The Browning Spec Ops HP5 is an outstanding no-glow trail camera. Loved by consumers and used extensively by research professionals, it's easy to see why this is our #1 ranked camera of the year. - TCP Staff

Model # BTC-8E-HP5 | Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5 Owner's Manual

FAQ's

Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:

93/100

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 Browning Spec Ops HP5 Trail Camera Review

 Pros

• Solid pictures and great video quality
• Incredible battery life
  
• Exceptional detection circuit

 Cons

• Inaccurate temperature readings
  

 

Picture Quality:  93/100

Photo resolution:   24mpxl (interpolated)

Video resolution:   1920 x 1080 (60 fps)

Video coding format: MP4

Flash Type:  No Glow Infrared

Once again, the Spec Ops delivers really solid picture quality. Daytime images are almost identical to previous Spec Ops models, displaying good color, solid clarity, and they stop motion fairly well. Night pictures have outstanding contrast and flash range, these are high-end night photos for a no glow camera trap.

 

Day videos are outstanding, once again, and the night videos provide unmatched clarity and contrast for a no glow camera. There is a lot to like here.

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.

Blur Reduction No Motion	Blur Reduction With Motion	Economy No Motion	Economy With Motion	Long Range No Motion	Long Range With Motion

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 Spec Ops 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, 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.

Battery Life:    90/100

Picture & Video Resting Power (on):  0.33 mW

Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption:  1.3 mW  |  2.0 Ws

Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption:  22.7 mW  |  87.2 Ws

Picture Mode

If this camera were to take 35 day and 35 night pictures every 24 hours, it would last 30 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 2.6 months in the field on a set of Lithium batteries.

 

Detection Circuit:     98/100

Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.02 s.  | 0.9 s.

Video Trigger & Recovery Speed:  0.38 s.  | 0.8 s. 

Detection Range & Angle:  100 ft. @ 47.8° detection angle (53.7° 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 batteries (we recommend Lithium, it will work with nimh rechargeable)

External Battery Jack: 12-volt

SD Card Size: Up to 512GB 

Case Design

The case design of the Recon Force 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

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, 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're looking for another Browning trail camera, check out our Browning Dark Ops HD Pro X trail camera.

Enjoy our reviews?  Please consider purchasing your next trail camera from us.

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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.

 

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