Moultrie Edge 2: Review | Cellular Trail Camera 4G LTE

Hey guys! If you're in the market for a top-notch trail camera, you've gotta check out the Moultrie Edge 2 Cellular Trail Camera. This thing is a game-changer, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on everything it offers. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a wildlife enthusiast, or just curious about what's happening in your backyard, this camera has got you covered. Let's dive in!

Unboxing the Moultrie Edge 2: First Impressions

Alright, so let's talk about what you get right out of the box. The Moultrie Edge 2 Cellular Trail Camera comes packed with features that make it a standout in the trail camera world. First off, the build quality is impressive – it feels sturdy and durable, which is super important for something that's going to be out in the elements. The camera itself is sleek and compact, making it easy to mount and conceal. Inside the box, you'll find the camera unit, an adjustable mounting strap, and a quick start guide. Setting it up is a breeze, even if you're not super tech-savvy. Trust me, if I can do it, you can do it! The initial setup involves inserting your SD card and batteries (not included, so make sure you have some on hand), and then you're pretty much ready to roll. The menu system is intuitive, and the quick start guide walks you through the basics. One of the coolest things about the Edge 2 is its auto-connect feature, which we'll get into more detail about later. But essentially, it takes the hassle out of connecting to a cellular network, making the whole process smooth and seamless. This is a huge plus for anyone who's struggled with cellular connectivity on trail cameras in the past. The camera's design also includes a secure latch to keep everything protected from the weather and any curious critters. Overall, my first impressions were super positive. The Moultrie Edge 2 looks and feels like a high-quality piece of equipment, and I was stoked to get it out in the field and see what it could do. So far, so good, guys!

Key Features: What Makes the Moultrie Edge 2 Stand Out?

Let's get into the nitty-gritty and explore the key features that make the Moultrie Edge 2 a top contender in the cellular trail camera market. This camera is loaded with tech that seriously enhances its performance and user experience. One of the most significant features is its Auto Connect Nationwide 4G LTE. This means you don't have to mess around with complicated network settings or worry about compatibility issues. The camera automatically connects to the strongest available 4G LTE network, ensuring reliable and fast transmission of your photos and videos. This is a massive time-saver and peace of mind for anyone setting up cameras in remote locations. Next up, the image quality is outstanding. The Edge 2 boasts a 36MP photo resolution, capturing incredibly detailed images. Whether it's a buck in the woods or a curious raccoon in your backyard, the clarity and sharpness of the photos are truly impressive. And it’s not just about stills – the camera also records 1080P video with HD audio. The video quality is crisp and clear, and the audio adds another dimension to your wildlife footage. Imagine being able to hear the rustling of leaves or the distant call of an owl while watching your videos. It’s pretty cool! Another crucial feature is the 100 ft. detection range. This wide range ensures that the camera detects movement from a good distance, giving you a broader view of the activity in your area. This is especially useful for covering large areas or monitoring trails where animals might be moving quickly. The low glow flash is another standout feature. This type of flash provides ample illumination for nighttime shots without spooking the wildlife. The subtle glow ensures that animals remain undisturbed, allowing you to capture natural behavior without causing them stress. Beyond these core features, the Moultrie Edge 2 includes various customizable settings, such as trigger speed, detection delay, and multi-shot mode. These options allow you to fine-tune the camera's performance to match your specific needs and environment. For example, you can set a faster trigger speed to capture fast-moving animals or adjust the detection delay to prevent the camera from taking too many photos in quick succession. In summary, the Moultrie Edge 2 is packed with features that make it a powerful and versatile tool for wildlife monitoring and hunting. The combination of cellular connectivity, high-quality imaging, long detection range, and low glow flash sets it apart from many other trail cameras on the market. It’s a feature-rich package that delivers on both performance and convenience.

