Stealth Cam WXA (AT&T) Review

Stealth Cam WXA Review

The solid picture quality is not enough to overcome such a poor detection circuit and below average battery life. The WXV does seem to reliably send photos, but the battery life and detection circuit are both well under average. The WXA is also relatively complex to setup compared to other cameras on the market. - TCP Staff

Model # STC-GXATW | Stealth WXA Owner's Manual

Stealth Cam WXA FAQ's

Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:

66/100

Pros

• Above average to solid picture quality
• Can take and send videos
• To date, has been reliably sending cellular transmissions

Cons

• 1.2 Months battery life
• Very poor recovery speed and detection zone
• Long, complicated cellular set up process

Trailcampro Analysis

Picture Quality: 82/100

Photo resolution: 22 mpxl (interpolated)

Video resolution: 1920 x 1080 w/ audio

Flash Type: No glow IR

The WXV has solid picture quality during the daytime hours. The color is realistic (a little lighter at times ,though), the clarity is sharp, and the depth of image is solid. Night pictures have limited flash range and are a little grainy. However, they are fairly average for a no glow camera overall.

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 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). You have control of the process, remember, we work for you.

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.

Battery Life: 50/100

Picture & Video Resting Power (on): 1.51 mW

Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 160.2 Ws | 156.6 Ws

Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 226.6 Ws | 382.1 Ws

Picture Mode

If this camera were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, the Stealth Cam WXA would last 1.2 months in the field on a set of 12 AA Lithium Batteries.

Video Mode

If this camera were to take 15-day and 15-night videos (10-second videos) every 24 hours, it would last 0.6 months in the field on a set of lithium batteries.

Detection Circuit: 52/100

Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.47 | 144.2 s.

Detection Range & Angle: 60 ft. | 50.5° Detection Angle (F.O.V. 42.6°)

The picture trigger speed is pretty good but the recovery and detection zone are both way below average. Overall, this is a poor detection circuit.

Quality of Design: 80/100

Dimensions: 5.5" x 4" x 2.5"

Battery Type: 12 AA

External Battery Jack: 12-volt

Case Design

Case design is outstanding from form to function. The case feels well-built and of high-quality materials. The latch has a very positive and snug "snap" when closing.

There is a built-in python bracket on the back of the camera and a 1/4" x 20 threaded insert on the bottom of the camera for a Slate River Angle Mount.

Camera Setup

The buttons on the setup are easy to navigate and straight-forward. However, the cellular set up is a time-consuming, overly complicated mess. Read below for full instructions.

Cellular Setup

There are two methods for setting up this camera, the method you use depends on the sim card provided. The newest cameras (October 2019 and on) will setup using Method #1. Method #2 will be for the older models.

Method#1

Download the Stealth Cam Remote app and set up your Stealth Account following the prompts. Next, setup your data plan at: http://secure.stealthcamwireless.com

1. First, choose your subscription plan (see table below).
2. Enter your email address (this will be your username) and password you will use to access your AT&T data plan account (this is a separate account from you Stealth Cam Remote App account)
3. Enter your payment information
4. Enter your mailing address (click the box if your mailing address is the same as your billing address
5. Agree to the terms and conditions by clicking on the box
6. Click sign-up and you will be redirected to the Login page
7. Login
8. Add your camera to the plan by following these steps: A.) navigate to the my services and equipment section. B.) click on the + sign next to your plan. C.) Enter the ICCID of the sim card and the IMEI of the camera. D.) Once the ICCID and IMEI fields are populated click Activate.

Once you have completed the above steps, you will need to complete the cellular wizard setup on the camera. Here are the instructions for that:

Insert the sim card into the camera (with batteries and SD card already inserted), move the camera's power switch to the on position. Press the menu button, then the down arrow to cellular settings, press enter to bring you to the cellular wizard. Press enter twice to begin the wizard. Follow the prompts. The camera will then say connecting to network... then network found.

At this point, enter the same user name and password you created when setting up you Stealth Cam remote app. Once entered, you will see the message connecting to account... then account found - setup complete.

Log in to the app, swipe down and your WXA should appear. The default upload frequency is set to twice a day. We recommend going into the cellular settings menu on the camera and changing the upload frequency to instant. This will allow you to get some test photos to ensure the system is transmitting properly. After which you can adjust the upload frequency setting to best suit your needs.

Method #2

Download the Stealth Cam Remote app and set up your Stealth Account following the prompts.

1. Use the link https://buyasession.att.com/sbd/unauth/ShowLogin.action to start your activation process
2. Create or login to your account.
3. Login to your account and click on "Add a Device."
4. Enter your IMEI number. Your IMEI number can be found by putting your wireless camera in the "Test" position and the number will appear at the bottom of your LED screen. This is a 15 digit number.
5. Enter your ICCID number found on the back of your included AT&T sim card holder. Please note, this number is not on the actual sim card itself; but rather, on the sim card holder.
6. Create a device nickname
7. Click on "Manage your Data" to select a data plan and proceed with payment.
8. Once you have purchased your data plan, insert your sim card into your camera (with batteries and SD already inserted). Move the camera's power switch to the ON position. Press "Menu", then the down arrow to "Cellular Settings," press enter to bring you to the cellular wizard. Press enter twice to begin the Wizard. Follow the prompts. The camera will then say "Connecting to Network" and then "Network Found." Enter the same user name and password you created when setting up your Steatlh Cam Remote App. Once entered, it should say "Setup Complete."
9. Log in to the Stealth Cam app, swipe down and your XVA should appear. Change the upload frequency to instant, this will allow you to get test photos while testing the camera before putting it in the field.

To put it bluntly, the cellular setup is a pain in the butt, especially compared to several cameras on the market that allow you to just scan a bar code and, voila, the setup is done. In total, this setup has taken us about 45 minutes on average each time we have done it. If you aren't tech savvy, you should avoid this camera for this reason alone.

Durability

We have no known durability issues at this time but will update the review if anything changes.

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.

Stealth Cam WXA Review Conclusion: 66/100

The solid picture quality is not enough to overcome such a poor detection circuit and below average battery life. The WXV does seem to reliably send photos, but the battery life and detection circuit are both well under average. The WXV is also relatively complex to setup compared to other cameras on the market.

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: Stealth Cam WXA Trail Camera

Q: How do I view the pictures?

A: There are a number of ways to do this. Pictures/videos are stored on the SD card you place in the camera. Here are some other methods for viewing images:

• The pictures are sent to your phone's Stealth app via cellular reception.
• View pictures on your computer. Plug the SD card in a desktop computer or laptop via the built-in SD card reader or use a USB reader if your computer doesn't have one. This method works for most tablets as well. With this method, we recommend having two SD cards per camera so you can swap them in the field.
• Trail Camera Viewers. While more expensive, handheld viewers are useful if you don't have a smartphone or run multiple trail cameras.

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.

A:This is a low glow trail camera, meaning it has an extremely faint red glow when taking pictures or videos at night. We rate cameras as low glow if we can see the glow within 15 ft., but have a much harder time seeing it at a greater distance.

A: Yes. This is a red glow trail camera, meaning it has a faint red glow when taking pictures or videos at night. Humans and animals can see this if looking at the camera. This does not "light up" the woods, though.

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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