Description
Browning Spec Ops Elite HP4 Review
What is not to love about the Browning Spec Ops HP4? This is a no glow IR trailcam with unsurpassed video quality and takes excellent photos. The Spec Ops HP4 is extremely fast and lasts up to 3 years on 8 AA batteries. That speaks for itself. - TCP Staff
Model #BTC-8E-4HP | Browning Spec Ops Elite HP4 Owners Manual
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
93/100
Browning Spec Ops Elite HP4 Trail Camera Review
Pros
- Incredible video quality
- Excellent picture quality
- 36 months of battery life
- Insanely fast detection speeds
- Easy to use and set up
Cons
- Detection zone is wider than the field of view by 13°
- Does not work well with NiMH batteries
Photo resolution: 22 mpxl (interpolated)
Video Resolution: 1920x1080 @ 60 fps w/ audio
Flash Type: No Glow IR
It is really hard to criticize the picture quality of the HP4 cameras. Daytime pictures are colorful, clear, and realistic. Night pictures have great contrast, improved flash range, and stop motion really well - especially for a no glow IR trail camera.
If pictures are hard to find fault with, video is even harder! The Spec Ops HP4 shoots at 1920 x 1080 at 60 frames per second. The result is a video that is smooth, clear, and incredibly realistic. Videos are outstanding all-around.
Browning has released a firmware update to correct over-exposure in the first few frames of videos. This firmware is for the Browning Spec Ops Elite HP4 only. Installing it on any other camera will cause the camera to not function any longer.
Browning Spec Ops Elite HP4 Software Upgrade Instructions
Browning Spec Ops Elite HP4 Firmware update file
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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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Blur Reduction No Motion |
Blur Reduction W/ Motion |
Economy No Motion |
Economy W/ Motion |
Long Range No Motion |
Long Range W/ Motion |
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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 camera. If so, we will warranty the Spec Ops Elite 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 & Video Resting Power (on): 0.45 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 1.1 Ws | 1.2 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 22.4 Ws | 37.9 Ws
Picture Mode
If this camera were to take 35 day and 35 night pictures every 24 hours, it would last 36.3 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 3.8 months in the field on a set of Lithium batteries.
*Does not work well with rechargeable batteries.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.01 s. | 0.6 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.4 s. | 0.6 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 90 ft. @ 53.1° detection angle (40.3° field of view)
The HP4 is notably fast in every category of detection speed. The trigger speed is insane and the recovery times aren't far behind. There is no question the HP4 is the fastest trail camera we have ever tested to date.
The detection range is very solid but the detection angle is 13° wider than the field of view. We would expect false triggers based on the discrepancy between the detection angle and the lens field of view.
Dimensions: 5.5" x 4.25" x 3"
Battery Type: 8 AA (we recommend lithium)
External Battery Jack: 12-volt external battery jack
Case Design
The case design of the Spec Ops HP4 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 HP4 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 HP4's data strip are rarely accurate and can deviate by a significant margin.
In general, this is an outstanding case design.
Camera Setup
The Spec Ops HP4 has a 2" internal viewer for picture playback, live preview, and settings adjustments. The buttons respond quickly and the HP4 is very easy to program.
The Spec Ops HP4 has nearly every programming option imaginable and accepts SD cards up to 512 Gigabytes.
Durability
The only criticism we have with the HP4 (and most other Browning trail cameras) is the failure to accurately record the temperature on each photo.
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!
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.
Read Reviews From All the Game and Trail Cameras
Trailcampro's 2 Year Warranty | 90 day Return Policy
Trailcampro 90 Day Return | 2 Year Exclusive Warranty Details
If you purchased your trail camera from us (Trailcampro.com), here are the following warranty stipulations. If you purchased from another retailer, we recommend contacting that retailer or the manufacturer of that product for their warranty details.
If You Purchase From Trailcampro.com
We attempted to make our return policy and 2-year exclusive warranty as simple as possible. However, there are a few stipulations.
90 Day Returns
You may return or exchange anything purchased from Trailcampro for a full 90 days from the date of purchase. Please use the items as you normally would and much as you like subject to the rules below.
Our return policy lets you field test products, at no risk to you!
- Buyer's remorse? Return the camera to us for a full refund (minus shipping).
- Purchased the wrong camera? We will ship you the right camera.
- Something wrong with the camera you received? We will replace it at no cost to you.
90 Day Return Policy Rules:
- 90 days from date of purchase.
- In order to receive a full refund, items must be returned with their original packaging (including UPC code) and all contents
- Cameras or products must be returned in their original condition. You cannot write on the cameras, paint them or deface them in any way. This completely voids the warranty with both us and the specific manufacturer.
- If you purchased one of our "Package Deals" and only return part of the package, we will refund the items full price minus the package discount.
- Orders with quantities of 5 or more are not eligible for a refund or exchange. They are still eligible for warranty replacement.
- There are no returns on used cameras or cameras that clearly state "No Returns"
- If you are returning for a refund, you are responsible for return shipping. Your refund amount will be minus the cost of the initial shipping to you.
2 Year Warranty
We strive to make our customer experience superior to anything available. Traditional warranties only last a year and must be processed directly through the manufacturer. This process usually involves frustrating minutes on hold with call centers and oftentimes weeks, if not months of down time waiting for your replacement product. We process our warranties in-house and expedite the replacement process. When you call Trailcampro you'll speak directly with an expert who will immediately identify the problem and offer a solution.
2 Year Exclusive Warranty Details:
- Warranty starts from the time of purchase and continues for a full 2 years.
- Replacement cameras receive the remainder of the 2-year warranty leftover from the original purchase.
- Warranty is only valid for full retail priced orders (quantity discounts void our 2-year warranty). Discounted items still receive the manufacturer warranty. Price matches void the 2-year warranty as well.
- If your defective camera has been discontinued, we will exchange it for a similarly priced item to your liking.
- If you have a 3G cellular trail camera, it is not considered manufacturer defect if you lose 3G reception in your area.
- Used cameras do not apply for our 2-year warranty
- Cameras cannot be marked on, damaged, or defaced in any way. Warranty is for manufacturer defect only. Defect does not include damage, whether intentional or not.
If you have any questions that were not answered here please feel free to contact us.
To warranty a camera please use the form below. Upon receipt of an RMA number, you will need to ship the camera back to us. You will be responsible for the shipping charges of the defective camera back to us. We will ship the replacement back to you for free.
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