Spartan GoLive 2 M 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
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
Photo resolution: 8 mpxl
Flash Type: No glow IR
Day pictures are absolutely superb. Scroll through the photos and you will see the realistic color, excellent clarity and realistic hue on display. Night photos aren't quite as impressive. They have some blurring issues on movement and the flash range is fairly limited. The Spartan GoLive 2 got 20th place in our 2022 Flash Range Shootout for no glow cameras.
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Night IR Blur Test The equipment for the test consists of a target moving along a track from left to right at a constant speed controlled by a stepper motor and a sensor to trigger the capture of a picture near the center of the field of view of a trail camera. The target is moving at 1.25 feet per second and is 10 feet from the camera at the center of field of view. The test is conducted in a dark room. Two pictures are taken, one with the target not moving and one with the target in motion. A visual comparison can now be made of the two pictures. All settings that affect the quality of night photos will be tested. |
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No Motion |
Motion |
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What if you purchase from us and aren't happy with the image quality?
This is a common question and we have a very simple solution. Call, email, or chat with us and we can take a look at the images and offer suggestions or immediately tell if something is wrong with the Spartan GoLive 2 M camera. If so, we will warranty the camera for you (with the free 2-Year warranty you receive from us) or return the camera for a full refund (within 90 days of purchase). For another Spartan GoLive camera option, check out our Spartan GoLive 4G/LTE that's an epic video streaming trail camera.
Megapixel Ratings:
In the past, many people get confused with the megapixel rating trail camera manufacturers advertise. Companies inflate the mpxl rating to attract eyes to their products. They do this through interpolation, which digitally adds megapixels to a photo without actually improving the picture.
The best way to judge picture quality is to look at actual pictures. You will notice this the most when you zoom in on a full-size image that a camera has taken. The details of the photo will appear hazy or even digitized. This is normal, and to be expected.
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: 70 ft. @ 62.8° detection angle (83.1° field of view)
Trigger speed is very solid and the recovery time is fantastic. The biggest thing to point out is the massive field of view (83°) and the wide (62°) detection angle. This camera covers an extremely large area and does so quickly.
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
- https://my.spartancamera.com/shop/data-service/
- Enter your IMEI/MEID ID, choose your data plan and enter your ICCID number
- Checkout and purchase your data
- Add lithium batteries and micro SD card to the camera and turn it on. Enter the required information. Use the setup wizard to complete the install (you can install via the camera or the Spartan smartphone app. This will take a few minutes, especially if doing it from the camera.)
- Register the camera via the instructions to add it to your account.
- In order to arm the camera, press and hold the left arrow key and then confirm yes.
Durability
Spartan game trail cameras have a history of good reliability. If a problem arises, we will update this review immediately.
Keep in mind, our 2-year warranty program is your free insurance program in case something goes wrong with a camera you purchase from us. This warranty protects you from any manufacturing defect the camera might experience for two years.
Since 2005, our mission has to been to provide consumers with unbeatable value, advice you can trust, and customer service that exceeds expectations. There are plenty of places you can choose to do business with, if we are lucky enough to earn your support, we promise to give you our undivided attention. Trailcampro has grown each year not only by relying on your happiness but on the assumption that if we blow you away with customer service, you will brag about us to your friends (have you seen our referral/reward program?).
As always, if you have additional questions, feel free to call, email or chat with us. We look forward to helping you find your next trail camera!
Enjoy our reviews? Please consider purchasing your next trail camera from us.
FAQ's: Trail Camera
Q: Will this trail camera trigger on small animals (birds, rodents, etc.)?
A: Trail cameras detect on a combination of heat and movement, so, yes, small mammals will trigger the camera. However, if you are going after smaller warm-blooded mammals, we recommend getting the camera closer to your target. For best performance, place the camera in an area that would enable picture detection from 3 - 20 ft.
Q: Can animals see the infrared flash on this camera?
A: This is somewhat controversial. Humans can't see the flash as the nanometer spectrum is above what the human eye can detect. It's also much harder for an animal to see, but that could depend on the species of animal as different species see in different light spectrums.
Q: Where can I purchase this camera?
A: From us! We hope to woo you with our incredible charm, two-year warranty, 90-day returns, free continental U.S. shipping, and technical expertise. If that isn't enough, we give you a 16 Gig SD card with this camera and you can call and talk our ear off anytime.
Seriously, though, we know you have plenty of options of where to spend your hard-earned money. The internet can be the wild, wild, west of too-good-to-be-true deals. If you choose to do business with us, we will go out of our way to make sure you are happy with the camera you select and the service we provide you.
We are passionate about testing and reviewing trail cameras, but most importantly, we are passionate about treating our customers the right way. We do things differently from what you have come to expect from other internet retailers and we hope you give us the opportunity to prove that to you.
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