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Cuddeback Non-Tyical 3.0 Mega-pixel Trail Cameras (a-f)
Trail Cameras (a-f) Manufacturer: Cuddeback Non-Tyical
Cuddeback Non-Tyical Model: 3.0 Mega-pixel
Review Category: Trail Cameras (a-f)
Purchase: Trail Cameras (a-f) We purchased this unit in September of 2005 for $400 from Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare Michigan. It can be had on the internet for less but you don't always know if you're getting a refurbished unit and even if it's new, it's pretty rare to get good service if you encounter a problem. We have a variety of "critters" on our property, many of which are 1.) nocturnal and, 2.) too shy for candid photography. This includes Deer, Coyote, Bear, Bobcat, Pine Marten, Badgers and reports of Cougars. We felt we really needed to experience what we were missing except on the rare sightings. We see tons of deer, we know there are some nice bucks around, but generally they're very reclusive until after dark. Frankly the costs of good units were a bit scarey, especially not knowing how well they'd hold up. The first thing we did was to check out all manufacturers on the internet, cull through purchaser reviews and grill the sales persons where we ultimately purchased it. Everything pointed us to a Cuddeback. For a 3.0 mega pixel digital trail camera, it's a dream. The first 12 hours at random location produced 40 shots of whitetails, all very clear and centered.
Things I like about the Cuddeback Non-Tyical 3.0 Mega-pixel Trail Cameras (a-f): The picture quality is great. The trigger speed is very quick producing perfectly centered photos. The depth of field, or the distance that's in focus in front of and behind the subject matter couldn't be better. It's ultra quiet, so quiet that the first time I intentionally snuck into the camera's range to test it, in a shadowed woods, I expected to hear some noise, see a flash or have some indication that the cameras shutter tripped. Absolute quiet and no flash. I removed the cover to see if it was set, it was as was indicated by the photo counter. We like the programmable security system, the tree cable, tree screw and lock hasp for a pretty safe and secure system. My experience with 35 mm SLR cameras is such that the shutter noise will almost always spook a deer, unless you're above it. The Cuddeback doesn't even budge the animals. It's stealth at its best. The night time flash doesn't bother the critters either. I have it set for one minute and the photos clearly show the same deer for 3-4 shots at one minute intervals, and they're not facing or even looking back to where the flash originated from.
What I don't like about the Cuddeback Non-Tyical 3.0 Mega-pixel: The directions for set up are a bit intricate. I spent a lot of time reading and re-reading for the express purpose of not accidentally wiping anything out of the system. There are two user modes, EZ and Advance, (which has more bells, whistles and options plus the ability to lock in passwords, name and your phone number.) Once the instructions are followed in sequence, it can be set up fairly easy. As you program the unit, you always have questions of what abouts and what ifs. Most of these are answered logically as you proceed and they fall into place as you go and start to make sense.
Trail Cameras (a-f) 3.0 Mega-pixel quality: The quality is good, the camera lens is more than adequate and the flash reaches out there a good 25-30 feet. The programming buttons and flash card release sit a little too low within the internal housing requiring a small stick for ease of pushing the buttons, especially with cold hands.
3.0 Mega-pixel summary: The bottom line is to not think that this product is strictly for deer hunters. Any wildlife enthusiast is bound to benefit from its capabilities. Going out in the morning to see "what Santa Claus left me" overnight is a moment always filled with anticipation. There might be a rare shot waiting for you. Do your upfront research, talk to users, grill your dealer, buy from a reputable dealer who'll stand behind it and don't just settle for any trail camera, there's too much invested even in the less expensive units to risk not having the most important factors, a quick shutter and a clear, well centered photo. Although it does have in-camera image storage, buy a flash card to increase the capability. I have one card because I can go from house to unit, put the images on the P.C. and go re-install the card in 30 minutes. If you're long distance from your P.C., buy two cards. Retrieve the active one and insert the back-up. The reality is, it is an electronic gadget and we all know that sometimes gadgets can have glitches but I feel confident that Cuddeback will stand behind their product. So far, we're impressed.
Rating for this Cuddeback Non-Tyical product: 5
Author of this review on Cuddeback Non-Tyical Trail Cameras (a-f): Robert Medendorp
Date: 2005-10-17
Usefulness Rating: 4.55769 out of 5.
52 reader(s) voted.
This Cuddeback Non-Tyical Trail Cameras (a-f) review brought to you by Hunting & Fishing Gear Review!
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