ORIGINAL: Mike from Texas
I too have one of the 3MP Cuddebacks and while it's a very nice camera, I'm not sure it's worth the $400 price tag. It has a few quirks that bugs me.
1) It has no on/off switch whatsoever. Every single time I go up to check it, I get popped in the face by the flash. Very disappointing IMO. It should at least have some type of exernalon/off/standby switch.
2) IME the flash is weak. I don't know if they improved that since I bought mine. The flash on my Moultrie 200 is better.
3) I have yet to figure out how to hook my laptop up to it and view/download the pictures.
IMO the new Moultrie 3.1MP is a better buy. For 1/2 the cost of the Cuddeback it wil take pics that are just as good, and has a better flash. The only advantages I have seen that the Cudde has over the Moultrie is the fast trigger time and maybe the security features. Having the temp & moon phase stamped on the pics from the Moultrie is definitely a plus IMO. The weakest points of the Moultrie are the slower trigger time and the mounting system.
You dont really need a power switch, if you think about it you get 1500 pictures on one set of batteries and yes that is very true.
Go from behind the cam if you dont want to get hit by the flash. Do you expect it to only take pictures of game? if you walk in front of it at night time your going to get flash, no programing it to not take pics of people.
Flash has 2 settings standard and High, i have not even used high yet standard has PLENTY of light.
You have to have a Compact flash card reader to download the pictures, here is a link for one, this is a USB port adaptor, so if you laptop has a USB hub you can use it.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=541573&CatId=956 For only $15 you cant beat that.
Never once have i heard anything good about a moultrie! but if you like it use it. I will spend $400 on a Cudde anyday anytime. I have one already and will probably have about 2 or 3 more by next season. IMHO best trail cam on the market.