Firstly, I want to make clear that I'm not using this camera for its intended purpose; I'm using it to try and find my lost cat by locating the camera near where he's been sighted, and then placing food to attract cats.
That being said, the camera has worked perfectly for my needs. It is easy to set up; the quick start guide steps you through setting up the time, photo/video, photo resolution, number of shots per trigger, and period between triggers. It has a nice, long adjustable strap for placing around trees, fence posts, etc. The camera's heavy-duty case is also lockable, as long as the lock has a small bar. I used a small padlock which is locked to a cable bike lock and the camera. At one feeding station location, the camera was vandalized by kids who tried unsuccessfully to remove the camera; failing at that, they tried to smash the lens. They managed to scratch the plastic lens shield, but the camera still takes good photos despite the scratches. The plastic covering of the digital info display was cracked open as well, but the camera still functions perfectly.
The night-vision works very well. I have placed the camera at a maximum of 3 feet from the feeding station, and can easily tell on the night photos whether a cat is black, gray, white, or tabby. The camera also has an aim feature that allows you to determine where the lens is aimed for optimal placement.
I was also concerned at first, because I'd heard that some of the game cameras won't detect smaller animals like cats. This camera has captured 7 different cats at 3 feeding station locations (none of them was my cat, sadly), as well as people walking by, crows, dogs, and bushes waving in the wind. I imagine that, if I were a hunter, I would find this to be a very useful tool for spotting game. I also am favorably impressed by the battery life. This camera has been running more or less constantly for 2 weeks straight on 6 C-cells, and the battery life indicator is at 89%. At this rate, I don't anticipate needing to replace the batteries for a couple of months. If I were placing this out in the bush, I would be able to rely on it staying on for quite a long time without needing to be babysat; I think the SD card would fill up before the battery ran out.
I give it 4 stars because there is no on-board memory, and it requires an SD card in order to operate. Also, there's no onboard display, so if you were a hunter, you'd either need to take the SD card all the way home to review the photos, or take your laptop out to the bush with a card reader. Not ideal. I have no idea if the photos taken by the Moultrie would show on another digital camera's display or not; I know other game cameras have problems with this kind of cross-compatibility. The camera does have a USB out feature, but that apparently only works for PCs, and I'm a Mac user. Moultrie Gamespy 5 Megapixel Digital Infrared Game Camera
This camera is outstanding, definitely 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I have several different cameras-this one is far superior to the others. The key with any camera is to not face it East because off morning sun unless you are in Pine trees or shaded area. It is good to face it where a trail comes toward it. The battery life is amazing, and the fast triggering exceptional. I had a large buck rub and scrape--I positioned camera about 20' from rub and the camera took 21 pictures of the buck crystal clear at night-great photographic quality. Surprisingly the flash had no affect on him as far as scaring him. Daytime photos are better than my other more expensive cameras. Programing the Moultrie couldn't be easier. I couldn't be happier with this camera. I also bought lock box for it and purchased a heavy chain and lock. No need to donate great camera to the wood's fairy. Don't hesitate buy Moultrie, buy the best.
This is my third Moultrie camera. All three are in the woods taking pictures of deer as I write. I purchased the D-55IR early in October and and has been in the woods for around 4 weeks. Still running on original batteries and taking great pictures. What I like about all my Moultrie cameras is that you can set them up without the manual. As far as not seeing the pictures in the woods, take your point and shoot camera with you. You can zoom in on the pictures to see whats on them. Sometimes I exchange the cards before I hunt and look at them while I'm in the stand. I am looking at buying a couple more of the D-55IR just so I don't have to buy three different sizes of batteries that my other cameras use.
My Moultrie game camera failed the second time it was used. It was still under warranty. I reported to Moultrie and received no response. I reminded them near (but before) the end of the warranty period and they apologized, explaining that they had mislaid my earlier request for help. I followed the instructions they provided and found that indeed the unit would need their repair, but when I contacted them, they refused to help because by this time, the warranty had elapsed. I am pursuing complaints through the State Attorneys General of Ohio and Alabama and am considering a claim in court. Upon looking for help I noticed other reviews by consumers that had warranty problems with Moultrie.
This item was purchased brand new and didn't work right from the box. The directions were followed too the letter with no results. The company's customer service is non-existent. Attempted 7 phone calls and was put on hold each time for up to 40 minutes. Attempted several emails using their website with no response or results. The warranty is equally worthless because you have to contact their customer service department for their reimbursement procedures. My advice save your money and purchase another product. Moultrie Gamespy 5 Megapixel Digital Infrared Game Camera
This review does not apply to this product directly, but MOULTRIE in general. I purchased a MOULTRIE game camera that was non-operational out of the box. I contacted MOUTRIE after a 50 minute wait time. They sent a RA to return the camera. Instead of replacing the camera they insisted on reparing it even though it was just purchased and never used. The quoted repair time was 3-4 weeks. I did receive an email stating it was repaired and in shipping. That was 8 days ago. I have tried to contact MOULTRIE by email several times to find out why it has not shipped. There was no reply to the emails. I tried by phone 4 or 5 times, but everytime there was a 45-60 minute wait time. Either they do not have the personnel to handle their product or there product have a very poor reliability. Either way, the customer suffers. Sorry I even bought the thing!!!! - Hunting - Wildlife Camera - Spy Cam - Trail Camera'
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