In mid-July, Tactacam announced a much-anticipated leap from 3.0 to 4.0 versions of their REVEAL trail cameras. Put simply, the 100% battery life improvement, on top of groundbreaking structural changes, could change the way hunters use trail cameras.
The new line is primarily built around longer battery life, a complete reworking of how the cameras are powered, and highly cost-efficient accessories. Models include the REVEAL X 4.0, the REVEAL Pro 4.0, with Pro cameras featuring dual Image sensors for silent photo captures and improved daytime and nighttime images.
Why the REVEAL 4.0 Launch Matters
Tactacam is positioning battery life as the defining improvement in the REVEAL 4.0 line. The company says its cameras doubled the battery life of previous REVEAL models during a year of field testing, although those results have not been independently verified by Hook & Barrel.
In addition to 100% longer battery life, Tactacam structurally redefined the way cameras are built, separating the power source from the camera unit. Whether you’re using AA batteries or one of Tactacam’s new FlexPack lithium battery modules, the power compartment is a separate unit that attaches below the camera. This not only provides flexibility for different size battery packs, it eliminates one of the most common points of entry for dirt and moisture from the main camera unit.
FlexPack interchangeable rechargeable batteries are available in 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh versions, replacing up to 2,000 AA batteries, not only saving you money but also making your cameras significantly more environmentally friendly.
Key Features of the REVEAL 4.0 Line
Double the Battery Life Out of the Box
Before any of the major structural and lens innovations, Tactacam set out to fundamentally improve overall battery life before launching the 4.0 line. The company says it has doubled battery life, regardless of source, right out of the box.
What it means in practice:
Whether you use AA batteries or the new FlexPack rechargeable system, these cameras will last about twice as long as REVEAL 3.0 cameras on an equivalent power source.
Based on normal usage and subject to conditions (i.e. not set up to monitor a feeder), this means hunters could theoretically go an entire season without having to change batteries.
Interchangeable FlexPack Power
The new FlexPack system can be moved between compatible REVEAL 4.0 cameras. It is sold in an R5 version with a 5,000mAh capacity and an R10 version with a 10,000mAh capacity. Tactacam claims that one FlexPack can replace the use of up to 2,000 AA batteries over its working life.
What it means in practice:
Owners can use rechargeable power while retaining the option of running the Pro 4.0 and X 4.0 with AA batteries. The interchangeable format could also allow one power system to be used across multiple compatible cameras.
Dual Image Sensors
The REVEAL Pro 4.0 uses separate image sensors that operate together. According to Tactacam, this removes the need for a moving low-light filter used by previous models, eliminating the audible click produced during nighttime capture.
What it means in practice:
The dual-sensor system means REVEAL 4.0 cameras use the best lens for the given light, with one optimized for nighttime photos and the other for daylight. This results in the best possible picture regardless of whether a trigger occurs in night or day.
Power Separated from the Camera Unit
By separating the power source from the camera, Tactacam not only enabled their FlexPack system, they also eliminated a key point of failure for traditional trail cameras.
What it means in practice:
Fresh batteries or a fresh power pack are attached below the camera as a separate unit (although integrated into a dovetail attachment system). Users can easily swap out fresh batteries or a fresh FlexPack module without ever exposing the camera to the elements. In addition, battery replacement is faster and easier than ever.
REVEAL 4.0 Specifications:
| Specification | REVEAL X 4.0 | REVEAL Pro 4.0 |
| MSRP | $129.99 | $159.99 |
| Availability | Available now | Available now |
| Two-pack price | $239.99 | $299.99 |
| Photo resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Video resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Image sensors | Single, standard | Dual |
| Power system | AA tray; FlexPack sold separately | AA tray; FlexPack sold separately |
| Simultaneous photo and video | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-Carrier Selection | Yes | Yes |
| Live View | Additional subscription required | Additional subscription required |
| IR flash | Low-glow, 96' | Selectable no-glow or low-glow |
| Side-facing LCD | Yes | Yes |
RELATED:Summer Trail Camera Strategies for Better Whitetail Scouting
What Tactacam Says
Gregg Farrell, REVEAL’s vice president of brand marketing, said company surveys identified battery life and image quality as the two leading priorities among customers and staff.
Farrell said the REVEAL 4.0 range was developed to address both areas: “We consistently look to our customers to help guide our path forward. Through extensive surveys of our customer base and staff it became clear that two things were paramount for people: battery life and image quality. 4.0 delivers on both.”
Early Impressions
John Radzwilla: “I got my hands on one of these Tactacams for a hunting trip up in Texas County over the weekend and I’ve got to say I was impressed. I need to spend more time testing the battery life but the early shots we took on the stand are coming out crystal.”
REVEAL 4.0 Price and Availability
The REVEAL Pro 4.0 costs $159.99, with a two-camera package priced at $299.99. The REVEAL X 4.0 costs $129.99, or $239.99 for a two-camera package. Both models are available now through REVEAL’s website and retail partners.
The FlexPack R5 costs $59.99, while the higher-capacity FlexPack R10 costs $99.99. Both are sold separately for the standard Pro 4.0 and X 4.0.
Tactacam also announced the following accessories:
- REVEAL Wind Sensor: $59.99*
- REVEAL Solar Panel R5: $69.99
- REVEAL Lockable Security Box: $29.99
*The Wind Sensor requires an additional subscription and a REVEAL 3.0 or newer camera. Live View also requires an additional subscription.
What Is REVEAL by Tactacam?
REVEAL by Tactacam is a line of cellular trail cameras designed to send images, video and field alerts to users through the REVEAL Mobile App. Its cameras are intended for remote wildlife monitoring and hunting applications, with features including cellular connectivity, GPS and automatic network selection.
What Still Needs Tested
The REVEAL 4.0 line is built around a clear promise: longer battery life, improved nighttime images and fewer maintenance visits to camera sites. The most important test will be whether those improvements remain consistent once the cameras are tested in real hunting conditions.
