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Extending Edge Series Cameras Battery Life

Not sure if this is your device? This article is for all Moultrie Edge Series Cameras.
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Battery life getting low too quickly?  Below is information on our recommended batteries and other helpful hints to help you get the most out of your camera's battery life.

 

Edge Series – How to Get the Longest Battery Life

Battery life depends on four things: your power source, whether On Demand is on, how often your camera uploads, and how often it takes pictures or video. Use the tips below to choose the right mix for your setup.

Quick Answer: Best → Okay → Shortest Life

  • Power: Solar Panel or PowerMag Plus → Lithium AA → 1st-Gen Recharge Pack → 16× Standard AA → Low-Cost PowerMag → Edge Solar included PowerMag
  • On Demand: Off (best) → On (shortest)
  • Upload Frequency: Every 24 hours (best) → 12 hours → 6 hours → 3 hours → Immediate (shortest)
  • Detection Delay: 5+ minutes (best) → 1–5 minutes → 30–60 seconds → 15 seconds → 0 seconds (shortest)
  • Mode: Photo (best) → Video (shortest)

Power Options (What to use and why)

  • PowerMag Plus Recharge Pack – Our longest-lasting rechargeable pack. Great if you want lots of pictures per charge.
  • Lithium AA Batteries – Long-lasting per set; a solid choice if you’re not using a recharge pack; Energizer brand are recommended.
  • 1st-Gen Recharge Pack – Good life for most setups (second only to PowerMag Plus among recharge packs).
  • Standard AA Batteries (16) – Can work well if they’re fresh, matching, and name-brand. Results vary by settings and temperature; Energizer & Moultrie brands are recommended.
  • Low-Cost PowerMag Recharge Pack – Budget-friendly, but won’t last as long as 16 AAs or higher-capacity packs.
  • PowerMag (included with Edge Solar) – The smallest of our recharge packs. Convenient, but shortest life among the rechargeable options.

Power Tip: Rechargeable Battery Compatibility

Not all rechargeable battery packs work the same way in trail cameras. Some third-party or off-brand rechargeable packs may not manage power in the same way as approved battery options. Because of this, they can sometimes:

  • Provide inconsistent power while the camera is operating
  • Report battery status inaccurately
  • Cause unexpected restarts or missed check-ins
  • Lead to upload or connection issues that look like camera problems but are power-related

Settings That Matter (Put the biggest wins first)

1) On Demand

  • Off – Best for battery life. The camera fully rests between activity.
  • On – Shorter battery life. Keeps the camera ready for instant requests and quick setting changes.

2) Upload Frequency (how often your gallery updates)

  • Every 24 hours – Biggest battery saver; updates once a day.
  • Every 12 hours – Two updates per day; still very efficient.
  • Every 6 hours – A few updates daily; balanced.
  • Every 3 hours – More frequent updates; uses more power.
  • Immediate – Sends each photo as it’s taken. Most convenient, shortest battery life.

3) Detection Delay (time between possible triggers)

  • 5+ minutes – Best for feeders or areas where animals linger; prevents dozens of near-identical photos.
  • 1–5 minutes – Still reduces repeats and saves power.
  • 30–60 seconds – Helpful balance at busy spots.
  • 15 seconds – Expect more repeat shots.
  • 0 seconds – Captures everything; shortest battery life.

4) Photo vs. Video

  • Photo – Uses the least power.
  • Video – Uses more power, especially at night.

Scene Tips

  • Feeders/Grazing Areas: Use longer delays (1 minute or more; 5+ minutes is best) to avoid hundreds of similar shots.
  • Trails/Quick Crossings: Short delays (0–15s) catch motion better but use more battery.
  • Video: Use only when needed and pair with longer upload intervals to help offset power use.

Practical Do’s & Don’ts

  • Use fresh, matching batteries. Mixing brands or partly used cells can hurt battery life.
  • If you turn On Demand on, expect noticeably shorter life. Turn it off when you’re done.
  • For a quick boost without moving your camera: turn Off On Demand, increase Upload interval (24-hour), increase Detection Delay, and use Photo mode.
  • Remember: actual life varies with how many photos you take, temperature, signal, and how much night activity you get.

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