Review
Published:
Updated:
Intro
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 “42i” 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.
Pros
- Small
- Affordable
- Batteries Included
Cons
- Inadequate Flash Illumination
- Disappointing Battery Life
- Confusing & Limited Setup
Camera Ratings
Detection Range: 16/20
The detection range is outstanding and exceeds the listed 70 feet.
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: 6/10
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.
Lowlight Images: 5/10
The low light images are acceptable and only slightly grainier than daylight images.
Night Images: 2/10
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.
Design: 6/20
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: 55/100
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:
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User Reviews
April 20, 2023, 11:40 p.m.
June 26, 2023, 10:01 p.m.
July 3, 2023, 12:25 a.m.
July 26, 2023, 10:45 p.m.
Dec. 8, 2023, 7:49 p.m.
Dec. 14, 2023, 11:04 p.m.
Jan. 21, 2024, 10:24 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.
June 26, 2023, 10:01 p.m.
willie2008 0/10
What is a good overall Trail camera to buy?
July 3, 2023, 12:25 a.m.
Anonymous 7/10
My 42i & 32i cams take good daytime photos, but night shots lack illumination as stated, and most night shots are grainy photos. Daytime and low-light forest photos are good quality and battery life is outstanding in those locations. No info on video yet.
July 26, 2023, 10:45 p.m.
Anonymous 1/10
Poor instructions. Video mode doesn't work most of the time. Poor battery life with video mode.
Dec. 8, 2023, 7:49 p.m.
Anonymous 0/10
Junk. In single shot mode, it only lasted a month and, at around 100 pics, stopped working when the batteries were at 50%. Consistently malfunctions and then you have to pull a battery to reset it - and then you get to reprogram it again...
Dec. 14, 2023, 11:04 p.m.
Anonymous 5/10
Great camera takes good pics. Day and night.taken several hundred pics still 50% I'm sure moultrie batteries not that good. Upgrade batteries and it will last longer.camera easy to use and don't spook deer. I'm going to buy 2 more
Jan. 21, 2024, 10:24 p.m.
Anonymous 2/10
I cannot get the SD card to work. I can only view the pics on a computer. Not a card reader or digital camera. It say invalid file format!! Grrrr!
Specs
Official specs from the manufacturer.- Name:
- Moultrie Micro-42i
- Manufacturer:
- Moultrie
- Model:
- MCG-14060
- Model Year:
- 2022
- Series:
- Micro Series
- Flash Type:
- No-Glow IR
- Max Pixels:
- 42
- Max Video:
- 1080p
- No. of Sensors:
- 1
- Detection Range:
- 70 ft
- Flash Range:
- 80 ft
- Field of View:
- None degrees
- Trigger Speed:
- 0.40 second
- Min Delay:
- 3 seconds
- Max Delay:
- 60 minutes
- Max Card Size:
- 32 GB
- Cellular/Mobile:
- No
- WiFi:
- No
- Bluetooth:
- No
- Live View:
- No
- MSRP:
- $89.99
- Warranty:
- 24 months
- Country of Origin:
- N/A
Questions & Answers
How do I format an SD card with the bc42i?
Thx
Z
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
Does this camera work with cellular transmission?
No, this camera does not have cellular functionalities.
I'm not getting any pictures at night, I know animals are coming through but seems like I'm only getting pictures when it's daylight? The setting are fairly limited what is the optimal set up for night pictures?
I'm not getting any pictures at night, I know animals are coming through but seems like I'm only getting pictures when it's daylight? The setting are fairly limited what is the optimal set up for night pictures?
I'm not getting any pictures at night, I know animals are coming through but seems like I'm only getting pictures when it's daylight? The setting are fairly limited what is the optimal set up for night pictures?
what is the picture recovery speed
The picture recovery is 0 seconds (instant).
instead of 15 second, can i setup for 10 second for pictures
According to the Moultrie M-42i specifications, the camera only has these options for picture intervals: 5 seconds, 15 seconds,
30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes
30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes
