Review
Published:
Updated:
Author: John R. - Senior Editor & Wildlife Photography Expert
Intro
The Bushnell Cellucore Live Cellular Trail Camera features dual SIM connectivity, automatically selecting the strongest AT&T or Verizon network signal. It captures images with a 32-megapixel resolution and records videos in 1080p HD quality at 15-30 frames per second.
The device supports live video streaming directly to a smartphone, up to two minutes per session.
The Cellucore Live features high output, no-glow IR LEDs for a 100ft night range.
The camera's trigger speed is 0.5 seconds for photos and 1.5 seconds for videos, with a 2.5-second recovery time.
The Bushnell Cellucore Live trail camera can be programmed for triggering intervals between 5 seconds and 60 minutes, and the number of images captured per trigger can be set between 1 and 5.
The camera operates on 12 AA batteries, and the manufacturer claims an average battery life of approximately three months based on capturing 20 images per day (10 day/10 night). However, our experience significantly differs.
It Cellucore supports SD memory cards up to 256GB. The device is built to withstand various environmental conditions, but the operating temperatures are limited to 14 to 122°F (-10 to 50°C).
The operating humidity range is 5% to 90%. The trail camera's technical specifications include an F=2.3 lens with a 45° field of view and adjustable PIR sensitivity settings (Low, Medium, High, Auto).
The Cellucore supports an external power supply through a 9V/2A DC input. The product comes with a two-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Pros
- Well Built
- Easy Setup
- Long Strap
- 30 Days Free Trial
Cons
- Expensive
- Grainy & Out of Focus Images
- Poor Battery Life
- Inconsistent Transfers
Camera Setup
The camera's durable build exudes a sense of premium quality, suggesting it doesn't come cheap. While the design is undeniably impressive, it's important to note that the camera's full potential is unlocked only through the companion app. This means that users who prefer a more streamlined, app-free experience might not be able to access all the features this camera has to offer.
Camera Ratings
Detection Range: 12/20
The camera's limited range requires careful positioning to capture wildlife activity, as it tends to miss animals at further distances. Even when optimally placed, the image quality leaves something to be desired, particularly when subjects aren't in close proximity.
Speed: 6/10
The camera's slow trigger speed is a significant drawback, causing it to miss fast-moving wildlife due to detection delays. While it captures five photos per trigger, the five-second interval between triggers further reduces the chances of capturing fleeting activity. This is particularly disappointing considering that some lower-priced cameras offer faster trigger speeds and higher photo bursts. The high price tag of this camera certainly isn't justified by its lackluster trigger speed performance.
Accuracy: 3/10
Given the blurry image quality, the slow trigger speed, and the limited photo bursts, the camera struggles to accurately capture wildlife activity. For a camera at this price point, the overall accuracy and reliability fall short of expectations. The combination of these factors means you might miss those crucial moments or end up with subpar images.
Battery Life: 4/10
While the camera's battery life is decent, it comes at a cost – literally. The camera requires six batteries to operate, which is more than most other trail cameras on the market. This means you'll enjoy a longer run time between battery changes, but you'll also have to shell out more money to replace them when they eventually die. It's a trade-off to consider when weighing the overall value of this camera.
Daylight Images: 3/10
The daytime image quality is a major letdown for a camera at this price point. Photos suffer from blurriness and an overly zoomed-in perspective, hindering clarity and limiting the visible area. This lack of detail and broader context is a significant disappointment, especially considering the camera's high cost. Simply put, the daytime performance doesn't justify the premium price tag.
Lowlight Images: 4/10
The low-light image quality, while slightly better than daytime shots, remains unimpressive for a camera of this price. Clarity is still lacking, and overall, the quality is merely moderate. Though an improvement over daytime performance, it falls short of what one would expect from a high-end camera.
Night Images: 4/10
While the nighttime pictures are a slight improvement over the daytime shots, they still fall short of expectations for a camera in this price range. There's a moderate level of clarity, but the overall quality isn't impressive. It's better than the daytime performance, but that's not saying much. The nighttime results simply don't justify the high cost of this camera.
Design: 8/20
While the camera's performance leaves much to be desired, the design itself is a redeeming quality. It's sleek, modern, and feels sturdy in hand. If you enjoy using the app to receive photos on your phone, the camera's design complements this feature well. However, the unreliable connectivity and the high price point for a camera with so many shortcomings make it difficult to fully appreciate this one positive aspect.
Verdict: 44/100
The Bushnell Cellucore Live Dual Slim trail camera, despite its promising features and sleek design, ultimately disappoints, especially considering its hefty $300 price tag. While the idea of receiving photos directly to your phone through their subscription service is appealing, the unreliable connectivity makes this feature more frustrating than convenient. In my experience, even after exchanging the camera for a new one and testing it in an area with excellent service, photos were delayed for weeks, rendering the real-time aspect useless.
For a camera at this price point, image quality should be top-notch, but unfortunately, it's far from it. Daytime photos are blurry and overly zoomed in, lacking clarity and detail. While nighttime and low-light shots are slightly better, they still fail to impress. The slow trigger speed and limited photo bursts further contribute to missed shots and blurry images, especially of fast-moving wildlife. Though the battery life is decent, it relies on six batteries, a higher cost compared to most other trail cameras.
In the end, the Bushnell Cellucore Live Dual Slim trail camera falls short of expectations. While it boasts a sleek design and convenient features like the cellular connectivity (when it works), its unreliable performance and subpar image quality overshadow its positive aspects. If you're looking for a reliable trail camera with excellent image quality, you're better off exploring other options. You could potentially purchase multiple cameras for the price of this one, offering better value and potentially superior performance. Don't be fooled by the promise of fancy features and high-tech design – this camera simply doesn't deliver on its promises.
Buying Options:
Pro Tip:
To make the most of your Bushnell Cellucore Live Dual Slim trail camera, focus on its strengths and plan around its weaknesses. Utilize the dual SIM connectivity to maximize your chances of a strong signal for photo transmission, but don't rely solely on it for real-time updates. Instead, check the camera manually when possible. Experiment with camera placement and angles to compensate for the limited range and zoom. Remember, the camera performs best in close proximity to subjects. Take advantage of the camera's sleek design and user-friendly app interface to navigate settings and customize capture modes. Lastly, invest in rechargeable batteries to save money in the long run, given the camera's six-battery requirement. By focusing on these tips, you can enhance your experience with the camera and capture some decent wildlife shots despite its limitations.
User Reviews
Specs
Official specs from the manufacturer.- Name:
- Bushnell Cellucore Live
- Manufacturer:
- Bushnell
- Model:
- 119908D
- Model Year:
- 2023
- Series:
- Cellucore
- Flash Type:
- No-Glow IR
- Max Pixels:
- 32
- Max Video:
- 1080p
- No. of Sensors:
- 1
- Detection Range:
- 80 ft
- Flash Range:
- 100 ft
- Field of View:
- 45 degrees
- Trigger Speed:
- 0.30 second
- Min Delay:
- 5 seconds
- Max Delay:
- 60 minutes
- Max Card Size:
- 256 GB
- Cellular/Mobile:
- Yes
- WiFi:
- No
- Bluetooth:
- No
- Live View:
- Yes
- MSRP:
- $299.99
- Warranty:
- 24 months
- Country of Origin:
- China
- Buying Options: