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Reconyx Hyperfire HC500 Review
Bottom Line: This is, the absolute best trail camera ever produced. Fast trigger, instant recovery time, clear day and night shots, and the batteries last several months. If you are serious about getting the best of the best, you are looking at the right camera. Read Full Analysis
Pictures in Action
(Click Pictures to Enlarge)
More Reconyx Sample Photos
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Quick Facts
• Price: $449.95
• Trigger Time: 0.197 s
• Recovery Time: Instant
• Detection Range: 80-100 ft.
• Flash Range: 50 ft.
• Battery Life: 3+ months
• Battery Type: 12 AA
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Pro's
• Super fast trigger speed
• Near-instant recovery time
• 20k - 30k pictures per set of batteries
• Small camera in size
• Setup is very user-friendly
• Durability is best in class
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Con's
• None, unless price is an issue
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Trailcampro Analysis
Reconyx has completely outdone themselves with the Hyperfire HC600 and HC500 trail cameras. These are literally the best cameras we have ever used. We can find no faults whatsoever.
Let's start from the beginning. The camera is tiny. Just about the same size as a Bushnell Trophy Cam or Scoutguard. As soon as you start the camera up for the first time, you realize this isn't your same-old game camera. This is the real-deal. Instantly, it asks for the year, date, time, what type of batteries you are using and so on. All this information is then saved. The buttons are crisp and you immediately realize the quality in your hands.
 Of course, none of that matters if the camera doesn't take pictures! With a 0.197 second trigger speed (about the time it takes you to blink), you won't miss a thing. Even better, the recovery time (time between first and second picture) is nearly instant. You get almost 2 pictures per second if there is movement in front of the camera. Think of all the pictures you have been missing!
Reconyx recently switched from C cell batteries to AA's. Improved battery life is the result. Also, Reconyx went from CF cards to SD cards. The pictures are in 1080p. Click the pictures above to judge the picture quality. The night pictures have a range of about 50 ft.
The HC500 uses 12 AA batteries. With an extremely low resting current draw and a low current draw while taking a photo the Reconyx will last several months in the field.
Resting Current Draw
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Day Current Draw
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Night Current Draw
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Duration of Photo
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0.22 ma
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145 ma
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1745 ma
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0.5 s
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The difference from the HC500 to the HC600 is the glow that is produced from the infrared emitters. The HC600 is completely covert, you will not see a red glow. The HC500 produces a faint red-glow that is visible really only when looking directly at the camera or close by.
The only fault you can really find with the camera is it doesn't have the "traditional" video option. What it does have is "near-video." Aka - the camera takes nearly 2 pictures per second... You get the idea!
Want the best trail camera ever made? Look no further. I promise, that you will instantly be hooked. This is a camera trap enthusiasts dream come true.
What Else Do You Need?
On a serious investment, like a Reconyx trail camera, I would heavily consider getting a security case and python lock to ensure the cameras stay yours! The Reconyx HC500 can be locked with just the Python Lock (which will lock it to the tree, but not lock the camera itself shut), or, if you want the ultimate in trail camera security, the Reconyx Hyperfire Security Case. Those two security measures combined will give you the peace of mind that you have done everything in your power to protect your investment.
The Hyperfire Security Case is made out of 16 gauge steel. The Python lock is a 5/16 cable that is 6' long. It will wrap around just about any tree.
 If you live in an area with cold weather, I would strongly recommend the AA NiMh rechargeable batteries and the NiMh charger. NiMh is unaffected by cold weather unlike alkaline batteries. These batteries can also be charged 1000 times.
How Can Tenergy Batteries Save You Big Bucks?
Programming a Reconyx HC500
Reconyx HC500 Setup Guide
Reconyx HC500 Owner's Manual
Prices and Special Promotions
 Reconyx Hyperfire HC500
Price: $449.95
- Free Domestic Shipping (Lower 48)
- Free 2 Gig SD Card
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