Browning Defender Pro Scout Max HD (Cellular) Review

Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:

88/100

 

Browning Defender Pro Scout Max HD Cellular Trail Camera Review

 - TCP Staff

Model # BTC-PSMHD | Browning Defender Pro Scout HD Manual

 

Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:

 88/100

Picture Quality:                                                                                                               86/100

 24 Mpxl Photos (interpolated)  |  1080p Video Resolution

Battery Life:                                                         6.5 Months (pics)

 Using 30 pics day + night

Trigger Speed & Detection:                                                                                                                   100/100 

 Trigger: 0.1 s  (Pictures) |100 ft. Range

Quality of Design:                                                                                                          85/100

   8 AA Batteries  |  12-volt External Battery Jack  |   No Internal Viewer


 Browning Defender Pro Scout HD Review

 Pros

  • Great battery life
  • AT&T or Verizon
  • GPS Tagged Images
  • Adjustable IR Flash
  • External Antenna
  • No Glow
  • On Demand Photos

 Cons

  • Antenna on top instead of the side
  • Day photos 

 

 

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.

 

Picture Quality:  86/100

Photo resolution: 24 mpxl (interpolated)

Video resolution: 1080p

Flash Type: No Glow

Country of Origin: Thailand

 

 

 


 

Battery Life:    80/100

Picture & Video Resting Power (on):   0.14 mW

Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption:  31.3 Ws  | 34.5 Ws

Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption:   n/a

Here are your best battery options:

Trailcampro Choice: AmpTORRENT Rechargeable AA Lithium

If the Browning Defender Pro Scout HD were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last about 4.3 months in the field - per charge - on a set of AmpTorrent Rechargeable AA Lithium batteries. 

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 Defender Pro Scout HD were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last  6.5 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate 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. 

 


 

Detection Circuit:     100/100

 

Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed:  0.1 s.  | n/a

Video Trigger & Recovery Speed:   0.11 s.  | n/a 

Detection Range & Angle:  100ft @ 46.7° detection angle (54.1° f.o.v.)

 


 

 

Quality of Design:     85/100

 

Dimensions:  "2.75 x 4" x 5.25 "

Battery Type:   8 AA

External Battery Jack: 12-volt

SD Card Size: Up to 512 GB

 

Case Design

 The Browning Pro Scout Max HD has a very familiar case design to past Browning cell cameras. The unit has an external antenna, which has proven to be better than the internal antenna. The only downfall to the antenna is that it is on the top, instead of the side. Sometimes moisture can get in the camera from the antenna being on the top. The pattern allows this unit to blend in well on a tree and the latch makes the camera easily open and close. This camera being a no glow model is huge for Browning as there is no glow at night. The case in all seems very great and a very well-designed unit.

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

 

Step 1:

Install the Strike Force app on your mobile device. Download and install the Strike Force Wireless app from the App Store or Google Play. Your Strike Force wireless app allows you full control of all camera settings as well as the ability to view pictures and video clips uploaded by your cameras.

Step 2:

Follow the on-screen steps to set up a new user account.

Step 3:

Power on your Pro Scout Max HD camera. Press the Mode "M" button to enter the setup menu. The screen will display the option to select either ATT, Verizon, or Auto as your cellular carrier. Highlight your selection and press the OK button, and then confirm your selection. A QR code will appear on the display screen. With the Strike Force Wireless app open, Select the "Add Camera" option. A QR code viewer will appear onscreen. Hover your mobile device over the QR code. The scanner will read the code, and populate the camera in your Strike Force Wireless account.

Next, select the camera plan for your camera in the app. Select the Review and Pay option to activate your new camera. It usually takes 5 minutes for your camera to be activated on the cellular network.

 

 

 *For the On Demand Feature, you must purchase the Unlimited or Guide Pro subscription

 

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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