Cuddeback Capture Trail Camera Review:
The Cuddeback Capture trail camera is one of two new Cuddeback models for 2008/2009. The camera features top opening or flip-style lid to access the camera via a simple thumb-screw. The setting options are very minimal, making this camera extremely easy to setup. Basically, you can set the date/time and set the delay between pictures and that’s it. The camera uses a SD memory card (the manual says you cannot use SDHC, so 2 GB max). Speaking of the manual, it is very intuitive – probably the best manual we’ve seen; that combined with the minimal features make this a great camera for novice users.
We placed our Cuddeback Capture camera in the field for its initial test on March 1, 2009. One week later, we checked the memory card and it had 32 images on it. Of those 32 images, 27 had an explainable trigger - so it is tracking at 84%.
Positives:
- Setup – this is an extremely easy camera to setup
- Image Quality – although not as stunning as past models, this camera still produces excellent quality, color images.
- Housing design – the housing is well built, concealing the camera well, providing easy access to the controls and memory and giving the camera some contour to blend in with trees, etc.
- Finally, someone has figured out how to make SD memory cards easy to access!
- The mounting strap is easy to use and very durable. Can be mounted just about anywhere.
Negatives:
- No video option - can only capture still pictures
- No external battery options – only operates off of 4 D batteries
- Very few options – i.e., no time lapse option, can’t disable flash
| Picture Size - Day: |
3.0 Mega pixelsApprox 550 KB image file size2048 px wide x 1536 px high (72 px per inch) |
| Picture Size - Night: |
Same as day |
| Batteries: |
4 "D" batteries |
| Memory: |
Internal Memory - 24MBMemory Type: SD Card (up to 2 GB - not SDHC compatible) |
| Flash: |
White flash |
| Picture Modes: |
Single only |
Below is a sample image taken during the day. The original resolution of this image is 2048 pixels wide by 1536 pixels high and about 600KB in file size (some images were up to 1MB in size). The image has been reduced in size by 20% for display here.
Below is a sample image taken at night. The original resolution of this image is 2048 pixels wide by 1536 pixels high and about 600KB in file size. The image has been reduced in size by 20% for display here. There are actually four deer in this picture.
This image illustrates the excellent trigger capabilities of Cuddeback. In this frame, you will see two hen pheasants flying.
In some cases, the image quality wasn't great. For instance, we had several images that were "blown out" due to bright, sunshine when the frame contained a fair amount of snow cover.
Reviewer: - Nick Schwarz
Review Date: - 3/9/2009
