Stealth Cam WXV (Verizon)

Stealth Cam WXV 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 WXV is also relatively complex to setup compared to other cameras on the market. - TCP Staff

Model # STC-GXVRW  | Stealth WXV Owner's Manual

WXV FAQ's

Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:

70/100

Pros

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

Cons

• Poor battery life
• Below average detection circuit
• Long, complicated cellular set up process

Trailcampro Analysis

The Stealth Cam WXV is a Verizon cellular trail camera.

Picture Quality:  82/100

Photo resolution: 22 mpxls (interpolated)

Video resolution:  1920 x 1080

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):   2.46 mW

Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption:   118.4 Ws  |  121.0 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 WXV 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:     67/100

Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.37 s.  |  71.5 s.

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

Trigger speed is pretty good and recovery is a touch under average. The detection zone is well below average. Overall, this detection circuit is not up to par with other cell cameras on the market.

Quality of Design:     In Progress

Dimensions: 5.5" x 4" x 2.5"

Battery Type:  12 AA (lithium)

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

1. Download the Stealth Cam Remote App on your smartphone
2. Open the app and select "Sign Up with Email." Choose username and password (verify them in your email).
3. Set up your Verizon Data Plan. You will need to go to http://secure.stealthcamwireless.com . You will need the following:

• Email address
• Credit Card
• Billing Address
• IMEI number of the camera (switch the camera to test mode and wait for it to display IMEI number). SIM number from the included Verizon SIM card (Be sure to enter these in the My Services and Equipment" section after you have created the account. It is not intuitive to do but must be done before continuing).

Data Plan Costs:

To complete setup:

1. Insert batteries, SD card, and included sim card. Turn the camera on and wait for the screen to boot up. 
2. Once the camera is on, press MENU > DOWN ARROW to CELLULAR SETTINGS > ENTER into the CELLULAR WIZARD > ENTER twice to begin the wizard. It will then take several minutes to Initialize the Network. When we did this it took almost 10 minutes to find it. 
3. Enter the same user name and password you created when you set up your Stealth Cam Remote App account. You should then see "Account Found." This alone takes far too long as you have to type in your account email and password with the up and down keys.
4. Log in to the Stealth Cam app, swipe down and your WXV should appear. The default upload frequency is set to twice a day, change this to Instant (in the cellular settings section of the menu). This will allow you to get test photos immediately to ensure the system is operating correctly. You can change the frequency once you know it is working. 
5. Make sure you turn on cellular send in the settings.

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

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.

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 WXV Review Conclusion:     70/100

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 WXV 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:

• 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.

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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