I'm getting ready to buy, actually probably already would have bought some, just can't decide on the camera. About half will be on mneral sights, the other half on food plots or trails. Any advise.
Hi Swat,
My advice would be to take an incremental approach and start with a four-pack of J model cams (long range red IR) and a couple of G model Dual Flash cams along with both a Red Powerhouse module and a Black Powerhouse module (and maybe a white flash module when available). This will give you everything you need (but nothing you won't use) for evaluating the Cuddelink system itself (reportedly very solid) and both models of cameras. In very short order you should be able to evaluate which models and/or which flash modules gets the varying jobs done, in a manner that pleases you, so that you can flesh out your system. It's pretty safe to say that you will find a good use for
all of the above gear without feeling like you made a bum decision or wasted any money.
IMO the
black flash J model could be the most likely camera to give you a case of buyer's remorse, so I left it off of the short list. You will be able to evaluate by proxy the J model black flash cams by testing the standard black flash module of the G model Dual Flash (28 LED's on the G and 24 LED's on the J... close enough for eval) and you'll also be able to test the black Powerhouse flash module so you can quickly come to a conclusion on what will best fill your black flash needs in terms of performance (motion blur control), IQ and usable flash range. I know that the
black J model isn't for me, but opinions will vary with differing expectations.
The long range red J model looks to me to be the economical and utilitarian workhorse of the system. Although I haven't had my hands on one yet for absolute verification, I'm sure that it is very similar in performance and capabilities to the Cuddeback E2 (the model Haze has). It is similar to the BTC-5HD Elite but not quite as nimble picture to picture (but you wouldn't want to clog up the Cuddelink transmission system with too many back-to-back pics anyway). The image quality of the J model is certainly superior to the Elite and it has better motion blur control due to it's optimized exposure programming, but the Elite has a better overall range with it's 36 LED's vs the 24 LED's on the Cuddeback. Build quality and probable longevity would tilt heavily in favor of the Cudde IMO. So, in situations where you're currently using an Elite, the J model should work as well. In short, the J model seems to be a fine camera and a great choice for the backbone of a system.
The G model with its modular nature of interchangeable link caps and flash modules takes things to a different level of performance and flexibility (and expense). If money was no object I'd have a whole stable of nothing but G's with Powerhouse flashes. Enough said!
So, my advice is the start "safe", evaluate the performance of each combination, and then plan and budget the flesh-out of your system based upon which tool is the right one for each of the varying tasks at hand. I know this incremental approach would be a royal PITA for someone living 400 miles from their property, but it's the only process I can recommend in good faith.
Good luck!
