Review
Published:
Updated:
Author: John R. - Senior Editor & Wildlife Photography Expert
Intro
The Alpha Cam Dual Lens 4K trail camera includes two dedicated lenses for day and night capture. It features a no-glow infrared flash with six high-power LEDs, providing an IR flash range of 100 feet and a detection range of 90 feet. The camera is powered by eight AA batteries, offering a standby battery life of up to 30 months. Its IP67-rated waterproof case includes an easy-open latch, a brass insert tripod adapter, and a 6-foot tree strap with a metal buckle for secure setup.
This model captures 32MP still images and records 4K video at 30 frames per second. It has a trigger speed of 0.15 seconds and a recovery rate of 0.5 seconds, and it covers a 42-degree field of view. A 2.4-inch color viewscreen enables in-field image and video preview. The camera is compatible with SD cards up to 256GB and includes a low-light technology, designated as Night Color.
The Alpha Cam Dual Lens 4K measures 5 x 4 x 2.5 inches and weighs 13.3 ounces. Additional specifications include a 24-month warranty, an MSRP of $129.99, and a UNSPSC code of 46171610.
Pros
- Invisible Flash
- Easily Concealable
- Excellent Battery Life
Cons
- Slow Video Trigger
- Dark Nighttime Images
- Narrow Field of View
Camera Ratings
Detection Range: 12/20
Field tests indicate a detection range significantly less than the advertised 90 feet, with most activations occurring under 50 feet. This discrepancy may be attributed to environmental factors such as vegetation density, temperature, and humidity, or individual camera variations. Further investigation and optimization of camera placement may be necessary to maximize detection range.
Speed: 5/10
While the camera claims a fast 0.15-second trigger speed, video triggering exhibits noticeable lag, often capturing only the final moments of animal activity. This discrepancy between still and video trigger speeds could be due to the increased processing required for video capture. This delay could be a significant drawback for those seeking detailed video documentation of animal behavior.
Accuracy: 9/10
Battery Life: 8/10
Daylight Images: 8/10
Daytime image quality is generally good, exhibiting vibrant colors, sharp details, and accurate white balance. However, there is a tendency towards oversaturation, particularly in greens, which can result in an unnatural appearance. This oversaturation may be attributable to the camera's image processing algorithms and could potentially be adjusted through firmware updates or user-accessible settings.
Lowlight Images: 4/10
As ambient light diminishes, image quality degrades with noticeable grain appearing in dawn and dusk conditions. This loss of detail in low-light scenarios is typical of CMOS sensors and may be exacerbated by the camera's noise reduction algorithms. While adequate for basic identification, this limitation may necessitate the use of external illumination or strategic camera placement to maximize image quality in low-light conditions.
Night Images: 3/10
Despite employing a no-glow infrared flash with 6 high-power LEDs, nighttime images frequently suffer from underexposure, even at the highest illumination setting. This suggests that the flash may lack sufficient power or have a limited effective range. This inadequate nighttime performance necessitates strategic camera placement to maximize illumination and capture usable images.
Design: 8/20
The AlphaCam's physical design is well-executed, featuring an intuitive user interface, a bright and easy-to-read 2.4" color viewscreen, and a durable IP67 waterproof housing. The inclusion of a brass insert tripod adapter and a 6-foot tree strap with a metal buckle enhances mounting versatility. However, the 42-degree horizontal field of view can be restrictive, potentially leading to missed capture opportunities, particularly in open environments.
Verdict: 57/100
The AlphaCam Dual Lens 4K trail camera presents a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses. While it boasts some appealing features like a truly invisible infrared flash, excellent battery life, and a compact, easily concealable design, it falls short in key areas that impact its overall performance. The inadequate nighttime illumination, despite the no-glow flash, consistently produced underexposed images, limiting its effectiveness for nocturnal wildlife observation. This, coupled with the narrow field of view, restricts the camera's capture potential and increases the likelihood of missing crucial wildlife activity.
While daytime image quality is generally satisfactory with vibrant colors and sharp details, the tendency towards oversaturation, particularly in greens, can result in an unnatural look. Furthermore, the noticeable lag in video triggering, often capturing only the tail end of events, is a significant drawback for those prioritizing video documentation. Although the camera offers a responsive trigger speed for still images, the delay in video capture hinders its ability to capture comprehensive footage of animal behavior.
Ultimately, while the AlphaCam Dual Lens 4K offers some desirable features like its discreet flash and extended battery life, the limitations in nighttime performance and video capture capabilities raise concerns about its overall value proposition. Considering the current market and the price point of this camera, we believe there are alternative options available that offer a better balance of features and performance, particularly for those who prioritize nighttime image quality and responsive video triggering.
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User Reviews
Specs
Official specs from the manufacturer.- Name:
- Alpha Cam Dual Lens 4K
- Manufacturer:
- Alpha Cam
- Model:
- 13322
- Model Year:
- 2022
- Series:
- Dual Lens
- Flash Type:
- No-Glow IR
- Max Pixels:
- 32
- Max Video:
- 2160p
- No. of Sensors:
- 1
- Detection Range:
- 90 ft
- Flash Range:
- 100 ft
- Field of View:
- 42 degrees
- Trigger Speed:
- 0.15 second
- Min Delay:
- 1 seconds
- Max Delay:
- 60 minutes
- Max Card Size:
- 256 GB
- Cellular/Mobile:
- No
- WiFi:
- No
- Bluetooth:
- No
- Live View:
- No
- MSRP:
- $129.99
- Warranty:
- 24 months
- Country of Origin:
- China
- Buying Options: