Tactacam Reveal vs. Spypoint Link Micro Cellular Trail camera Review

[@patrickwayne3701]

Absolutely outstanding no nonsense review. I am standing in the store, looking at both cams and you helped settle the question right here. Thanks a TON.

[@TuckerC270]

Thanks for the shout out there brother!!

[@kapperoutdoors]

No problem, you turned me on to this one!

[@JeffWinter1]

I have 3 SpyPoints, 1 regular and 2 cellular and have had nothing but trouble with them. Of the 2 cellulars I have a Link-Micro and a Link-S. The Link-S worked for a little while then quit for no discernible reason and the Link-Micro never worked as a cellular. Even the regular trailcam never worked properly. I think the cellular trailcams problem is that they look for LTE signal which is hard to find in Northern Ontario whereas the Reveal seems to work off 4G and LTE which might be the game changer, or a least in the northern location I want to use it at. I will try the Reveal.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Good luck. It is day and night, much better unit.

[@ellobo1326]

I ran 7 Tactacam Reveals for 4 months during the 2020 season and they all performed flawlessly. I was very pleased and hope to buy a few more.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Yep, the tactacam did very well! Thanks.

[@FarmallFanatic]

Been lookin for a Tactacam. I'm running 5 Spypoints currently and 1 Browning. Not overly happy with the SPs

[@cobia7874]

I have 2 SPYPOINT … there basically useless. Picture quality is horrific

[@FarmallFanatic]

@@cobia7874 agree

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

I really like my video quality of my 2 Browning cameras. They r not cell cams but I tie them to a tree to hide them on trees. I put an old rag wool glove behind then to insulate & to get the right angle on the camera. I'm going up that 🌳 already so I use it as video scouting & another video device for a hunt. I can watch them on my Wildgame viewer if I swap cards when I get up in the 🌳 depending on the hunt or scout due to weather. Only problem I have with the Browning cams is if there is snow on the ground the buck looks dark but the snow & antlers r almost 1 of the same. I have tried many different settings with the same result. I'm going to get another Tactacam 5.0 WIDE to go with the original 5.0 Tactacam. I did a DIY to mount my 5.0 Tactacam to a camo bicycle helmet. It's great quality & being able to run 2 cams off 1 remote is nice. Just trying to decide if I want to run a Tactacam Reveal also when I take the plunge to get a 5.0 WIDE.

[@jwittmeier1]

Excellent review!! Clear and concise.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thank you much appreciated! Take care

[@davidglove6017]

I too have been running both spypoint micros and tactacam reveal. The spypoint pic quality is not anywhere near the reveal. The reveal is a much better camera imo. I had one spypoint stop taking pics at all and the other is still working and in the timber but the pics are very low quality at best. I am running 2 reveals in the timber and I am very pleased with their performance. The reveals take great day and night pics. Dependability is the #1 priority followed by picture quality. The tactacam reveal is by far the better unit.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Totally agree! Like night and day. I put all new batteries in them both, and the spypoint took and sent 2 pics of me after I set it up and not a single one after that again!! The tactacam is just awesome, no doubt about it. Thanks.

[@mkelsey40]

I also have 2 of the spypoints. One has worked flawless for over a year now and the other not so much. I have had to update the firmware twice and it seems to help for a little while. But like someone else has said it will not send pictures if it is below 25% for some reason and the other one will. I will be buying the tactacams next whenever I can find some in stock!

[@kapperoutdoors]

Yeah such a shame tactacam hit a home run and they are all out of stock!! Can't find them anywhere now!

[@justingoff1776]

Did you get your 2nd SPYPOINT working? There is another way to update the camera while it's in the field. Been using my SPYPOINT 2 years and have had to update it from the field twice. Other than that minor issue it's been awesome.

[@j3r3my3030]

How do you update it while it's in the field? I've had several issues with my spypoint.

[@redneckfarmer6584]

@@j3r3my3030 go to the app get support on live chat. They can send the update to your camera remotely. I've done myself a few times.

[@bradbrockhaus633]

Thx for the info Kap!...I have 2 spypoint micro link and have talked to a couple guys and wanted opinions...You were spot on with what they had to say...Was really leaning towards tactacam prior to this video but now I'm sold...happy hunting...Take care

[@kapperoutdoors]

Glad it was helpful! Man, they hit a home run with this thing! Wish I'd have bought more while they were in stock!

