Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 Trail Camera Review
We have loved the Recon Force line of camera for years and the 2022 Recon Force Elite HP5 is no exception. Expect the familiar best-in-class video quality, fast detection, and long picture battery life as in years' past. Video battery life is just average, but everything else on this camera will impress you.- TCP Staff
Using 35 pics day + night | Using 15 vids day + night
Trigger Speed & Detection:95/100
Trigger & Recovery: 0.02 s. - 1.2 s. (Pictures) | 0.36 s. - 1.0 s. (Videos) | 100 ft. Range
Quality of Design:90/100
8 AA Batteries | 12-volt External Battery Jack | 2" Internal Viewer
Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 Trail Camera Review
Pros
Great pictures
Best-in-class video quality
Fantastic battery life
Exceptional detection circuit
Cons
Inaccurate temperature readings
Average video battery life
Photo resolution: 24mpxl (interpolated)
Video resolution: 1920 x 1080 (60 fps)
Video coding format: MP4
Flash Type: Red Glow IR
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 Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 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, whichdigitally 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. If you enjoy this camera's quality, check out our Browning DCL camera that provides realistic and consistent pictures.
Battery Life: 85/100
Picture & Video Resting Power (on): 0.39 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 1.2 Ws | 2.3 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 23.1 Ws | 98.5Ws
Picture Mode - If the Recon Force HP5 were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 18.4 months (38,731 photos) in the field - per charge - on a set of AmpTorrent Rechargeable AA Lithium batteries.
Video Mode -If this camera were to take 15 day and 15 night videos every 24 hours, it would last 1.5 months.
There are a number of benefits to these batteries; up to 1,200 recharges, consistent 1.5 volt operation, charges with the included USB cable, eco-friendly (less batteries in a landfill), and the batteries pay for themselves after 2 recharges.
Picture Mode - If the Recon Force HP5 were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last27.7 months (58,156 photos) in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
Video Mode - If this camera were to take 15 day and 15 night videos every 24 hours, it would last 2.3 months in the field on a set of Lithium batteries.
Ultimate Lithium batteries provide the longest-lasting battery choice due to their incredible consistency and capacity. We have loved these batteries for a long time, however, in recent years they have become incredibly expensive and not the most cost-effective option.
The Browning Solar Panel Camera Power Pack is compatible with all of the Browning trail camera models and provides a constant power source for your camera in the field. The Browning Solar Camera Power Pack includes 6 AA NiMH rechargeable batteries that are constantly being recharged by the highly efficient solar cell to keep your cameras running strong in the field. As with all solar panels, the battery life of this camera will be directly related to the amount of sunlight the panels receive.
Video Mode
If this camera were to take 15 day and 15 night videos every 24 hours, it would last 2.3 months in the field on a set of Lithium batteries.
Detection Circuit: 95/100
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.02 s. | 1.2 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed:0.36 s. | 1.0 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 100 ft. @ 47.4° (53.9° field of view)
This is a fantastic detection circuit from top to bottom. It has plenty of speed and can detect out to a max of 100 ft.
Quality of Design: 90/100
Dimensions: 5.5" x 4.25" x 3"
Battery Type: 8 AA (we recommend Lithium, nimh rechargeable will work)
External Battery Jack: 12-volt
SD Card Size: Up to 512GB
Case Design
The case design of the Recon Force Elite HP5 is exceptional and the camera feels sturdy and well-built. The strap and python cable are threaded through a steel bracket affixed to the case. Most manufacturers use plastic. The HP5 has a threaded slot on the bottom for a Slate River Mount and the battery compartment and SD card slot are both easily accessible.
The battery tray is tough to get out initially. However, after removing it several times it loosens up for future operation.
Temperatures recorded on the HP5's data strip are rarely accurate and can deviate by a significant margin. In general, this is an outstanding case design.
Camera Setup
The Recon Force HP5 has a 2" internal viewer for picture playback, live preview, and settings adjustments. The buttons respond quickly and the HP5 is very easy to program.
The Recon Force HP5 has nearly every programming option imaginable and accepts SD cards up to 512 Gigabytes.
Durability
The only criticism we have with the HP5 (and most other Browning trail cameras) is the failure to accurately record the temperature on each photo.
Keep in mind, our2-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!
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.
