Browning Strike Force FHDR Trail Camera Review
- TCP Staff
Model # BTC-5FHDR | Browning Strike Force FHDR Manual
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
88/100
Browning Strike Force FHDR Non-Cellular Trail Camera Review
Pros
- Small and Compact case design
- Great Detection Circuit
- Battery Life
- Time-lapse+
- Smart IR Video
Cons
- Video Quality
Be Wary Of Megapixel Ratings
Megapixel ratings for trail cameras seem to increase more & more every year. In reality, the native resolution of 99% of all trail cameras is 5 megapixels or less. Manufacturers artificially inflate megapixel ratings for advertising purposes through a process called interpolation. Interpolated photos are enhanced by software to mimic the file size of a higher megapixel photo, but seldom offer additional clarity or resolution. The result is an exponentially larger file size photo which takes longer to load and slows down the speed of your camera. We always program our cameras to capture photos at the image sensor's native resolution. This allows our cameras to operate as efficiently as possible and store more photos to memory. With shorter load times, this also allows us to review photos at a much quicker pace. To put things in perspective, the trail camera widely considered to be the "Gold Standard" and used by more professional researchers than any other unit is just 3 megapixels.
Photo resolution: 26 mpxl (interpolated)
Video resolution: 1080p
Flash Type: Red Glow
Picture & Video Resting Power (on): 0.35 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 1.0 Ws | 1.3 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 11.8 Ws | 33.8 Ws
Here are your best battery options:
Trailcampro Choice: AmpTORRENT Rechargeable AA Lithium
If the Strike Force FHDR were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 19.4 months in the field - per charge - on a set of AmpTorrent Rechargeable AA Lithium batteries.
There are a number of benefits to these batteries:
- Up to 1,200 charges
- Consistent 1.5 volt operation
- Charges with the included USB cable
- Eco-friendly (less batteries in a landfill)
- Batteries pay for themselves after 2-3 charges
Longest Lasting Choice: Energizer Ultimate Lithium
If the Strike Force FHDR were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, it would last 29.2 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
Video Mode
If this camera were to take 15 day and 15 night videos every 24 hours, it would last 4.5 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
Ultimate Lithium batteries are the longest-lasting battery choice due to their incredible consistency and capacity. We've loved these batteries for a long time. However, in recent years they have become cost prohibitive and forced us to seek out a more affordable, eco-friendly option.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.09 s. | 0.9 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.70 s. | 0.8 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 70 ft @ 46.1° detection angle (52.6° f.o.v.)
Dimensions: 4.25" x 3" x 3.25"
Battery Type: 6 AA
External Battery Jack: 12-volt
SD Card Size: Up to 512
Country of Origin: Thailand
Case Design
This is one of the smaller game cameras on the market, making it easy to conceal in a variety of ways. It feels sturdy and stable. There is a python bracket on the back of the for a Python Cable Lock. It also has the standard 1/4" x 20 threaded insert on the bottom for a Slate River Angle Mount.
Camera Setup
The camera setup is familiar and easy to navigate. Click "Mode" to enter the menu, tap "Up" or "Down" to toggle settings, hit enter to highlight a setting, change the desired setting with the up or down arrow, and then hit enter to save that setting. Very simple.
The Strike Force accepts up to 512 Gig SD Cards. That allows for tons of memory storage and most useful if placing the camera in video mode for long periods of time.
Durability
The vast majority of consumer-grade trail cameras are inexpensive, imported devices exposed to harsh conditions 24/7/365. Most manufacturers only offer a one-year warranty. We stock only the most durable units and provide an additional year of warranty at no extra charge. The Trailcampro exclusive 2-year warranty allows you to deal directly with Trailcampro avoiding long wait times on hold with the manufacturer and prolonged periods without a replacement camera. We turn around most warranties in just one business day!
All test results are achieved through the use of proprietary equipment used exclusively by Trailcampro. Any re-publication of this data without prior written consent is strictly prohibited by law. COPYRIGHT TRAILCAMPRO, L.L.C. 2023, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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