Stealth Cam Flashback Cellular Trail Camera Review

 - TCP Staff

Model # STC-WXF | Stealth Cam Flashback Manual

Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:

In Progress/100 

 Review

 Pros

• Color Photos at night
• Timelapse
• First of it's kind

 Cons

• Bright Flash at night
• No video
• 16 AA Batteries
• Very heavy

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.

Picture Quality:  In Progress/100

Photo resolution:  40 mpxl (interpolated)

Video resolution: n/a   

Flash Type: White Flash

 We are placing cameras in the field and will post samples when we get them.

Battery Life:    80/100

Picture & Video Resting Power (on):  0.27 mW

Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption:  32.0 Ws  |  40.7 Ws

Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption:  n/a | n/a

Here are your best battery options:

Trailcampro Choice: AmpTORRENT Rechargeable AA Lithium

If the Flashback were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 5.2 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 charges
• Consistent 1.5 volt operation
• Charges with the included USB cable
• Eco-friendly (less batteries in a landfill)
• Batteries pay for themselves after 2-3 charges

Longest Lasting Choice: Energizer Ultimate Lithium

If the Flashback were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 7.8 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.

Ultimate Lithium batteries are the longest-lasting battery choice due to their incredible consistency and capacity. We've loved these batteries for a long time. However, in recent years they have become cost prohibitive and forced us to seek out a more affordable, eco-friendly option. 

Detection Circuit:     95/100

Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed:  0.24 s.  |  n/a

Video Trigger & Recovery Speed:    n/a  |   n/a 

Detection Range & Angle:  110 ft @ 34.7° detection angle (38.8° f.o.v.)

Quality of Design:     84/100

Dimensions: 3.75" x 3.75" x 5.75 "

Battery Type:  16 AA

External Battery Jack: 12-volt

SD Card Size: 32 GB

Case Design

  The Stealth Cam Flashback is going to be similar to the other Stealth Cams, but feels heavier with there being 16 batteries and is a lot larger. However, the latch operates smoothly and the battery compartment seems to hold the batteries really well. The antenna port is on the top of the camera as this can cause moisture in the entry port. The front will have the large area of white as the camera is a white flash unit. There is a threaded insert on the bottom of the camera for a tripod mount and it has a bracket for a python lock and will run through the door.

 Camera Setup

• Download Stealth Cam Command app and create an account (or sign in)
• Add device (hit + button). Access your QR code underneath the battery tray. Follow instructions to finish
• Tap on your camera within the app and select "Camera Setup" to access settings. 

Test your camera connect at any time by pressing the Sync button. This will take a test photo and instantly attempt to upload it. If your camera is successful you will see the photo appear in the app. Otherwise, one of the following LED codes will display:

• Flashing green battery indicates checking camera hardware status
• Solid green battery and flashing network indicates checking camera for internet connection
• Solid green battery, Network and flashing account indicates checking camera for account
• 3 Solid LEDs indicate account found and camera is successfully registered
• All 3 LEDs will blink green to indicate photo upload in progress. LEDs will turn off to indicate camera is asleep and ready for deployment
• Solid red battery indicates low battery or no sd card
• Solid green battery and solid red network indicate no sim card, low signal, or no data plan
• Solid green battery, network and solid red account indicates no account found

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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