Reconyx Hyperfire SC950 Review

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Why Reconyx?

If you appreciate American engineering and manufacturing as much as we do, the SC950 security camera delivers unmatched reliability, exceptional speed, clear pictures, and comprehensive programming. In today's news cycle, everyone is complaining about the lack of American-made products. Well, here is your chance to buy one of the top-rated trail cameras on the market and a product that is proudly made in the U.S.A.

Reconyx SC950 Review

Model # SC950 | Reconyx SC950 Owner's Manual


Pros

  • Customizable on/off settings
  • Extremely fast detection circuit
  • Excellent durability
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No video capabilities

Trailcampro Analysis

The Reconyx SC950 is one of two in the line of security cameras from Reconyx. The first is the Reconyx SM750, which is a license plate camera - which is meant to capture vehicles. The SC950 (this camera) is your more typical human surveillance camera.

The SC950 is covert, which simply means the human eye can't detect the glow from the infrared LEDs. A thief could be walking by your camera, in the middle of the night, and be completely unaware you are taking dozens of pictures of them.

Picture Quality:

Photo resolution: 3.1 mpxl | Video Resolution: None | Flash Type: No Glow Infrared

As you would expect, picture quality for the SC950 is excellent. Day pictures are color, but as most security situations happen at night we will showcase the night photos. We simulated a break-in to a shed. The below pictures are the result. Notice the clarity, flash range and evenness of the no glow infrared flash.

[powr-image-slider label="2906542"]

Battery Life:

Resting Power (on): 1.89mW | Daytime Power Consumption: 2.07 Ws | Nighttime Power Consumption: 4.95 Ws

Battery life is a huge positive for the Reconyx SC950. All the below numbers are incredibly efficient, allowing the camera to last a long time in the field.

The SC950 operates on 12 AA batteries. You will need to use either Lithium or NiMH Rechargeable batteries. Alkaline batteries do not work in this camera, as they do not produce enough consistent power.

Lithium batteries will give you the longest battery life and the best night picture quality. If this camera were to take 35-day pictures and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera could last an unbelievable 13.2 months in the field (with lithiums).

Detection Circuit:

Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.19 s. / 1.0 s. | Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: none | Detection Range: 60 ft.

The SC950 has one of the fastest detection circuits on the market. The 0.19 second trigger time is incredible and the 1 second recovery time is top-notch.

Detection range is 60 ft., which is average by today's standards. Overall, the detection range is the only thing in this category that isn't top-notch.

Quality of Design:

Dimensions: 5.5" x 4.5" x 3" | Battery Type: 12 AA Batteries | External Battery Jack: None

Case design, user setup, and durability couldn't be better. This ranking is higher from the other Hyperfire cameras because the SC950 has a few extra programmable option that the HC500 and HC600 do not have.

First, the SC950 can be programmed (with the software that is included) to be set to come on or shut off at certain times. For instance, if you are setting the camera up watching your business, you may not want it on from 8-5 while you are there. So, in turn, you could set the camera to come on at 5 pm and then shut off at 8 am.

Secondly, The 950 is set to "overwrite" its photos. This simply means if the sd card fills up the camera will keep recording by writing over the very first pictures taken. Please note, a Reconyx will hold roughly 28,000 pictures on an 8 gig card.

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Manufacturer Specifications

  • No glow IR flash
  • 3.1 mpxl pictures
  • No video
  • Time Lapse: 1, 5, 15, 30 or 60 minute settings
  • Photo Stamp: Time, date, temperature, and moon phase
  • Start/ stop time: Yes
  • Password protection: Yes
  • SD card overwrite: Yes
  • PIR settings: Low/Med/High
  • Flash setting: High quality, fast shutter, max range
  • Temperature Range: -20° - 120° F.
  • Field of View: 42°
  • Flash Settings: High Quality, fast shutter, max range
  • Requires 12 AA batteries
  • Accepts up to 32 gig SD card

trail camera warranty

Buy your next trail camera or accessory from us and we will protect your purchase with our 90-day return policy and our exclusive 2-year warranty.

Most manufacturer warranties are only one year. In our opinion, that isn't good enough. Our customers get a two-year warranty, directly from us.

Trailcampro's 2 Year Warranty

If the trail camera you purchase from us goes defective within two years of your purchase, we will quickly replace it.

We strive to make the warranty process as quick and easy as possible. Simply fill out our warranty form.

Trailcampro's 90 Day Return Policy

We believe you have the right to return any game camera that does not meet your expectations within 90 days.

Our return policy lets you field test products, at no risk to you!

  • Buyer's remorse? Return the camera to us for a full refund (minus shipping).
  • Purchased the wrong camera? We will ship you the right camera.
  • Something wrong with the camera you received? We will replace it at no cost to you.

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    Reconyx SC950 Accessories

    Here are a few of the accessories we like to use in the SC950.


    Energizer Ultimate Lithiums | 12 Pack

    $29.95

    - There is no downside to using lithium batteries. Long battery life, extreme durability and better night pictures. You will be happy you did.


    Reconyx Hyperfire Security Case

    $49.95

    - Use this to protect your new camera from bears and thieves. It provides much-needed peace of mind when leaving your camera out in nature.


    6 Foot Python Cable Lock

    $19.95

    - Use this with the security case, or just the camera itself. The SC950 has brackets on the back specifically for this lock.



    Extra SD Cards

    Start at $5.95

    - SD cards store your pictures and videos for easy removal. We give you a free SD card with the SC950, but most people use a second card. If you have two cards, you can swap them out when you retrieve the pictures.

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    We would love your feedback if you purchased this trail camera from us. We want your honest feedback, these reviews are a vital part in helping consumers choose the right game camera.