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Spypoint Force Dark Review
The Spypoint Force Dark is a low glow IR trail camera that puts out 3 years of battery life and incredible detection speeds. Prepare for lots of pictures as this camera triggers and recovers nearly instantly. Image quality is average (picture) to below average (video). Overall, if speed and battery life are of the utmost importance, this camera is right up your alley. - TCP Staff
Model #FORCE-DARK | Force-Dark Owner's Manual
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
89/100
Spypoint Force-Dark Trail Camera Review
Pros
- Incredible detection circuit
- 3 years battery life!
- Very easy to program
Cons
- Very poor audio with video
- Below average video quality
Photo resolution: 12 Mpxl (interpolated)
Video resolution: 1920x1080
Flash Type: Low Glow IR
Daytime pictures have bright color, average clarity and plenty of depth whether the Spypoint Force-Dark trail camera was placed in bright sunlight or heavy timber.
Night pictures have pros and cons. There is a decent amount of flash range, but the pictures do have a slight halo (more light in the center of the image - less on the edges of the photo). The Spypoint Force-Dark game camera has three modes in the settings that control night image quality:
- IR Boost - Max flash range but higher frequency of blurry images
- Blur Reduction - Less flash range, but better clarity on moving animals
- Optimal - This is a compromise of the two modes above.
Overall, the night photos are a mixed bag. We consider the Solar's night photos to be very average.
Day video is shot with 1920 x 1080 resolution but only at 10 fps. The frames per second really hold the Spypoint Force-Dark trail game camera back in terms of video quality. The audio also seems to have a "whine" to it. We think the day videos are of poor quality.
The low frame rate is much less noticeable on night videos. The videos appear to be well illuminated and solid overall. Much better than the day video quality.
What if you purchase from us and aren't happy with the image quality?
This is a common question and we have a very simple solution. Call, email, or chat with us and we can take a look at the images and offer suggestions or immediately tell if something is wrong with the camera. If so, we will warranty the camera for you (with the free 2-Year warranty you receive from us) or return the camera for a full refund (within 90 days of purchase). You have control of the process, remember, we work for you.
Megapixel Ratings:
In the past, many people get confused with the megapixel rating trail camera manufacturers advertise. Companies inflate the mpxl rating to attract eyes to their products. They do this through interpolation, which digitally adds megapixels to a photo without actually improving the picture.
The best way to judge picture quality is to look at actual pictures. You will notice this the most when you zoom in on a full-size image that a camera has taken. The details of the photo will appear hazy or even digitized. This is normal, and to be expected.
Picture & Video Resting Power (on): 0.23 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 0.9 Ws | 1.5 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 10.3 Ws | 57.5 Ws
Picture Mode
If this camera were to take 35-day pictures and 35-night pictures every 24 hour period, this Spypoint Force-Dark trail game camera would last 36 months in the field on a set of lithium batteries. Phenomenal.
Video Mode
If this camera were to take 15-day and 15-night videos (10-second videos) every 24 hours, it would last 3.5 months in the field on a set of lithium batteries.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.07 s. | 0.3 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.71 s. | 1.0 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 120 ft. @ 39.7° Detection Angle (42° field of view)
This detection circuit is absurd, not matter what category. Crazy speed, 120' detection range, and a wide enough detection zone to get it done. Every time we pull an SD card the camera has tens of thousands of pictures. This is just silly and might we say, possibly too fast? We find that we prefer to set the recovery time down to a few seconds just to make it easier to view the pictures in a realistic time frame. Not a bad problem to have!
Dimensions: 3.8" x 5" x 3.2"
Battery Type: 8 AA batteries
External Battery Jack: 12-volt
Case Design
The Spypoint Force Dark is very small and would be easy to conceal in almost any environment. The camera has a detachable bracket for mounting or removing quickly from a tree. There is a built-in python lock bracket on the back of the camera and a 1/4" x 20 threaded insert on the bottom of the camera for a tripod or Slate River Mount.
On the back of the camera, there is a cover that pops open to reveal the battery compartment (it requires 8 AA batteries). The batteries are easy to insert/remove and are held firmly in place. There is no chance they would become dislodged on their own. The battery cover feels a bit flimsy, but it attaches in a way that removes that as a concern. It is perfectly flush with the back of the camera and is not exposed to anything that would risk damaging it.
The latch on the Force Dark has been upgraded. It is now larger and much easier to manipulate with cold hands. All programming buttons have a positive click when changing settings. We wish the Force Dark had an on/off switch so you don't have to push and hold the "ok" button to turn the camera on or off. The camera has an internal picture viewer that you can replay images and videos on.
Camera Setup
Programming is incredibly easy and intuitive. Whether this is your first camera or 21st, you will enjoy the programming options and fluid navigation. All programming is done on the internal viewer, so for those of you that do not enjoy squinting at small LCD screens, you will appreciate the bigger font on the viewer.
The Force Dark trailcam has custom start/stop time, which is useful for anyone looking at this camera for security. It also has hybrid mode, which allows you to take a picture and a video at the same time.
SD Card Storage Examples
With a 16 Gig SD card and the camera taking 2 mpxl photos (this is called normal in the settings, this is our recommended setting as it is closest to the native resolution), this camera could store 106,000 pictures on the SD card.
With a 16 Gig SD card and the camera taking 1920 x 1080 video resolution, this game trail camera could store 1,100 10-second videos.
From this data, you can extrapolate out storage capacities of different sized SD cards and different resolution settings. We give you a 16 Gig SD card with the purchase of this camera through us. If you need additional or larger SD cards, you can shop all SD card options here.
