With increased battery capacity, higher image and video resolution and the ability to take on-demand photos or videos, the FLEX-PLUS is a potent scouter that can be left out for months. (Photo by author)
October 25, 2024
By Drew Warden
Many hunters have recognized the advantages of cellular trail cameras, and manufacturers have been steadily improving the capabilities of these modern scouting tools. This includes two of the latest models from Spypoint, the FLEX-M and FLEX-PLUS , both of which impressed me with their performance in concert with the Spypoint app during testing.
All FLEX series cell cams feature easy setup, mobile activation and remote firmware updates through the Spypoint app. Each model utilizes an optimized antenna for greater connectivity and Dual SIM technology that automatically selects the best cell service in the area. This ability to work through two carriers (AT&T and Verizon) alleviates much of the concern over poor signal, which can drain batteries or prevent transmissions altogether.
FLEX series cameras are capable of photo (single shot or burst) and video transmission, have Time Lapse and Time Lapse+ modes and feature a responsive trigger that adjusts to conditions for the best image quality. Time Lapse+ mode lets you program set times for captures while also taking images whenever motion is detected. Constant Capture Technology, meanwhile, enables cameras to send and capture images simultaneously. On many cell cams, captures cannot occur while the device is transmitting or connecting to a cellular network. It’s possible with FLEX cameras because they incorporate micro-SD cards; images or videos taken while a camera is transmitting are saved to the card.
The FLEX-M is a rugged, effective and reasonably priced camera that serves as a great entry point into the cell cam world. The FLEX-PLUS adds twice the battery capacity, ups the photo and video resolution, is GPS-enabled to work with the map feature in the Spypoint app and offers Instant mode and on-demand requests. It also has a slightly longer flash and detection range, as well as a faster trigger speed compared to the FLEX-M. The FLEX-M takes 28 MP photos and 720p videos, while the FLEX-PLUS captures 36 MP images and records 1080p video (all video is with sound). These features raise the price of the FLEX-PLUS to $50 more than the FLEX-M.
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On both cameras, the interior control panel is accessed via a sturdy latch on the right side that’s easy to open and snaps shut with an audible click. In over a month of testing, which included heavy rains, I never observed moisture or dust within either camera. Inside, controls include three simple buttons: an on/off switch, a “test” button to trigger an image capture and a button to format a micro-SD card (Spypoint recommends Class 10 micro-SD cards up to 512 GB). Just above the controls on the camera’s interior face are three sets of status lights denoting battery level, cellular signal strength and camera status. All other settings and selections are made within the Spypoint app.
The FLEX-M’s single battery tray holds eight AA batteries (or Spypoint’s LIT-22 rechargeable lithium battery pack), while the FLEX-PLUS has two trays to accommodate 16 AA batteries (or two LIT-22 packs). The removable trays feature openings on the back for rapid battery removal. External power sources can be used via a DC 12-volt input found on the right side of the camera beneath a flip-up rubberized cover. In just over a month of testing, battery life never dropped below 90 percent in either camera (I used conservative settings and transmitted images once per day in most cases).
All settings are remotely adjustable within the easy-to-use Spypoint app. Capture mode, motion delay, multi-shot settings, sensitivity, resolution, sync frequency and timing are all selected in the app, and menus are straightforward. With the FLEX-PLUS, on-demand photo or video requests are also made via the app. Signal strength and battery life are simple to check, and the app permits remote firmware updates.
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In the gallery, you can view images and videos, and filter them based on individual cameras (if you have multiple), wildlife species via Buck Tracker Detection Technology (bucks only, unless you have an Insiders Club membership), media type or favorites (another Insiders Club benefit). Using the built-in map, you can mark locations of cameras, stands, blinds, feeders, food plots and several key terrain features.
Spypoint offers competitive data plans, including a Free Plan that allows transmission of 100 photos each month. The Basic Plan is $4 per month (250 photos), the Standard Plan is $7 per month (1,000 photos), and the Premium Plan is $10 per month (unlimited photos). An Insiders Club membership, which provides a free Basic Plan, discounts on transmission plans and accessories, and full access to additional species filtering capabilities through the Buck Tracker A.I. system, is $99.99 per year. There are no contracts, but there is a discount if you pay for an entire year up front.
The FLEX-M and FLEX-PLUS have performed admirably for me. Trigger speed, flash range and detection range are great—better than many other cell cams. Image and video resolution are more than adequate, though I wish full videos could be sent to the app instead of just previews without purchasing an HD video package ($5 per 20 videos). My initial experiences suggest battery life is satisfactory, and Spypoint’s rechargeable battery packs likely only improve this.
I like several aspects of the Spypoint app. Navigating menus and adjusting capture modes, motion delays and sync settings is intuitive, and activating cameras in the app is easy. But, it would be great if fewer app features were tied to an Insiders Club membership. For example, while you can archive images and videos pulled from micro-SD cards on your own, without an Insiders Club membership the app shows only the past month’s photos (members can view the past year’s captures).
The FLEX-M is marketed as the “best value in cellular trail cams,” and it offers a lot for $80. It’s one of only four cell cams I found at or near this price point that feature Dual SIM or multi-carrier auto-connect technology. It has the fastest trigger speed and longest detection and flash range of the bunch. The FLEX-PLUS builds on this with on-demand capabilities, extended battery life, increased resolution and more. I recommend either model to hunters interested in exploring the benefits of cellular trail cameras.
Spypoint FLEX-M (Photo courtesy of Spypoint) Specifications: Spypoint Flex-M Resolution: 28MP photo, 720p videoImage Display: Spypoint appNetwork: Dual SIM (AT&T and Verizon); plans start at $4 /month (Free Plan provides 100 photos/month)Trigger Speed: 0.4 secondsDetection Range: 90 feetFlash: Four high-power infrared LEDs, 90-foot rangePower Source: Eight AA batteries or one LIT-22 battery pack (DC 12-volt input)Operation Mode: StandardCapture Modes: Photo, video, time lapse, time lapse+Setting Options: Motion-detect delay (0 seconds to one hour), multi-shot modeMSRP: $79.99Spypoimnt FLEX-PLUS (Photo courtesy of Spypoint) Specifications: Spypoint Flex-Plus Resolution: 36MP photo, 1080p videoImage Display: Spypoint appNetwork: Dual SIM (AT&T and Verizon); plans start at $4 /month (Free Plan provides 100 photos/month)Trigger Speed: 0.3 secondsDetection Range: 100 feetFlash: Four high-power infrared LEDs, 100-foot rangePower Source: 16 AA batteries or two LIT-22 battery packs (DC 12-volt input)Operation Mode: Standard, InstantCapture Modes: Photo, video, time lapse, time lapse+, on-demand photo and videoSetting Options: Motion-detect delay (0 seconds to one hour), multi-shot modeMSRP: $129.99This article was featured in the September 2024 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe .