Spypoint Force-Pro-S Non-Cellular Trail Camera Review
- TCP Staff
Model # FORCE-PRO-S | Spypoint Force-Pro-S Manual
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
84/100
Pros
- Comes with a 32 GB SD card
- Solar panel for extra long battery life.
- Time-Lapse
- 6 Photo Burst
- Photo Sensitivity
Cons
- Night Photos
- Poor video life
Be Wary Of Megapixel Ratings
Megapixel ratings for trail cameras seem to increase more & more every year. In reality, the native resolution of 99% of all trail cameras is 5 megapixels or less. Manufacturers artificially inflate megapixel ratings for advertising purposes through a process called interpolation. Interpolated photos are enhanced by software to mimic the file size of a higher megapixel photo, but seldom offer additional clarity or resolution. The result is an exponentially larger file size photo which takes longer to load and slows down the speed of your camera. We always program our cameras to capture photos at the image sensor's native resolution. This allows our cameras to operate as efficiently as possible and store more photos to memory. With shorter load times, this also allows us to review photos at a much quicker pace. To put things in perspective, the trail camera widely considered to be the "Gold Standard" and used by more professional researchers than any other unit is just 3 megapixels.
Photo resolution: 30 mpxl (interpolated)
Video resolution: 4K
Flash Type: No Glow
Picture & Video Resting Power (on): 0.59 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 1.1 Ws | 4.1 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 14.5 Ws | 99.5 Ws
The Spypoint Force Pro S is one of only a handful of trail cameras for sale that has an integrated solar panel. The solar panel charges an internal lithium battery and uses 8 AA batteries as a backup to the internal battery. It is impossible for us to accurately calculate the extra battery life from the solar charger due to unpredictable weather conditions. All battery life examples are based solely on the 8 AA batteries. However, adequate sunshine should allow this camera to run indefinitely.
Here are your best battery options:
Trailcampro Choice: AmpTORRENT Rechargeable AA Lithium
If this camera were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, it would last 12.3 months in the field - per charge - on a set of AmpTorrent Rechargeable AA Lithium batteries
There are a number of benefits to these batteries:
- Up to 1,200 charges
- Consistent 1.5 volt operation
- Charges with the included USB cable
- Eco-friendly (less batteries in a landfill)
- Batteries pay for themselves after 2-3 charges
Longest Lasting Choice: Energizer Ultimate Lithium
If the this camera were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, it would last 18.5 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
Ultimate Lithium batteries are the longest-lasting battery choice due to their incredible consistency and capacity. We've loved these batteries for a long time. However, in recent years they have become cost prohibitive and forced us to seek out a more affordable, eco-friendly option.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.23 s. | 1.4 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.63 s. | 1.8 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 60' @ 29° detection angle ( 32.4° field of view)
Dimensions: 4" x 3" x 8"
Battery Type: 8 AA batteries
External Battery Jack: 12-volt
SD Card: Up to 128 GB
Case Design
The Force Pro S has a very familiar case design to other Spypoint cameras on the market. The camera's case feels a bit thin and flimsy but the latch is large and easy to manipulate. This camera has a solar panel that is on the unit that is secured to the camera as well.
The Force Pro S has a python bracket on the back of the case for the popular cable lock and a threaded insert on the bottom of the camera for a Slate River Mount. The SD card is easy to install and remove and the battery compartment holds batteries well. Overall, very normal case design and nothing funky to report.
Camera Setup
Set up is very basic and intuitive. There isn't a single thing that should trip anyone up. You can expect a simple, old-school menu with a large LCD screen that is easy on the oldest of eyes.
Durability
The vast majority of consumer-grade trail cameras are inexpensive, imported devices exposed to harsh conditions 24/7/365. Most manufacturers only offer a one-year warranty. We stock only the most durable units and provide an additional year of warranty at no extra charge. The Trailcampro exclusive 2-year warranty allows you to deal directly with Trailcampro avoiding long wait times on hold with the manufacturer and prolonged periods without a replacement camera. We turn around most warranties in just one business day!
All test results are achieved through the use of proprietary equipment used exclusively by Trailcampro. Any re-publication of this data without prior written consent is strictly prohibited by law. COPYRIGHT TRAILCAMPRO, L.L.C. 2023, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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