Just about everything today is more expensive than it was a few years ago. But that’s not true for most cellular trail cameras—and especially not when it comes to Spypoint’s new Flex-M. This new-for-2024 camera gets you into the cell-cam game for just $80. Best of all, it’s a quality camera with a number of great extra features.
I tested the Flex-M over the course of a couple of months, comparing it to cameras that cost nearly twice as much. Not only did the Flex-M keep up with those cameras, but it was better than some. Here is my full review of the new Flex-M, and why it's my pick for the best value in cell cams today.
The Spypoint Flex-M Specifications
Photo, Video: 28 Megapixel, 720p video with sound
Flash Range: 90 feet
Detection Range: 90 feet
Cellular Network and Carrier: LTE, any available network
Power: 8 AA batteries, Spypoint battery pack, or external 12V DC
Memory: 2 to 512 GB micro SD card (not included)
Price: $80
The Flex-M is a pretty compact camera when compared to other cell cams. It runs on just 8 AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack. Even with batteries installed, it’s pretty lightweight. There aren’t really any extras that come in the box, but at only $80, you can't really expect that. The body design differs from many other cameras on the market, but is similar to other Spypoints, like the Flex-Plus. The access cover is located on the bottom instead of the front of the camera. Underneath, you’ll find a pretty simple setup, with an on/off switch and indicator that you've got a strong signal.
As far as settings and features, the Flex-M has photo, video with sound, time-lapse, and time-lapse+, which will capture both time-lapse images and trigger the camera when it detects motion. The Flex-M has a respectable .4-second trigger speed for photos and a very good detection range of 90 feet at both day and night. With dual SIM cards, it will find the best signal in a given area. For storage, you’ll need to pick up a micro SD card, which lets the camera keep taking photos while transmitting to your phone. You can pin the Flex-M on a mapping app using its onboard GPS, and Spypoint will automatically send firmware updates to the camera while it's turned on and in the field.
Related: Best Conventional Trail Cameras of 2024
How I Tested the Spypoint Flex-M
I first evaluated how easy the Flex-M is to set up and get paired with a phone. Then, I put it out at a few locations where I felt it would get good images of deer. I also performed a walk-by test under a controlled setting in my backyard.
After putting stakes out at set distances in front of the camera, out to 100 feet, I then walked, jogged, and ran by the camera over the course of several days and nights to capture images under different lighting conditions. I noted any problems I had with the camera, took notes on what I liked throughout the process, and, of course, evaluated the images I got from the camera out to various distances to gauge actual trigger speed, detection zone, and picture quality.
SpyPoint Flex-M Test Results
The Flex-M punched way above its price point during my test. Setup was easy once I picked up a micro SD card (which is slightly annoying compared to using the more standard size card). The Spypoint app is simple to use, and the camera paired up with my phone without any issues.
Right away, I noticed how the Flex-M can make the most out of bad cell service. I put the camera in an area where I only have one bar of LTE, and it was still able to send me photos of deer. At times, there was a slight delay—which I noticed during the walk-by test—but it wasn't a major problem. I should note that I tested the Flex-M alongside a bunch of other new cell cams, and several more-expensive models didn't work as well with spotty service.
I appreciated how light and compact this camera is. As someone who hunts public land, it’s nice to have a camera this size, weight, and price. It makes it easier to throw multiple cameras in a backpack, and it’s not a complete heartbreaker if one gets stolen or damaged. One issue I have with Spypoint cell cams is their antenna design.
The antenna easy to assemble and works well, but I feel like it could break, especially during transport. If I carried this camera in a backpack, I might take the antenna off. That said, I imagine this is a replaceable part, which can’t be said for some other designs.
On the walk-by test, the Flex-M captured high-quality images of me out to its promised range and 10 feet beyond during the day. The nighttime images were bright, and the daytime images were some of my favorite out of all the cameras I tested this year. In terms of image quality, I didn’t notice any crazy difference between the Flex-M and more expensive cameras. At this price, that's a huge plus.
Related: The New Reveal Pro 3.0 Cellular Trail Cam, Tested and Reviewed
Final Thoughts on the Spypoint Flex-M
The micro SD card (not included) and antenna design are the only sticking points I have with this camera—and those are fairly minor. At this price, the Flex-M not only a standout value in the cell-cam world, but it gives a number conventional cameras a run for their money, too. A quick browse on Google Shopping, and I even found two-packs of the Flex-M for just $110. That’s less than $60 per camera.
I’d say the Flex-M is a perfect camera for a public-land or out-of-state hunter. It’s easy to carry and easy to leave in the woods without worrying about someone nabbing a more expensive unit. It's also great for the private land hunter who just appreciates a bargain, especially if you’ve always wanted to run cell cams but couldn't otherwise afford it. It would be easy to replace a good number of conventional cameras with Flex-Ms in one season. With good-quality images, video with sound, and Time Lapse+, this camera really is hard to beat for the price.
Read Next: Best Cellular Trail Cameras of 2024
