This review didn't start off all that great.  After experiencing an issue with dark videos, I had returned the game camera for another one.  I experienced the same issue with the next one, and contacted Wildgame Innovations Support.  I have to say that my call to Wildgame Innovations for help was a pleasant surprise.  I was immediately connected with a support technician, who helped me with my issue.  I can't say that I have ever gotten assistance that quickly when calling other game camera manufacturers.  WGI definitely gets an A+ grade from me when it comes to supporting their products.

The technician gave me a sequence of steps to follow which resolved my issues.  You can read more about those steps here:  X6C Dark Video.

This is an inexpensive game camera, so my expectations were not that high.  I found that the performance to price ratio was very good.  I was pleased with the number of added features that this game camera has.  The battery life could have been a bit better, and I would like to have seen a little faster trigger, but I really can't complain about this much due to the cheap price.  The X6C performs as good or better than comparable game cameras that cost much more.

I am definitely most pleased with the IR image quality.  This 6.0 MP trail cam offers good detail and definition in the images.  You can read more about this small form factor game camera from Wildgame Innovations here:  Wildgame Innovations X6C Review.

** UPDATE 02-17-2011 **:  THESE STEPS WORKED AND RESOLVED MY ISSUES WITH DARK VIDEOS.  IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE, FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW.  PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IF THIS HELPED YOU AS WELL!

I've been trying to test the Wildgame Innovations X6C game camera over the last few weeks, and have struggled to find a camera that is functioning properly.  I may have a solution to the dark video issues.

The first X6C I got had some really grainy video.  Not what I would expect out of a 6.0 MP camera.  I contacted Wildgame Innovations support, and they were very helpful.  After describing the problems, the girl stated that the camera must have a malfunction, and recommended I return it for a new one.  So I took the trip back to Dicks Sporting Goods, and did an even trade out for a new one.

The second X6C that I got had some great daytime images and videos.  I was pretty impressed with the clarity and detail.  I saw an issue when I started reviewing the infrared videos that were taken at night.  They were completely dark, showing no images at all.  So I headed to a different Dicks Sporting Goods store to swap this one out.

I went to a different store to swap this camera out this time, thinking that the original store may have received a bad shipment, and that another store would have a different batch of cameras that hopefully wouldn't have this issue.  I was a little disappointed, when this third scouting camera exhibited the same issues.  Daytime pictures and video were just fine, the night time infrared images were completely dark.  No detail was in the images at all, not even from the numerous trees that are in this area.  So I placed another phone call to Wildgame Innovations this morning.

I explained the issues and the technician was very helpful.  He had me go through the following process to completely reset the X6C's electronics.

1. Remove the memory card.
2. Remove all of the batteries.
3. Press and hold the reset button for at least 7 seconds.
4. Reinstall the batteries.
5. Press and hold the reset button again for at least 7 seconds.

After going through these steps, I did some inside testing in a dark closet, and the infrared videos looked fine.  The camera is back in the woods and set for a night time only operation setting.  I am going to monitor this issue over the next few days and pull the memory card to see if the quality is better.  If not, then this camera is going back.  I've given them enough chances on this; more than I've given some other game camera manufacturers.

I really hope this resolves the issue, because I have heard a lot of good about this game camera.  I've heard the infrared images are excellent and show great detail.  I just haven't seen it yet, because I haven't gotten a model that I feel is working well.

More to come...

Do you have an X6C, and have you experienced similar issues?  Please comment and let me know your experiences with this game camera.

Wildgame Innovations IR4

Looking for a new game camera that comes with a price tag under $100.00? Then check out the new Wildgame Innovations IR4. This 4.0 megapixel game camera shoots still pictures, as well as 30 second video clips. It is another low cost infared digital game camera that has hit the market, and with the number of high priced game cameras on the market today, it is nice to see new low cost offerings.
The trigger speed on this camera was timed at around 2.5 - 2.8 seconds. Not bad for a $100 camera. While it might not be the best camera for a trail with passing deer, it would do just fine on a food plot, feeder, or corn pile. For use on trails, it is recommended that the IR4 be placed facing down the trail, instead of facing across it. This will give the PIR time to acquire the deer and fire the pictures or video.
The battery life is decent from the 4 C-cell batteries. This compact camera has 19 infared emitters that reach out to around 30 feet. The handy mounting eyes make it easy to attach this camera to a tree with the included bungee cords. It also has a lock hole for added security.
It has 16 MB of onboard memory, but will accept standard SDRAM memory cards for expansion. The setup and configuration is pretty easy, using the onboard LCD.
This isn't a top of the line camera when it comes to features and performance, but what do you expect for $100.00. I'd put this camera in the same class as similar low cost offerings from competitors like Wildview. If you are in the market for a cheap game camera, this one is worth a look.