Image and Video Quality: Seeing is Believing

When it comes to trail cameras, the name of the game is image and video quality. You want to be able to see what's out there in clear, crisp detail, right? Well, the Moultrie Edge 2 definitely delivers on this front. Let's break down what makes the image and video quality so impressive. First off, the 36MP photo resolution is a huge deal. This high resolution means that your photos are packed with detail. You can zoom in on images without losing clarity, which is super important for identifying specific animals or tracking their movements. Whether it's the fine details of a deer's antlers or the unique markings on a raccoon, you'll be able to see it all with stunning clarity. I’ve been blown away by the sharpness and detail in the photos this camera captures. It's like having a professional photographer out in the woods! But it's not just about the resolution. The camera's image sensor and processing technology play a crucial role in the overall quality. The Edge 2 uses a high-quality sensor that captures a lot of light, which is essential for getting good images, especially in low-light conditions. The image processing is also top-notch, ensuring that your photos are well-exposed and have accurate colors. Now, let's talk about video. The Moultrie Edge 2 records 1080P video with HD audio, and let me tell you, it's a treat to watch. The video quality is smooth and clear, and the audio adds a whole new dimension to your footage. Imagine watching a video of a buck walking through the woods and hearing the crunch of leaves under its hooves. It’s a totally immersive experience. The HD audio is a fantastic addition that makes the videos even more engaging. The camera also performs admirably in nighttime conditions, thanks to its low glow flash. This flash provides enough light to capture clear images and videos without spooking the animals. The subtle glow ensures that wildlife remains undisturbed, allowing you to capture natural behavior without causing them stress. The night shots are surprisingly detailed and well-lit, making it easy to identify animals even in the dark. Overall, the image and video quality of the Moultrie Edge 2 are outstanding. The high resolution, excellent sensor, and low glow flash combine to deliver stunning results, day or night. If you're serious about getting the best possible footage from your trail camera, this is definitely one to consider.

Cellular Connectivity and Data Plans: Staying Connected

One of the biggest advantages of the Moultrie Edge 2 is its cellular connectivity. This feature allows you to receive photos and videos directly to your phone or computer, no matter where you are. Let's dive into how the cellular connectivity works and what data plan options are available. The Moultrie Edge 2 features Auto Connect Nationwide 4G LTE, which is a game-changer. This means the camera automatically connects to the strongest available 4G LTE network without you having to manually configure settings. This is a huge time-saver and makes the setup process incredibly simple, especially if you've struggled with cellular trail cameras in the past. The auto-connect feature ensures that you get reliable connectivity, even in areas with spotty service. No more worrying about whether your camera is going to transmit images – the Edge 2 takes care of it for you. To use the cellular features, you'll need a data plan. Moultrie offers a range of data plans to suit different needs and budgets. These plans vary in terms of the number of photos and videos you can transmit each month, as well as the cost. It’s a good idea to assess your needs and choose a plan that aligns with your usage. If you're just using the camera for basic monitoring, a smaller plan might suffice. But if you're capturing a lot of activity or want to receive videos regularly, you'll want to opt for a larger plan. Setting up your data plan is straightforward. You can do it through the Moultrie Mobile app, which is user-friendly and intuitive. The app allows you to manage your camera settings, view your photos and videos, and monitor your data usage. It's a central hub for everything related to your Moultrie Edge 2. The ability to receive photos and videos remotely is incredibly convenient. You don't have to physically visit your camera to check the latest activity. This saves you time and effort, and it also reduces the risk of disturbing the wildlife in the area. Plus, you get real-time updates, so you can stay on top of what's happening as it happens. The cellular connectivity of the Moultrie Edge 2 is a significant selling point. It provides a seamless and reliable way to stay connected to your camera, no matter where you are. The auto-connect feature, flexible data plans, and user-friendly app make it easy to manage your camera and access your photos and videos. If you value convenience and real-time updates, the Edge 2 is an excellent choice.

Detection Range and Flash: Capturing the Action

Let's talk about how well the Moultrie Edge 2 captures the action, both day and night. Two key features that contribute to this are the 100 ft. detection range and the low glow flash. These features work together to ensure you get the best possible footage, no matter the conditions. The 100 ft. detection range is a significant advantage. This wide range means the camera can detect movement from a considerable distance, giving you a broader view of the activity in your area. Whether it's a deer approaching a feeding area or a coyote crossing a field, the Edge 2 is likely to capture it. This is especially useful for monitoring large areas or trails where animals might be moving quickly. A longer detection range also means you can position your camera in a more discreet location, further away from the action. This can help prevent animals from being spooked by the camera, allowing you to capture more natural behavior. I’ve found the 100 ft. range to be incredibly effective, and it’s definitely a standout feature of this camera. Now, let's talk about the low glow flash. This is crucial for nighttime photography, as it provides illumination without scaring away the wildlife. Traditional infrared flashes can sometimes spook animals, leading to unnatural behavior or even causing them to avoid the area altogether. The low glow flash emits a subtle light that's less likely to disturb animals, allowing you to capture natural behavior even in the dark. The Moultrie Edge 2's low glow flash provides ample illumination for clear nighttime images and videos. The night shots are surprisingly detailed and well-lit, making it easy to identify animals even in complete darkness. I’ve been impressed with the quality of the nighttime footage – it's clear, crisp, and free from the blurry or washed-out look that you sometimes get with other trail cameras. The combination of the 100 ft. detection range and the low glow flash makes the Moultrie Edge 2 a powerhouse for capturing action, day or night. The wide detection range ensures that you don't miss any activity, while the low glow flash provides excellent nighttime illumination without disturbing the wildlife. If you're serious about getting comprehensive coverage and high-quality footage, these features are essential.

