Description
This is a discontinued trail camera. You can find current Moultrie Game Cameras Here.
Moultrie A-30 Review
Need a red glow camera under $100? It certainly isn't perfect, but the A-30 has everything you'd need for a simple, capable trailcam. - TCP Staff
Model #MCG-13201
- Impressive night photos
- 6.7-month battery life
- Solid case design
- No audio on videos
- Poor video battery life
- Very limited setup options
The Moultrie A-30 is an inexpensive red glow game camera that is new for 2017. This gamecam is part of the 2017 A-Series from Moultrie that focuses on the consumer that needs a trail camera under $100.
Photo resolution: 12, 2 mpxl
Video resolution: 1280x720 - No audio
Flash Type: Red Glow Infrared
Daytime pictures have plenty of color, almost so vivid that it doesn't look realistic. Regardless, the pictures are bright and colorful. We do see a few clarity issues and some out of focus images when the object is outside of 100'. Overall, though, these are good day pictures
Night pictures are excellent. Flash range, contrast, and clarity all show up really well. We are very impressed with night pictures.
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Daytime video quality appears to be relatively poor. The motion is not fluid (14 frames per second) and the clarity is poor. There is also no audio.
Night videos are really good, though. We were blown away by the quality of night video. We still have to count off for not having audio.
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): 1.54 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 2.39 Ws | 9.26 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 16.43 Ws | 221.99 Ws
The battery efficiency depends on whether you plan on using the A30 in picture or video mode. In picture mode, the camera is efficient on power consumption. In video mode, the A30 uses a large amount of power per video clip. Here are some examples.
Picture Mode
If this camera were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, the 2017 A-30 would last 6.7 months in the field on a set of 8 AA Lithium Batteries. This is an efficient camera in picture mode.
Video Mode
If this camera were to take 15-day and 15-night videos (10-second videos) every 24 hours, it would last 1 months in the field on a set of lithium batteries. This is an inefficient video camera.
Our rating accounts for the average of both ratings. If you only use your trailcams in picture mode, the A30 gets good battery life. If you use your cameras in video mode, this is not an efficient camera.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.61 s. / 1.1 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: 1.52 s. / 1.1 s.
Detection Range: 70 ft.
This detection circuit is surprisingly solid. The picture trigger speed is ok but the recovery is really good. The Video trigger is slow but the recovery is outstanding.
Detection range is in line with other trailcams on the market.
We don't mean to sound elitist or snotty, but most trail cameras in this price range really underperform in this category. However, the detection circuit of the A-30 is quite capable.
Dimensions: 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.5"
Battery Type: 8 AA Batteries
External Battery Jack: 12-Volt
A30 Case Design
The pure quality of the materials used for the case on the Moultrie A30 is far superior to what you would expect on a game camera under $100. The case feels very solid and exceeded our expectations. The Moultrie A-Series of game cameras is similar in design to the higher-end M-Series, but there are a few small differences.
- There are two brackets for using a Python Cable Lock, both are located on the back of the camera. You can choose to use the cable to lock the inside of the camera to protect the SD card, or, lock just the camera to the tree.
- The A-Series cameras are slightly taller but thinner than the M-Series.
- The setup interface has fewer buttons.
The latch has an unorthodox mechanism, but it is easy to manipulate, even with cold fingers. We think it is more practical and durable than it may appear at first glance. The battery tray ejects from the bottom of the camera and fortunately, the batteries are easy to load and unload. There is also a 1/4" x 20 threaded insert on the bottom for a Slate River Mount.
A-30 Setup
The LCD screen on the A30 is very small and has limited space for text. We find the setup to be simple, but rudimentary. It is fairly easy to setup, but we did have to glance at the owner's manual a few times to make sure we understood what the highlighted setting indicated.
SD Card Storage Examples
With a 16 Gig SD Card and the camera taking 2 mpxl photos (this is our recommended setting as it is closest to the native resolution), the A-30 could store 80,000 pictures on the SD card. Keep in mind, day pictures (color) have larger file sizes than night pictures (black and white), so this number could go up or down.
With a 16 Gig SD Card and the camera taking 1280x720 videos, the A30 could store 614 10-second videos.
From this data, you can extrapolate storage capacities for different sized SD card and different resolution settings. We give you an 16 Gig SD Card with the purchase of this game camera through us. If you need additional or larger SD cards, you can shop all SD card options here.
Durability
Moultrie game cameras have had some of our lowest warranty rates the last two years. However, our warranty rates on Moultrie cameras are based on their higher-end M-series and Gen2 cameras. If any durability/warranty concern pops up, we will update this review.
When giving an overall impression of the Moultrie A-30, it is important to keep in mind the price. Comparing this game camera to cameras that cost twice the amount is not fair. With that being said, we see a good amount of value in the A-30. If you are hard-pressed on your trailcam budget but need a camera that performs at a reasonable rate, we think this is it. Good detection, decent pictures, 6+ months of battery life and simple setup. All things considered, if you need to spend less than $100 on a red glow camera, this is the best we have seen.
Enjoy our reviews? Please consider purchasing your next trail camera from us.
FAQ's: Moultrie A-30 Game 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 A-30 trail camera.
- 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.
- View pictures on your smartphone. Choose between the iOS Reader for iPhones and the Android Reader. Phone readers require an app to access the photos, you can read more about these via the previous links.
