Meidase P200 WiFi Trail Camera 72/100

Detection Range: 14/20

The camera's maximum detection range is advertised at 90 feet when set to the highest sensitivity, but this does tend to produce false activations and a touch of inconsistency. Despite this, overall detection remains strong. 

Speed: 8/10

While this camera promises near-instant recording when it detects movement, you'll likely see the animal within the frame when the video begins. The standout feature is the lightning-fast trigger recovery between recordings, which allows continuous capture when the subject remains within the camera's range.

Accuracy: 8/10

With the P200 trio of motion sensors promising a 120-degree detection angle in contrast to a 70-degree field of view, one might anticipate a high rate of false triggers, theorizing the camera could activate without the subject being visible. Interestingly, this hasn't been a frequent issue, suggesting the side sensors are calibrated with less sensitivity than the central sensor, resulting in a more accurate detection performance than initially expected.

Battery Life: 9/10

Our real-world test in the harsh Rocky Mountain winter proved impressive. One unit from our test batch recorded over 700 videos, each 20 seconds long, using a single set of eight AA alkaline batteries. This is especially notable considering its power-hungry no-glow illumination. The P200's swift recovery time between triggers contributes to its efficient battery usage, allowing for shorter video durations without compromising capture frequency. This efficiency makes the P200 an ideal candidate for extended deployments in remote areas where frequent battery swaps aren't feasible. For such long-term applications, we recommend lithium batteries for enhanced longevity. It is also beneficial to deactivate the side sensors to conserve power further.

Design: 12/20

The design of the P200 trail camera is thoughtfully crafted to strike a balance between stealth and function. Its no-glow illumination is a key feature, ensuring that animals aren't disturbed during observation, which speaks to the camera's thoughtful application in wildlife photography. The ability to secure it with a python cable lock, alongside a latch that can accommodate a small padlock, adds a layer of security in the wild. The camera runs on 8 AA batteries, a common choice that users appreciate for its balance of performance and availability. A bright and sizeable screen adds to the ease of setup, making field adjustments a breeze. While the antenna might seem a tad diminutive, it effectively enhances WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. As for the finish, it's robust and integrates well into natural settings, helping the camera to blend with its surroundings. This attention to design details and finish quality positions the P200 as a reliable choice for both amateur and professional field use.

Update: Unfortunately, just a few days after setting it up, one of our P200 cameras experienced moisture infiltration, leading to it constantly triggering. This incident caused the camera to capture over 700 videos, each lasting 20 seconds, which depleted the batteries and resulted in the loss of a few weeks' worth of footage. Instances like these underscore our recommendation to double down on deploying multiple trail cameras in key locations to ensure coverage and redundancy.