Browning Defender Pro Scout Max Trail Camera Review
The Browning Pro Scout Max offers fantastic value in a cellular trail camera in this price point. The camera takes solid photos, gets almost a year of battery life, and has a fast detection circuit. If you are placing it in an area with good reception, we give the 2022 Pro Scout Max a big thumb's up. - TCP Staff
Model # BTC-PSM | Browning Defender Pro Scout Max Owner's Manual
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
87/100
Browning Defender Pro Scout Max Review
Pros
- Dual modem works on AT&T or Verizon
- Long battery life
- Fast detection
Cons
- Internal antenna does not allow for booster antenna in low reception areas
The Browning Pro Scout Max is a dual modem cellular trail camera. It has a Verizon and ATT sim card pre-installed and you will select the carrier you would like to use when you set up the camera. This camera has an internal antenna and will not get as good of reception as cameras with external antennas.
Photo resolution: 20 mpxl (interpolated)
Flash Type: Red Glow IR
The daytime picture quality is fairly typical of a Browning trail camera. The color and sharpness is a small step down from the more expensive Browning Pro Scout (from what we have seen so far). It is noticeable but not extreme. The night photos have average clarity and good flash range. Check out the Browning Defender Pro Scout Max trail camera's sample photos below!
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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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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: 10.2 Ws | 13.3 Ws
If this camera were to take 15-day and 15-night pictures every 24 hours, the Pro Scout would last 11.1 months in the field on a set of 8 AA Lithium Batteries.
*Does not work with Nimh batteries.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.27 s. | 25 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 80 ft. @ 40.1° detection angle (45° field of view)
There is a lot to like in the detection circuit of the Browning Pro Scout Max. Fast enough trigger speed, great recover time, long detection range and a closely matched detection angle to field of view. This is all great data.
Picture recovery can vary. If there is constant motion in front of the camera it will continue to take photos until the motion stops.
Dimensions: 6" x 4" x 3'
Battery Type: 8 AA (lithium)
External Battery Jack: 12-volt
SD Card Size: Up to 512GB
Case Design
The Browning Pro Scout Max has a very familiar case design to past Browning cell cameras. The biggest noticeable difference from last year's Pro Scout is the Max has an internal antenna instead of external. The advantage is it makes the camera more concealable but the downside is you can't add a booster antenna. Thus, make sure you have at least 3 bars of reception where the camera will be operating.
The camera has a built-in python cable lock bracket on the back and a threaded insert on the bottom for a Slate River Mount. The battery tray ejects easily and the sd card is easy to get in and out
Camera Setup
Step 1:
Install the Strike Force app on your mobile device. Download and install the Strike Force Wireless app from the App Store or Google Play. Your Strike Force wireless app allows you full control of all camera settings as well as the ability to view pictures and video clips uploaded by your cameras.
Step 2:
Follow the on-screen steps to set up a new user account.
Step 3:
Power on your Pro Scout Max camera. Press the Mode "M" button to enter the setup menu. The screen will display the option to select either ATT or Verizon as your cellular carrier. Highlight your selection and press the OK button, and then confirm your selection. A QR code will appear on the display screen. With the Strike Force Wireless app open, Select the "Add Camera" option. A QR code viewer will appear onscreen. Hover your mobile device over the QR code. The scanner will read the code, and populate the camera in your Strike Force Wireless account.
Next, select the camera plan for your camera in the app. Select the Review and Pay option to activate your new camera. It usually takes 5 minutes for your camera to be activated on the cellular network.
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Durability
The internal antenna has caused us a higher than normal return rate for cameras not connecting to the network.
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!
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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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