Covert E1 Verizon Review

We are in the process of completing this review. All available information is posted on this page, this review will be finished when we feel we have enough information to make an accurate assessment. - TCP Staff

Model # 5588

Covert E1 FAQ's

Pros

• 3.5 Months of battery life taking 30 pictures per day

Cons

• Poor detection circuit

Trailcampro Analysis

Picture Quality: 

Photo resolution: 18 mpxl (interpolated

Flash Type:  No Glow IR

We are placing cameras in the field. We will post pictures and videos as they become available.

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:   

Picture & Video Resting Power (on):   4.65 mW

Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption:   40 Ws  |  41.1 ws

If this camera took 15-day pictures and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, it would last 3.5 months on a set of lithium batteries.

Detection Circuit: 

Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 1.55 s.  |  36.0 s.

Detection Range & Angle: 60 ft. @ 68° detection angle (42.2° field of view)

Cellular picture recovery is very fast at 36 seconds (on average). However, picture trigger speed is very slow and the detection zone is well below average and is almost 26° wider than the field of view. Overall, this is a poor detection circuit.

Quality of Design:  

Dimensions: 5.5" x 4.5" x 3"

Battery Type:  12 AA (lithium)

External Battery Jack:  6-volt

Case Design

The E1 has a unique latch and case design. The latch slides up and down to unlock the camera. This works really well and is easy to manipulate. The outside of the camera is typical of Covert scouting cameras. The plastic feels thick and rugged. Very well-built cameras.

The unique part about the case design is that the camera on the inside of the case is removable. While this isn't the first camera to do this, it is uncommon. In the past, we haven't liked these designs because the cameras have a tendency to fall out or be dropped. The E1's camera actually stays in the case really well until it is pulled out. So the risk of dropping the camera is very low. For this reason, we don't mind the design, however, when you pop the camera out it disconnects from the batteries and the screen turns off.

The E1 has a built-in python bracket on the back of the camera and a 1/4" x 20 threaded insert on the bottom for a Slate River Mount.

Camera Setup

Getting the camera's basic functions up and running is very easy, just use the screen to set your date/time, picture mode, and so on.

Cellular Setup Instructions

The ONLY way to set up this camera is through Covert, do not contact Verizon to set up this camera. You CAN'T use an existing sim card you already have. Please, please, please follow the instructions that come with the camera or our own instructions below. 

If following simple instructions is your jam, you won't have problems setting this camera up. If you try to deviate from these steps, you will have problems. Here are the steps to get the camera setup properly:

1. Go to secure.covert-wireless.com. 
2. Create an account if you are a new user or login to an existing account.
3. Select the data plan you want to use under the "Purchase Additional Subscription Plans" heading
4. Enter your personal information and billing information in the appropriate areas
5. Enter your ICCID number (this is on the sim card that comes with the camera) and the IMEI number (this is on the top-inside of the camera, on a sticker)
6. There is a warning during this step that it could take up to 24 hours for your camera to become active. So, if it doesn't start sending photos right away, this could be the reason.
7. You can refresh your browser in a minute or two to check the status of the activation. On the cameras we did, it was active immediately after refreshing.
8. At this point, you can load 12 Lithium Batteries, an SD card, and the sim card into the camera and turn it to "Setup."
9. The screen will turn on and it will start looking for the network. It will give you the status in the top-right hand corner.

How to send a Test Photo (to ensure the camera is active)

1. Press the "Shot" button when on the live preview screen.
2. Press the "Ok" button, then press the "Menu" button. Highlight "Send" and press "Ok."
3. The display will show you the progress of the photo being sent. At the end, it should say "Sent Successfully."
4. You can now view this picture on the main menu of your Covert-Wireless Account

We recommend downloading the Covert Wireless App to your smartphone so you can view pictures on the go, check the camera's status, and change settings remotely. From the app, you can choose to have pictures emailed or texted to you (or have this function turned off and just check on the app). The only thing we would change is the ability to do the initial programming of the camera via the app on your phone and not have to use a computer. Other than that, this camera was very easy to setup.

Data plan costs are complicated and offer a million different plans. You can find them below (this is a screenshot from Covert's website and subject to change).

This camera only sends pictures.

Durability

We currently do not have any issues with the E1's durability. if something arises we will update the review accordingly.

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.

Covert E1 Verizon Review Conclusion: 

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: Covert E1 Verizon 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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