Trail cameras have become an essential tool for hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and property owners who want to monitor game and other animal activity on their land.
With so many models on the market, it can be tough to decide which trail camera is right for your needs and budget. Two popular options are the Moultrie Edge and Tactacam Reveal X.
But how do these trail cams compare?
In this guide, we’ll break down the key features, image quality, detection circuits, batteries, and more to help you determine if the Moultrie Edge or Tactacam Reveal X is the best trail camera for you.
We’ll compare and contrast these two models across the most important metrics and provide pros and cons for each camera.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Moultrie Edge | Tactacam Reveal X |
| Image Resolution | 16MP | 32MP |
| Trigger Speed | 0.3 seconds | 0.2 seconds |
| Detection Range | 100 feet | 80 feet |
| Battery Type | 12AA | 8AA |
| Battery Life | 4-6 months | 3-4 months |
| Cellular Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Mobile App | Yes | No |
| Price | Around $300 | Around $130 |
Key Differences At A Glance
Before we dive into the details, here’s a high-level overview of how the Moultrie Edge and Tactacam Reveal X stack up against one another:
- Image resolution: The Reveal X offers higher resolution at 32MP, while the Edge maxes out at 16MP
- Trigger speed: The Reveal X triggers faster at 0.2 seconds versus 0.3 seconds for the Edge
- Detection range: The Edge has a longer 100ft detection range compared to 80ft for the Reveal X
- Battery life: The Reveal X runs off 8 AA batteries and will last around 3-4 months per set. The Edge requires 12AAs but has better battery life at 4-6 months.
- Cellular connectivity: The Edge offers cellular connectivity to transmit images to your phone. The Reveal X lacks this capability.
- Price: The Reveal X is more affordable at around $130, while the Edge costs closer to $300.
Now let’s take a more detailed look at each trail camera’s specs and real-world performance.
In-depth Differences Between Moultrie Edge And Tactacam Reveal X Trail Cameras
- Image Quality and Resolution
One of the most important factors for any trail cam is the image quality and resolution it can produce. This determines how clear and detailed your photos will be.
The Tactacam Reveal X offers a 32MP image sensor capable of capturing 32 megapixel still images. This creates ultra high-resolution photos with a ton of fine detail perfect for zooming in and capturing identifying features. You’ll be able to make out individual hairs, antler points, field marks, and other small details.
By comparison, the Moultrie Edge maxes out at 16MP resolution. While still good, the Reveal X has it beat. 16MP will get the job done for most purposes, but 32MP provides noticeably clearer photos and finer detail.
When it comes to image quality, the nod goes to the Reveal X. But keep in mind that high resolution photos also take up more storage space on the SD card.
- Detection Circuits and Trigger Speeds
Detection circuits and trigger speeds determine how fast the camera can sense motion and snap a photo.
Faster is always better so you can capture animals in motion.
The Tactacam Reveal X uses a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor and Swift Trigger technology to achieve a 0.2 second trigger speed.
This lightning fast response time means it can reliably capture moving deer, turkeys, and other fast animals without blur or motion blur.
The PIR sensor on the Moultrie Edge is slightly slower with a 0.3 second trigger speed.
That 0.1 second difference is noticeable and you’re more likely to get blurry photos of animals in motion. Still decent, but the Reveal X has the edge here.
For the fastest photo triggers possible, go with the Reveal X. But 0.3 seconds is still respectable for the Moultrie.
- Detection Range
Detection range determines the maximum distance at which the trail camera can detect motion and activate. The farther the better.
This is an area where the Moultrie Edge shines. It boasts an impressive 100 foot detection range, beating out most competitors. This allows you to mount the camera farther away or get wider coverage of an area.
By comparison, the Reveal X has an 80 foot PIR detection range. While good, it falls short of the Edge’s 100 foot rating.
If you need to maximize detection distance, the Moultrie Edge is the winner here. But 80 feet is sufficient range for most use cases.
- Battery Life
Since most trail cams are placed in remote locations, battery life is crucial. You want a camera that can run for months without needing new batteries.
The Moultrie Edge requires 12 AA batteries, but delivers outstanding battery life. You can expect 4-6 months of runtime before the batteries die. It has excellent power management and low energy consumption.
The Reveal X is powered by just 8AA batteries, yet still manages a runtime of 3-4 months according to Tactacam. Quite impressive given the smaller battery pack.
Overall the Edge gets the nod for longer battery life, but the Reveal X is certainly no slouch given its high resolution images and fast trigger. Both deliver good runtimes.
Also Read: Comparison of Tactacam And SPYPOINT Cellular Trail Cameras.
- Cellular Connectivity
One major differentiator between the Moultrie Edge and most other trail cams is the built-in cellular connectivity and mobile app.
The Edge has a Verizon LTE cellular modem and antenna built right in. This allows you to get wireless transmission of photos directly to your smartphone from anywhere. You don’t need to go back and check the SD card.
By comparison, the Reveal X lacks any kind of cellular capabilities currently. You need to manually retrieve the SD card to access your photos.
The cellular connectivity is a major perk of the Edge. But it does add to the cost, and requires an affordable monthly LTE service plan from Moultrie.
- Cost Comparison
When it comes to price, the Tactacam Reveal X is the more budget-friendly option The Reveal X costs around $130 at full retail currently.
The Moultrie Edge sells for approximately $300 due to the higher resolution, longer battery life, and built-in cellular connectivity. You do pay more for those features.
If cost is your main concern, the Reveal X gives you great performance and image quality at a more affordable price point. But the Edge is worth the investment if cellular connectivity is important.
- Ease of Use
In terms of user-friendliness, both cameras score well but the Reveal X may be a bit simpler for beginners.
It operates with just a few buttons and has straightforward menu navigation. Easy to figure out.
The Edge is also easy to use once you learn the interface, but it has more options and settings that can seem overwhelming. The cellular connectivity requires some setup too.
Overall both are reasonably user-friendly, but the Tactacam may win over hunters who want a more simplistic operation.
- Durability and Ruggedness
Trail cameras take a lot of abuse from weather, animals, and outdoor elements. Tough construction is a must.
The Moultrie Edge is built like a tank with thick plastic polymer housing to withstand rain, snow, cold, heat, and impacts. It’s designed for long term outdoor use.
Likewise, the Reveal X boasts an IP-66 rated weatherproof housing. It can handle rain, snow, shocks, and temperature extremes.
When it comes to ruggedness both cameras are excellent. We give them high marks for durable construction.
Also Read: Comparison of Moultrie Delta Base And Edge Cellular Trail Cameras.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
The Moultrie Edge is comparable to the Delta, but edges it out in a few areas:
1. Longer 100ft detection range vs 70ft on the Delta
2. Cellular connectivity to transmit photos wirelessly
3. Slightly better battery life at 4-6 months over the Delta’s 4 months
However, the Delta does have a faster 0.2 second trigger speed compared to 0.3 seconds on the Edge.
Overall, the Edge beats the Delta thanks to the cellular capabilities, longer detection range, and better battery efficiency. But both are fantastic trail cams.
Based on expert reviews and customer ratings, some of the highest rated game cameras are:
1. Spypoint Link-Micro-S-LTE
2. Tactacam Reveal XD
3. Moultrie Mobile Field Modem MV2
4. Stealth Cam DS4K MAX
5. Browning Recon Force Edge camera
Top marks go to the Spypoint Link-Micro-S-LTE for cellular connectivity combined with excellent image quality and 80ft range. But any of those models are rated highly and unlikely to disappoint.
The best trail camera depends on your specific needs and budget, but some top-rated picks for 2023 include:
1. Spypoint Link-Micro-S-LTE
2. Tactacam Reveal XD
3. Moultrie Mobile Field Modem Gen 2
4. Stealth Cam DS4K MAX
5. Browning Recon Force Edge
Key factors are image quality, trigger speeds, detection range, ruggedness, and cellular capabilities for wireless transmission. These cams check all those boxes. The Spypoint Link-Micro-S-LTE stands out as the leading cellular trail camera currently. But any of those models will perform admirably.
If you’re looking for a cellular trail camera that sends photos directly to your smartphone, some top options are:
1. Spypoint Link-Micro-S-LTE
2. Moultrie Mobile Field Modem Gen 2
3. Tactacam Cellular EVO
4. Spartan GoCam 4G LTE
5. Covert Code Black LTE
The Spypoint Link-Micro-S-LTE is arguably the best overall with excellent image quality, 80ft range, 0.5 sec trigger speed, and hassle-free cellular/Bluetooth setup.
But Moultrie, Tactacam, Spartan, and Covert also make reliable cellular trail cams that wirelessly stream images. Just pair them with an affordable cellular plan.
Final Verdict
So which trail cam reigns supreme in the battle of Moultrie Edge vs. Tactacam Reveal X?
The Reveal X wins on resolution, trigger speed, simplicity, and price. 32MP photos, a crazy fast 0.2 second trigger, straightforward operation, and budget price make it compelling.
But the Edge takes the crown when you factor in the game-changing cellular connectivity, 100 foot detection range, and outstanding 6 month battery life.
Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and priorities. For cellular trail cam capabilities, the Moultrie Edge is a top choice despite the higher cost. It’s the leader in wireless transmission.
However, the Reveal X gives you stellar performance at a more affordable price if cellular isn’t needed. It captures superb 32MP photos for the money.
Either model is a great option that outperforms most trail cams in their respective price ranges. You can’t go wrong with Moultrie or Tactacam.