Battery Life (months): 27.7 Months (pics) | 2.3 Months (videos)
Trigger Speed: 0.02s
Recovery Time: 1.2s
Viewer: 2 inch
Lens Angle: 53.9°
Detection Angle: 47.4°
Card Compatibility: 512 GB
Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 (Non-Cellular)
Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 Trail Camera Review
We have loved the Recon Force line of cameras for years and this year's Recon Force Elite HP5 is no exception. Expect the familiar best-in-class video, fast detection, and long picture battery life. Video battery life is just average, but everything else will impress you.- TCP Staff
Using 35 pics day + night | Using 15 vids day + night
Trigger Speed & Detection:95/100
Trigger & Recovery: 0.02 s. - 1.2 s. (Pictures) | 0.36 s. - 1.0 s. (Videos) | 100 ft. Range
Quality of Design:90/100
8 AA Batteries | 12-volt External Battery Jack | 2" Internal Viewer
Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 Review
Pros
Great pictures
Best-in-class video quality
Fantastic battery life
Exceptional detection circuit
Capture Timer
Cons
Inaccurate temperature readings
Average video battery life
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 unitis just 3 megapixels.
Photo resolution: 24mpxl (interpolated)
Video resolution: 1920 x 1080 (60 fps)
Video coding format: MP4
Flash Type: Red Glow IR
Battery Life: 85/100
Picture & Video Resting Power (on): 0.39 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 1.2 Ws | 2.3 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 23.1 Ws | 98.5Ws
Picture Mode
If this camera were to take 35 day and 35 night pictures every 24 hours, it would last 27.7 months in the field on a set of Lithium batteries.
Video Mode
If this camera were to take 15 day and 15 night videos every 24 hours, it would last 2.3 months in the field on a set of Lithium batteries.
Detection Circuit: 95/100
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.02 s. | 1.2 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed:0.36 s. | 1.0 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 80 ft. @ 47.4° (53.9° field of view)
This is a fantastic detection circuit from top to bottom. It has plenty of speed and can detect out to a max of 100 ft.
Quality of Design: 90/100
Dimensions: 5.5" x 4.25" x 3"
Battery Type: 8 AA (we recommend Lithium, nimh rechargeable will work)
External Battery Jack: 12-volt
SD Card Size: Up to 512GB
Country of Origin: Thailand
Case Design
The case design of the Recon Force Elite HP5 is exceptional and the camera feels sturdy and well-built. The strap and python cable are threaded through a steel bracket affixed to the case. Most manufacturers use plastic. The HP5 has a threaded slot on the bottom for a Slate River Mount and the battery compartment and SD card slot are both easily accessible.
The battery tray is tough to get out initially. However, after removing it several times it loosens up for future operation.
Temperatures recorded on the HP5's data strip are rarely accurate and can deviate by a significant margin. In general, this is an outstanding case design.
Camera Setup
The Recon Force HP5 has a 2" internal viewer for picture playback, live preview, and settings adjustments. The buttons respond quickly and the HP5 is very easy to program.
The Recon Force HP5 has nearly every programming option imaginable and accepts SD cards up to 512 Gigabytes.
Durability
The only criticism we have with the HP5 (and most other Browning trail cameras) is the failure to accurately record the temperature on each photo.
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.
Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 Trail Camera Review
We have loved the Recon Force line of cameras for years and this year's Recon Force Elite HP5 is no exception. Expect the familiar best-in-class video, fast detection, and long picture battery life. Video battery life is just average, but everything else will impress you.- TCP Staff
Using 35 pics day + night | Using 15 vids day + night
Trigger Speed & Detection:95/100
Trigger & Recovery: 0.02 s. - 1.2 s. (Pictures) | 0.36 s. - 1.0 s. (Videos) | 100 ft. Range
Quality of Design:90/100
8 AA Batteries | 12-volt External Battery Jack | 2" Internal Viewer
Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 Review
Pros
Great pictures
Best-in-class video quality
Fantastic battery life
Exceptional detection circuit
Capture Timer
Cons
Inaccurate temperature readings
Average video battery life
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 unitis just 3 megapixels.
Photo resolution: 24mpxl (interpolated)
Video resolution: 1920 x 1080 (60 fps)
Video coding format: MP4
Flash Type: Red Glow IR
Battery Life: 85/100
Picture & Video Resting Power (on): 0.39 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 1.2 Ws | 2.3 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 23.1 Ws | 98.5Ws
Picture Mode
If this camera were to take 35 day and 35 night pictures every 24 hours, it would last 27.7 months in the field on a set of Lithium batteries.
Video Mode
If this camera were to take 15 day and 15 night videos every 24 hours, it would last 2.3 months in the field on a set of Lithium batteries.
Detection Circuit: 95/100
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.02 s. | 1.2 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed:0.36 s. | 1.0 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 80 ft. @ 47.4° (53.9° field of view)
This is a fantastic detection circuit from top to bottom. It has plenty of speed and can detect out to a max of 100 ft.