[@pauldennison2543]

The SpyPoint Micro doesn't do video at all. The higher resolution pictures you pay for, you pay $5.00 for 50 as a batch, they carry over, so if you download 5 this month your 45 will carry over to the following months. The SpyPoint LINK W, EVO & DARK have video modes but like the Micro they only send low resolution pictures to phone/computer, high resolution on demand. The videos stay on the card. Thev DARK is basically the 12MP EVO except it has a display screen and uses No-Glow 940nm LED's. The LINK Micro & W are 10MP & use Low-Glow 840nm LED's. The LINK Micro & DARK are also offered as S versions which have a solar panel & come with rechargeable battery packs. Additionally the W, EVO & DARK can use the SpyPoint LIT-8 or LIT-9 Lithium battery packs. Difference between the 8 & 9 is one comes with the charger, one doesn't. So if you're going to buy packs, buy one with the charger (approximately $60) & the packs themselves are about $40 each. And SpyPoint sells the charger alone for about $10.

[@a787fxr]

I am 100% board with micro link. Very impressive and simple to set up. Absolutely the best if you want free downloads and service. If you want more. You do have to pay more. That is how life works.

[@UncleRufus518]

Enjoy it while you can, it’s gonna quit on you and customer service sucks

[@bwilkinson6901]

I use a moultrie cell cam. Night pics can get flakey from time to time, otherwise i have zero complaints. Battery life has not been an issue. Cheapest monthly plan is $10

[@kapperoutdoors]

Good deal, as long as it works for you. I'm paying for the 2nd spypoint plan and it hasn't worked yet... Thanks.

[@jessecoblentz8781]

How does plan cost compare? I have 4 spypoint, I've had to pull sd,sim,and batteries a time or 2 to reset everything but they all work... fingers crossed

[@kapperoutdoors]

At first when I bought spypoint you were supposed to be able to run multiple cameras on one plan, But now I see I had to get 2 accounts, 10/month. The Tactacam is 13/mo for unlimited. Good luck!

[@kawi4ev]

@@kapperoutdoors so you only have to pay 13/mo no matter how many cameras you run for tacticam?

[@ryansnyder1707]

I have 6 Spypoint cameras and have had my share of frustrations with them. While troubleshooting I have found putting brand new batteries has fixed most of the issues. Even if my battery level reads 50%+ and I had a firmware update I couldn’t get the camera to operate properly without adding new batteries. Also, I started running alkaline batteries but switched to lithium and that’s when most of my problems started. I switched back to alkaline and my problems have gone away for the most part.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Good info, I need to swap them anyway so I will tomorrow. The 2nd one worked when I set it up, then it quit again!

[@ramsaycountry1177]

Man I hope you have better luck with the spypoint than I have Joe. I bought 3 last season and have been through the ringer with all of them! the short of it is only one work today.

[@kapperoutdoors]

I hear you, lots of the same experiences out there! Going to try again tomorrow to get the 2nd one going.

[@markswarbrick9052]

The $99 Membership is for hunter commenting back and forth Group access. You can get all the features and benefits without it. The species ID is un-necessary. Both cameras can get HD pics from the chip (just slide the chip into the computer). You do not have to pay $10. I pay $4. They will be clearer than the transmitted image. The apps are similar tap the image and if you turn the phone sideways the image gets larger.

[@rmenzer13]

I am very interested in how you hooked up a security camera to a cellular camera. I do not have internet on my property and need a solution. thanks for the review!

[@kapperoutdoors]

Well my security cams are with a wifi booster. But if you don't have internet I just saw a couple days ago that Reolink has a cellular cam now. I don't know anything about it, but I'd look into it. Wish a solar panel, it will save you big money in the long run just on trail cam batteries. Good luck!

[@rmenzer13]

@@kapperoutdoors thank you!!!

[@charlemarcharlemar2401]

Simply Tether your cell phone to your PC or Mac to get internet access, done.

[@sjack7181gmail]

Do they have all the problems that spypoint has .spypoint keeps needing upgraded

[@kapperoutdoors]

Well so far the Tactacam has been flawless!

[@mrcollier1641]

What about the battery life comparing the two?

[@kapperoutdoors]

I'd probably say Spypoint may last a bit longer from what I have seen. Thanks.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

I absolutely hate how everything is becoming on additional ongoing recurring fees and limited functionality. I want to BUY a device and OWN it.. and have full use of its technical capabilities. This bull crap of membership dues and imbedded purchase options really suck.. SUCK! Vote with your dollars.. Only buy products that support the idea of product ownership, and full features independent of ongoing economic extortion.

[@kapperoutdoors]

yeah, I was shocked this year when I turned them back on and saw that! When I bought them, you didn't have to 'join' for another $99 bucks! That is really crappy if you ask me, totally agree!

[@bbmopar3834b]

I have a an Ultra Pro X camera with the spypoint cell link. It stopped working (trying to figure out why) the cam alone take nice pics, but with the cell link they are not very clear. Thanks for this review... ill prob be switching to Tactacam.

[@kapperoutdoors]

my experiences exactly! Good luck, thanks.

[@darrylellis1634]

So what mode do you have your Tactacam on to receive photos when it’s on video mode?

[@kapperoutdoors]

I think it has a mode of photo and video combined

[@ryanwalters694]

Ok here’s my issue. I’m looking for a solar cell camera that does video and is better than 10mp. Preferably under $300. Any suggestions?

[@kapperoutdoors]

I'm going to be doing a video on this topic! I am using Reolink security cams, with solar panels, and man, they are the way to go! Stay tuned, but that is a great option to 'trail cameras.' Thanks.

[@ryanwalters694]

@@kapperoutdoors a lot of cameras is see either aren’t available in solar options or have that huge external solar panel that adds about $75-$100 to the price of the camera. I would love a tactacam reveal in a solar option. But sadly it isn’t offered

[@SexyPitz]

Reolink Go PT

[@brianbf9750]

Kapper thanks for the review Anyone know where the reveal is in stock ? I haven't found it for weeks

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thank you, and yep they are out of stock everywhere!! They hit a home run for sure on them, wish I'd have bought 4!

[@gallardo360]

I just seen on their website discontinued item 😳

[@jerimahjohnson8698]

Wait kapp...can you get video over the air from the reveal?

[@kapperoutdoors]

No you can't! That would be a nice feature for sure!! But I do have another solution for that! I will be putting up a vid using Reolink solar powered security cams as trail cams. Works great!

[@jerimahjohnson8698]

@@kapperoutdoors you still need wifi correct

[@jerimahjohnson8698]

@@kapperoutdoors do you have any dog issues on your farm?

[@bryanbarnhart1849]

My spypoint will not send pictures when the battery level shows below 70% on lithium batteries. Something to check.

[@ryansnyder1707]

Try alkaline batteries. I have six cameras I switched to lithium’s to help with the battery life but ended up having more issues. Switched back to alkaline and not near as many problems. Sucks to have to replace batteries more often but worth it to have the camera working. Good luck!

[@kapperoutdoors]

Thanks, others have said that. I will swap them all out tomorrow and reformat another micro card. It sure would be nice to have them both working!

[@juanpaulr]

Thanks for the review. I have to say that I don't think you tested the spypoint out thoroughly. I have 5 of the spypoint link on my property about 70 miles away. All have been functioning properly. Setup is simple just make sure the light status is right. Even if it's orange you will still get photos. The phone app is easy to use. You can swipe through the photos. You can enlarge them by pinching. Easy to check status of the cam. My camera were blowing up my phone this season. I was getting lots of photos to the point that I have to change the delay time. I don't care if it has an LCD screen just as long as it does the job is good enough. Battery life is decent if settings are right it can last a couple months or more depending on activity. The quality of the photos are pretty good. Not looking for great because that is not my goal. The night shots are good. Sorry to hear about your problems with yours.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Glad to hear yours are working for you. But if you read through the comments this has not just been me having troubles. Many people with the same issues. I agree that setup is easy, but when you see the green light, says its all working fine, then you leave it in the field and are not getting pictures that is royally frustrating. Thanks.

[@sjack7181gmail]

Go to spypoint page nothing but trouble with camera ii have three not working right almost all year

[@wager94]

I had a spy point work great for a year and then it quit. The tech support was semi helpful. I say this because they helped me try to fix it and then offered to take it back and most likely replace it. I was very busy at the time with Apple harvest so I said f it. That being said. I loved getting the pictures. If you swap the card they are awesome pictures. Definitely "blurry" on the app. I didnt know about the HD photo deal. I thought it would mail you a picture so I never clicked it lol. I just ordered another one. Hopefully this one last a few years.... I also leave mine out all winter so I guess I'm probably rough on them

[@charlesswiger2260]

I have same camera did same thing when I set it up have to call the tech support team and have you camera up dated it a easy fix they did mine in just a couple minutes over the phone works great now.

[@kapperoutdoors]

Good deal if it works. I really like the tactacam much better. Better quality pics and overall. Thanks.

[@SLCOutdoors]

I have the same one, same problem after about 6 months, sent it back, took forever to get a new one after several failed calls to tech support

[@kapperoutdoors]

yeah, i had one exchanged, and had to keep troubleshooting, they couldn't figure it out. Then a tech who knew what he was doing got it fixed pretty quick. But now the 2nd one is down again...

[@MudMonsterRacing4]

how long do the batteries last on the tacticam?

[@kapperoutdoors]

They have done surprisingly well, but it takes 12 AA at a time.

[@jerimahjohnson8698]

Kapp make sure you have a class 10 sd card in the spypoints. I'm very interested in the reveal and I'd like to buy 2.

[@kapperoutdoors]

I've given up on the spypoints no doubt. The tactacam is day and night above it! Best of luck! Thanks

[@frankspataro9714]

I have and hate my spypoint same troubles always needs a firmware update its ok when working and they where quick to send me a new one that worked for two rounds of battery life that blows and then had to update firmware again pics suck compared to any other cameras I have

[@inthemountainswithmeachum3256]

Really wish you would have made this video a month ago. Since then I bought 4 spy points 2 Of them are link micros and only one of the link micros works they were all bought brand new. I will be giving tacta Cam A shot with the next cell camera by and you can only use a credit card with spy point it cannot be a debit credit card or debit card it has to be a credit card so I'm done with spy point You can only request HD pictures if you are a member otherwise They kind of suck Which you already have touched on

[@scotttrotter283]

Awesome info. Thanks bud!

[@kapperoutdoors]

You bet!

[@jasonclift7253]

Great review buddy - thank you

[@kapperoutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markswarbrick9052]

Hey KAPPER! the Spypoint that you have that doesn't work - fresh batteries and pull the SIM card and check to see if its dry. Then make sure its inserted correctly. IT is possible to put it in upside down. Good Luck. The service on line is great if you are still stuck

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

That tacticam takes really nice pics and video

[@kapperoutdoors]

No doubt, don't know how they did it at that price point! Even made in China stuff is junk that costs more.

[@scyoungfarmer2877]

My SPYPOINT camera has the same issues you’ve Ben having just brought a reveal because I was a deal I couldn’t pass up

[@kapperoutdoors]

The reveal is much better, you did good. Lots of us have had many issues with Spypoint.

[@timroof9338]

Tactacam discontinued the reveal.. they are only going to be use for one year. On service

[@ronflood9814]

The more expensive SPYPOINTs have video but still won’t send to your phone only on sd card I agree SPYPOINT has its issues but when you get the sd card the pics are great they only send a watered down pic to your phone I’m sure because of its free for one (100 pics a month) and probably to save on cell transmission but sd on SPYPOINT has really good clear pics if pulled off sd card I have 3 micros two evos a cell link and the link s solar but hated that one nothing but problems with that one and that has an lcd screen but I bought that when was first out for $450 never again the micros are cheap here for $89 so I’d rather get 4 of them than their expensive ones

[@mattius459]

Lots of echo in your room but other than that great as usual.

[@weldermike7017]

Wow, if I made this video it would have been almost word for word exactly the same lol, 100% true on everything

[@kapperoutdoors]

Good deal, I call them like I see them!! Love the new reveal X this year too!! Thanks have a good one

[@richardbohlingsr3490]

Like you said video's give more information.

[@ericjunkin7208]

I had the Spypoint link Micro and nothing but trouble with it they only gave me half my money back I definitely wouldn’t recommend it to anyone

[@kapperoutdoors]

Yeah, lots of similar stories coming out! Wish I'd have bought more Tactacams! Now they are all out of stock, can't find em.

[@photocontrol]

The Tactacam has very nice photo and video footage!

[@Eric0991]

Kind of seems like the spypoint is the “ATN” of cellular game cameras

[@VirantRoss]

ATN? Whatever that means... Good? Bad?

