Spypoint LM2 Cellular Trail Camera Review
The biggest thing the Link-Micro has going for it is affordability, a solid detection circuit, and ease of setup. If overall performance isn't critical for you (poor battery life, and lack of internal programming), this is a great choice as a camera that is a lower-priced cellular camera on the market. We would recommend this camera for anyone looking for an entry-level cell camera or if you plan on putting it in an area that has a high probability of being stolen. - TCP Staff- TCP Staff
Model #lm2nw | Spypoint LM2 User Manual
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
77/100
Spypoint LM2 Review
Pros
- Small unit
- Ease of use
- 100 free photos a month
- Multishot
- Sync Frequency
- Cellular on/off
- Take a photo/video at Next sync
Cons
- Battery life
- Recovery
Be Wary Of Megapixel Ratings
Megapixel ratings for trail cameras seem to increase more & more every year. In reality, the native resolution of 99% of all trail cameras is 5 megapixels or less. Manufacturers artificially inflate megapixel ratings for advertising purposes through a process called interpolation. Interpolated photos are enhanced by software to mimic the file size of a higher megapixel photo, but seldom offer additional clarity or resolution. The result is an exponentially larger file size photo which takes longer to load and slows down the speed of your camera. We always program our cameras to capture photos at the image sensor's native resolution. This allows our cameras to operate as efficiently as possible and store more photos to memory. With shorter load times, this also allows us to review photos at a much quicker pace. To put things in perspective, the trail camera widely considered to be the "Gold Standard" and used by more professional researchers than any other unit is just 3 megapixels.
Photo resolution: 20 mpxl (interpolated)
Video resolution: N/A
Flash Type: N/A
Picture & Video Resting Power (on): 0.15 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 78.72 Ws | 79.74Ws
Here are your best battery options:
Trailcampro Choice: AmpTORRENT Rechargeable AA Lithium
If this camera were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, it would last 1.2 months in the field - per charge - on a set of AmpTorrent Rechargeable AA Lithium batteries.
There are a number of benefits to these batteries; up to 1,200 recharges, consistent 1.5 volt operation, charges with the included USB cable, eco-friendly (less batteries in a landfill), and the batteries pay for themselves after 2-3 recharges.
Longest Lasting Choice: Energizer Ultimate Lithium
If the this camera were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, it would last 1.8 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
Ultimate Lithium batteries provide the longest-lasting battery choice due to their incredible consistency and capacity. We have loved these batteries for a long time, however, in recent years they have become incredibly expensive and not the most cost-effective option.
Picture Trigger & Recovery: 0.4s | 65.3s
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: n/a
Detection Range & Angle: 90ft. @ 42° detection angle (42.57° field of view)
Dimensions: 3" x 2.25" x 4.5"
Battery Type: 8 AA
External Battery Jack: 12 V
Case Design
The Spypoint Link-Micro 2 game camera is a very small cell camera. The camera's case feels flimsy and cheap when handling it. The antenna is heavier than the camera without batteries in it. The latch to open the camera is large (easily opens) and clicks shut well.
The battery box is located on the inside of the camera and requires the user to pinch on both sides of the box and then to pull straight out. This isn't the easiest battery retrieval but it shouldn't be a big issue.
The Link-Micro 2 does use micro SD cards. Simply put, they are tiny, harder to handle, and require an adapter to download the photos to a computer. We are sure that Spypoint did this to save space.
The camera has a python lock bracket on the back-bottom of the camera and a 1/4" x 20 threaded insert on the bottom for a Slate River Mount.
Camera Setup
The setup is as simple as you hope it will be. Shouldn't take longer than a minute or two, even for folks that hate technology.
- Download the Spypoint app and create an account
- Click the + button in the cameras tab to add a camera
- Follow the instructions (Takes maybe a minute)
- Turn the camera on
Durability
The vast majority of consumer-grade trail cameras are inexpensive, imported devices exposed to harsh conditions 24/7/365. Most manufacturers only offer a one-year warranty. We stock only the most durable units and provide an additional year of warranty at no extra charge. The Trailcampro exclusive 2-year warranty allows you to deal directly with Trailcampro avoiding long wait times on hold with the manufacturer and prolonged periods without a replacement camera. We turn around most warranties in just one business day!
All test results are achieved through the use of proprietary equipment used exclusively by Trailcampro. Any re-publication of this data without prior written consent is strictly prohibited by law. COPYRIGHT TRAILCAMPRO, L.L.C. 2023, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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