Browning Dark Ops Pro DCL Non-Cellular Trail Camera Review
- TCP Staff
Model # BTC-6DCLN | Manual
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
IN PROGRESS/100
Review
Pros
- Dual Camera Lens
- Multishot up to 8 images
- Timelapse Plus
- 4K Video Resolution
Cons
- Will take photo before the video in video mode (pro/con)
Be Wary Of Megapixel Ratings
Megapixel ratings for trail cameras seem to increase more & more every year. In reality, the native resolution of 99% of all trail cameras is 5 megapixels or less. Manufacturers artificially inflate megapixel ratings for advertising purposes through a process called interpolation. Interpolated photos are enhanced by software to mimic the file size of a higher megapixel photo, but seldom offer additional clarity or resolution. The result is an exponentially larger file size photo which takes longer to load and slows down the speed of your camera. We always program our cameras to capture photos at the image sensor's native resolution. This allows our cameras to operate as efficiently as possible and store more photos to memory. With shorter load times, this also allows us to review photos at a much quicker pace. To put things in perspective, the trail camera widely considered to be the "Gold Standard" and used by more professional researchers than any other unit is just 3 megapixels.
Photo resolution: 26 mpxl (interpolated)
Video resolution: 4K
Flash Type: No Glow
Picture & Video Resting Power (on): 0.56 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 0.7 Ws | 2.1 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 14.5 Ws | 58.4 Ws
Here are your best battery options:
Trailcampro Choice: AmpTORRENT Rechargeable AA Lithium
If the Browning Dark Ops DCL NANO were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last about 14.7 months in the field - per charge - on a set of AmpTorrent Rechargeable AA Lithium batteries.
If this camera were to take 15 day and 15 night videos every 24 hours, it would last 1.8 months in the field on a set of AmpTorrent Rechargeable AA Lithium.
There are a number of benefits to these batteries:
- Up to 1,200 charges
- Consistent 1.5 volt operation
- Charges with the included USB cable
- Eco-friendly (less batteries in a landfill)
- Batteries pay for themselves after 2-3 charges
Longest Lasting Choice: Energizer Ultimate Lithium
If the Browning Dark Ops DCL NANO were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 22.2 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
If this camera were to take 15 day and 15 night videos every 24 hours, it would last 2.8 months in the field on a set of Lithium batteries.
Ultimate Lithium batteries are the longest-lasting battery choice due to their incredible consistency and capacity. We've loved these batteries for a long time. However, in recent years they have become cost-prohibitive and forced us to seek out a more affordable, eco-friendly option.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.24 s. | 0.5 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.24 s. | 1.5 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 100 ft @ 46.9° detection angle (58°(day) 54.3°(night) f.o.v.)
Dimensions: "L x W" x H "
Battery Type: 6 AA
External Battery Jack: -volt
SD Card Size: 512 GB
Case Design
The design of this camera has a really great micro size which makes it awesome to hide with the camo pattern. This is a very solid unit with an easy door latch.
The camera has a built-in python cable lock bracket on the back and a threaded insert on the bottom for a Slate River Mount. The battery tray ejects easily and the SD card is easy to get in and out.
Camera Setup
The Dark Ops Pro DCL NANO has a small internal viewer that makes camera setup and picture/video playback extremely easy. The game trail camera viewer's live-view element eliminates the guesswork of setting up for the perfect trail cam shot.
The internal setup should only take you a minute or two - at the most. Even though the internal viewing screen is small, Browning was nice enough to enlarge the words on the screen for those of us with poor eyesight!
The DCL can accept SD cards up to 512 Gigabytes. This is more than enough storage than you could ever use.
Durability
The vast majority of consumer-grade trail cameras are inexpensive, imported devices exposed to harsh conditions 24/7/365. Most manufacturers only offer a one-year warranty. We stock only the most durable units and provide an additional year of warranty at no extra charge. The Trailcampro exclusive 2-year warranty allows you to deal directly with Trailcampro avoiding long wait times on hold with the manufacturer and prolonged periods without a replacement camera. We turn around most warranties in just one business day!
All test results are achieved through the use of proprietary equipment used exclusively by Trailcampro. Any re-publication of this data without prior written consent is strictly prohibited by law. COPYRIGHT TRAILCAMPRO, L.L.C. 2023, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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