Tactacam Reveal X 3.0 Trail Camera Review
Tactacam Reveal X 3.0 - TCP Staff
Model # RV-TC-XGEN3 | Tactacam Reveal X 3.0 User Manual
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
76/100
Tactacam Reveal X 3.0 Cellular Trail Camera Review
Pros
- Works on all major cellular networks
- Built in GPS
- SD card optional (8GB) internal storage
- Live aiming in app
- 3-Shot Burst
- Firmware Updates over app
- Photo Quality
Cons
- Cellular transmission is sporadic
- 16-32 GB U3 card only
- When sending in batches, the camera won't continue taking bursts of photos (the camera will transmit the photo to cloud before taking another)
- Camera settings can not be changed from the web portal
- Only way to get a video is pic + video
- Battery Life
- Antenna is about impossible to replace
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: 4K
Video resolution: 1080p
Flash Type: Red Glow
Country of Origin: Vietnam
Picture & Video Resting Power (on): 3.83 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 67.9 Ws | 71.4 Ws
Pic + Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 68.8 Ws | 162.0 Ws
Here are your best battery options:
Trailcampro Choice: AmpTORRENT Rechargeable AA Lithium
If the Tactacam Reveal X 3.0 were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 1.8 months in the field - per charge - on a set of AmpTorrent Rechargeable AA Lithium batteries.
There are a number of benefits to these batteries:
- Up to 1,200 charges
- Consistent 1.5 volt operation
- Charges with the included USB cable
- Eco-friendly (less batteries in a landfill)
- Batteries pay for themselves after 2-3 charges
Longest Lasting Choice: Energizer Ultimate Lithium
If the Tactacam Reveal X 3.0 were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 2.7 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
If the X 3.0 were to take 15 day videos and 15 night videos every 24 hours, this camera would last 1.7 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
Ultimate Lithium batteries are the longest-lasting battery choice due to their incredible consistency and capacity. We've loved these batteries for a long time. However, in recent years they have become cost prohibitive and forced us to seek out a more affordable, eco-friendly option.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.36 s. | 22.1 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: n/a | n/a
Detection Range & Angle: 60 ft @ 34.1° detection angle (55.4° f.o.v.)
Dimensions: 3.5" x 4" x 6"
Battery Type: 12 AA
External Battery Jack: 12-volt
SD Card Size: Class 10, U3, 16-32GB (SanDisk, Tactacam, Lexar)
Case Design
The case design is similar to other Tactacam units and feels well built and sturdy. There is no internal screen which means almost all of the programming must be done via the app. The Sim card now comes pre installed. The SD card slot is a little difficult to get to. The rubber antenna holder can get in the way of opening the door if left on the bottom. The antenna is somewhat difficult to get out if needed, but can rotate in different directions. All in all, this is a well built case design and very durable.
The camera has two threaded inserts for tripod mounts, one in the back and one on the bottom. It also has a bracket for a python cable lock and will close the door.
Camera Setup
1. Install a Class 10 U3 SD card, 16GB or 32GB) (Optional)
2. Install 12 AA batteries or Reveal Lithium Cartridge
3. Download the Reveal app to your phone and create an account
(If this is your first REVEAL that you are activating, please visit the REVEAL Web Portal at: https://account.revealcellcam.com/ to set up your account or by clicking REVEAL WEB on the account page in the app)
4. Click the menu icon in the upper left hand corner.
5. Select + Add a Camera
6. Select a plan
7. Allow access of the camera to your phone and scan QR code on the camera.
8. Name your camera and add location.
You will also be able to pair settings via Wi-Fi, and live aiming if you would like for setup mode.
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. We stock only the most durable units and provide an additional year of warranty at no extra charge. The Trailcampro exclusive 2-year warranty allows you to deal directly with Trailcampro avoiding long wait times on hold with the manufacturer and prolonged periods without a replacement camera. We turn around most warranties in just one business day!
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.
Read Reviews From All the Game and Trail Cameras