, primarily involving wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth. However, the battery compartment showed signs of minor corrosion, suggesting the need for regular inspection and cleaning.
In comparison to my experience with more expensive cameras like Reconyx, the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout paled in overall performance. However, considering its price point, it offered a reasonable, albeit less refined, alternative.
Breaking Down the Features of Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout
Specifications
26-Megapixel Images: The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout captures images at a resolution of 26 megapixels, promising detailed shots of wildlife. The increased resolution allows for better cropping and zooming without significant loss of clarity.
720p HD Videos (Without Audio): The camera records video at a 720p HD resolution, providing acceptable, though not spectacular, video quality. The lack of audio recording is a significant drawback, limiting the information captured.
0.7-Second Trigger Speed: The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout boasts a trigger speed of 0.7 seconds, designed to quickly capture images of moving subjects. While not the fastest on the market, this trigger speed is adequate for most game tracking purposes.
70-ft. Detection Range: This Wildgame Innovations camera features a detection range of 70 feet, theoretically covering a considerable area. In practice, the actual detection range often falls short of this advertised figure, particularly in dense foliage.
40 Nearly Invisible 940nm Infrared LEDs: The camera uses 40 940nm infrared LEDs to illuminate subjects at night without producing a visible flash. This Lightsout technology minimizes the risk of spooking game, providing a covert surveillance solution.
16:9 Image Format: The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout captures images in a 16:9 widescreen format, optimized for viewing on modern displays. This format offers a wider field of view compared to traditional 4:3 aspect ratios.
Time, Date and Moon Phase Stamp Settings: The camera imprints images with time, date, and moon phase information, providing valuable context for tracking animal activity. This data helps hunters understand patterns and predict future movements.
Powered by Eight AA Batteries or a 12-volt DC Jack: The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout is powered by eight AA batteries, offering a convenient and readily available power source. It also supports a 12-volt DC jack for external power via solar panels, extending operational time.
Cable-Lock Ready Latch: The camera includes a cable-lock ready latch, allowing users to secure it against theft. This feature adds a layer of security, protecting the investment from opportunistic thieves.
Performance & Functionality
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout performs adequately in capturing images of wildlife, but its functionality is limited by its lower-end components. While the image quality is acceptable for the price, it struggles in low-light conditions, producing grainy or blurry images.
Its strength lies in its ease of setup and relatively discreet operation due to the Lightsout IR LEDs. A significant weakness is the lack of audio recording in video mode, severely limiting the usefulness of videos for identifying and understanding animal behavior.
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout generally meets the basic expectations for an entry-level game camera but does not exceed them in any area. The shorter-than-advertised detection range and mediocre battery life are notable shortcomings.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout features a basic, functional design constructed primarily from plastic. The lightweight build is convenient for portability, but the plastic feels somewhat cheap and susceptible to damage from impacts.
The camera’s menu interface is not particularly intuitive, requiring some trial and error to navigate. However, the physical buttons are responsive and easy to use, even with gloved hands.
Durability & Maintenance
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout is not designed for extreme durability and is best suited for relatively mild conditions. While it can withstand light rain, prolonged exposure to harsh weather is likely to shorten its lifespan.
Maintenance involves basic cleaning of the exterior and occasional battery replacement. The battery compartment’s tendency for corrosion suggests the need for regular inspections.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout comes with an adjustable tree strap with alligator-style clips for mounting. No other accessories are included.
The camera is compatible with standard SD cards for storage and 12-volt DC power sources for extended operation. It lacks any advanced customization options such as lens attachments or adjustable sensor sensitivity.
Pros and Cons of Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Lightsout infrared LEDs for discreet operation.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Date, time, and moon phase stamp.
- Acceptable image quality for the price.
Cons
- Lack of audio recording in video mode.
- Shorter-than-advertised detection range.
- Mediocre battery life.
- Plastic construction feels cheap.
Who Should Buy Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout?
Perfect for: Budget-conscious hunters, landowners needing basic property surveillance, or beginner game camera users. The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout serves well as an introductory device for those new to trail cameras.
Who should skip this product? Users requiring high-quality images and videos, long battery life, and rugged durability in harsh conditions should look elsewhere. Professional wildlife researchers or those needing reliable security monitoring may also find this camera inadequate.
Must-have accessories or modifications? High-capacity SD card, lithium AA batteries for extended life, and a sturdy cable lock for theft prevention.
Conclusion on Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout
The Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout delivers a functional, albeit basic, game camera experience at an attractive price. Its Lightsout infrared technology and easy setup make it a decent option for casual users.
While the image quality, battery life, and durability are not exceptional, the price justifies its limitations. This is a budget-friendly choice, not a premium surveillance tool.
I would recommend the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout to anyone looking for an inexpensive entry into game cameras or for situations where losing or damaging a more expensive camera is a concern. Don’t expect top-tier performance, but for the money, it’s a reasonable starting point. Consider the Wildgame Wraith 2.0 Game Camera 20 MP Lightsout if you need basic monitoring without breaking the bank, and you understand its limitations.