The Muddy Manifest Cellular Trail Camera, under the umbrella of Stealth Cam, is a 4G/LTE camera designed for users looking for a convenient cellular trail camera solution. It uses Verizon towers and is easily paired with the Stealth Cam Command app, which controls camera settings and lets you view captured photos. The camera promises to be straightforward and offers features aimed at making setup easy. However, in our detailed evaluation, we found the Muddy Manifest falling short in some critical areas. Here’s a closer look at the camera’s performance.
Picture Quality (78/100)
The Muddy Manifest delivers 16-megapixel interpolated images, a feature that may initially catch your eye. However, don’t be fooled by the numbers alone. Manufacturers often advertise higher megapixel counts by digitally enhancing photos through interpolation. This process doesn’t actually improve the photo’s real resolution or detail. When tested, the picture quality was below average compared to other models in its price range.
Daytime photos lack the sharpness you’d expect from a 16MP camera, with noticeable blurriness, especially when subjects are in motion. It’s clear that the lack of clarity in daylight photos will disappoint those looking for crisp, high-definition imagery. On the other hand, night photos are slightly better, though still not impressive. The camera’s red glow flash performs adequately, stopping motion reasonably well at night, though the contrast and sharpness remain only average.
Battery Life (50/100) – Muddy Trail Camera Reviews
Battery life is one of the key areas where the Muddy Manifest struggles. In fact, it is one of the weakest aspects of this model. With a typical lifespan of 1.6 months when taking 15 daytime and 15 nighttime photos per 24 hours, it’s considerably below the average for a cellular trail camera. For comparison, top competitors offer up to double this battery life under similar conditions.
It operates using 8 AA batteries, but even with high-quality lithium batteries, you will likely find yourself needing to replace them more frequently than desired. The resting power and day/night power consumption numbers suggest the camera is a bit of a battery hog, making it less ideal for those who plan to leave it unattended for extended periods in remote locations.
Detection Circuit (66/100)
In terms of trigger speed and detection range, the Muddy Manifest also lags behind its competitors. The trigger speed is recorded at 0.86 seconds, and the recovery time is a sluggish 69.6 seconds, which is slow by today’s standards. This means that the camera may miss multiple shots in succession, especially in areas with high wildlife activity.
The detection range is also limited to 60 feet, which is below average for modern trail cameras. Combined with a 48.8-degree detection angle and a 47-degree field of view, it doesn’t perform particularly well when it comes to detecting and capturing animals over long distances. However, the near-match between the detection angle and field of view does reduce false triggers, a small plus point for the camera’s overall functionality.
Quality of Design (82/100)
The design of the Muddy Manifest is one of its stronger areas. It’s compact, with dimensions of 5″ x 3.5″ x 2.75″, and its lightweight build makes it easy to transport and install. However, the plastic casing feels a bit flimsy, raising concerns about long-term durability, especially in harsh weather conditions. Despite this, there are features like a 12v external battery jack and a Python cable lock bracket that help improve its overall usability and security.
Another downside of the design is the lack of a viewing or setup screen. All adjustments must be made through the Stealth Cam Command app. While this is standard for many newer trail cameras, some users may miss the convenience of an on-device screen for immediate setup and monitoring.
Setup and Cellular Connectivity
Setting up the Muddy Manifest is refreshingly simple. To get started, download the Stealth Cam Command app, create an account, and scan the QR code located under the battery tray. From there, syncing the camera is relatively intuitive, and the app interface makes it easy to adjust settings like photo transmission frequency and resolution.
In terms of cellular connectivity, the camera operates on Verizon towers. Depending on your location, the connectivity should be reliable, but it’s essential to check Verizon’s coverage in your hunting or scouting area before purchasing. The lack of video recording capabilities may be a deal-breaker for some users, as the Muddy Manifest only supports still images, limiting its versatility.
Durability and Warranty
Though the camera’s durability is still somewhat untested due to its relatively recent release, early concerns arise from the thin plastic case. That being said, the camera is backed by Trailcampro’s 2-year warranty, offering peace of mind in case of defects. The 90-day return policy is another nice touch, allowing you to test the camera in the field and return it if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
Pros and Cons – Muddy Trail Camera Reviews
Pros
- Easy setup: The Stealth Cam Command app simplifies installation and operation.
- Matched detection and field of view: The camera’s angles reduce the chances of false triggers, a common issue with some trail cameras.
- Compact design: The small and lightweight build makes it easy to install and conceal.
Cons
- Poor battery life: At just 1.6 months, the battery life is notably short, making frequent battery changes a necessity.
- Slow detection and recovery speeds: The slow trigger speed and recovery times make the camera less suitable for areas with lots of activity.
- Subpar picture quality: Both day and night photos lack the clarity seen in other trail cameras in the same price bracket.
- No video capabilities: The absence of video recording is a considerable limitation for users wanting more than still images.
Should You Buy the Muddy Manifest? Muddy Trail Camera Reviews
While the Muddy Manifest has some positive qualities, such as its ease of setup and compact design, it falls short in key areas like battery life, detection speed, and picture quality. For the price, you might expect a more reliable performance in these departments. The 16-megapixel resolution is largely a marketing gimmick, as the picture quality doesn’t live up to expectations. The camera’s battery life, in particular, makes it less ideal for those needing long-term scouting solutions without constant maintenance.
The camera may be a good choice for users in Verizon coverage areas who prioritize ease of use and basic image capture. However, for serious wildlife photographers or hunters looking for a camera that can deliver high-quality images, long-lasting battery life, and reliable detection, the Muddy Manifest is likely to disappoint.
If you’re willing to look past its flaws, the Muddy Manifest could still serve well as an entry-level cellular trail camera. Its ability to pair easily with the Stealth Cam app and its compact form factor might appeal to some users. However, if you’re looking for top-notch performance in photo quality, battery life, or detection speed, other models in the market may offer better value for your money.
In the end, the Muddy Manifest offers a middle-of-the-road experience in a competitive market, but there are better options out there for those looking for the complete package.
