🔴 Scope Side Cam: Tactacam: Specs, Advice, Current Prices (New, Used)

Hey, I just did an extensive search on the Tactacam Scope Side Cam, and instead of letting all my fresh information rot on my harddrive, here it is.
I hope it will be useful to some.

Matthias




Scope Side Cam: Tactacam

Specs, Advice, Current Prices (New, Used)



Some Specs and Advice
Manufacturer: https://www.tactacam.com

Battery
• No. LBAT4 – for 5.0, 4.0, 3.0, Fish-I, and Solo = 20$
https://www.tactacam.com/shop/rechargeable-battery/
• Battery 2.5h max. | A user: 2.2h, with Wifi non-stop on, many times. Source: < https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/tactacam-fts-5-0-scope-cam-system/#post-563435 >
• Battery spare = 20$ < https://www.tactacam.com/shop/rechargeable-battery/ >
• “Lastly, remove the battery from the camera when not in use. It will drain due to the wakeup feature for use with the remote." | "Battery slow drains because it is always looking for the remote signal even when it is turned off . Sales rep said it should last about 2 weeks before battery goes down."
Source: cmatera (Sep19): https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/tactacam-fts-5-0-scope-cam-system/#post-561983
• Charging the battery in the field – with any portable power pack or the Tactacam dual battery charger



Life Streaming and Remote Control
• Remote life streaming with Tactacam 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 (they generate a Wifi network to connect to a cellphone app)
• Remote recording control of up to 5 cameras (certain models only) (the cameras generate a Wifi network to connect to a cellphone app)
• Remote life streaming with Tactacam 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 generate a Wifi network to connect to a cellphone for life streaming, and for controlling up to 5 Tactacam scopecams remotely.


Zoom
• Zoom: Allows filming without a scope as just a regular camera, with up to 8x magnification (digital zoom).
The 5.0 camera model has 3x optical zoom, and a total of 8x zoom using a digital zoom.


Camera to Scope Adapter = “FTS” = “Film Through the Scope”
• The FTS (Film Through Scope adapter) fits the Tactacam scopecam 4.0, 5.0, and Solo, but not the Wide.
• The FTS can be mounted in any position on the eye piece, so the camera can be on the left, the right, half below, above, or any other angle. Just rotate the scopecam inside the FTS to get the reticle level in the camera image.
• The FTS add c. 1.75"=4.4cm to the scope length
Source: https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/tactacam-fts-anyone-played-with-one.6984171/#post-8874095
• The FTS will fit eye pieces (ocular lenses) with a large variety of outside diameter since it comes with a set of fittings. A few lengths of black electrical tape around the eye piece can make the fit even better.
• The FTS will fit eye pieces with a maximum outside diameter of 48mm
• Connects to the eye piece – therefore so this is not really usable for the very few scopes that use the eye piece to change the magnification (a few of the SWFA models, for example, and the Nightforce ATACR).
Eye relief requirement: 
• Tactacam (2021-01): “3.5 to 4.5 inches of eye relief is required to achieve optimal video with FTS. Shorter eye relief like crossbow scopes may cause the video to look shadowed around the edges.”
Source: https://tactacam.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022587273-FTS-Optimal-use-requirements-
• For scopes with short eye relief the scope image gets cut off, apparently.
“Tried [...] Vortex, Nightforce, Kahles, Trijicon, and Minox. The Tactacam worked best with Vortex optics, although some optics with shorter eye-relief, Kahles in particular, don’t give a full edge-to-edge image. It was still usable, just didn’t give the scope’s full field of view.”
Source: https://spotterup.com/tactacam-long-range-shooter-package-with-film-through-scope-module/
• Note that when zooming in or out many scopes change their eye relief slightly. This than can result in changes in the quality, e.g., shadows around the edges.



MicroSD Card for 5.0 Camera
● Max. size = 128GB
● Min. recommended size = 64GB (but 32GB is possible, it just won’t hold a limited amount of footage)
Source: https://tactacam.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/360004483534-Tactacam-App-Information-
● The card should have a symbol with the number 3 inside the letter U.
Source: https://tactacam.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/360004483534-Tactacam-App-Information-


Slo-Mo
● Don’t select slo-mo in the camera app, but rather film with 120fps or 240fps, and then use any video player and simply play it back slower, or use video editing software.


Installation
● "First, when you mount the camera into the mount, the gun needs to be in a rest. 
You have to slide the camera front to back in the holder to get the best focus, then you have to rotate the camera in the mount so the crosshairs will be level. After those two steps, tighten the camera down. 
Its a good idea to take a small strip of blue painters tape and go across the camera (left to right) and the mount and cut the tape between the camera and mount. It’s almost impossible to unlock the battery compartment and remove the end cap without twisting the camera, but by removing the camera from the mount, you lose your focus and crosshair level. With the tape, just slide it back until the tape lines up, and you’re focused and level again.”
Source: cmatera (Sep19): https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/tactacam-fts-5-0-scope-cam-system/#post-561983


More Advice and Manuals
● <Scope Cams. Tactacam. Instructions. For 4.0. 'Tactacam App - Tactacam Instructional Video.' (2018). VIDEO. 5.5min.mp4>
● Q&A on the Mfctr's site: https://tactacam.zendesk.com/hc/en-us


Operations
• Custom Mode Button: Quickly change between 3 of your favorite custom recording presets.
• Remote Sync: Controls multiple cameras with the push of a button from distances of 100 feet – with an additional accessory, for 50$
https://www.tactacam.com/shop/remote-for-5-0-units/


Setup and Other Tips from Users: Videos
● 2020-11 (Dana / Crosman999 / MountainSport Airguns)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdhevuV00aY

● 2020-11:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odH7wWRh9z8

● 2019-09:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URUDiD5jXt8

● Tactacam Manufacturer: a list of short videos for setup:
• 5.0 Camera:
https://tactacam.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/115000405574-Tactacam-5-0
• FTS:
https://tactacam.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/360004179613-FTS-
• APP:
https://tactacam.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/360004483534-Tactacam-App-Information-


Forum Discussions
● 2019-09–: https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/tactacam-fts-5-0-scope-cam-system/
● 2021-05–: https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/tactacam-fts-problem/
● 2020-01–: https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/tactacam-fts-anyone-played-with-one.6984171/


Reviews and Tips
● 2020: https://spotterup.com/tactacam-long-range-shooter-package-with-film-through-scope-module/
● 2019-10: https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/tactacam-50-long-range-shooter-fts-package-review/368643
● 2020-06: https://www.weapon-blog.com/2020/06/tactacam-fts/?shared=email&msg=fail
● 2019-07: https://life-out-there.com/2019/07/26/game-changing-mount-fts/
● 2020-01: http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2020/01/tactacam-fts-5-0-video-camera-film-through-your-scope/
● 2019-07 (Joe W. Rhea / Cyclops):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KudAOIXKkHY






Prices

Prices Tactacam 5.0 Camera (incl. battery, without microSD card)
300$ Manufacturer
https://www.tactacam.com/shop/tactacam-5/

300$ New from store
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Tactacam-5-0-Action-camera-4K-30-fps-Wi-Fi/693546533

300$ New from store
https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/tactacam-50-hunting-action-camera

235$ + 0 S/H New | Seller: marsat
https://www.ebay.com/itm/164903387469

230$ + 0 S/H New | Seller:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/164903387469

229$ ➔ BUT just went up to 260$ + 0 S/H New | Seller: outdoors2009 (excellent feedback)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/184871369604

200$ + 0 S/H New (has 1x) | Seller: lawjar_57, Ocala, FL (good feedback)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/384249195920

195$ + 0 S/H New Other (has 4x) | Seller: tdpawn4 (excellent feedback)
➔ 185$ is what I offered and the seller accepted (3Jul21)
➔ 204$ (has 4x) = previous price
➔ 220$ (has 6x) = previous price
https://www.ebay.com/itm/334025456844

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Prices: SOLD (just so you can get a feel for current Ebay pricing): Tactacam 5.0 Camera
200$ + 0 S/H new (has 1x) | Seller: uag1mx 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/184888135792
Previously listed as:
210$ + 0 S/H new (has 1x) | Seller: uag1mx 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/184883246411

200 + 0 S/H new (has 1x) | Seller: shlo3033 (No history?!?!)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/384238187002

190$ + 5 S/H Open Box (has 1x) | Seller: rodrcoh
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265202861410

162$ + 11 S/H Used (has 1x)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/TACTACAM-5-0-Ultra-HD-Sporting-Camera-Black/224473281844

170$ + 10 S/H New (has 1x) | Seller: cardiacdonny
https://www.ebay.com/itm/353525045120

230$ + 11 S/H Open Box (has 1x) | Seller: bandbea (excellent feedback)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/203341913343?nma=true&si=wedE0ZKFISuace%252BNEgs8mPSTbPQ%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

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Prices Tactacam FTS Mount (Film Through the Scope)
140$ + 0 S/H New from store
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Tactacam-FTS/614048931

120$ + 5 S/H New (has 1x) | Seller: centralpennbuyandsell, Harrisburg, PA 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/174747137817

109.60$ + 0 S/H New (has 1x) | Seller: timous_78, Chandler, AZ. | Feedback: 1 sale only in 6m! Has more outdoors gear.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/154476689904
----very likely same as the following:---
109.60 $ + 0 S/H New (has 2x, sold 5x) | Seller: jogr_6374, Buffalo, NY. | Feedback: Has c. 30 sales in 6m – with average 78% feedback.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/393235381615

100$ + 0 S/H New (has 3x) | Seller: chgr_952637, Goodrich, MI | Feedback: 2 sales only in 1y! Has more Tactacam and RC gear.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/373618105180

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Prices Long Range Shooter Package (incl. the 5.0 Camera, the FTS Scope Mount, the accessories that come with those (battery and charger), and ADDED a 64GB microSD card)
Individually from the mfctr.: 300$ + 140$ + 40$ [or less for similar card on Amazon] = 480$
The added 64GB microSD card is not really a good deal since better cards can be bought for less money (the prices of microSD cards continue to go down).