- 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: The Moultrie A30 detects 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 the A-30?
A: Yes. This is a red glow trail cameras, 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 an 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.
Moultrie Game Cameras - an overview of the Moultrie game camera products we have reviewed for 2017.
Moultrie M-40i - Top-rated night pictures for a no glow trail camera.
Moultrie M-40 - Rated best red glow night pictures for 2017.
Read Reviews From All the Game and Trail Cameras
Manufacturer Specifications
- Red glow infrared
- 12-Volt External Battery Jack
- Accepts up to 32 Gig SD Card
- Runs on 8 AA batteries (we recommend lithium batteries
- 12 mpxl (interpolated) photos
- 1280x720 video without audio
- Removable battery tray
- Multi shot 1 or 3 photos per trigger
- Includes nylon camera strap
Domestic Shipping Options - Free UPS Economy Shipping on all orders over $99
- Free shipping applies only to the lower 48 states and will be shipped via the most economical method.
- Orders placed before 3 p.m Central Standard Time are usually shipped the same day
- We are happy to offer expedited shipping options. Prices are shown during checkout.
Dear International Customer:
International rates vary by country and postal code. Please click here for detailed international rates.
Trailcampro L.L.C.
3048 S. Clifton Ave
Suite 108
Springfield, MO 65807
1-800-791-0660
Trail Camera Accessories
Here are a few of the accessories we like to use in the Moultrie A-30 Trail Camera.
Energizer Ultimate Lithiums | 8 Pack
$14.95
- There is no downside to using lithium batteries. Long battery life, extreme durability, and better night pictures. You will be happy you did.
$19.95
- Use this with the security case, or just the camera itself. The A-30 has brackets on the back specifically for this lock.
Start at $9.95
- SD cards store your pictures and videos for easy removal. We give you a free SD card with the A30, but most people use a second card. If you have two cards, you can swap them out when you retrieve the pictures.
Verified Customer Reviews
We ensure that every customer review comes from one of our real customers and not someone who works for the competing trail camera manufacturer. These are verified customer trail camera reviews that you can trust.
We would love your feedback if you purchased this trail camera from us. We want your honest feedback, these reviews are a vital part in helping consumers choose the right game camera.
Trailcampro's 2 Year Warranty | 90 day Return Policy
Trailcampro 90 Day Return | 2 Year Exclusive Warranty Details
If you purchased your trail camera from us (Trailcampro.com), here are the following warranty stipulations. If you purchased from another retailer, we recommend contacting that retailer or the manufacturer of that product for their warranty details.
If You Purchase From Trailcampro.com
We attempted to make our return policy and 2-year exclusive warranty as simple as possible. However, there are a few stipulations.
90 Day Returns
You may return or exchange anything purchased from Trailcampro for a full 90 days from the date of purchase. Please use the items as you normally would and much as you like subject to the rules below.
Our return policy lets you field test products, at no risk to you!
- Buyer's remorse? Return the camera to us for a full refund (minus shipping).
- Purchased the wrong camera? We will ship you the right camera.
- Something wrong with the camera you received? We will replace it at no cost to you.
90 Day Return Policy Rules:
- 90 days from date of purchase.
- In order to receive a full refund, items must be returned with their original packaging (including UPC code) and all contents
- Cameras or products must be returned in their original condition. You cannot write on the cameras, paint them or deface them in any way. This completely voids the warranty with both us and the specific manufacturer.
- If you purchased one of our "Package Deals" and only return part of the package, we will refund the items full price minus the package discount.
- Orders with quantities of 5 or more are not eligible for a refund or exchange. They are still eligible for warranty replacement.
- There are no returns on used cameras or cameras that clearly state "No Returns"
- If you are returning for a refund, you are responsible for return shipping. Your refund amount will be minus the cost of the initial shipping to you.
2 Year Warranty
We strive to make our customer experience superior to anything available. Traditional warranties only last a year and must be processed directly through the manufacturer. This process usually involves frustrating minutes on hold with call centers and oftentimes weeks, if not months of down time waiting for your replacement product. We process our warranties in-house and expedite the replacement process. When you call Trailcampro you'll speak directly with an expert who will immediately identify the problem and offer a solution.
2 Year Exclusive Warranty Details:
- Warranty starts from the time of purchase and continues for a full 2 years.
- Replacement cameras receive the remainder of the 2-year warranty leftover from the original purchase.
- Warranty is only valid for full retail priced orders (quantity discounts void our 2-year warranty). Discounted items still receive the manufacturer warranty. Price matches void the 2-year warranty as well.
- If your defective camera has been discontinued, we will exchange it for a similarly priced item to your liking.
- If you have a 3G cellular trail camera, it is not considered manufacturer defect if you lose 3G reception in your area.
- Used cameras do not apply for our 2-year warranty
- Cameras cannot be marked on, damaged, or defaced in any way. Warranty is for manufacturer defect only. Defect does not include damage, whether intentional or not.
If you have any questions that were not answered here please feel free to contact us.
To warranty a camera please use the form below. Upon receipt of an RMA number, you will need to ship the camera back to us. You will be responsible for the shipping charges of the defective camera back to us. We will ship the replacement back to you for free.
Payment & Security
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