fasterem: I did a search for the manual for your camera. Reading it over, I could not find where one could make a mistake on the settings. There is also a mention of software upgrades as follows: Update level 1SW No L1_xxxxxx and also Update level 2SW No L2_xxxxx. I brought up the website: www.moultriefeeders.com which they refer to for this software update. I was not able to locate these updates. I don't know what you paid for the camera, but one place lists it for over $200.00 not counting tax, so it definitely is not a cheap camera.
If you did plan on returning it, you would have to contact Moultrie to obtain a "Return Authorization Number." There is still a couple months before hunting season, but one wants to have a working camera before then. The checking and testing you have been doing and with the communication between us, I am at a loss as to what else we could try. If the camera was mine, I would be inclined to send it back for them to check it out. In my opinion, the camera definitely has something wrong with it. You would have to pay shipping to them, plus any insurance you put on it. If they were to find it faulty, they would 1) repair it or 2) replace it. I would think they would pay the return shipping, unless they cannot find anything wrong with it, then I would think you would have to pay for return shipping back to you. You may also have to send in a copy of your purchase receipt. If there is a serial number on the camera, record it, then you will have proof of a repaired or replaced camera. Good luck.