Browning has spent many years building a reputation as one of the leading trail camera manufacturers. This company’s dedication to quality started with the company’s founder, John M. Browning, and things have only gotten better with time. Below, we’ve listed four of the most highly sought after Browning game cameras and we’ve thoroughly reviewed each one. We’ll also help you decide which model is best for you.
Top 4 Browning Trail Camera Reviews
Browning Recon Force FHD
With the release of the Recon Force FHD, Browning seriously raised the bar when it comes to defining what to expect from an entry-level trail camera. This model has a 10-megapixel camera that includes a CMOS image sensor and a PIR motion sensor. This provides the user with a 55-foot detection range and a 55-degree field of vision. Video length ranges from 5 seconds to 2 minutes during the daytime, and at nighttime you can record videos of up to 10 seconds in duration.
The Browning Recon Force FHD has a trigger speed of 0.67 seconds and an infrared LED flash that can illuminate the night up to 100 feet away. It can record high-definition, 1080P-quality video and it also has audio recording capabilities. The nighttime video quality isn’t the best we’ve seen but it’s definitely respectable.
This trail camera is extremely programmable. You can take pictures in burst mode (1-8 shots), standard mode (4 pictures spaced 3 seconds apart) and rapid-fire mode (up to 8 pictures spaced 0.3 seconds apart). The picture/video delay is adjustable from 5 to 30 seconds, and when in motion detect mode the delay can be set anywhere from 1 to 60 minutes. There are also three time lapse modes that allow you to activate the trigger anywhere from every 5 seconds to every 5 minutes.
This weatherproof camera can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and it operates on 8 AA batteries. It also has a 12-volt battery jack if you wish to use an external power source. This game camera works with SD cards of up to 32 gigabytes, and you get all of these features in a camouflaged camera that weighs just one pound and has dimensions of 5” x 4” x 2.5”.
Browning Strike Force Elite BTC5HDE
This trail camera features Browning’s signature 10-megapixel camera and 1080P video recording capability. You can also record audio with the videos (which can last as long as 2 minutes during the day and 10 seconds at night), and the BTC5HDE has a trigger speed of exactly 0.65 seconds.
Using rapid fire mode allows the camera to capture up to 8 images with intervals of just 0.3 seconds. The recovery speed is an impressive 1.3 seconds. Thanks to this camera’s 55-foot motion detection range and 55-degree field of vision, you can be confident that the camera will capture targets clearly as desired.
Nighttime photography is extremely easy thanks to Browning’s inclusion of a 36-piece infrared LED system with an illumination rating of 100 feet. This trail camera also has a “zero blur” feature that reduces haziness and washout.
The camera case itself is durable, weatherproof, compact and covered in a camouflage design for better concealment. It can run on a set of 6 AA batteries for up to two months, which to be honest is somewhat shorter than we’d like to see, but you also have the option of connecting the device to an external power source using the 12-volt battery jack. Memory cards of up to 16 gigabytes will function in the BTC5HDE so you can count on capturing approximately 5,000 images or 4 hours of video before you’ll have to worry about switching to a new card or erasing data.
Browning Strike Force Sub Micro
This diminutive (4.5” x 3.25” x 2.5”) trail camera packs a lot of punch into a tight space. It comes with a 10-megapixel camera that activates within 0.67 seconds of being triggered. It has time lapse, multi-shot and rapid fire modes, and it can capture up to 10,000 pictures on one set of 6 AA batteries (not included).
The video recording capabilities of this machine are superb. It can record 5-120 second videos in high-definition 720P resolution. It also has the capacity to record audio. This game camera has programmable picture and video delays, and its advanced infrared LEDs provide a flash of up to 100 feet at night.
The Browning Strike Force Sub Micro has an LCD screen that shows you the date, time, temperature and moon phase for each photo/video. The layout of the buttons around the LCD screen could make it somewhat difficult for users with larger fingers to operate. Protecting this technology is a durable, weatherproof case that has been designed with woods-style camouflage, although the latch does seem a little flimsy. This model works with memory cards of up to 32 gigabytes so you can save a vast amount of photos and videos.
Browning Trail Camera – Dark Ops
Browning’s title of “Dark Ops” for this trail camera is entirely fitting. Starting from the outside, you’ll notice the tree bark camouflage is extremely realistic. It’s also easy to conceal with dimensions of 4.75” x 4” x 3”. The case is durable and weatherproof, making this an excellent camera for outdoor use.
The “nuts and bolts” of this Browning game camera impressed us greatly, which isn’t easy to do considering how many models we review. A 10-megapixel camera and 720P video recording capabilities come standard, as does the Browning audio feature. Trigger speed is 0.67 seconds and we clocked the recovery speed at 2.3 seconds.
This model includes Browning’s “No Blur” feature to keep images and videos clear no matter the conditions, and the LED system provides an infrared flash of up to 70 feet. We also like how easy it is to program this trail camera and adjust the settings, which is important because it does include a lot of bells and whistles (e.g. time lapse mode, rapid fire mode, etc.).
The Browning Dark Ops camera allows you to use SD cards of up to 32 gigabytes so you don’t have to visit the camera constantly to replace the memory card or download the data. It works on 8 AA batteries, and due to this device’s low resting draw it can last for months on one set of batteries, although excessive nighttime use will shorten battery life. Browning also provides you with the option of connecting the camera to an external power source.
Which Unit Should You Choose?
Each of these four Browning game cameras has something special to offer. The Browning Recon Force FHD is capable of shooting 1080P-quality videos as opposed to 720P, so if you need the best videos then this could be the camera for you. Additionally, it has a wide range of features, options and modes that you can customize to scout the way you want. This is an especially attractive option if you’re looking for an affordable camera that has the feel of an advanced device.
The BTC5HDE works great outdoors and will provide you with high-definition results no matter the conditions. Be prepared to visit the camera often to replace the batteries, however, or hook the device us to an external power source.
The Browning Strike Force Sub Micro is ideal for individuals who need the best possible concealment. The camera is small and easy to hide, and it has enough features that you shouldn’t have any problem getting the shots you desire.
The Dark Ops trail camera is great for nighttime tracking, especially in a field or slightly off the trail. It has an impressive detection range compared to the other models, and it can easily be concealed thanks to its compact size and impressive camouflage design.
Conclusion
Browning’s innovative trail cameras combine high-quality technology, the latest in night vision capability and more into sleek, compact devices that hunters of all experience levels can appreciate. Whether you’re interested in home security, general surveillance or tracking specific bucks, we’re confident that one of the aforementioned game cameras will meet your needs. We’d love to hear from you regarding these Browning trail camera reviews. Happy hunting!
Mark Mach says
Browning trail cams are junk. I have returned mine and they sent back another inferior cam.