Not only is the Moultrie Micro-42i the smallest trail camera offering from the Moultrie brand, but the Micro-42i is also one of the smallest cameras on the market. The camera is powered by only four batteries included in the kit. The ā42iā version has an invisible flash and boasts a 42 megapixels resolution. As with most Moultrie cameras, the detection range is exceptional; however, we have noticed an unusual number of false triggers.
Moultrie Micro-42i - Front
Micro-42i - Front View
Micro-42i - Side View
Micro-42i - Back View
Micro-42i - Bundle
Micro-42i - Open
Micro-42i - Batteries
Micro-42i - Retail Box
Micro-42i - Retail Box Back
Pros
Small
Affordable
Batteries Included
Cons
Inadequate Flash Illumination
Disappointing Battery Life
Confusing & Limited Setup
Camera Ratings
Detection Range: 18/20
The detection range is outstanding and exceeds the listed 70 feet.
Herd of elk running
Moultrie Micro-42i Detection Range
Speed: 7/10
The trigger speed is listed at 0.4 seconds, and we found that to be about correct. There is no additional video delay familiar with other cameras in this price range.
Accuracy: 7/10
We noticed many false triggers when the camera was placed in an open space. On windy days, the accuracy was below average, so we decided to move the camera to another spot with less wind exposure. After the relocation, the accuracy has improved dramatically.
Battery Life: 6/10
While Moultrie's specs claim 13,000 images, the included batteries were down to below 50% after only ten days of use and 200 short videos. In photo mode, the battery life is quite impressive, and we have seen over 10,000 pictures.
Daylight Images: 7/10
Daytime images are vibrant and colorful, with a high saturation typical for Moultrie cameras. Unfortunately, while the cam has a whopping 42-megapixel sensor, we have not noticed any substantial image quality improvement over older models with smaller sensors.
Elk cows fighting
Elk cows fighting again
Elk Cow Kicking
Elk sticking tongue out
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Moultrie Micro-42i Video
Lowlight Images: 6/10
The low light images are acceptable and only slightly grainier than daylight images.
Two elk calves fighting
Two elk calves
Night Images: 3/10
The night illumination is the weakest point of this camera. Due to its tiny size, the camera illumination is entirely underpowered. As a result, the night pictures are weak, but you can at least still see something. Even worse, the nighttime videos are black and totally unusable unless the animal stands right in front of the camera.
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Moultrie Micro-42i Night Video
Mule Deer Doe
Mule Deer Doe & Fawn
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Coyote Night Video from Moultrie Micro 42i
Design: 12/20
On the outside, the Micro-42i is a cute little camera. The paint quality is excellent, the strap is solid, and you can even use a cable lock to secure the camera. However, you will realize the main disadvantage when you open the camera. It's the tiny size! There just isn't enough space for the screen and buttons. Also, because of the small screen, the software settings are abbreviated and confusing, and you keep running in full circles just to format a memory card.
Verdict: 66/100
Smaller and lighter are not always better, especially when it comes to electronics. The camera is almost unusable for nighttime videos. The flash illumination is so weak that we could say it's non-existent. We did not have much luck with the included alkaline batteries, but the Micro-42i battery life performs respectfully when used with lithium batteries. Unless you specifically need the invisible illumination feature and are OK to use the cam in the picture mode only, the twin-brother Micro-42 with standard infrared illumination is a better option.
Alternatives:
The twin-brother Moultrie Micro-42 (without the i) provides better nighttime illumination and battery life.
Buying Options:
Disclaimer: Ratings and reviews on our website reflect our experience with the product at the time of the review. Therefore, our ratings and opinions may change as we continue to use and test the product's performance and reliability over an extended period.
User Reviews
April 20, 2023, 11:40 p.m.
jdoggins
3/10
No screen for review or set up. Doesn't take rechargeables. Can't do both video AND stills at the same time. Can't choose resolution other than high or low. Cams costing half as much out preform it in every way. 66/100 is very generous.
You need to go through the entire setup, and the last option has the abbreviation "Del" for Delete. Select Y (Yes), and the camera will format the card. Please note that formatting the card will delete everything from the card!
what is the life span of only four batteries ?
The four batteries in the Micro-42i camera will take thousands of pictures but will not last very long when in video mode. We had a bit better luck with the Micro-42 camera as it seems the traditional IR flash is less power-hungry than the "invisible" IR flash the 42i is using.
My camera does not recognize any card what is the best way to fix this? Once after set up and when select to on camer says, "Card"
Some cameras are very picky and incompatible with some SDXC 64GB and larger cards. 32GB cards (and smaller) are usually compatible with most cameras. Try formatting the card on your computer.
Can i use spypoint micro SD 32 gb memory card with adaptor with moultrie-42i camera? The format video for this camera says an adaptor card slows performance.
Yes, you can use any micro card with an adapter. The adapter should have no impact on the card performance. In general, we recommend Samsung and SanDisk memory cards.
For this camera it was recommended by sales person and I bought a 32 gb micro SD class 10 card with adaptor. When I looked up formating this card spypoint recommends not to use a card with adaptor as it slows performance. What card should I use
For this camera it was recommended by sales person and I bought a 32 gb micro SD class 10 card with adaptor. When I looked up formating this card spypoint recommends not to use a card with adaptor as it slows performance. What card should I use