Reconyx HyperFire 4K Ultra HD Review
- TCP Staff
Model # HF4K
*All Tests done in 4K
Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:
IN PROGRESS/100
Review
Pros
- 4K Native Resolution
- 5 Year Manufacturer Warranty
- Up to 1 TB SD card
- Will work in harsh conditions
- Day/Night working options
- Motion Sensor Scheduling
- Time-Lapse
- Time-Lapse Scheduling
- Day of the week Time-Lapse scheduling
- Password available
- Must have an SD card in the camera to arm the unit
- If you forget to arm the unit, it will arm itself
- No Glow
Cons
- Video Battery Life
- Menu wording
- External Power Cover is easy to lose
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. The Hyperfire4K is not interpolated. This is a true 4K camera. We wish every company would advertise their native resolution like Reconyx.
Photo resolution: 4K Native Resolution
Video resolution: 4K Native Resolution
Flash Type: No Glow
We are placing cameras in the field and will post samples when we get them.
Picture & Video Resting Power (on): 0.54 mW
Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 2.7 Ws | 4.2 Ws
Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption: 26.8 Ws | 128.7 Ws
Here are your best battery options:
Trailcampro Choice: AmpTORRENT Rechargeable AA Lithium
If the Reconyx Hyperfire 4K were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 15 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 Hyperfire 4K were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, it would last 22.5 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 2.7 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: 0.25 s. | 2.2 s.
Video Trigger & Recovery Speed: 0.41 s. | 2.8 s.
Detection Range & Angle: 110 ft @ 44° detection angle (41.1° f.o.v.)
Dimensions: 3" x 4.5" x 5.5"
Battery Type: 12 AA
External Battery Jack: 12 V (Connector Dimensions: 4.75mm OD, 1.7mm ID, 9.5mm Barrel length)
SD Card Size: Up to 1 TB
Country of Origin: United States
Case Design
The Reconyx Hyperfire 4K is the most durable and solid unit in the industry. The camera has nice teeth that will allow the camera to bite to where it is mounted with a tree strap. There is a 1/4 x 20 thread on the back and the bottom of the camera. The hole in the front of the camera allows a python cable to run through, and the door can be locked. The latch is very large and easy to open and close. The batteries are a little hard to replace, but they stay in place very well. This camera will operate in temperatures from -20 degrees to 120 degrees fahrenheit. The seal is very large on the inside. The Hyperfire 4K has an external power input on the bottom of the unit. This is one of the best case designs that we have seen.
Camera Setup
The Reconyx Hyperfire 4K will have a internal viewer within the camera that makes this unit a lot easier than previous models. This wording on the menu is a little confusing, but there is a lot of user programmability. There is three menu options: home, settings, and advance. Below will be options that is very readable. You must have an SD card in the camera to arm the unit. If you forget to arm the camera, the camera will arm itself. You can also play back the photos that have been taking on the viewing screen.
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 durability on Reconyx trail cameras is unmatched. These cameras are engineered and produced in Holmen, Wisconsin by some of the brightest minds in the business. On top of that, Reconyx has recently started issuing a 5-year warranty on the Hyperfire 4K. This is quite the statement.
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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