Reconyx HyperFire 4K Surveillance LPC Cellular Trail Camera Review
The Reconyx HyperFire 4K LPC Surveillance Cellular Camera stands alone as the only trail camera on the market capable of delivering license plate captures directly to your phone. Equipped with a specialized filter, it can clearly capture reflective license plates even at night—making it ideal for security and surveillance applications.
In addition to its advanced license plate recognition mode, the camera can also be set to standard operation, allowing you to customize active hours based on your needs. Built with industry-leading durability, this camera is designed to perform in the toughest conditions and is backed by a manufacturer’s 5-year warranty for long-term reliability. - TCP Staff
Model # HS4KC | Reconyx HS4KC Manual
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
76/100
Review
Pros
- Only Cellular License Plate Capture
- 5 Year Warranty
- Easy Latch
- SD Card Easy to Change
- Battery life in batch mode
- Python Cable can lock the front
- Seal
- If you forget to arm the unit, it will arm itself
- No Glow
- Takes up to 1 TB SD card
- Will work in harsh conditions
- Time Lapse
- Day/Night programming
- Loop Recording
- Transmission Speed
- 4K Videos cost $1.00 each
Cons
- Photos Not 4K Crisp when transmitted
- External Power Cover is Easy to Lose
- Batteries are Hard to Change
- Battery life to receive instant photos
- Dual antennas (More to break & larger)
- Night Illumination
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Photo resolution: 4K
(To learn more about Megapixels and interpolation click HERE)
Video resolution: 4K
Flash Type: No Glow
Photo Format: .JPG
Video Format: .mp4
*Please select photo to see full resolution
*If this camera is run in instant mode, the current is very high. Batch mode will greatly help this camera.
Picture & Video Resting Power (on): 0.55 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 11.7 Ws | 13.4 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 41.5 Ws | 151.6 Ws
Here are your best battery options:
Trailcampro Choice: XTAR Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
If the HS4K were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 2.9 months in the field - per charge - on a set of XTAR Rechargeable Lithium AA batteries in instant mode.
If the HS4K were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 12.2 months in the field - per charge - on a set of XTAR Rechargeable Lithium AA batteries in batch mode.
There are a number of benefits to these batteries:
- Up to 1,000 charges
- Consistent 1.5 volt operation
- Charges with the included USB cable charger
- Eco-friendly (less batteries in a landfill)
- Batteries pay for themselves after 2-3 charges
Longest Lasting Choice: Energizer Ultimate Lithium
If the HS4K were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 3.6 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries in instant mode.
If the HS4K were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 15.3 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries in batch mode.
Video Mode
If this camera were to take 15 day and 15 night videos every 24 hours, it would last 1.5 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.26 s. | 1.3 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.42 s. | 3.7 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 80 ft @ 44.2° detection angle (40.9° f.o.v.)
Transmission Speed (Can Vary): 5.1 s.
Dimensions: 4.5" x 3" x 5.5" w/o antenna
Battery Type: 12 AA
External Battery Jack: 12 V
SD Card Size: 1 TB
Country of Origin: USA
Case Design
The RECONYX HyperFire 4K LPC continues the brand's reputation for building some of the toughest trail and surveillance cameras on the market. Rather than focusing on a sleek appearance, RECONYX prioritizes durability and reliability. The thick, rugged housing feels built to last, while the heavy-duty latch makes the door easy to open and close securely. Excellent weather sealing, combined with RECONYX's industry-leading 5-year warranty, gives confidence that this camera is built for years of dependable use in harsh conditions.
The camera features dual external antennas, a design that has become less common in today's market but can provide excellent connectivity in challenging environments. The SD card slot is conveniently located and easy to access, making card swaps quick and simple. A cable lock can be routed through the front of the camera to secure the door, and integrated tree grips on the back help keep the camera firmly in place once mounted. Standard 1/4"-20 threaded mounts are included on both the back and bottom, offering flexible mounting options.
The only minor drawbacks are the menu system, which uses some confusing terminology, and the small external power port cover, which can pop off easily and may be misplaced if not handled carefully. Overall, the HyperFire 4K LPC features one of the most rugged and thoughtfully designed cases available, making it an outstanding choice for users who value long-term reliability and security.
Camera Setup
Trailcampro Shootout Rankings
Detection: 21th
This camera ranked towards the end of the line. The 4K was detecting to 80 feet.
Flash Range: 37th
The HS4KC did not have a good flash range and had quite a bit of motion blur. This was towards the end of the rankings for flash range.
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Transmission Speed: 1st
The HS4KC performed well in the Transmission Shootout, sending photos to the app in 5.1 seconds.
Go To 2026 Trailcampro Shootout
Durability
Through our 2-year warranty program on the trail cameras we sell, we are able to track warranty rates on all trailcam manufacturers. We do not publish this data but durability on Reconyx trail cameras is unmatched. These cameras are engineered and produced in Holmen, Wisconsin by some of the brightest minds in the business. On top of that, Reconyx has recently started issuing a 5-year warranty on the Hyperfire 4K. This is quite the statement.
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. 2026, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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