Pros and Cons: Is the Moultrie Edge 2 Right for You?

Alright guys, let's break it down. Is the Moultrie Edge 2 the right trail camera for you? To help you decide, I'm going to lay out the pros and cons based on my experience with this camera.

Pros:

• Auto Connect Nationwide 4G LTE: This is a huge win. The automatic connection to the strongest 4G LTE network eliminates the hassle of manual network setup. It ensures reliable connectivity, which is crucial for a cellular trail camera. If you've struggled with cellular connectivity in the past, this feature alone might be worth the price of admission.
• 36MP Photo Resolution and 1080P Video: The image and video quality are outstanding. The high resolution captures incredible detail, and the HD video with audio adds a new dimension to your footage. You'll be able to see and hear everything that's happening in your area with stunning clarity.
• 100 ft. Detection Range: This wide range ensures that you don't miss any action. The camera can detect movement from a considerable distance, giving you a broader view of the activity in your area.
• Low Glow Flash: The low glow flash provides ample illumination for nighttime shots without spooking the wildlife. This is essential for capturing natural behavior and getting clear nighttime footage.
• User-Friendly Moultrie Mobile App: The app makes it easy to manage your camera settings, view photos and videos, and monitor data usage. It's intuitive and well-designed, making the whole process seamless.
• Durable Build Quality: The camera feels sturdy and well-built, which is important for something that's going to be out in the elements.

Cons:

• Batteries Not Included: This is a minor inconvenience, but you'll need to factor in the cost of batteries when purchasing the camera. Make sure you have some on hand before you set it up.
• Data Plan Required for Cellular Features: To take full advantage of the cellular connectivity, you'll need a data plan. While Moultrie offers a range of plans, this is an ongoing cost to consider.

So, who is the Moultrie Edge 2 right for? I'd say it's a great choice for anyone who values high-quality images and videos, reliable cellular connectivity, and ease of use. If you're looking for a trail camera that can deliver top-notch performance in a variety of conditions, this is definitely one to consider. It’s particularly well-suited for hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to keep an eye on their property remotely. However, if you're on a tight budget or don't need cellular connectivity, there might be other options that better fit your needs. Overall, the Moultrie Edge 2 is a feature-rich and well-designed trail camera that delivers on its promises. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, making it a strong contender in the cellular trail camera market.

Final Verdict: Is the Moultrie Edge 2 Worth It?

Okay, guys, after putting the Moultrie Edge 2 through its paces, it's time for the final verdict. Is this trail camera worth your hard-earned cash? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. The Moultrie Edge 2 is a top-tier cellular trail camera that offers a winning combination of high-quality imaging, reliable connectivity, and user-friendly features. Let's recap what makes this camera so impressive. The 36MP photo resolution and 1080P video capture stunningly detailed images and videos, both day and night. The Auto Connect Nationwide 4G LTE ensures seamless cellular connectivity, eliminating the hassle of manual network setup. The 100 ft. detection range and low glow flash work together to capture action from a distance without disturbing wildlife. And the user-friendly Moultrie Mobile app makes it easy to manage your camera and access your footage. One of the biggest selling points for me is the auto-connect feature. It's such a relief not to have to worry about network settings or compatibility issues. The camera just connects and transmits, which is a huge time-saver and peace of mind. The image and video quality are also exceptional. The detail and clarity are truly impressive, and the low glow flash does an excellent job of capturing nighttime footage without spooking animals. The 100 ft. detection range is another key feature. It gives you a broad view of the activity in your area, ensuring that you don't miss anything. And the Moultrie Mobile app is a pleasure to use. It's intuitive and well-designed, making it easy to manage your camera settings and view your photos and videos. Of course, no product is perfect. The need for a data plan and the fact that batteries are not included are minor drawbacks. But these are small prices to pay for the overall performance and convenience of the Moultrie Edge 2. So, who should buy this camera? If you're a serious hunter, wildlife enthusiast, or property owner looking for a reliable and high-performing trail camera, the Moultrie Edge 2 is an excellent choice. It's packed with features that make it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. Whether you're monitoring game activity, tracking wildlife behavior, or keeping an eye on your property, the Edge 2 has got you covered. In conclusion, the Moultrie Edge 2 is a top-notch cellular trail camera that delivers on its promises. It's worth the investment for anyone who values quality, reliability, and convenience. I highly recommend giving it a try – you won't be disappointed!