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20170913_Covert_feature

2017 Covert Code Black 12.1 and App Review

If you have read my previous article on wireless trail cameras (Link Here), you’ll know I’m a huge advocate for them.  This year I got my hands on the 2017 version of Covert’s most popular wireless camera model, the Code Black 12.1.

From the outside, this camera looks almost exactly identical to the 2016 Code Black 12.0.  There is a slight change in the design of the anti-reflective device covering the LED panel, an increase in the number of LEDs, and the LED layout is slightly different.  Covert claims much better night-time pictures, and from my extensive field testing, the increase in the number of LEDs and the change in LED layout does help significantly in that regard.  I get much better night-time pictures at much further distance with the newer 2017 version which is very helpful for cameras setup on edges of food plots.  However, the camera does have a tendency to “blow out” or overexpose the image when an animal is too close.  This seems to be a problem with most of the other cameras on the market as well. For 2018, I’d really like to see camera manufacturers improve on this issue.

On the inside of the camera, physically nothing has changed from 2016.  The menu buttons, LCD display, battery holders all remain unchanged.  While the menu system remains the same as 2016, the Code Black 12.1 features a newer firmware/software than it’s predecessor.   I have noticed that the newer firmware in the camera, the camera is much more responsive and locks on to the AT&T network much quicker than the 2016 version.

Along with the firmware change, the camera now has the ability to download hi-res images remotely using the Covert Wireless Mobile App or the online web portal.  This is particularly helpful when you want to “blow up” an image to see exactly what kind of headgear that buck is sporting.  This feature is not (yet) available on any of the older Covert wireless camera models.

In addition to the hi-res image download capability, other improvements have been made to the Covert Wireless Mobile App including the ability to grant guest access to your account to view trail camera pictures.  If you are hunting family property, part of a hunt club, or sharing a lease, you can now share access with your fellow family and friends.  Improvements to the Mobile App and online web portal are constantly rolling out, and I’d expect to continue to see improvements in functionality and user convenience in the future.

Finally, Covert has introduced new rate plans for both their AT&T and Verizon wireless cameras.  Before now, if you had 3 wireless cameras, you had to purchase 3 different wireless plans for them.  Depending on the plan you chose, this could get expensive very quickly.  Now you can purchase a single monthly, quarterly or yearly plan (ranging from $4.99 a month to $199 a year for AT&T) and pay a minimal additional fee to add a line to the plan ($5 a month for AT&T).

The 2017 Covert Code Black 12.1 retails for $409.99 directly from Covert.  For more information on the Covert trail camera lineup, including their traditional/non-wireless models, visit them at www.covertscoutingcameras.com.

2017 Code Black 12.1 Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 5.875in x 4.5in x 2.855in
  • 52° field of view
  • .65 second trigger speed
  • 100 foot flash range
  • 12 AA batteries
  • Invisible flash technology
  • 1-10 turbo shot burst
  • Maximum silence image capture
  • Time/date/temp/moon phase stamp
  • 2” color viewer
  • Pipe through security
  • Up to 32GB SD card
  • Reinforced tripod mount

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