Stealth Cam I230 Digital Scouting Camera STC-WD2 Review:
The Stealth Cam I230 Digital Scouting Camera is basically a newer version of DIGRC-X. With this update, they fixed some of the durability issues such as using better latches to close/seal the camera as the tabs on the old one were easy to break (however, we still wish the tabs were metal - see updated below). This new version still has the external battery option (12 volt) which is a great feature so you can keep the camera out for months at a time without having to replace batteries.
Negatives:
- Housing is cheap - plastic clips often break
- Setup is difficult
- More false triggers than others
| Picture Size - Day: |
2.0 Mega pixelsApprox
250 KB image file size
1600 px wide x 1200 px high (72 px per inch) |
| Picture Size - Night: |
Same as day |
| Batteries: |
6 "C"batteriesExternal: Plug-in for external 12 volt battery |
| Memory: |
Memory Type: SD card (upt 2 GB)Internal Memory -
16 MB |
| Flash: |
White flash (On/Auto/Off) |
| Picture Modes: |
Single
Burst (2-3)Video (AVI)
- only during day |
Although this camera has a slower trigger speed than others, it is all in how/where you set up the camera. For instance, placing it facing a trail is a good idea - the camera doesn't go off just as the deer is detected along the trail, instead it has a delay so that the deer will likely be closer to the camera before triggered. The delay is pretty nominal and it is unlikely that you'll miss the subject (unless it is running past).
Here is a picture taken during the morning. Notice that tree branches are visible in the upper portion of the frame - due to PIR (passive infrared sensor) the motion leaves blowing in the breeze wasn't enough to trigger a picture. This image was taken at a resolution of 1600 x 1200 (about a 200KB file). The image is reduced to 30% it's original size.
The flash coverage on this camera is pretty good. Some feel that a flash spooks the game. In general, when the camera flashes, most deer are looking at the camera - there is no doubt they notice it. But we haven't found it to completely spook deer away. But, if you are using a camera with a flash and intend to hunt that area, we recommend that you either disable the flash or remove the camera completely once the hunting season draws near. Here is a picture from the I230 during the night. The image is taken in the same resolution and in color in both day and night.
Overall, this is a very solid digital trail camera at a very reasonable price - we recommend StealthCam's I230.
Update: Feb 2, 2008 - The clips or plastic latches are both broken now. The first clip broke about a year ago, but the bottom one continued to work fine, sufficiently closing the unit. However, just this past week, this clip broke when we tried opening the camera. It was certainly cold out, but there is no reason for these critical parts to be so susceptible to breakage. We now wrap the camera with a bunge cord to keep it shut - but this seal doesn't completely keep out the elements, so it is likely only a matter of time until the weather claims this camera.
Reviewer: - Jerry Matzner
Review Date: - 12/12/2006
