Basic Trail Cameras
These trail cameras will shoot still images and/or videos and are suitable for deploying for wildlife or security (no-glow models). They vary in illumination range, type of LED (no-glow, low-glow, white light), field of view, battery type, maximum SD card size and other features.
​
The Acorn range are good, solid cameras and I've used these extensively in the UK and Poland, but the video quality and illumination can't compete with Browning cameras. You can click on the links to see sample videos from several of the cameras and decide which suits your needs best. Spypoint cameras produce results somewhere between those from Acorn and Browning. Bushnell produce similar results to Browning, but at a higher price, which is why I don't sell them. The Ursus camera is a great first camera.
​
The 850nm (low-glow) models have glowing LEDs, which may spook timid wildlife such as foxes and deer, as well as potentially draw attention to the cameras from people. The 940nm (no-glow) models are best if to be used for foxes, deer or for security, but the illumination range is always less than low-glow for a given number/type of LEDs. The Acorn Mini 30 is also available in a 'white light' option, for colour shots at night (other cameras produce monochrome pictures/videos at night), but this will draw attention to the camera if people are nearby.
​
Battery choice is important for trail cameras as only certain types are suitable. Some alkaline batteries work well, such as Energizer or Uniross, but Duracell and some others don't, due to their high internal resistance. Some cameras can use rechargeable NiMH batteries, but these should be at least 2500mAh capacity and I recommend the Eneloop Pro type. The best batteries for long deployments or for use in cold weather are Energizer Ultimate Lithium (non-rechargeable). Some cameras don't work well with rechargeable batteries, because of their lower voltage. The Acorn Mini 30 should only be used with rechargeable NiMH batteries, otherwise the circuit board will be fried!
​
Save £100 off a trip to Poland - quote POLAND-100 when you book your trip
(purchase of trail camera required within 30 days prior to your booking and discount given on final trip payment)
​
Ursus
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Ursus offers 30 MP still pictures (interpolated), 1080p HD video with sound, 2.4" colour display, 0.3s (photos) 0.6s (video) trigger speed, time-lapse mode, up to 80ft flash range, no-glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 9 photos per detection or video up to 60s (day & night). 55 degree field of view. Takes 6 AA batteries (can use Eneloop Pro rechargeable) and up to 128GB SD card. IP67. 2 year warranty.
This camera is really good value and produces very good images and videos for the price (though nowhere near as good as the Recon Force and Spec Ops Elite HP4/HP5 models - the Ursus has 30fps video compared to 60fps for Recon Force, Spec Ops & Patriot, but that's usually plenty for slow-moving animals).
Browning Command Ops Elite 22
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Browning Command Ops Elite 22 offers 22 MP still pictures (interpolated), 900p HD+ video with sound, a text-only display, 0.3s (photos) 0.8s (video) trigger speed, time-lapse mode, up to 80ft flash range, low-glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 8 photos per detection or video up to 120s (20s at night). 42 degree field of view. Takes 6 AA batteries (can use Eneloop Pro rechargeable) and up to 32GB SD card. 4.5" x 3.5" x 2.5". 2 year warranty.
This camera is very easy to use and produces very good images and videos for the price (though nowhere near as good as the Recon Force and Spec Ops Elite HP4/HP5 models - the Command Ops Elite 22 has 30fps video compared to 60fps for Recon Force, Spec Ops & Patriot).
Acorn 5210
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Acorn 5210 offers 12 MP still pictures (interpolated), 1080 resolution video with sound, a built-in 2.36” viewing screen (on the back of the front half of the camera), 0.8s trigger speed, time-lapse mode, up to 20m (60') flash range with 850nm LEDs that glow or 10m (30’) flash range with 940nm LEDs that don't glow, 24 LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 3 photos per detection and/or video up to 60s. 55 degree field of view. Takes 8 AA batteries and maximum 16GB SD card. With external power socket (cable below, in accessories). 14cm x 8cm x 6cm.
I really like this little camera and its two-part design can be very useful, allowing you to view the screen, change the SD card and batteries without unstrapping the back from the tree. Also available to hire!
Note that if you want good night-time videos, you may be better off looking at the Browning cameras!
Acorn 5310
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Acorn 5310 offers 12 MP still pictures (interpolated), 1080 resolution video with sound, a built-in 2.36” viewing screen (on the back of the front half of the camera), 0.8s trigger speed, time-lapse mode, up to 16m (48') flash range with 940nm no glow LEDs, 44 LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 3 photos per detection and/or video up to 60s. 55/100 degree field of view. Takes 8 AA batteries and maximum 16GB SD card. With external power socket (cable below, in accessories). 14cm x 8cm x 6cm.
This camera is just like the 5210 but with more LEDs for greater night-time illumination.
The two-part design of this camera can be very useful, allowing you to view the screen, change the SD card and batteries without unstrapping the back from the tree.
Note that if you want good night-time videos, you may be better off looking at the Browning cameras!
Spypoint Force-20
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Spypoint Force-20 is a great starter camera, offering 20 MP still pictures (interpolated), HD 720p resolution video with sound, 1.5" viewing screen, up to 24m (80ft’) flash range, a trigger speed of 0.7s, 48 super low glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 5 photos per detection, time-lapse mode. Takes 8 AA alkaline batteries and maximum 32GB SD card (comes with 16GB card). 3.8”" W X 5.0”" H X 2.7" D.
This camera is a pleasure to use and quite discrete despite not having a camouflaged case.
I really like this little camera, though I prefer the Force-Dark with its camouflaged case.
Acorn 5610
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Acorn 5610 offers 12 MP still pictures (interpolated), 1920x1080 resolution video with sound, a built-in 2.36” viewing screen (on the back of the front half of the camera), 0.8s trigger speed, time-lapse mode, up to 18m (13.5m for wide-angle) flash range, 44 no glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 3 photos per detection and/or video up to 60s and GPS coordinates input capability. 55/100 degree field of view. Takes 12 AA batteries and maximum 32GB SD card. With external power socket (cable below, in accessories).
This camera is just like the 5310 but with higher resolution video, a larger maximum capacity SD card, larger battery capacity and GPS coordinates input capability.
The two-part design of this camera can be very useful, allowing you to view the screen, change the SD card and batteries without unstrapping the back from the tree.
Note that if you want good night-time videos, you may be better off looking at the Browning cameras!
Browning Recon Force Elite HP4
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Browning Recon Force Elite HP4 offers 22 MP still pictures (interpolated), 1920x1080 resolution video with sound, a 2" colour display, 0.2s trigger speed, time-lapse mode, timer, up to 80ft flash range, low-glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 8 photos per detection or video up to 120s (20s at night). 41 degree field of view. Takes 8 AA batteries (can use rechargeable) and up to 512GB SD card. 5" x 4" x 2.5". 2 year warranty.
This camera is a distinct improvement on the Recon Force Edge (now discontinued) and produces even better images and videos. It's also compatible with rechargeable batteries (Eneloop Pro recommended), and if you want great videos this (or the Recon Force Elite HP5 or Spec Ops Elite HP4/HP5) is the one to get! This camera works really well with our close-up lens kit (below) for daylight shots of your feathered friends.
Spypoint Force-Dark
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Spypoint Force-Dark offers 12 MP still pictures (interpolated), HD 1080p resolution video with sound, a built-in 2” viewing screen with zoom and pan functions, 0.07s trigger speed, time-lapse mode, up to 27m (90ft’) flash range, 42 no glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 6 photos per detection. Takes 8 alkaline AA batteries and maximum 32GB SD card (comes with 16GB card). 9.6 cm w x 12.7 cm H x 8.1 cm D.
This camera is really easy to use and very unobtrusive with its camouflaged case and no glow LEDs.
I really like this little camera and I think it's my favourite of all the Spypoint range.
Acorn 6210 PLUS
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Acorn 6210 PLUS offers 12 MP still pictures (interpolated), 1440x1080 resolution video with sound, a built-in 2” viewing screen, 0.8s trigger speed, time-lapse mode, up to 16m (48') flash range with 940nm no glow LEDs, 44 LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 3 photos per detection and/or video up to 60s. 55/100 degree field of view. Takes 12 AA batteries and maximum 32GB SD card. With external power socket (cable below, in accessories). 14cm x 8cm x 6cm.
This camera has higher video resolution than the 5210 & 5310 and takes 12 AA batteries for longer deployment.
Note that if you want good night-time videos, you may be better off looking at the Browning cameras!
Browning Dark Ops Pro X 1080
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Browning Dark Ops Pro X 1080 offers 24 MP still pictures (interpolated), full HD 1080p video with sound, a 1.5" colour display, 0.22s trigger speed, time-lapse mode, up to 90ft flash range, no-glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 8 photos per detection or video up to 120s (20s at night). 55 degree field of view. Takes 6 AA batteries (can use rechargeable Eneloop Pro) and up to 512GB SDXC card. 4.5" x 3.5" x 2.5". 2 year warranty.
This camera is very easy to use and produces very good images and videos (though not as good as the Recon Force & Spec Ops - the Dark Ops Pro X 1080 has 30fps video compared to 60fps for Recon Force, Spec Ops & Patriot). It can use rechargeable batteries and has a timer, so if you want good videos this (or the Recon Force, Spec Ops or Patriot) is one to consider!
Browning Recon Force Elite HP5
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 offers 24 MP still pictures (interpolated), 1920x1080 resolution video with sound, a 2" colour display, 0.1 - 0.7s trigger speed (adjustable), time-lapse mode, timer, up to 130ft flash range, low-glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 8 photos per detection or video up to 120s (20s at night). 54 degree field of view. Takes 8 AA batteries (can use rechargeable) and up to 512GB SD card. 5" x 3.5" x 2". 2 year warranty.
This camera gives more illumination than the Recon Force Elite HP4 and produces even better images and videos. It's also compatible with rechargeable batteries (Eneloop Pro recommended), and if you want great videos this (or the Spec Ops Elite HP5) is the one to get!
Acorn Mini 30
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Acorn Mini 30 offers true 14MP still pictures (14MP sensor, 30MP interpolated), 1920x1080p resolution video with sound, IP68 weatherproof rating, optional detachable viewing screen, 0.6s trigger speed, 130 degree wide-angle lens, time-lapse mode, up to 20m (940nm) or 25m (white-light) flash range, no-glow or white light LED models, infra-red brightness control, multi-shot mode up to 3 photos per detection and/or video up to 60s. Requires 4 AA rechargeable batteries (we recommend the Eneloop Pro below) and takes up to 128GB micro-SD card (available below). 1 year warranty.
This camera is very easy to use and produces good images and videos, though not nearly as good as the Browning cameras (the Mini 30 suffers from movement blur). And it's only 12.5 x 8 x 5.5 cm! Note that deployment times are not as good as other cameras, as it only holds four batteries (unless you use an external power supply). The screen is required for changing the settings, but if you have multiple cameras you'll only need one screen. You must ONLY use NiMH rechargeable batteries in this camera or you'll fry the circuit board!
Note that if you want good night-time videos, you may be better off looking at the Browning cameras!
Browning Dark Ops Pro DCL
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Browning Dark Ops Pro DCL offers 26 MP still pictures (interpolated), 1920x1080 resolution video at up to 60fps with sound, a 1.5" colour display, 0.15s trigger speed, time-lapse mode, timer, up to 100ft flash range, no-glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 8 photos per detection or video up to 120s (20s at night), only 4.25" x 3.5" x 2.5". 55 degree field of view. Takes 6 AA batteries (can use Eneloop Pro rechargeable) and up to 512GB SD card. 2 year warranty.
This camera is very easy to use, is very small and produces excellent images and really great videos. If you want good videos in a small package this is a great option!
For the same money, the Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5 is another excellent option, though with a slightly narrower field of view of 54 degrees!
Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5 offers 24 MP still pictures (interpolated), 1920x1080 resolution video with sound, a 2" colour display, 0.1 - 0.7s trigger speed (adjustable), time-lapse mode, timer, up to 100ft flash range, no-glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 8 photos per detection or video up to 120s (20s at night). 54 degree field of view. Takes 8 AA batteries (can use rechargeable) and up to 512GB SD card. 5" x 3.5" x 2". 2 year warranty.
This camera gives more illumination than the Spec Ops Elite HP4 and produces even better images and videos. It's also compatible with rechargeable batteries (Eneloop Pro recommended), and if you want great videos this (or the Recon Force Elite HP5) is the one to get!
Browning Patriot
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Browning Patriot offers 24 MP still pictures (interpolated), 1920x1080 resolution video at 60fps with sound, a 2" colour display, 0.15s trigger speed, time-lapse mode, programmable start/stop timer, up to 110ft flash range, no-glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 8 photos per detection or video up to 120s (20s at night), only 5" x 3.75" x 2.5". 55 degree field of view. Takes 8 AA batteries (not rechargeable) and up to 512GB SDXC card. 2 year warranty.
The Patriot is one of our dual lens family of trail cameras, featuring military grade invisible infrared illumination technologies. The Patriot trail camera has 2 built in camera sensors and lens arrays. The sensor and lens combination for daytime photography is finely tuned to deliver clear, razor sharp images and videos in the field during the daytime. The military grade night vision sensor and lens system deliver nighttime photos and videos using invisible Infrared illumination. The Patriot also features a 2 inch color view screen, adjustable night illumination options and shoots 1080p Full HD videos at up to 60 frames per second.
"Hi, For a few years I had been using a Little Acorn wildlife camera and was reasonably happy. When it died I replaced it with another top of the range Little Acorn. However I became concerned that I was missing action due to slow trigger speed. I researched the market and decided on the Browning Patriot. The difference is like moving up from a village football team to the Premier League. The response time for video is excellent, no more missed action. The quality of the video is outstanding, even at night. The fiddly catches on the Little Acorn are now one easy to use catch giving access to front facing screen, backlit setting controls and decent sized on/off switch. So much easier to use. In all I am 99% happy with the Browning camera. My only negative is the limit of 30seconds on night time video. I would like to be able to set it longer." - Len
Martin's reply: I find it's best to use a video limit of 10s, as the re-trigger time is very quick on Browning cameras and it saves wasting battery power.
​
Note that the Patriot has a 'squeak' on the videos, which some may find annoying, and the video quality isn't as good as the Elite HP4 or HP5 models so, apart from the wider field of view, the Elite HP4/HP5 models above are better value. If you need the 55 degrees field of view, the Browning Dark Ops Pro DCL above might be a better option for you. I can supply the Patriot, but won't be keeping (m)any in stock.
Spypoint Force-Pro
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Spypoint Force-Pro offers 30 MP still pictures (interpolated), 4K 3840x2160p 10fps / 2560x1440p 25fps / 1080p 30fps / 720p 60fps video with sound, a built-in 1.5 inch” viewing screen with zoom and pan functions, 0.2s trigger speed, time-lapse mode, up to 27m (90ft’) flash range, 54 no glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 6 photos per detection. Takes 8 alkaline or lithium AA batteries and maximum 128GB SD card (comes with 16GB card). 9.8 cm W x 12.7 cm H x 6.9 cm D.
This camera is really easy to use and very unobtrusive with its camouflaged case and no glow LEDs.
I really like this little camera and it's one of my favourites of all the Spypoint range.
Spypoint Force-Pro-S
With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Backup & Support
The Spypoint Force-Pro-S offers 30 MP still pictures (interpolated), 4K 3840x2160p 10fps / 2560x1440p 25fps / 1080p 30fps / 720p 60fps video with sound, a built-in 1.5 inch” viewing screen with zoom and pan functions, 0.2s trigger speed, time-lapse mode, up to 27m (90ft’) flash range, 54 no glow LEDs, multi-shot mode up to 6 photos per detection. Integrated solar panel. Takes 8 alkaline or lithium AA batteries and maximum 128GB SD card (comes with 16GB card). 9.8 cm W x 12.7 cm H x 6.9 cm D.
This camera is really easy to use and very unobtrusive with its camouflaged case and no glow LEDs. Solar panel keeps internal lithium battery charged to power the camera for months.
I really like this camera and it's one of my favourites of all the Spypoint range.