Quality of Design: 90/100
Dimensions: 5.5" x 4.25" x 3"
Battery Type: 8 AA (we recommend Lithium, nimh rechargeable will work)
External Battery Jack: 12-volt
SD Card Size: Up to 512GB
Country of Origin: Thailand
Case Design
The case design of the Recon Force Elite HP5 is exceptional and the camera feels sturdy and well-built. The strap and python cable are threaded through a steel bracket affixed to the case. Most manufacturers use plastic. The HP5 has a threaded slot on the bottom for a Slate River Mount and the battery compartment and SD card slot are both easily accessible.
The battery tray is tough to get out initially. However, after removing it several times it loosens up for future operation.
Temperatures recorded on the HP5's data strip are rarely accurate and can deviate by a significant margin. In general, this is an outstanding case design.
Camera Setup
The Recon Force HP5 has a 2" internal viewer for picture playback, live preview, and settings adjustments. The buttons respond quickly and the HP5 is very easy to program.
The Recon Force HP5 has nearly every programming option imaginable and accepts SD cards up to 512 Gigabytes.
Durability
The only criticism we have with the HP5 (and most other Browning trail cameras) is the failure to accurately record the temperature on each photo.
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.
The Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 Trail Camera is praised for its exceptional picture quality, best-in-class video quality, and fantastic battery life. While it excels in detection and design, it has average video battery life and inaccurate temperature readings.
"The videos and photos are fantastic." — Russell J.
"sharp videos , excellent sound quality , havent tried it on photo only" — Jamie S.
Reviews
Excellent Service and Support from Trailcampro
"Our experience with TrailCamPro has been very positive. Despite this being an international order, their team was responsive, professional, and helpful throughout the process. Landon was especially patient and supportive in assisting us with quotations, payment arrangements, and shipping coordination. Communication was clear, and they were willing to work with us to resolve payment and logistics challenges. The items were delivered successfully, well packed, and as ordered. We appreciate the transparency and effort provided by TrailCamPro, and we would not hesitate to work with them again for future purchases. Highly recommended for reliable products and good customer service."
— ORMERYLL O. (5/5)
Great camera
"Love these cameras. Great videos. Very good battery life. I love the capture timer on these cameras. Solid construction."
— Allen B. (5/5)
Great videos!
"I recently purchased the Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 (non cellular) because my original Browning Recon Force BTC-7FHD cam was starting to feel it’s age. I have it set for 10 second videos and they are great. My 4 star rating: I thought this was a “Low Glow” infrared but I believe the deer notice this camera at night more than my old one. I didn’t buy the “No Glow” because I was looking for the best possible night pictures."
— Joseph O. (4/5)
Very good Trail cam
"Very good picture quality. Haven’t used the video yet so can’t comment on it. Haven’t had camera long enough to know how well it will hold up. So far it has weathered several sever storms with no ill effects."
— Dale B. (4/5)
Great trail camera with clear photos
"I really like Browning cameras and I run mostly this brand on our property. I splurged this time for the higher end camera and I am satisfied with its pictures. Notice how the greens are really popping in these two photos. I would buy another one. The only thing I do not like is it takes 8 batteries instead of how my other Brownings only take 6. I minor gripe."
— Mark B. (5/5)
Bought two cameras last month.
"Bought two cameras last month. One camera working fine. The other being sent back in to Browning because it stopped turning on."
— Allison B. (3/5)
Unbelievable Clarity!!
"This particular trail camera is absolutely amazing when it comes to pictures and videos! Check out this screenshot of a video that I have attached to this review. And please know that this picture was not edited or color enhanced in any way to make it seem better than what the camera is capable of. And make sure you always go with TRAILCAMPRO! I don't know them personally, but they always put in greater customer service, tech support, and overall wisdom when it comes down to helping someone purchase a trail camera compared to other companies. I have 2 of these particular trail cameras. If you purchase one, you most certainly will not be disappointed!"
— D. D. (5/5)
Best picture I’ve ever had
"Best picture I’ve ever had from a lot of different brand"
— James B. (5/5)
Best trail camera yet
"Great picture quality night and day. Trigger speed and sensitivity excellent."
— John B. (5/5)
Trailcampro. com gets the job done!
"The HP5 is the best camera for videos and trailcampro. com has the best customer service."
— Damien B. (5/5)
Q&A
What is the wavelength of the IR LEDs used for night illumination? It is unclear from the product description whether this is a "low glow" (750nm or 780nm) camera or a "no glow" (830nm or 850nm) camera and this information is not included in the owners manual.
This is a red glow camera. You will be able to see the glow when it takes an image at night.
Does this camera record photo and video simultaneously?
