Review
Published:
Updated:
Author: John R. - Senior Editor & Wildlife Photography Expert
Intro
The Camojojo Trace Live Stream Cellular Trail Camera is a hunting camera that features 3K resolution photos and 1080P video with sound. The Trace has a fast 0.2s trigger speed for accurate motion capture. In addition, the camera has 44 low-glow infrared LEDs for night vision and an 80° detecting range. The cam is built to withstand harsh environments, being rain-proof, drop-proof, and dust-proof, with an IP66 waterproof rating. The camera has an easy setup process with Near Field Communication installation, allowing for quick and easy smartphone integration. In addition, users can view and record real-time footage through the live stream function. A dedicated phone app allows for the download and management of photos and videos. The camera also comes preinstalled with a SIM card, currently only supported by AT&T. Twelve AA batteries power the Camojojo Trace and have 32GB of integrated memory. The camera comes with a USB-C cable for easy Camera to Computer image transfer. A wireless subscription starts at only $4.99/month but is not required to run the camera. A seven-day free trial is also included.
Pros
- Live View
- Affordable Subscriptions
- Mounting Bracket & Accessories
- 2 Year Warranty
Cons
- Out of View Triggers
- Runs Only on AT&T Network
- Limited Detection Range
- No Video Length Option
Camera Setup
The camera setup is relatively simple, but it requires downloading a phone app since all camera settings are managed through the app. After downloading, the camera's NFC (Near Field Communication) feature automatically pairs it with your phone. With pre-installed SIM and memory cards, the camera is almost ready to go, and you can adjust basic settings through the app.
Photo settings offer only 3MP and 5MP options, and the multi-trigger option allows up to three pictures per trigger. Unfortunately, there's no option to choose video length; all videos are 10 seconds long and can be recorded in either 720p or 1080p.
The Trace camera has three modes: ECO, AUTO, and BOOST. ECO mode is best for battery life, but it updates settings and transfers images only once a day, at midnight. Live View is also unavailable in ECO mode. BOOST mode, on the other hand, updates settings instantly and offers Live View on demand. Instant image transfer is also available in this mode.
The AUTO mode still allows instant image transfers but updates camera settings only when triggered, and the image transfer is initiated. This can be a problem if you need to update settings, but the camera is inactive, as it could take several days for the settings to update.
The Mounting Bracket included in the package makes camera deployment super easy, as it allows you to adjust the camera angle. However, the six-foot-long strap included in the box is unusually narrow, and we recommend using a wider strap for better support.
Camera Ratings
Detection Range: 13/20
The camera has a detection range of 65 feet, which matches our experience. While this range may seem somewhat limited, at least the manufacturer is not making exaggerated claims, as is often common with other brands.
Speed: 6/10
Although the trigger speed is only 0.2 seconds, our results differ. Faster or running animals are often about to exit the camera's view before the camera triggers.
Accuracy: 8/10
The Camojojo Trace performs exceptionally well in open spaces, even under windy conditions with near zero false triggers. However, it's worth noting that since the camera has an 80-degree PIR sensor and a 60-degree Field-of-View, it may trigger when an object is moving vertically toward the camera.
Battery Life: 7/10
The camera is powered by 12 AA batteries and can last up to four months in ECO mode. However, it's important to note that the Live View feature can quickly drain the batteries. While Lithium or Alkaline batteries are recommended, we have also successfully used rechargeable NiMh batteries without any issues. Additionally, the manufacturer offers a solar panel option for the camera.
Daylight Images: 8/10
Photo settings have 3MP and 5MP options. All videos are 10 seconds long and can be recorded in 720p or 1080p resolutions. The daylight images captured by the Trace cam are of high quality and exhibit natural, realistic colors with excellent dynamic range and sharpness. However, we have observed slight flickering and color inconsistencies in video mode.
Lowlight Images: 7/10
Since this camera model is new to us, and we have limited lowlight images, we require additional time and testing to determine the appropriate rating for this category.
Night Images: 7/10
The Trace camera features low-glow infrared illumination that provides even light distribution for nighttime images. While videos are of good quality, still images appear slightly out of focus when capturing faster-moving animals. Additionally, pictures are somewhat more grainy due to higher ISO processing.
Design: 15/20
The Camojojo Trace game camera boasts several innovative features that we are still getting used to. For instance, when the camera doors are open, it goes into setup mode, and once you close them, it will automatically switch to live mode - a neat trick! In addition, the compact antenna can be easily folded for transportation convenience. While we prefer traditional memory cards, the Trace comes with a USB-C port for easy image transfers, and a USB-C cable is even included. The battery tray is easy to manage, and 12 AA batteries will provide extended usage between battery swaps. The trail camera is compatible with a regular Python cable lock, but an additional padlock is required to secure the door latch. Lastly, as mentioned earlier, the included mounting bracket adds additional mounting flexibility.
Verdict: 71/100
The Camojojo Trace cellular camera is an exciting product from a new manufacturer, offering several exciting new functionalities. The Live View feature, in particular, is a game-changer, allowing users to get a real-time view.
In addition, the package includes several accessories, such as a mounting bracket and USB-C cable, and the camera comes with a two-year warranty, all for under a hundred bucks, making it an excellent value.
The camera takes crisp 1080p videos with sound, but the video length is limited to 10 seconds. Additionally, the photo mode is limited to three pictures per trigger, with only one image transferred for preview on the phone app. While this helps conserve batteries, it may take some time to get used to.
The low-glow illumination provides good lighting for nighttime imagery, but some users may prefer a no-glow camera version. The 80° PIR vs. 60° Field-of-View may cause some false triggers, detecting animals outside of the camera's view. However, the two cameras deployed in open, windy conditions performed impressively well.
While the AT&T preinstalled SIM card may not be a concern for most users, those in areas with better Verizon mobile connections may prefer that option. While the AT&T preinstalled SIM card may not be a concern for most users, those in areas with better Verizon mobile connections may prefer that option. However, it's worth noting that the camera will still function without a cellular connection or subscription and can be utilized as a traditional non-cellular game camera.
Camojojo does not have a dedicated website for image previews, but the phone app is intuitive. The only complaint is that the app does not rotate pictures and videos when the phone is in a horizontal position, although this is likely an easy fix and may be addressed in future updates.
Overall, the Camojojo Trace cellular camera is a great buy, and we hope the manufacturer will soon offer multi-camera subscription discounts because we plan on purchasing more cams, especially once the announced ultra-wide view version is released.
Buying Options:
User Reviews
Anonymous 9/10
Best cell cam for $! If your plan has 800 pics(7.99) that includes 10 second videos that count as 1 pic.I only use mine on video mode.And if you hit play in the app to watch a video and then turn your phone sideways it does make the video bigger.
Specs
Official specs from the manufacturer.- Name:
- Camojojo Trace
- Manufacturer:
- Camojojo
- Model:
- Trace
- Model Year:
- 2022
- Series:
- None
- Flash Type:
- Low-Glow IR
- Max Pixels:
- 5
- Max Video:
- 1080p
- No. of Sensors:
- 1
- Detection Range:
- 65 ft
- Flash Range:
- 65 ft
- Field of View:
- 60 degrees
- Trigger Speed:
- 0.20 second
- Min Delay:
- 0 seconds
- Max Delay:
- 60 minutes
- Max Card Size:
- 32 GB
- Cellular/Mobile:
- Yes
- WiFi:
- No
- Bluetooth:
- No
- Live View:
- Yes
- MSRP:
- $109.99
- Warranty:
- 24 months
- Country of Origin:
- N/A
- Buying Options: