Browning Recon Force 4K Edge Review
The Recon Force 4K has fantastic battery life in picture mode and an extremely fast detection circuit. However, it lacks the picture and video quality we would expect from a "4K trail camera." - TCP Staff
Model #btc-7e4k / Browning Recon Force 4k Edge Owner's Manual
Browning Recon Force 4k Edge Trail Camera Review
Pros
- Excellent detection circuit
- Well over a year of battery life in picture mode using lithium batteries
Cons
- Video quality isn't as good as we expected it to be
- Poor battery life in video mode
Photo resolution: 32 mpxl (interpolated)
Video resolution: 3840 x 2160 @ 30 fps
Flash Type: Red Glow IR
Daytime photo quality offers a basic photo without much that separates the Browning Recon Force 4K Edge from the rest of the pack. This 4K outdoor camera's color to clarity qualities appear to be in the average range.
Night pictures do pretty well for being placed out in the middle of an open field. We believe you can expect good night photos with the 4K in a variety of set ups with this game trail camera.
Video can be shot in 3840 x 2160 resolution at 30 frames per second (see our sample videos). Like pictures, this camera lakes anything more than average color and clarity. Without a doubt, the videos we receive from the less expensive Browning Recon Force Edge are of higher quality, even though they are lower resolution. Please use our sample videos to judge for yourself.
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): 0.52 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 1.9 Ws | 2.7 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 35.4 Ws | 114.5 Ws
Picture Mode
If this camera were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, the Recon Force 4K outdoor camera would last 18.2 months in the field on a set of 8 AA Lithium Batteries. For a Browning trail cam using 8 batteries, we consider this to be elite.
Video Mode
If this Browning Recon Force 4K Edge camera were to take 15-day and 15-night videos (10-second videos) every 24 hours, it would last 1.6 months in the field on a set of lithium batteries. This is below average.
*Does not work with nimh rechargeable batteries.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.02 s. | 0.6 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.58 s. | 1.9 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 90 ft. @ 48.4° detection angle (41.4° field of view)
There is nothing to find fault in here. Outstanding detection circuit all the way from speed to range in every category. Detection angle is 7° wider than the field of view, so keep that in mind if you get a few false triggers. Overall, this is an excellent detection circuit.
Dimensions: 5” x 4” x 2.5”
Battery Type: 8 AA
External Battery Jack: 12-volt
Case Design
One thing to keep in mind is that the battery tray will "stick" when you hit eject (about an inch from the opening). This prevents the tray from falling to the ground. Just pull harder and it will break free to remove from the camera.
Camera Setup
The internal picture viewer doubles as the setup screen. Setup couldn't be easier and more intuitive. You won't have a problem getting this game trail 4K outdoor camera up and running. New setup options include options to have a normal/fast trigger speed, adjustable PIR sensitivity, and to have economy/long range IR flash power.
Durability
Through our 2-year warranty program on the trail cameras we sell, we are able to track warranty rates on all trailcam manufacturers. We do not publish this data but Browning trail cameras have proven to be a durable camera for us. If an issue arises in this model, we will update this Browning Recon Force Review immediately. 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: How do I view the pictures?
A: There are a number of ways to do this. Pictures/videos are stored on the SD card you place in the camera. Here are some other methods for viewing images:
- View pictures on your computer. Plug the SD card in a desktop computer or laptop via the built-in SD card reader or use a USB reader if your computer doesn't have one. This method works for most tablets as well. With this method, we recommend having two SD cards per camera so you can swap them in the field.
- Trail Camera Viewers. While more expensive, handheld viewers are useful if you don't have a smartphone or run multiple trail cameras.
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.
A: This is a low glow trail camera, meaning it has an extremely faint red glow when taking pictures or videos at night. We rate cameras as low glow if we can see the glow within 15 ft., but have a much harder time seeing it at a greater distance.
A: Yes. This is a red glow trail camera, meaning it has a faint red glow when taking pictures or videos at night. Humans and animals can see this if looking at the camera. This does not "light up" the woods, though.
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. If that isn't enough, we give you a 16 Gig SD card with this camera and you can call and talk our ear off anytime.
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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