In 2022, SpyPoint made a groundbreaking entry into the cellular trail camera market with its first camera in the Flex series. I purchased two of the 33-megapixel cameras, which were capable of sending fifteen-second 1080p video clips and high-definition pictures. These cameras instantly won me over with their impressive resolution and video capabilities. I was so impressed with the SpyPoint Flex series cameras that I have yet to take them out of my woods.
The following year, SpyPoint further impressed with the Flex G-36, a 36-megapixel camera with the same capability to send high-definition pictures and 1080p videos. I added three Flex-G36 cameras to my arsenal. The Flex-G36 was integral in helping me fill my Pennsylvania archery tag. The cameras gathered crucial pieces to the puzzle of how my target buck traveled my twelve acres.
After two successful years of using the SpyPoint Flex series of cameras, I eagerly look forward to 2024, anticipating what SpyPoint could come up with next to raise the bar even higher. To my surprise, SpyPoint came out with the Flex-M, and to this date, is the best budget cellular trail camera I’ve ever used. The SpyPoint Flex-M is loaded with features and has an MSRP of $79.99. Could this be the best cellular camera for under $100? I couldn’t wait to find out. The SpyPoint Flex-M’s affordability and impressive features make it a wise investment for any outdoor enthusiast, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
The Spypoint Flex-M
The words Mighty, Magnificent, Multipurpose, Modest, and Must-Have come to mind after getting my hands on the new SpyPoint Flex-M. I am unsure what the “M” means, but the above words describe the camera perfectly. In the short time I’ve owned the camera, I have found that it is not just a camera but an essential tool for helping me inventory animals on my property, a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast or wildlife photographer. And the best part? It’s not just surprisingly affordable; it’s a steal, making it a wise investment for a wide range of users and an intelligent choice for those who value quality without breaking the bank. The high resolution of the Flex-M’s camera is awe-inspiring, capturing every detail with clarity and leaving me thoroughly impressed.
Mighty
When I say mighty, I mean it. The SpyPoint Flex-M has proven its power, greatness, and accomplishment by winning the trailcampro.com 2024 review for the Flash Range Shootout, a testament to its exceptional flash capabilities, and securing second place in the Detection Shootout, showcasing its impressive detection range. With a 90′ flash and detection range and a lightning-fast 0.4-second trigger speed, this camera is a force to be reckoned with. It’s no wonder I’ve captured a plethora of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and birds.
Magnificent
Magnificent may not be a strong enough word to describe the SpyPoint Flex-M. The picture quality I get from the 28-megapixel camera is not just good, it’s impressive. The videos are clear and detailed, making it easy to see important details. The SpyPoint Flex-M delivers on its promise of high-quality imaging, which impressed me because the cellular camera is less than $100.
One of the craziest pictures I have received showed a snapping turtle laying eggs in my food plot. I never knew that I had snapping turtles on my property! This camera has genuinely opened my eyes to the wonders of wildlife living on my property.
Multipurpose
Options galore make the Flex-M a multipurpose cellular camera. The camera can send photos or fifteen-second 720p videos with sound. Also, in the app’s settings menu, you can set the camera for Time-lapse or Time-lapse+. The Time-lapse feature on the Flex-M takes pictures at the set time. Time-lapse+ will take pictures when animals are detected and when you have them set. These features allow for versatile use, from capturing wildlife behavior to monitoring specific areas over time.
I am impressed with the camera’s 720p video feature. The videos that I have received are great! I already see velvet growth on bucks coming to the food plot to eat. The Flex-M’s features make it a multipurpose camera with many uses.
Modest
SpyPoint announced that the Flex-M would replace the popular LM2 from 2023. The LM2 has a 20-megapixel camera, 0.5 trigger speed, 90′ flash, and 90′ detection range. It retailed for $99.99 in the spring of 2023. I have an LM2, and it is a tremendous cellular camera, but it is limited to sending pictures. On the other hand, the Flex-M offers a larger megapixel camera, faster trigger speed, and the ability to send videos, all at a lower price point, making it a modest yet powerful upgrade from the LM2. Despite its powerful features, the Flex-M remains affordable, making it an excellent value for outdoor enthusiasts.
So why am I saying the Flex-M is a modest camera? Price and features! The entry-level Flex-M is not just cheaper than the LM2, but it also offers more features. The Flex-M has a larger megapixel camera, faster trigger speed, and the ability to send videos. SpyPoint has delivered a high-value, affordable camera that is a steal for under $100, making it a wise investment for any outdoor enthusiast. Comparing the LM2 and the Flex-M side by side makes it clear that the Flex-M is a better choice. If you are in the market for a cellular camera that is easy on the wallet, the Flex-M is your camera!