[@neilellinger6157]

Couldn't see much difference in the picture quality... not overly impressed with picture quality on my SP mico

[@kapperoutdoors]

I can see the difference, but sometimes after you edit pics and vids it changes them slightly. Either way I won't be getting a spypoint any time soon. Thanks

[@mikeguy9668]

Not a fan of spypoint. Worked for about a year then started getting wonky as hell

[@kapperoutdoors]

yep, I really like the tactacams and they are pretty affordable for what you get. Thanks

[@69Bowhunter]

Your batteries are dead in your second camera. I’ve been running 5 SPYPOINT cams for two years. Update your camera and charge your batteries and it will send pictures

[@kapperoutdoors]

I did that. New batteries, formatted SD card and it did the same thing. When I set it up it sent 2 pics of me, and not another one since them. Heck, even when I pull the SD card, it has a 'transmitted' folder with hundreds of pics, but it never sent them. Still only one of the two are working. Frustrating. Thanks.

[@69Bowhunter]

@@kapperoutdoors I’ve been running 5 for two years but all of mine are on 12 volt batteries and I never see my cameras for upwards of 7 months at a time unless there’s an update. I just noticed on your app it was red and battery was around 12 percent it seems below 50 percent mine will act up to.

[@shawnduck1234]

Lmao no it won't. My first micro spypoint couldn't get to work, the sent me an evo to say sorry it's was very hot or miss. They cell link was ok, but between intermittent network, camera, and software issues it makes spypoint total garbage as a package.

[@redneckfarmer6584]

Don't let the reveal batteries go dead or you'll end up with a brick you have to send back to get flashed.

[@kapperoutdoors]

eek! I might have done that! lol. I have not had it working for months now, probably dead as a doornail!! Guess I'll find out, thanks man

[@scyoungfarmer2877]

For a cell camera

[@usnationalist8150]

U said u need the $99 plan to save pics then 2 minutes later says u can download and save the pics...which is it? Hunters are HORRIBLE at giving reviews on products...leave more confused and undecided then before.

[@kapperoutdoors]

You needed the extra $99 plan for 'all' the feature's that it offers. The Spypoint pics are grainy, but through the cell plan you can download like 50 a month in HD. Bottom line is the tactacam just blows it out of the water. Thanks.

[@usnationalist8150]

Sorry i was in a bad mood last night. Spent hours looking at reviews. So you would buy the tactacam over the spy point micro? I was going to get the spy point micro with the solar panel on top but all my hunting spots are within 20 minute drive so don’t think I need it.

[@kapperoutdoors]

@@usnationalist8150 No worries thank you. Yes, I definitely, not even a close call, would go with the tactacam! Much better product!! Good luck, thanks.

[@gallardo360]

just buy keen reolink cam and forget the others

[@puskabeuford8667]

Good intel Kapper. 🦅🇺🇸

[@kapperoutdoors]

Roger that thanks

[@puskabeuford8667]

🦅🇺🇸

[@fredbartlett4394]

Link micro only takes pictures no videos read the instructions

[@fredbartlett4394]

12batt in the tactacam no way

[@kapperoutdoors]

Well they sure last a long time with those 12 batteries!

[@gallardo360]

spypoint pic quality is crap, just can tell its a deer , they won't you to buy the HD pic upgrade 50 pictures for 5.00 .

[@kapperoutdoors]

totally agree!

[@didinmase6727]

Woow good is vidio subscreibe

[@roblewis7354]

SPYPOINT belongs in the trash. They don’t last a year.

[@UncleRufus518]

Mine Spypoint lasted 2.5 months and customer service is BAD. Don’t buy Spypoint camera

[@shawnduck1234]

My first micro never worked lol

[@HuntYourWay]

@@shawnduck1234 make sure you update the firmware before putting the camera out

[@shawnduck1234]

@@HuntYourWay lmao spypoint is junk. Their customer service sucks and they couldn't make the cameras work. Between intermittent camera, app and service issues it's garbage.

[@HuntYourWay]

@@shawnduck1234 maybe...im just saying I had issues with mine not sending pictures to my phone...I did some research and found out it was running on the old firmware...I followed the instructions on there website...update the firmware...and so far its working great. Just thought I'd pass that info along incase it might help you out....but I really could care less...throw your camera in the trash!

[@mattbrover731]

Sky point sucks I had one and never work great f skypoint

[@kapperoutdoors]

Me neither! Going to order 4 more tactacams! Really like the new X models, I have 4 cams out now, going to double that!

[@donwilson350]

Why are you doing a video on this it's clearly you don't like Five Points here wasting everybody's time just say you love the other one and that's it

[@kapperoutdoors]

Because I like to share hard earned knowledge and my experiences so that others can learn from them.