The next set of cameras I am digging into for Wildgame Innovations is the Mirage models. This is the black flash version, noted LIGHTSOUT. This is a medium sized camera, narrow and long-ish, that resembles a piece of wood. It is similar in design to the Cloak series but is a bit wider I believe to accommodate a wider LED flash unit. Access to buttons, sd card and batteries are from a flap on the bottom. The screen is a simple text only and back lit but the buttons are not. This is not for the visually challenged. I am experienced with this tiny Wildgame style screen as it is not a new design. I find I have to remove my glasses and pull the camera closer to my face to see it more clearly. If you are under 40 you shouldn’t have an issue.
The setup is no nonsense and simple. Set date/time, and choose from only seven (7) options, photo or video mode, PIR interval, PIR sensitivity, Resolution, etc. The camera although it has 4 more options than the Cloak is still easy to set up. Very easy provided you can see this tiny blue screen with black writing in a font size only a bird of prey can appreciate. There are more options opened to the owner on the Mirage than on Cloak which makes the unit more configurable for the owners environment. More notably a shorter minimum delay from 15s on Cloak to 5s on Mirage.
The camera is a black flash camera and the flash is not visible. The LED array is fairly small and hidden behind a decal/break up pattern on the black plastic. I like this design and it provides just enough break up without diminishing LED emissions.
The surface of the camera is curved like the limb of a tree and textured like bark. It is a grey-ish color which should hide well. The texture is a more aggressive pattern than I see on the Cloak. Holding this unit in my hand, pleases me. I like its size and its look.
The camera opens from a single flap on the bottom and once opened reveals the SD Card, buttons and a separate door for the battery compartment where 8 AA batteries are slid in. The polarity is clearly indicated twice to help you get the batteries in correctly. The sides/rear of the camera has slots for a strap and two places to pull a python locking cable through. Included is a single strap with plastic buckle.
I am trying to determine if steel lock boxes are available yet for this model.
Manufacturers specifications:
The Mirage™ series is an excellent choice for hunters searching for a premium game camera (like MOULTRIE PANORAMIC 150I ) at an affordable price. The Mirage 16™ offers a sharp 16-megapixel camera paired with superior nighttime image capturing capabilities. Exposure Control also makes it easier to find the right combination of clarity and distance depending on your camera’s location. You’ll get the same quality results with 720p HD videos, too.
Once you’ve found the right spot and the right settings, sit back and let the Mirage 16 do the rest of the work. The camera reacts with a trigger speed less than ½ second, and stays quiet with Silent Shield™ technology. Top it off with TruBark HD™ camouflage, and you’ll understand how this camera got its name.
Game won’t know it’s there, but the Mirage 16 will know their every move.
HD Photos & Videos
16MEGAPIXELS
720p HD VIDEO RESOLUTION
42-Piece Infrared LEDs
75 (FT) ILLUMINATION RANGE
Less Than ½ Second TRIGGER SPEED
The MSRP on this camera is around $119.99.