Must-Have
So why is the Flex-M a must-have for this year? The first reason is the camera was effortless to activate with the SpyPoint app. I was able to add the camera to my app and have it running in under five minutes. The activation steps were straightforward and user-friendly, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. This ease of use is a testament to SpyPoint’s commitment to user satisfaction, making the camera a stress-free and enjoyable addition to your outdoor gear. The Flex-M’s user-friendly design will give you peace of mind, knowing you can set it up quickly and easily and focus on your outdoor adventures.
The second reason the Flex-M is a must-have is the inclusion of dual SIM cards. These two preloaded SIM cards allow the camera to use the best cellular signal in the area, ensuring optimal connectivity and reliable performance. This means that even in areas with weaker cellular signals, the Flex-M will consistently send pictures or videos every two hours, providing you with a continuous stream of wildlife updates. This feature is a game-changer for those who need a reliable cellular camera in remote or less developed areas.
The third reason the SpyPoint Flex-M is a must-have is its real-time weather updates. Once you register the Flex-M on the SpyPoint app, you can access essential weather features.
- Current Temperature (Maximum and Minimum Temperature)
- Precipitation
- Wind Speed and Direction
- Barometric Pressure
- Sunrise and Sunset
- Moon Phase (Overhead and Underfoot)
- 3 Day Forecast
The app’s real-time weather updates are an excellent feature. I am excited about using this feature during the hunting season.
Do you ever worry about having a camera stolen? The fourth reason the Flex-M is a must-have is that it is GPS-enabled. This means that you can see where your camera is on the SpyPoint app’s maps feature. If someone steals your camera and turns it on, you know exactly where the camera is located. SpyPoint will help recover the camera, providing you with peace of mind and ensuring the safety of your investment. See below for an actual real life encounter with trail camera thieves and how SpyPoint helped out!
Reason five might be my favorite! The Flex-M has remote firmware update capability. That means I can update the firmware on the camera without having to pull it out of the woods. The app will notify me if there is a firmware update. All I have to do is accept the update on the app, and it will update automatically. I no longer have to load firmware onto an SD card and take it to the camera. SpyPoint has made it easy to update the firmware automatically through the app.
Number six and the last reason the Flex-M is a must-have is the Test button. The Test button is essential because it lets you see how your camera is set up. It’s a simple yet powerful feature that allows you to ensure the camera is positioned correctly to capture the best shots. I used the Flex-M Test button to ensure the camera got the best view of my food plot. After making a few adjustments, I knew the camera would gather the best pictures. It was incredible having pictures sent to my app immediately so I could make the critical adjustments.
How To Do a SpyPoint Flex Camera Set-Up
I set my SpyPoint Flex-M up in late April, overlooking the edge of my food plot. I live where cellular service is marginal, and the Flex-M works excellently. The camera has yet to skip a beat and has sent thousands of pictures and hundreds of video previews. I decided to run the camera off the SpyPoint Lithium Solar Panel. The panel gathers enough sunlight, so I don’t have to worry about changing batteries. My camera is set up through the app to transfer pictures or videos every two hours. The added Wood Hood protects it from the elements and reduces glare since the camera faces south.
Here is a step-by-step process:
- Create an Account: Download the SPYPOINT APP on your smartphone, available for iOS and Android. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Power Supply: There are options to power the camera
- AA Batteries – traditional alkaline batteries, these will only be used when the other optional power sources listed below are depleted
- Rechargeable battery – (part # KIT-12) Use the 12V charging cable to charge the internal battery until the red status light turns off.
- Solar Panel Lithium Battery – (part # SPLB-22) – combines a solar panel and battery into one unit
- Install Components:
- Remove the antenna temporary cover and screw in the antenna until hand tight.
- Locate the SD card slot on the camera on the bottom of the unit. Insert a micro SD memory card (metal contacts face-up), maximum SD card capacity is 512GB.
- SD card is inserted correctly when it clicks securely into the slot.
- Format the SD card by using the button on the device. Hold the FORMAT button for five seconds. The FORMAT LED will blink green until formatting is complete. The micro SD light will blink green while the card is formatting. When completed, the light will be solid green.
Listed below is the quantity of photos or videos for each size SD card
| SD Card Memory | 4GB | 16GB | 32GB | 128GB | 512GB |
| Photos (36MP) | 1700 | 7000 | 13900 | 55700 | 222900 |
| Photos (28MP) | 2185 | 8740 | 17480 | 69920 | 279680 |
| Video (1080P) | 627 | 2508 | 5016 | 20064 | 80256 |
| Video (720P) | 941 | 3764 | 7528 | 30112 | 120448 |
- Add the Camera to the App:
- Open the app, select the add camera tab, and press the + button to add a new device. Name the camera with a unique device name to display in the dashboard.
- Look for the activation code inside the battery compartment. Follow the instructions to scan the QR code and activate the camera. The Detailed instructions can be found here.
- Select the photo transmission plan for your camera at www.spypoint.com/plans
- Configure the camera with Date/Time/Battery Type
- Power On: Turn on the camera. The first power-on sequence will download the latest firmware, which can take up to 15 minutes.
- The green status light will flash and the battery level is displayed
- Once a cell signal is found, the number of bars will correspond to the signal strength
- Micro SD light will be ON, and the status light will be solid green.
- When these steps are completed, all lights will turn off and the camera is in standby mode ready for a triggering event.
- Test the Camera: Press the TEST button to receive a photo. The camera must be set to a photo transmission plan for this action to succeed. Ensure the camera reports within 30 minutes; if not, follow the support steps provided by Spypoint.
- Finalize Installation: Before going to the field, turn off the camera. Once in the field, turn it on, verify communication and signal, and test by triggering the camera.
Trail Camera Theft – Why I Really Love my SpyPoint Flex Cameras
On one of my Flex-S cameras, the battery was doing great but I knew it would need to be recharged soon. In February, there were some cold, snowy days, and that will suck the life out of a battery. On February 23rd, I received pictures of trespassers on the lease messing with my and my friend Brian’s cameras. I notified Brian, but he didn’t have any pictures because the batteries in his LM2 were dead. I made plans to go to the lease, get my camera, and check on my treestand.
On March 3rd, I received another picture that alarmed me. Someone had their hand near my camera, and I knew it was time to visit. The very next morning, my Flex-S stopped transmitting. I hoped it was a dead battery, but I feared the worst. On Saturday, March 10th, I went to the lease to get my camera and Brian’s LM2, and both cameras were gone!
SpyPoint to the Rescue using my Flex-S Camera GPS Coordinates
Brian and I were mad! Immediately, we both called SpyPoint and reported that our cameras were stolen. SpyPoint emailed us paperwork to fill out so they would have a file if someone tried to activate our cameras. Brian and I hoped someone would be foolish enough to activate the cameras so we could get them back.
April, May, and June passed quickly, and Brian and I lost hope of finding our cameras. In the first week of July, Brian and I both noticed that our stolen cameras disappeared from our SpyPoint app. Brian called me, and we decided to call SpyPoint individually and ask what happened to our cameras.
Brian called me back after his call with SpyPoint. Brian had his activation information for his LM2 and plugged it back into the app. His camera returned to the app, and he patiently waited for pictures. Brian called two days later and said someone had activated his camera, which was taking pictures. He had multiple photos of the men who stole our cameras. The problem was that the LM2 didn’t have a GPS installed. Brian suggested I call SpyPoint and get the information to activate my Flex-S since it has GPS installed.
My call to SpyPoint went well. The service rep found the information I needed to activate my camera and return it to my app. I plugged in all the information, and the camera returned to my app. I thanked the SpyPoint representative for all the help and hoped the thieves would activate my camera.
On the evening of July 11th, I was in Toronto, Canada, with my family, preparing to watch Wicked. My phone vibrated, so I looked to see what notification I was missing. My heart skipped a beat when I saw that my Flex-S had just sent four pictures. Immediately, I opened the app and went to the camera settings. Under that setting, I clicked on the GPS coordinates and copied them. Next, I sent them to Brian and called him.
Brian picked up the phone and asked, ” What are those coordinates?” I excitedly told him they were from my Flex-S camera. Brian was shocked and quiet for a minute. Brian said, “I will drive there and see if the cameras are there!” I told him to call the police immediately and have them meet him there. Brian said, ” I am on it! We are going to get these cameras back!”
I was on the edge of my seat throughout the performance’s first half. I wanted Brian to call me and tell me he had the cameras. As the intermission began, Brian called and said, “I got them! I have both cameras!” I couldn’t believe it. The GPS function in my Flex-S sealed the deal and helped me get the cameras back.
Brian and I called SpyPoint and thanked them for helping us activate our stolen cameras. They were relieved that we were able to get them back. Brian and I are in the process of pressing charges against the trespassers who stole our cameras. SpyPoint is changing the game when it comes to ingenuity and security! Thank you, SpyPoint, for coming to our rescue.
Final Thoughts
I am genuinely impressed after using the SpyPoint Flex-M for a few months. The only feature missing from this camera is Instant Mode, which requests pictures or videos from the camera immediately. Only the SpyPoint Flex-S offers instant mode.
The SpyPoint Flex-M has become one of my favorite cameras. Everything about the Flex-M makes it a fantastic addition to any outdoorsman’s arsenal of cameras. This entry-level camera offers features found in cameras that cost much more, but SpyPoint has figured out a way to keep the price under $100. The Flex-M is the perfect cellular camera for a novice or seasoned trail camera user. I love the Fle