Durability
We currently do not have any durability concerns. We will update the review if that changes.
Keep in mind, our 2-year warranty program is your free insurance program in case something goes wrong with a camera you purchase from us. This warranty protects you from any manufacturing defect the camera might experience for two years.
The Spypoint Force Dark is a low glow IR trail camera that puts out 3 years of battery life and incredible detection speeds. Prepare for lots of pictures as this camera triggers and recovers nearly instantly. Image quality is average (picture) to below average (video). Overall, if speed and battery life are of the utmost importance, this camera is right up your alley.
Since 2005, our mission has to been to provide consumers with unbeatable value, advice you can trust, and customer service that exceeds expectations. There are plenty of places you can choose to do business with, if we are lucky enough to earn your support, we promise to give you our undivided attention. Trailcampro has grown each year not only by relying on your happiness but on the assumption that if we blow you away with customer service, you will brag about us to your friends (have you seen our referral/reward program?).
As always, if you have additional questions, feel free to call, email or chat with us. We look forward to helping you find your next trail camera!
Enjoy our reviews? Please consider purchasing your next trail camera from us.
FAQ's: Force Dark Trail Camera
Q: How do I view the pictures?
A: There are a number of ways to do this. Pictures/videos are stored on the SD card you place in the camera. Here are some other methods for viewing images:
- View pictures on your computer. Plug the SD card in a desktop computer or laptop via the built-in SD card reader or use a USB reader if your computer doesn't have one. This method works for most tablets as well. With this method, we recommend having two SD cards per camera so you can swap them in the field.
- Internal picture view. The Force Dark has an internal picture viewer that you can review photos and videos on. This also aids in aiming the camera.
- Trail Camera Viewers. While more expensive, handheld viewers are useful if you don't have a smartphone or run multiple trail cameras.
Q: Will this trail camera trigger on small animals (birds, rodents, etc.)?
A: Trail cameras detect on a combination of heat and movement, so, yes, small mammals will trigger the camera. However, if you are going after smaller warm-blooded mammals, we recommend getting the camera closer to your target. For best performance, place the camera in an area that would enable picture detection from 3 - 20 ft.
Q: Can animals see the infrared flash on this camera?
A: This is somewhat controversial. Humans can't see the flash as the nanometer spectrum is above what the human eye can detect. It's also much harder for an animal to see, but that could depend on the species of animal as different species see in different light spectrums.
Q: Where can I purchase this camera?
A: From us! We hope to woo you with our incredible charm, two-year warranty, 90-day returns, free continental U.S. shipping, and technical expertise. If that isn't enough, we give you a 16 Gig SD card with this camera and you can call and talk our ear off anytime.
Seriously, though, we know you have plenty of options of where to spend your hard-earned money. The internet can be the wild, wild, west of too-good-to-be-true deals. If you choose to do business with us, we will go out of our way to make sure you are happy with the camera you select and the service we provide you.
We are passionate about testing and reviewing trail cameras, but most importantly, we are passionate about treating our customers the right way. We do things differently from what you have come to expect from other internet retailers and we hope you give us the opportunity to prove that to you.
Read Reviews From All the Game and Trail Cameras
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Manufacturer Specifications
- 12-Volt External Battery Jack
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Buy your next trail camera or accessory from us and we will protect your purchase with our 90-day return policy and our exclusive 2-year warranty.
Most manufacturer warranties are only one year. In our opinion, that isn't good enough. Our customers get a two-year warranty, directly from us.
Trailcampro's 2-Year Warranty
If the trail camera you purchase from us goes defective within two years of your purchase, we will quickly replace it.
We strive to make the warranty process as quick and easy as possible. Simply fill out our warranty form.
Trailcampro's 90-Day Return Policy
We believe you have the right to return any game camera that does not meet your expectations within 90 days.
Our return policy lets you field test products, at no risk to you!
- Buyer's remorse? Return the camera to us for a full refund (minus shipping).
- Purchased the wrong camera? We will ship you the right camera.
- Something wrong with the camera you received? We will replace it at no cost to you.
Want to talk to a trail camera expert? Contact our friendly staff.
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Domestic Shipping Options
- Free 2-Day Shipping on all orders over $99 to U.S. addresses
- Free shipping will be shipped via the most economical method.
- Orders placed before 3 p.m Central Standard Time are usually shipped the same day
- We are happy to offer expedited shipping options. Prices are shown during checkout.
Dear International Customer:
International rates vary by country and postal code. Please click here for detailed international rates.
Trailcampro L.L.C.
3048 S. Clifton Ave
Suite 108
Springfield, MO 65807
1-800-791-0660 -
Trail Camera Accessories
Here are a few of the accessories we like to use with the Spypoint Force Dark Trail Camera.
Energizer Ultimate Lithiums | 8 Pack | $15.95
- There is no downside to using lithium batteries. Long battery life, extreme durability, and better night pictures. You will be happy you did.
- Use this with the security case, or just the camera itself. The Force Dark has brackets on the back specifically for this lock.
- SD cards store your pictures and videos for easy removal. We give you a free SD card with the Force Dark, but most people use two cards. If you have two cards, you can swap them out when you retrieve the pictures.
Spypoint Force Dark Security Case
- This security case works with the Spypoint Force Dark.
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Verified Customer Reviews
We ensure that every customer review comes from one of our real customers and not someone who works for the competing trail camera manufacturer. These are verified customer trail camera reviews that you can trust.
We would love your feedback if you purchased this trail camera from us. We want your honest feedback, these reviews are a vital part in helping consumers choose the right game camera.
Spypoint Force-Dark Review
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
89/100
