Cellular trail cameras have become an essential tool for hunters looking to gather real-time information about wildlife movements. One model that stands out in the mid-range market is the SpyPoint Flex. With reliable performance, solid photo and video quality, and user-friendly features, the SpyPoint Flex is the Best Spypoint Camera at its price. Here’s a detailed review based on personal use and field testing.
Why I Chose the SpyPoint Flex – Best Spypoint Camera
For a long time, I held off on buying a cellular trail camera. The setup seemed too complicated, and I thought the benefits didn’t outweigh the investment. However, a whitetail hunting trip with Field & Stream’s hunting editor, Will Brantley, changed my mind. I saw how Brantley used live images from his trail cameras to adapt his hunting strategies in real-time. Shortly after that, I purchased the SpyPoint Link Micro, and while it performed well, I eventually wanted an upgrade. That’s when I bought the SpyPoint Flex, which has now become a reliable part of my gear for preseason scouting and hunting.
Specifications and Features of the SpyPoint Flex
The SpyPoint Flex comes equipped with everything you’d expect in a good cellular trail camera. Here are its key specs:
- Power: Uses 8 AA batteries.
- Trigger Speed: 0.5 seconds.
- Detection Range: Advertised at 100 feet.
- Flash Range: 100 feet.
- Image Quality: 33-megapixel photos.
- Video: 1080p HD video with sound.
- SIM Cards: Dual SIM card slots.
- Memory: Supports micro SD cards.
- GPS-Enabled: Yes.
One of the standout features is the dual SIM card functionality. In areas where one carrier has a weak signal, the Flex automatically switches to the stronger network, ensuring consistent connectivity. This dual-SIM capability is crucial for those who hunt in remote areas where cell reception can be hit or miss.
Photo and Video Capabilities
The SpyPoint Flex captures both photos and videos. The camera allows you to switch between standard photo capture and video recording, which includes sound—a bonus for those looking to capture audio cues from wildlife. A notable feature is Time-Lapse+, which combines time-lapse intervals with motion-triggered photo capture. This means the camera continues to take time-lapse shots but will still capture an image when something triggers the motion sensor.
For those concerned about data usage, the Flex offers three subscription plans:
- Premium: $15/month for unlimited photos.
- Standard: $10/month for up to 1,000 photos.
- Basic: $5/month for up to 250 photos.
These flexible options allow hunters to pick a plan that best suits their needs, especially if cameras are not run year-round. Annual plans are available for savings, but I personally opt for the monthly option to cancel when I don’t need the camera in use.
Field Testing the SpyPoint Flex
I’ve been using the SpyPoint Flex for two months, deploying it in various scenarios from travel corridors to feeding areas and mock scrapes. So far, the camera has exceeded expectations, particularly in terms of reliability. The Flex has consistently sent images on schedule, no matter the location or conditions.
The camera’s trigger speed is impressive. On trails, it managed to capture three photos of deer in quick succession as they moved across the frame. This sequence allowed me to get a complete picture of the deer’s movement, starting from its entry to its exit. In feeding areas, the sensitivity of the sensor ensured that no approach went unnoticed.
In terms of mounting, the Flex comes with an included strap, but I prefer using a screw-in tree mount, which the camera supports with its ¼-20 threads on the back. This design choice is great for tree mounting but limits the use of ground-stake mounts, which typically have bottom threads.
Image Quality and Performance
Daytime photos from the Flex are sharp, with vivid colors and plenty of detail. Nighttime shots also hold up well, thanks to the 100-foot flash range, which illuminates a large area evenly. In one instance, the camera captured clear images of two bucks feeding, which provided valuable information on their movements.
One downside is that video mode, while useful, incurs an additional fee if you want the full 15-second clips sent directly to your phone. If you don’t pay, the video comes through as a flip-book-style image sequence. Another thing to consider is that frequent video uploads will drain your battery faster.
App Usability
SpyPoint’s app has been a game-changer for me. I’ve used it with my Link Micro for over a year, and transitioning to the Flex was seamless. Adding the camera to the app takes just a few steps—enter the model, scan the QR code, and you’re done. From the app, you can adjust camera settings, monitor battery life, check signal strength, and even view the camera’s GPS location on a map.
One of my favorite features is the ability to organize photos by date, time, species, and media type. The app also allows for easy sharing of images and lets you download them directly to your device. Whether I’m in the woods or at home, the app gives me complete control over my cameras, making it an indispensable tool in managing my hunting strategies.
The Walkthrough Test: How the SpyPoint Flex Stacked Up
I recently participated in a test where we compared cellular trail cameras using a standardized walkthrough protocol. We evaluated the Flex for trigger speed, photo quality, flash range, and sensitivity by walking past the camera at set distances: 10 feet, 60 feet, and 110 feet—both during the day and at night.
At 10 feet, the Flex performed flawlessly, capturing clear, centered images of me during both day and night tests. At 60 feet, it managed to take three photos during daylight but missed at night. The 110-foot range proved challenging for most cameras, including the Flex. However, the Flex’s flash performed admirably, illuminating over 110 feet of terrain in pitch-black conditions.
Strengths of the SpyPoint Flex
- Reliability: The Flex has never missed a scheduled send, even in areas with poor cell reception. The GPS feature offers peace of mind, especially on public lands where theft is a concern.
- Photo and Video Quality: Both day and night images are sharp and clear, and the addition of sound to video capture is a nice touch for hunters wanting more context.
- Affordable Price: At under $150, it’s hard to beat the Flex in terms of value, considering the range of features it offers.
- User-Friendly App: The SpyPoint app simplifies camera management, making it easy to adjust settings and review media on the go.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, the SpyPoint Flex faces tough competition. In our tests:
- Tactacam Reveal X/XB: Outperformed the Flex in daytime photo quality.
- Moultrie Mobile Edge: Scored higher in the walkthrough test for detection range.
- Bushnell Cellucore: Offers more customizable flash settings at a slightly lower price.
Best Spypoint Camera | Final Thoughts
Overall, the SpyPoint Flex delivers reliable performance at a reasonable price. While it faces stiff competition in the budget cellular trail camera market, its combination of solid photo quality, dependable connectivity, and ease of use make it a great option for hunters who need a camera they can trust. For those looking for an affordable, no-fuss trail cam with excellent features, the SpyPoint Flex is definitely worth considering.
