Tactacam REVEAL X Pro and REVEAL 2.0 Trail Cam Review
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Tactacam REVEAL X Pro Cellular Trail Camera
All of my hunting applications for the year have been submitted, and now I’m eagerly awaiting to see what I might draw for the upcoming season. This year, I’m venturing into new hunting grounds and I’m excited to explore unfamiliar terrain. To aid me in scouting for animals in these new areas, I’ll be relying the Tactacam REVEAL X Pro and the Tactacam REVEAL 2.0.
Tactacam is deeply rooted in a passion for the outdoors. Innovator and co-owner Ben Stern initially crafted the original Tactacam through his experimentation with video cameras. As Ben’s designs evolved, so did Tactacam’s team. Many of the employees at Tactacam were once customers who were impressed by the product. Today, Tactacam’s lineup includes trail camera-style units that can be mounted to trees or other surfaces. These cameras automatically capture images or videos when animal or people pass by.
Trail cameras now serve a variety of purposes, from home security to wildlife observation out of sheer curiosity. For me, hunting provides about 90% of the meat my family consumes. A harsh winter a couple of years ago significantly affected our local animal population, prompting me to explore new hunting areas this year. The Tactacam cameras will be invaluable tools for scouting these new territories and observing wildlife activity. This scouting season, I’ll be testing the capabilities of the Tactacam Reveal X Pro and the Tactacam Reveal 2.0 Cameras.
About the Tactacam Reveal 2.0 X Pro
The Tactacam Reveal X Pro is a feature-rich trail camera designed for nighttime surveillance. It utilizes a no-glow flash to remain virtually undetectable to animals when capturing images in the dark. During daylight hours, it can detect animals up to 96 feet away. At night it can photograph animals up to 80 feet away. With a trigger speed of less than half a second, the camera swiftly captures photos at 16 megapixels. This ensures clarity even at distances of up to 100 feet. Additionally, it supports high-definition video recording during the day.
Equipped with GPS functionality, the Reveal X Pro allows for tracking of the camera’s location. This can be particularly useful in case of tampering or curious wildlife interference. Control is facilitated through an intuitive LCD screen interface.
REVEAL X Pro LCD Screen
A standout feature of the Reveal X Pro is its wireless connectivity, enabling direct image transmission to a mobile phone via the Tactacam Reveal app. It supports both Verizon and AT&T networks. Although optimal coverage in the camera’s location may differ from the user’s personal service plan. Three service plans are available, each offering varying levels of photo transmission; however, videos and HD photos cannot be sent via this wireless feature.
The weather-resistant body of the Reveal X Pro protects it from various weather conditions, making it suitable for outdoor use. It can be mounted using the included camera strap or a tripod (tripod not included).
Camera In the Field
Powered by 12 AA batteries, the camera can capture 2,500 or more photos with standard alkaline batteries. For extended performance, users can opt for a rechargeable lithium battery. This allows for more than 4,000 photos, especially beneficial in temperatures ranging from -13 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder climates, the lithium ion battery is recommended for optimal functionality.
About the Tactacam REVEAL 2.0
The Tactacam Reveal 2.0 shares many high-quality features with the X Pro model, including image quality, cellular service capabilities, video recording, battery options, and a water-resistant case. However, there are several distinctions between the two, justified by a $30 price difference:
Unlike the X Pro, the Reveal 2.0 lacks a touch LCD screen and GPS functionality. It also utilizes a low-glow flash instead of the no-glow flash, which may be slightly visible at night.
Apart from these variations, both cameras offer similar core features and performance capabilities.
Thoughts on the Trail Cameras
As a child, I always loved exploring the outdoors and observing wildlife, so using the Tactacam Reveal Cameras has rekindled that sense of curiosity for me. I find myself eagerly setting up these cameras all around to discover what animals roam in various locations—it’s become a bit of an addictive hobby.
Before diving into my thoughts, I want to address an unfortunate incident with the REVEAL X-Pro during my first night near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. A bear managed to pull down the camera, damaging the LCD screen and rendering it inoperable, a disappointing start to my review. However, the REVEAL 2.0 remained untouched, and my review will focus on this model, noting that both cameras share many features and capabilities.
