Some good deals on trail cams

[bobcat]

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=523319f2752caa78715c1d554&id=b85e925e6e

Rogers Sporting Goods has some good prices at the above link. I couldn't resist and ordered one of the refurbished Moultrie M-80's for $59.99. With shipping it was $70. I normally refrain from buying refurbished cameras but the M80 seems to be so well liked that I decided to take a chance. It is warranted for 90 days by Moultrie.

I almost went with the Moultrie D55IRXT as it has a pretty good reputation, and it is a new model for only $10 more than the refurbished M80.

They also have Cuddeback, Wildgame Innovations, Wildview, Primos, Bushnell, and others.

[Bean Counter]

Is the M-80 the best deal?

[bobcat]

Is the M-80 the best deal?

Well, I have no personal experience with the m80 or the d55irxt, but I've read a lot of comments and reviews, and it seems to me that the m80 is a lot more popular than the d55. That's why I went with the m80, even though it is a refurbished model, although that part does make me nervous.

It does have the 90 day warranty so it should at least work when I get it. I will be sure to get it out right away and leave it out for those first 90 days, so if something is going to go wrong, hopefully it will while it's still under warranty.

[blindluck]

Bobcat-- I have two m-80 and they are great if you go to the trail cam pic thread I have a couple pics I just posted. I will post one here

[bobcat]

Blindluck,

Thanks, that's a great picture. If this refurbished unit does work like it's supposed to, it may end up being the best camera I own. At least my best IR camera. I love my d55 white flash for the color night pictures. But the m80 should be great for battery life, and it's supposed to have a fast trigger. Also I'm hoping it's good with video.

[Bean Counter]

I wish there were more old, refurbished models out there. Seems as though with more and more megapixels and other bells and whistles they've been able to keep their prices up. I just want a cheap, plain jane camera to see if there are animals present and get an idea of how good the antlers are. Sheesh, I'm not trying to get wall art from a trail cam 

[bobcat]

You don't want to get junk either. To me battery life and trigger speed are a couple of the most important things to have in a trail cam. There are quite a few cameras that can be bought for $40 to $50, at least when they're on sale, but they may not even be worth having at that price. You've also got to take into account your time, and the money you spend on fuel driving to and from your hunting areas.

I'm cheap when it comes to trail cams. I've bought somewhere around a dozen in the last 3 years, and the most I spent on one was $60. I really think if you're in need of a few cameras, you ought to pick up some of these m80's for $59.99. It's not very often you get a camera with the decent reputation that this one has for this low of a price.

[Jason]

I have a couple M80's and really like them, they've been really reliable.

[Heredoggydoggy]

The term "refurbished" scares a lot of people, but they are probably more reliable than a new one.  They will make darn sure they work before they leave the repair shop!  Plus some of the parts used to refurb them will be better parts than was in it originally.  I wouldn't be afraid to buy a refurbished item. 

[Bean Counter]

You don't want to get junk either. To me battery life and trigger speed are a couple of the most important things to have in a trail cam. There are quite a few cameras that can be bought for $40 to $50, at least when they're on sale, but they may not even be worth having at that price. You've also got to take into account your time, and the money you spend on fuel driving to and from your hunting areas.

I'm cheap when it comes to trail cams. I've bought somewhere around a dozen in the last 3 years, and the most I spent on one was $60. I really think if you're in need of a few cameras, you ought to pick up some of these m80's for $59.99. It's not very often you get a camera with the decent reputation that this one has for this low of a price.

Yes indeed. These would be for trophy elk hunts assuming I draw a tag. Many of the units are heavily forested and trail cams seem to be the only way to scout. When the units are a 5 hour drive one way and I've got kids to take care of, I don't want to waste all that fuel and time on a trail cam that is crap but if possible id rather get 10 trail cams for +/-$500 than only say 5. Spending $150-200 on a trail cam just seems insane to me.  Think I'll wait until draw results are posted. Thanks.

[Birdguy]

I am really liking my mini M-80xd. I bought one of them and one of the newer Bushnell trophy cams last year.  I have had them both out since July still showing 65-70% battery life even with the super cold snap that occurred in central Washington in Nov./Dec. I have roughly 2000 pictures from each cam and really liking them. 16 AA batteries is a lot cheaper than 8 D's every 6 weeks like my old Moultries in previous years.

[Smossy]

You don't want to get junk either. To me battery life and trigger speed are a couple of the most important things to have in a trail cam. There are quite a few cameras that can be bought for $40 to $50, at least when they're on sale, but they may not even be worth having at that price. You've also got to take into account your time, and the money you spend on fuel driving to and from your hunting areas.

I'm cheap when it comes to trail cams. I've bought somewhere around a dozen in the last 3 years, and the most I spent on one was $60. I really think if you're in need of a few cameras, you ought to pick up some of these m80's for $59.99. It's not very often you get a camera with the decent reputation that this one has for this low of a price.

I've read lots of reviews on this Truth Cam 46 Ultra, It's supposed to have one of the best battery lives on the market. Ive played with it a bit and it is magnificent. Multiple shots really close together.
Lightning fast trigger speed. No clunks.

[bobcat]

My refurbished Moultrie m80 arrived today. I'm really happy with it. I'll get it out in the woods tomorrow and work it hard for the next 90 days so if it does decide to quit I'll still be covered under the warranty. I tried it out in the house and it took 18 pictures and everything works as it should. The sensor seems to be really sensitive and the trigger is plenty fast. I love how compact it is and setup is easy, just like all Moultries. I can tell it's seen some use but definitely was not abused. I really think this is the best camera I've had yet. I think I'm going to like the audio in video mode. That will be really cool at times. I'll post up some pictures and/or videos as soon as I get some, probably next weekend.

[bobcat]

I checked this camera today, and still, nothing has hit my bait. Disappointing, but from past experience, I know it sometimes takes a good 4 or 5 weeks for the critters to find it and start coming around regularly. However since I'm not getting any results yet, I decided I will start a couple more bait sites tomorrow. I actually already started one today- got the bait there, but no camera yet. I will do that in the morning. Then I've got another spot in mind for another camera, a few miles away from the first two.

Anyway, I did get pictures of a couple of possums and I'll post those here, along with one of me so you all can see a color picture.

Still real happy with the camera. I may order another one. I don't think there's a better camera out there for the price right now.

[Windwalker]

 Good deal- Thanks for the heads up on the cameras. Ordered two
 2 x Refurbished Moultrie Game Spy M80 5.0MP IR Mini Camera - Refurbished M80 [MOU-MCG-12670] = $119.98

 First thing is to find out what has been getting into our chickens!