SpyPoint Link Micro S (4G)

Our
rating
8.2/10

Overview

The SpyPoint Link Micro S wireless camera trap adds a really exciting and innovative feature to wireless camera traps at a lower price than ever before.

This version is the updated model from the previous Link Micro. It offers faster, more reliable transmission through an LTE modem – essentially, a next step up from standard 4G connectivity.

It differs from the new Link-Micro LTE in a couple of key ways – firstly, and most obviously – the solar panel at the top of the camera. It also comes with an internal Lithium power pack which is recharged by the solar panel. Essentially this means you basically won’t need to worry about battery life at all, and it has everything it needs to keep on going.

It also has a marginally faster trigger speed of 0.4s and the a more advanced detection zone – covering 5 zones, rather than the 3 zones on the standard LTE version.

The SpyPoint Link Micro S also has a powerful, small low-glow LED – so it can be used for wildlife and also security applications.

As the name suggests it is a small camera and with innovative features. The Link Micro S is entirely app controlled using the SpyPoint Link app so you can check images on-the-go, receive alerts photos within 10-60 seconds after a trigger (depending on signal strength) and change images wherever you are in the world providing you have an internet connection.

SpyPoint camera traps have a strong history of innovation, and the Link Micro S comes with a pre-activated ready-to-go SIM card on the o2 (Telefonica) network – this is also the network used by GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile. This sim card cannot be changed, therefore it is important to ensure you have o2 signal where you plan on using the camera (check o2 coverage here).

The main advantages of this camera are the low cost compared to other wireless cameras, the built-in self-charging battery and it’s small size and versatility.

Photo Quality:

Max res: 10MP    Max photos per trigger: 2 photos
Trigger speed: about 0.4 seconds    Recovery time: Approx. 60 seconds on instant transmission mode

The Link-Micro-S transmits photos only - it does not take or send videos. 

The camera is designed to get you photos as fast as possible - so the transmitted images are compressed and smaller, and the larger images are saved on to the SD card.

That said, you can still always tell whats triggered the camera trap easily - whether it be a human intruder or fox trotting past.

Speed and detection

Trigger speed: approx. 0.4s (photos)    Recovery speed: Approx. 60 seconds on instant transmission mode
Detection range: approx. 110ft    LED type: Low-Glow LEDs

The SpyPoint Link Micro S has a good trigger speed of approx 0.4 seconds for photos. 4G network speeds mean very fast transmission to the mySpyPoint cloud. With good signal, photos are transmitted within 10-20 seconds of them being taken.

Recovery speeds will depend on the transmission mode you select. If you tell the Link Micro S to transmit as soon as an image is taken, that transmission takes 10-60 seconds. The camera will then be ready to take a photo again once the transmission completes. 

You can alternatively tell the Link Micro S to transmit all images its taken at set intervals - i.e. once every 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours etc. If you select this option, recovery speeds are near instant. 

Detection range is very good - its a very sensitive trail camera indeed. There are sensitivity options in the app that can be changed remotely too.

Build quality & batteries

Warranty: 2 years (through NatureSpy)
Batteries: Built in solar and rechargeable battery pack

Battery life on this camera is hard to estimate as the battery will be constantly recharging in daylight. It doesn’t need strong, direct sunlight to charge either – perfect for UK weather. If you’re taking and transmitting about 20-30 photos a day, you basically don’t ever need to worry about battery life. Pretty cool.

Ease of use

Please note that it can take between 30 minutes and 48 hours for the Link-Micro wireless cameras to fully activate.

Photos taken by the camera are automatically uploaded to the cloud, and accessible via the SpyPoint Link app (iOS and Android), or myspypoint.com. You can also set the app to ping your phone when a new photo is uploaded – so you get real time updates. Note that the camera only transmits photos, and does not take or send videos. It transmits thumbnail-size images and saves hi-res images on to a microSD card (required – we supply a 16GB microSD with this camera, unless you chose the 32GB upgrade).

There is a free monthly option that allows you to view 100 pictures every month. If you require more than 100 photos per month you’ll need to to choose a paid plan – which are very affordable – especially bearing in mind that there is nothing to pay to any network provider like there is with other wireless cameras. So essentially if you only need 100 pictures per month, there is no ongoing cost with this wireless camera.

Plan options are (prices are in US Dollars );

• Free plan = 100 photos/month
• $5 per month (or $4/month if paid annually) = 250 photos/month
• $10 per month (or $7/month if paid annually) = 1000 photos/month
• $15 per month (or $10/month if paid annually) = unlimited photos/month

For more about available plans, see the SpyPoint website .