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Moultrie A-20i Mini Game Camera Review

When you are in the market for a high end game camera that will not empty your wallet, the Moultrie Mini Game Camera A-20i is one of the best available. This little camera includes all of the necessary features that will help you track the animals that venture near your trail. Let’s take a good look at everything the Moultrie Mini Game Camera has to offer.

Favorite Features

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There were several features that we liked about this little camera. First of, its size caught our attention. It is small enough to fit in your hand, but it contained numerous features that made it seem much bigger than it actual is. The camera only weighs about 14 ounces, so it stays put when you place it along your trail. The waterproof case contains a flash with 32 LED lights that can easily capture nighttime events that take place up to 50 feet away from the camera. It also takes vivid color images during daylight hours. You can choose from 1600x1200px or 4000x3000px settings for photographs or you can use the 4:3 aspect ratio video setting. With the infrared features, you can get great images of the creatures in their natural habitat and with the one-second trigger speed, it is possible to catch them better than you would if you were there.

The camera does require eight AA batteries and the data card will accept up to 32 GB of photos. The camera will only record images; it will not record sound. If you plan on using your camera for several nights in a row, it can be helpful to stock up on batteries. If the trail is busy, your flash will use up the batteries quicker than you might expect. With 12 megapixels, your images will be clear.

Video Quality

With a 4:3 aspect ratio and 480 px, are you going to get high quality video? The short answer is yes. Since you are most likely not using your game cameras to shoot high-end films that will be available at your local megaplex, the 4:3 ratio is perfectly acceptable. The issue with 4:3 involves the fact that most new televisions use a 16:9 ratio, but in the world of game and trail cameras, the ratio isn’t too important. What is useful about the 4:3 ratio is that you actually get to capture more image than the 16:9 ratio. Instead of a skinny and wide shot, you get a full shot full of nature.

The same goes for the 480p. This is not the best resolution on the market, but how much detail do you really need to see when you are simply looking to see if animals are hanging out in your territory? There will be plenty of detail to help you see antlers and other distinguishing marks. There are cameras with better detail, but they also cost significantly more than the Moultrie A-20.

Memory and Power

For an inexpensive trail camera, the memory and power are satisfactory. The battery usage will vary based on how much activity happens and whether it is during the day or the night. Flash use will wear out the 8-AA batteries faster than if the animals are active during the day, but not after the camera has captured over 10000 images. The camera includes a 32 GB card to save all of your photos. This camera takes 12 MP photos, so the 32 GB card can store approximately 7600 photos in compressed JPEG format. That should be plenty of space for your trail photos. If the photos are not compressed into JPEG format, the card will only hold about 800 photos. Either way, the memory and power of the camera gets the job done.

Wireless Capabilities

The Moultrie A-20 does have wireless capabilities. However, to use the wireless features, you do need to get the Moultrie Modem MV1, which is sold separately. If you do use the modem, you can see the images on your home computer, tablet, or mobile device.

Weatherproof Qualities

The Moultrie A-20 has been manufactured to withstand the elements. The little camera is weatherproof as the delicate parts are packed inside of a sturdy exterior case that has been tested in the field. The camera mounts easily on a tripod or it can be strapped to a tree with the backslots. The camera comes with a strong nylon strap and a Python-lock cable. To make the camera even safer in the trees, it does come with a clasp that is compatible with the popular Python locks (the cables can be purchased separately).

Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Affordable
– Weatherproof Case
– Good video quality
– 32 GB SD Card
– Infrared Flash
– One-second trigger

Cons:
– Requires 8-AA batteries
– Only comes with tree strap
– Wireless system is purchased separately
– No audio capability
– 4:3 Aspect Ratio

Tips for Setting Up Your Cameras

Tip #1: Where to Set Up. Once you get your camera, it is helpful to set it up in a useful location. Many hunters will buy three or more cameras so they can truly scout out their favorite spots. The placement of each camera is vital to the success of your future hunt. One important tip is to point the camera away from the sun, so if you can point them all north, you will never have to worry about sun glare. Another tip is to number each camera and the cards. This will help you recognize exactly where the most animals were congregating. Sharpies are the best tools for numbering these items. Be sure to add their numbers to a map as you place the cameras.

Tip #2: How to Set Up. Many hunters will put deer licks near their camera, but not too close. The licks will attract the deer, then the cameras will capture their movement. Be sure that the camera is pointed to maximize the amount of space on the trail. And, as you place the camera, be sure that leaves or branches will not get in the way. If you have been watching your trail for a set amount of time, you might have a specific animal that you want to target. There is nothing wrong with pointing your cameras in a direction that would get the animal you really want.

Tip #3: Protecting Your Investment. Something else to consider is the cost that you have put into your cameras. We understand that they are an investment and leaving them in the woods can be a costly loss if someone decides to take them. There are ways to protect your investment, like placing them in lockboxes – but this can get even more expensive. The best way to avoid having your camera stolen is to effectively place them so they cannot be seen. Hanging them high up in trees is a safe bet. Don’t place your cameras in a spot that makes them easy to find; avoid putting them right by the licks or hanging them in a conspicous spot.

Conclusion

Overall, the Moultrie A-20 Game Camera is a great purchase for anyone who wants to gather intel on the activity on their favorite trails. This camera is priced to sell and it comes with plenty of useful features. Despite the fact that it does not come with a wireless system, it has enough room on the included SD card that hunters can see what they need to see outside of real time. The infrared flash and one-second trigger mean that the camera captures everything that any hunter needs to know while scouting. This camera is an investment that really does pay off.