Tactacam Reveal Ultra Review: Best Tactacam Yet?

Tactacam Reveal Ultra Review

I’ve run primarily Tactacam cameras the last three seasons, with few complaints. So when I heard about the release of the Tactacam Reveal Ultra camera, I stopped in to my local sporting goods store and picked one up. The reveal ultra camera has been in the woods for roughly two months at the writing of this article, and so far, it’s proving to be another great addition to my current arsenal of cell cameras.

The following is our honest review of the Tactacam Reveal Ultra cellular trail camera after 2 months of testing: what we liked, what we disliked, and how it compares to the other Tactacam Reveal models.

How We Tested the TACTACAM Reveal Ultra Cellular Trail Camera

testing the new tactacam reveal ultra trail camera

Like all Tactacam trail cameras I’ve used in the past, setup and activation are extremely simple with the reveal app. Open the reveal app on your phone, select add camera, scan the QR code, and you’re pretty much done.

After activating the camera and adjusting its settings (image size, delay, etc.), I mounted it on a tree along a field edge that deer frequently use on our hunting property. Over the last few months, we tested the photo-only mode, pic + video mode, and live video streaming.

Tactacam Reveal Ultra Specs

  • Cellular Network/Carrier: LTE, automatically chooses the best major cellular networks for your area.
  • Photo Definition: Up to 4K UHD
  • Video Size: Up to FHD-1080P
  • Flash Range: Up to 96′ when set to low glow and up to 80′ when set to no glow
  • Trigger Speed: 0.35 seconds
  • Memory: 16GB Internal Storage with Optional SD Card Slot
  • Power: 12 AA batteries with 12V DC input for external power

Night, Day, and Low Light Image Quality

night photo taken by reveal ultra
Night Photo of Buck with Tactacam Reveal Ultra
Reveal Ultra low light photo
Ultra Photo Taken in Low Light
quality daylight images
Ultra Photo Taken in Daylight

New Features of the Tactacam Reveal Ultra

Live Video Streaming

One feature I use frequently on other Tactacam Reveal models is the on-demand photo feature. The Tactacam Reveal Ultra takes this feature a step further with live video streaming. The live view feature is a great way to see if deer are using a food source, but not inside the camera’s detection range to trigger a photo.

Field Note: While live video streaming is a great feature for this trail camera, it can drain the camera’s battery. If you plan to use this feature often, consider using an external battery or solar panel with your camera as well.

Active GPS Location Tracking

Also new for the Tactacam Reveal Ultra is the active GPS feature. The active GPS tracking is a great addition for hunters using this trail camera on public land or in areas prone to theft. The active GPS lets you see your camera’s location and sends you alerts when it moves outside its set area.

Switchable Low-Glow and No-Glow IR Flash

Personally, I’ve never had a large issue with deer spooking from the low glow of a trail camera taking night pictures, but I do know a few people who swear the red blinking lights spook deer. The Reveal Ultra lets you pick your poison, so to speak, with the ability to switch between a low glow and no glow flash in the settings.

What We Like About the Reveal Ultra

  • Active GPS tracking gives us peace of mind when setting up the reveal ultra on public ground or in areas where the camera could possibly be stolen.
  • Good image quality with both day and night pictures.
  • Extremely easy setup process using the reveal app.
  • Ability to switch between low glow mode and no glow flash in camera settings.
  • The live view feature proves extremely handy when you want to see what’s currently happening in the area.
  • The 2″ LCD screen makes leveling and making sure the camera is pointed in your preferred direction easy.

What We Dislike About the Reveal Ultra

  • The live view feature requires an add-on to the subscription.
  • The live view feature can greatly diminish the trail camera’s battery life; however, this is to be expected for a device streaming a live video.

Tactacam Reveal Ultra vs Reveal Pro 3.0

Feature
Reveal Ultra
Reveal pro 3.0

4K Photos

Yes

Yes

Flash Options

Switchable between no-glow & low-glow

Fixed no-glow

Active GPS w/ Battery Backup

Yes

No

Live View

Yes

No

Auto Carrier Selection

Yes

Yes

Detection Range

96′ in low glow mode

80′

Burst Mode

9 Photos

5 Photos

Final Thoughts

After 2 months of use, we can confidently say the Tactacam Reveal Ultra would make a good addition to any hunters trail camera arsenal if they are wanting the top of the line camera that offers all the features most hunters need. While the Ultra does come in at roughly $50 more than the Tactacam Reveal Pro 3.0, if you want the ability to view live videos or the comfort of active GPS to keep track of your camera, its wore the extra money in our opinion. If these features are not something you need and are looking to save a little money, the Reveal Pro 3.0 is a great option.