Set Up
Setting up the Tactacam cameras is incredibly straightforward. It’s evident that the developers at Tactacam are avid users of their own products, as the setup process is intuitive and the software is well-refined.
In the mountainous terrain of Colorado, I opted for Verizon due to good coverage in my area. Inserting the SIM card into the camera is simple, and I chose a $5 monthly subscription for 250 photos per camera. Each camera requires its own subscription with Verizon.
After inserting the SIM card, the next step is to connect the batteries. There are several options for power. The first is 12 AA batteries, a costlier choice for single-use batteries. Opting for a rechargeable lithium-ion battery will provide longer usage and is more cost-effective in the long run. A solar panel can provide continuous power, though it might be cumbersome during extensive hikes. The lithium-ion battery costs an additional $49.99, while solar panel options range from $59.99 to $64.99.
Following the steps, the app guides you through the setup process, prompting you to select your service provider and plan, and insert an SD card. The camera kits typically include a 32GB SD card for storing scouting photos. Firmware updates are quick, but it’s advisable to perform these setup tasks at home to ensure smooth operation. Setting up in the field could prove challenging.
The Tactacam App
The app offers a range of settings that can be adjusted, including motion detection sensitivity. This is crucial depending on the camera’s location. In windy mountainous areas, lower sensitivity settings are preferable to avoid capturing unnecessary photos of blowing grass. Conversely, in dense forest settings, higher sensitivity may be necessary to detect subtle wildlife movements.
Settings and Options
Camera photography options and other settings can be fine-tuned through the app or directly on the LCD screen of the X-Pro version. The app interface is user-friendly and practical, particularly for managing the REVEAL 2.0.
Living in an area with spotty cellular coverage, I encountered challenges finding suitable locations for camera placement where there was adequate signal. This necessitated a bit of trial and error, and I’ve learned to take notes in my GPS about cell coverage before scouting trips to optimize camera placement.
Mounting the Camera
Mounting the camera securely is essential, and the included strap does a decent job, though determined wildlife, like the bear that encountered my X-Pro, can still pose a risk. Tactacam offers additional mounting options such as T-posts, stakes, and tree mounts, which are better suited for rugged terrain or where animals are more active.
Before leaving the site, I ensure the camera is operational, noting that it typically takes about five minutes from when a photo is taken to when a notification appears on the app. This timing allows me to set up additional cameras or pack up my gear efficiently.
Image Quality
The image quality from the REVEAL 2.0 is impressive. Daytime photos are sharp and detailed, capturing a wealth of information—even revealing small animals like squirrels or chipmunks upon closer inspection. Adjusting sensitivity settings directly impacts the quality of these images, a feature I appreciate when tailoring the camera’s performance to different environments.
Deer In the Clearing
Nighttime images are equally striking in black and white, offering clear details without disturbing nocturnal wildlife. The animals would stick around for multiple photographs. It’s particularly satisfying to wake up each morning and check the app for new images captured overnight. In fact my entire family has embraced this routine, eagerly discussing the animals we discover over breakfast.
Deer at Night
Mischievous Raccoon
Specs and Features Taken Directly From Tactacam
- MSRP $119.99 Tactacam REVEAL 2.0
- MSRP $149.99 Tactacam REVEAL X Pro
- Warranty: 1 year from activation date
- Cellular Network: LTE
- Cellular Carrier: Verizon, AT&T
- Flash Range: 96 Feet
- Memory: Requires Class 10, U3 SD Card, 32 G
- Power: 12 AA Batteries (not included)
- External Power: DC 12V Input
Final Thoughts on the Tactacam X Pro and Tactacam REVEAL 2.0
The Reveal 2.0 sparked my interest in wildlife exploration. It was easy to set up across different terrains, making it enjoyable to discover local wildlife. Despite an incident with the REVEAL X-Pro and a curious bear, the Reveal 2.0 proved reliable. The Tactacam app for the cameras is very intuitive and easy to use. Picture quality is outstanding both in day and night. For the serious hunter or wildlife observer the Tactacam REVEAL 2.0 and Tactacam X Pro would make great additions to wildlife surveying. To learn more or check one of these out for yourself visit www.amazon.com.
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