Description
Bushnell DS4K Trail Camera Review
The Bushnell Core DS4K is a fantastic low glow trail camera that excels in nearly every area. Daytime pictures are great, video resolution is 4K, you can expect multiple years battery life and the case design is solid. Our only real complaint is limited flash range, overall, this is an excellent Bushnell No Glow trail camera. - TCP Staff
Model #119987C | Bushnell Core DS-4K Owners Manual
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
93/100
Bushnell DS4K Trail Camera Review
Pros
- Fantastic day pictures and videos
- 25 Months picture battery life
- Outstanding detection circuit
- Great case design and easy user-interface
Cons
- Limited flash range
Photo resolution: 32 mpxl (interpolated)
Video Resolution: 3810 x 2160 (30 fps) w/ audio
Flash Type: Low Glow IR
Daytime photos offer beautiful color and outstanding clarity. As with Bushnell cameras of the past, they can overexpose in direct sunlight, however, there isn't much to complain about here. There are fantastic day photos.
Night photos are exceptional when the animal is fairly close but the detection range can be quite limited, overall. Keep in mind, this is a low glow trail camera so it isn't producing as much infrared glow as a red glow camera would.
Video quality mimics photo quality except maybe even a touch better. The 4K video resolution is at 30 frames per second and we love the videos. The audio seems to be impeccable as well. Be prepared for large video files, but overall, image and video quality are top-notch.
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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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Fast Motion No Motion |
Fast Motion W/ Motion |
Long Range No Motion |
Long Range W/ Motion |
Low Glow No Motion |
Low Glow 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 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): 0.44 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 1.6 Ws | 1.0 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 10.9 Ws | 45.5 Ws
Picture Mode
If this Bushnell Core DS 4K trail camera were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 25 months in the field on a set of 6 AA Lithium Batteries. This is great battery life
Video Mode
If this camera were to take 15-day and 15-night videos (10-second videos) every 24 hours, it would last 3.7 months in the field on a set of lithium batteries.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.15 s. | 0.7 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.68 s. | 0.5 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 90 ft. @ 42.4° (41.5° field of view)
The detection circuit is super fast and detects out to 100 feet! Nothing to complain about here, the Bushnell Core DS4K is fast enough for any animal.
Dimensions: 5.5" x 3.5" x 3.5"
Battery Type: 6 AA (we recommend lithium)
External Battery Jack: 12-volt
SD Card Size: Up to 512GB
Case Design
The Core DS 4K feels sturdy and well-built. The latch is easy to manipulate and has a positive snap when closing. The Core DS 4K has a bracket on the back of the camera for a python cable lock and a threaded insert on the bottom and back (we like the optionality) for a Slate River Mount.
The SD card slot is easy to locate and easy to get a card in and out. Batteries load easily into the tray and slide in and out of the camera effortlessly. This is a really good case design.
Camera Setup
The set up menu is very easy to navigate and would be intuitive for first time trail camera users or experienced pro's. The Core DS 4K has popular settings like Hybrid Mode (picture + video), time lapse, and start/stop time (AM, PM, or 24 hours). The internal viewing screen makes field set up extremely simple, letting the user see exactly where the camera is pointed.
Some of the writing on the set up screen is fairly small, it might be hard to read for older eyes.
Durability
We have no current concerns over durability but will update the review as anything happens. 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.
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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