520$ Manufacturer
https://www.tactacam.com/shop/long-range-shooter-package/

450$ New from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B088HHJT2L

429$ New from store
https://tritacdefense.com/product/tactacam-shooting-hunting-camera-5-0-packages-12/

430$ New from store
https://www.foxoptic.com/tactacam-cameras/tactacam-fts-long-range-package-film-thru-scope-with-5.0-camera-bonus-kit/

370$ + 0 S/H New (has 4x, sold 36x) | Seller: preprod0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/402088589955

370$ + 11 S/H New (has 3x, sold 1x) | Seller: buckcrusher (good feeback)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/234038864005


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Prices: Additional Battery for the 5.0 Camera
• No. LBAT4 – for 5.0, 4.0, Fish-I, and Solo = 20$
Or LBAT-3-4 (as listed by many sellers)
https://www.tactacam.com/shop/rechargeable-battery/
20$ Manufacturer
https://www.tactacam.com/shop/rechargeable-battery/
19$ = price in cart (regular 20$) https://www.ganderoutdoors.com/tactacam-rechargeable-battery-277241.html
20$ https://www.amazon.com/Tactacam-Replacement-Battery-Solo-Cameras/dp/B01MRSZ7F7
20$ https://www.meltontackle.com/tactacam-rechargeable-battery.html
20$ https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/tactacam-rechargeable-battery
20$ https://www.pyramydair.com/product/tactacam-rechargeable-battery-for-tactacam-5-0-4-0-solo?a=9308
20$ https://doublesteps.com/product/tactacam-rechargeable-battery/
20$ https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018148353
20$ https://www.greentophuntfish.com/tactacam-rechargeable-battery/
20$ https://purewhitetail.com/shop/tactacam-rechargeable-battery/
20$ https://www.foxoptic.com/tactacam-accessories/tactacam-rechargeable-battery-5.0-4.0-solo/
20$ https://paramounttactical.com/product/tactacam-rechargeable-battery/
22$ https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/tactacam-rechargeable-battery-20ta1urchrgblbttrtch/20ta1urchrgblbttrtch
26.44$ https://www.sears.com/tactacam-lbat4-rechargeable-battery-for-tactacam-3.0-4.0/p-A011910127


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Prices: Tactacam Replacement Back Cap
$4.99 Mfctr.
NOTE: 4 slug cap and 6 slug cap. You need to look at your camera to make sure you buy the correct one.
https://www.tactacam.com/shop/replacement-back-cap/?attribute_size=4+slug+cap
https://www.tactacam.com/shop/replacement-back-cap/?attribute_size=6+slug+cap



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Prices: MicroSD Cards
● Manufacturer Tactacam
• SDHC, 30MB/s max. write and max. read = 32GB = 40$
• SDXC , 30MB/s max. write, 90 max. read = 64GB = 60$
https://www.tactacam.com/shop/tactacam-ultra-micro-sd-card/



● On Amazon – I offer no guarantee that these cards work, I just offer the products I found with the characteristics that the mfctr. say they would work:

SDXC-I CARDS:

Samsung EVO Plus [white, red] | 90 write, 100 read | UHS-I | Class 10 | Symbol 3 in the U | 23$ | Amazon Choice https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-128GB-Class-Adapter-MB-MC128GA/dp/B06XFHQGB9

Samsung EVO Select | 60 write, 100 read | UHS-I | Class 10 | Symbol 3 in the U | 19$
https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Select-microSDXC-Adapter-MB-ME128HA/dp/B0887GP791

SanDisk Extreme PRO | 90 write, 170 read | UHS-I | Class 10 | Symbol 3 in the U | 34.50$
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-128GB-Extreme-UHS-I-SDSDXXY-128G-GN4IN/dp/B07H9DVLBB

SanDisk Extreme [NOT black] | 90 write, 160 read | UHS-I | Class 10 | Symbol 3 in the U | 22.50$ | Amazon Choice
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-128GB-Extreme-microSD-Adapter/dp/B07FCMKK5X



SDXC-II CARDS:
Sony | 270 write, 120 read | UHS-II | Class 10 | 3 in the U | 46$

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081B626BK



▲ Checking a card for counterfeiting:
Cf. the following customer comment: https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Select-microSDXC-Adapter-MB-ME128HA/dp/B0887GP791

 
I've had my 4.0 and FTS for about 2 years now. I really like it. Very easy to move from rifle to rifle. The battery lasts at least 2 hours with constant use, and if I turn it on and off while hunting, it lasts the entire season.

Here is what I found. Mount it on a scope with the longest eye relief you can find. Mine is on an Arken and there isn't any "moon shadowing". Use the largest device, such as a tablet, to set it up. This will make leveling and focusing the reticle much easier.
 
Very nice collection of data for anyone looking to dip into a Tactacam setup.

Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed article.

applause.1625568435.gif

 
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Reactions: Nofilters
🔺 People noted how hard it is to unscrew the top of the battery compartment — and when you do the camera might get turned ever so slightly out of its alignment.

My fix: Put some silicon on the parts that slide (cap and casing), and it will be almost as smooth as butter. 😊

Matthias