Stealth Cam DS4K Ultimate Trail Camera Review
The Stealth Cam DS4K Ultimate really excels with image quality (pictures and videos) and battery life. This isn't the fastest camera, but it does detect 90 ft. and has a nice viewing screen for image playback and camera set up.- TCP Staff
Model #STC-DS4KU
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
89/100
Stealth Cam DS4K Ultimate Trail Camera Review
Pros
- Excellent picture/video quality
- 14 months battery life in picture mode
- Nice internal viewing screen
Cons
- Average detection speeds
- Requires 12 AA batteries
Photo resolution: 32 mpxl (interpolated)
Video resolution: 2560 x 1440 w/ audio
Flash Type: Low: Glow IR 850nm
Daytime picture quality is sharp with outstanding/realistic colors. In bright sunlight, the DS4K stops motion extremely well. Night pictures are top-notch, in fact, this camera scored #1 in our 2022 Flash Range Test. The DS4K has plenty of flash range but can overexpose on close object at night. Overall, picture quality is a big plus.
We are impressed with the video quality of the DS4K. The flash range is superb, but a little overexposed. The daytime video quality is really good, but just a step under the top video cameras on the market. Overall, though, the Stealth DS4K does really well as a video trail camera.
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Night IR Blur Test The equipment for the test consists of a target moving along a track from left to right at a constant speed controlled by a stepper motor and a sensor to trigger the capture of a picture near the center of the field of view of a trail camera. The target is moving at 1.25 feet per second and is 10 feet from the camera at the center of field of view. The test is conducted in a dark room. Two pictures are taken, one with the target not moving and one with the target in motion. A visual comparison can now be made of the two pictures. All settings that affect the quality of night photos will be tested. |
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What if you purchase from us and aren't happy with the image quality?
This is a common question and we have a very simple solution. Call, email, or chat with us and we can take a look at the images and offer suggestions or immediately tell if something is wrong with the Stealth Cam DS4K Ultimate trail camera. If so, we will warranty the camera for you (with the free 2-Year warranty you receive from us) or return the camera for a full refund (within 90 days of purchase). You have control of the process, remember, we work for you.
Megapixel Ratings:
In the past, many people get confused with the megapixel rating trail camera manufacturers advertise. Companies inflate the mpxl rating to attract eyes to their products. They do this through interpolation, which digitally adds megapixels to a photo without actually improving the picture.
The best way to judge picture quality is to look at actual pictures. You will notice this the most when you zoom in on a full-size image that a camera has taken. The details of the photo will appear hazy or even digitized. This is normal, and to be expected.
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 3.3 Ws | 7.8 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 32.0 Ws | 131.8 Ws
Picture Mode
If this camera were to take 35 day and 35 night pictures every 24 hours, it would last 14 months in the field on a set of Lithium batteries.
Video Mode
If this IR video camera were to take 15 day and 15 night, 10-second videos every 24 hours, it would last 2.6 months in the field on a set of Lithium batteries.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.48 s. | 3.1 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.92 s. 4.2 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 70 ft. @ 47.3° detection angle (36.9° field of view)
Overall, the detection circuit is above average with nothing that stands out in a real positive or negative way. This is a solid detection circuit.
Dimensions: 5.75" x 4" x 4"
Battery Type: 12 AA (we recommend Lithium)
External Battery Jack: 12-volt
Case Design
The first thing you will notice when holding the DS4K Ultimate is the thickness. It is a bit thicker than other trail cameras but the face of the camera is a relatively average size. The large oversized latch opens and closes easily, revealing a small LCD setup screen and a battery tray that requires 12 AA batteries (we only recommend lithium).
There is a threaded insert on the bottom of the camera for a Slate River Mount and a bracket on the back to fit a Python Cable lock.
Camera Setup
Getting the camera up and running is extremely easy. You shouldn't have to open a manual to do this. Simply use the small LCD screen to toggle through and change settings to your desired preference. We were able to get the camera programmed in under a minute.
Durability
We currently have no concerns over durability but will update this review if that changes.
Keep in mind, our 2-year warranty program is your free insurance program in case something goes wrong with a camera you purchase from us. This warranty protects you from any manufacturing defect the camera might experience for two years.
Since 2005, our mission has to been to provide consumers with unbeatable value, advice you can trust, and customer service that exceeds expectations. There are plenty of places you can choose to do business with, if we are lucky enough to earn your support, we promise to give you our undivided attention. Trailcampro has grown each year not only by relying on your happiness but on the assumption that if we blow you away with customer service, you will brag about us to your friends (have you seen our referral/reward program?).
As always, if you have additional questions, feel free to call, email or chat with us. We look forward to helping you find your next trail camera!
If you love this camera, check out the Stealth Cam DS4K Max!
Enjoy our reviews? Please consider purchasing your next trail camera from us.
FAQ's: Trail Camera
Q: Will this trail camera trigger on small animals (birds, rodents, etc.)?
A: Trail cameras detect on a combination of heat and movement, so, yes, small mammals will trigger the camera. However, if you are going after smaller warm-blooded mammals, we recommend getting the camera closer to your target. For best performance, place the camera in an area that would enable picture detection from 3 - 20 ft.
Q: Can animals see the infrared flash on this camera?
A: This is somewhat controversial. Humans can't see the flash as the nanometer spectrum is above what the human eye can detect. It's also much harder for an animal to see, but that could depend on the species of animal as different species see in different light spectrums.
Q: Where can I purchase this camera?
A: From us! We hope to woo you with our incredible charm, two-year warranty, 90-day returns, free continental U.S. shipping, and technical expertise.
Seriously, though, we know you have plenty of options of where to spend your hard-earned money. The internet can be the wild, wild, west of too-good-to-be-true deals. If you choose to do business with us, we will go out of our way to make sure you are happy with the camera you select and the service we provide you.
We are passionate about testing and reviewing trail cameras, but most importantly, we are passionate about treating our customers the right way. We do things differently from what you have come to expect from other internet retailers and we hope you give us the opportunity to prove that to you.
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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