Spartan GoLive 2M Cellular Trail Camera Review
The Spartan Golive 2 M hangs its hat on the ability to use different cell networks, outstanding daytime picture quality, live streaming video, and a solid detection circuit. The Golive 2 struggles with night pictures and we aren't fans of micro-SD cards.- TCP Staff
Model #GL M6Eb | Spartan GoLive 2 M Manual
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
88/100*
Spartan GoLive 2 M Trail Camera Review
Pros
- Excellent day photos
Cons
- Uses a micro SD card (harder to handle)
- Below average night pictures
Be Wary Of Megapixel Ratings
Megapixel ratings for trail cameras seem to increase more & more every year. In reality, the native resolution of 99% of all trail cameras is 5 megapixels or less. Manufacturers artificially inflate megapixel ratings for advertising purposes through a process called interpolation. Interpolated photos are enhanced by software to mimic the file size of a higher megapixel photo, but seldom offer additional clarity or resolution. The result is an exponentially larger file size photo which takes longer to load and slows down the speed of your camera. We always program our cameras to capture photos at the image sensor's native resolution. This allows our cameras to operate as efficiently as possible and store more photos to memory. With shorter load times, this also allows us to review photos at a much quicker pace. To put things in perspective, the trail camera widely considered to be the "Gold Standard" and used by more professional researchers than any other unit is just 3 megapixels.
Photo resolution: 8 mpxl
Flash Type: No glow IR
Picture & Video Resting Power (on): n/a
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: n/a
Power tests were not completed. This camera functions off an internal battery on all events. The AA battery pack or the 12 volt DC connection are only used to charge the internal battery. The AA charge rate is about 100ma and about 300ma at the 12 volt DC connection. If a trigger occurs during a charge cycle, the charging is stopped and the camera powers off the internal battery to take a picture or video. This design is different from the circuits that use a comparator to select and use the battery pack that has the greater voltage.
Until we are able to test this accurately, this category will remain incomplete.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.37 s. | 16.6 s.
Video Trigger Speed: 0.34 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 50 ft. @ 62.8° detection angle (83.1° field of view)
Dimensions: 5.5" x 4" x 3"
Battery Type: 12 AA (we recommend lithium)
External Battery Jack: 12-volt
SD Card Size: Micro SD card up to 128GB
Case Design
The case on the Spartan GoLive 2 feels put together really well. It feels strong, the antenna port is firm, and the latch opens and closes easily. The battery tray opens easily and reveals the micro sd port. So the micro sd card is somewhat hidden inside the battery tray compartment. In general, micro sd cards aren't our favorite as they are easy to drop and, cross your fingers this doesn't happen to you, lose in leaves.
The camera has a threaded insert on the back of the camera for a Slate River mount and a metal bracket on the back for a python cable lock. The antenna has an extra thick gasket which should help keep moisture out of the camera.
Camera Setup
Cellular Setup Instructions
- Download The Spartan Camera Management App.
- Click Register to create an account, or Login if you have an existing account.
- Check your email and click the activation link. (If registering a new account)
- Return to the app. Login, and click the + located in the upper left corner.
- Either scan the camera's MEID/IMEI barcode by tapping the icon on the right, or manually type the MEID/IMEI numbers.
- You will then be prompted to purchase your data service. If you already purchase your data, please click YES.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to locate your registration code for the camera. Input the code and click Add.
Durability
The vast majority of consumer-grade trail cameras are inexpensive, imported devices exposed to harsh conditions 24/7/365. Most manufacturers only offer a one-year warranty. Through our 2-year warranty program we've tracked the warranty rate for all manufacturers. We do not publish this data but durability on Spartan trail cameras is great. Spartan will have their own 2-year warranty on all their cameras.
All test results are achieved through the use of proprietary equipment used exclusively by Trailcampro. Any re-publication of this data without prior written consent is strictly prohibited by law. COPYRIGHT TRAILCAMPRO, L.L.C. 2023, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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