Overview
The Browning Recon Force Edge builds on the Recon Force Advantage and is comfortably our favourite camera trap at NatureSpy. The video quality day and night is superb, better than on any other camera trap, and photo quality is very solid.
This is one of the reasons you may have spotted it on BBC Springwatch recently!
It offers faster trigger speeds, day and night video definition is improved, clearer audio and some extra menu options compared to the previous version. Detection and sensitivity have also been improved and the trigger speed has got slightly faster still.
One big new feature is the addition of a start and stop programmable timer – allowing you to set when you want the camera to be active, and avoid those times when the pigeons are in the garden, or the cat is let out etc – essentially, so you can focus on the wildlife.
Many of these improvements are thanks to an upgrade to the latest best-in-class V35MA processor.
Trigger speeds, particularly for videos, are very impressive and quick, at an improved 0.2-0.4 seconds – a stat that few can match (regardless of what the manufacturers tell you!). Detection is reliable and consistent.
The build quality and overall design of the camera is excellent and has improved, with a forward-facing colour screen to help with set up and so you can review images/videos without dismounting the camera in the field. The warranty length in the UK through NatureSpy is 2 years.
The Recon Force Edge is also straightforward to use – uncomplicated, without a vast array of settings, but quick and simple. The only difference between this and the Spec Ops Edge is that this camera has low-glow, rather than no-glow, LEDs.
Due to it’s 12V power system (the reason night footage is so good), night time videos are limited to 20 seconds per clip. However, if activity remains, the camera can recover in under 1 second and record another 20 second clip.
Also taking into consideration the price of the camera, we feel it’s a fantastic choice for nearly every purpose – therefore we give it 9 out of 10.
Read more of our Browning Recon Force Edge review below…
Trigger speed: about 0.3 seconds Recovery time: about 0.8 seconds
Video quality is a massive strong-point on the Recon Force Edge – its fantastic. Clear, crisp, good colour and excellent audio to boot. It ticks all the boxes.
Daytime videos are nice and clear – you can watch on a large screen and not lose any clarity. Night footage is very strong, with good contrast and an excellent level of definition. There is just something about it that is pleasant to watch. There is a small improvement on daytime colour and video definition on this new version, as well as clearer audio.
More video examples coming soon…
The Recon Force Edge has two video resolution settings; ‘High’ and ‘Ultra’. The Ultra resolution is uncompressed 1080p HD video – and records at 60fps during the day and now also at night, for very smooth footage. However, the only drawback here is the larger file sizes generated at this resolution. If you want to use the Ultra setting, an SD card of at least 32GB is recommended, with a 1 minute daytime clip being around 130MB in size.
We generally use the camera on the High resolution – the quality isn’t really much different, and at 30fps is still very smooth – just to help with the file sizes.
The accompanying sound is also really clear, and improved compared to the 2018 version. Using this camera you get to really add another dimension to the videos through the audio – whether its badgers crunching through leaves on the forest floor or hedgehogs snuffling at a feeding bowl.
The exposure control at night is also fantastic, with the Browning instantly adjusting to maintain the correct light levels. This year, Browning have tuned the Recon Force Edge to slightly brighter night time videos.
It also has ‘Smart IR Video’ – with this turned on, the camera will continue recording up to 2 mins in the day and 20 seconds at night if activity remains. This can be quite useful – for example, if you set the video length to 10 seconds and Smart IR video on and a badger stops to have a big scratch in front of the camera, it will continue record until either the badger is gone or the maximum video time is reached. And if the badger just runs past, then you just get a 10 second video – not wasting any batteries or SD card space.
Trigger speed: about 0.2 seconds Recovery time: about 0.6 seconds
Photo examples coming soon…
Trigger speed and detectionDetection range: approx. 90ft LED type: Low-Glow LEDs
The Edge is a quick wildlife camera, both in photo and video mode. Triggers on this model are super quick, both around 0.2 and 0.3 second, and detection is strong – its a wildlife camera that doesn’t miss much at all.
Video trigger speeds have seen big improvement across the proper manufacturers in the last few years – however, this camera is one of the quickest – clocking in at around 0.3 seconds for video. When you consider that the Bushnell Essential E3 is around 1.8 seconds for video, that’s pretty impressive. It’s also marginally quicker than the Bushnell Core camera traps.
This is a big deal because previously, if camera trapping fast animals, or something passed your camera quickly and you had it in video mode, you’d often catch the tail end or nothing at all, and therefore need to use photo mode. The Recon Force Edge gives you the best of both worlds.
LEDs are low-glow, which are what we’d recommend if you’re only after wildlife. There is a no-glow version if you are worried about those pesky humans however; the Spec Ops Edge.
Photo triggers, as with all camera traps, are faster – but only marginally so on the Recon Force Edge, at around 0.2 seconds. This brings the photo trigger speed in line with other fast camera traps (i.e. SpyPoint Force Dark, Bushnell Core DS).
The Recon Force also appears to recover very quickly too. This is the time the camera takes after finishing once capture to be ready to trigger again. The lowest ‘Delay’ setting is 1 second; however, that just tells the Browning to recover as fast as it possibly can. We have consistently found that the Browning will generally re-trigger in under a second for video and photos – seriously quick, especially for the former.
Detection, as you’d expect, is excellent and consistent, at around 80-90ft for a human-sized animal. Due to the way PIR sensors work, it is best to place the camera so that animals will move across the sensor, rather than directly towards it. Remember that PIR sensors are looking for a change in ambient heat + motion, so detection distances can vary based on ambient temperature.
The Recon Force Edge also updates some of the menu options; the sensitivity of the camera can be raised and lowered more easily, and there is the popular option to set an operation time allowing you to tell the camera to be active only at a certain point over 24 hours – avoiding the dogs, or when you’re cutting the grass for example.
The build quality on the Recon Force Edge trail camera has moved up a peg – the camera is smaller than previous versions and has been slimmed down, in the right way. The build is strong and sturdy and the seals have improved too.
The contact with any tree/fence post etc is actually via a steel bracket at the back of the camera, meaning you can pull the strap tight and never worry about breaking any plastic. The edge of the steel bracket has small metal teeth, so it grips what it is attached to well and doesn’t slip. The strapping is the standard nylon webbing, with a strong metal clasp.
It also has a battery tray which is released using the eject button. This has a catch about 3cm down, which stops the tray flying out into rivers, puddles, mud etc when out in the field. On the first few uses, it requires a very firm pull to release it and a firm press to click back into place – this ensures any rain is kept well out!
Battery life is good on the Edge; it requires 8x AA batteries at a time. We strongly recommend using Lithium batteries, as they don’t care about cold temperatures, have much higher currents and voltages, and can provide power consistently. This in turn improves the detection rates of the wildlife camera.
Generally, you can expect around 15 months battery life for photos (taking around 60 pictures every 24 hours) and about 2-3 months for video (taking around 20 videos every 24 hours). This will obviously vary depending on how active and how long each video is, and if there are more night shots than day.
Browning cameras have been very reliable for us and are covered by a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty in the UK when bought through NatureSpy.
The Recon Force Edge is certainly not a difficult wildlife camera to use. When turned on, you’re presented with an overview screen showing a view of what the camera can currently see and what it is set to take. It shows the files recorded and the space remaining at a glance. If you don’t press any button within 30 seconds (to access the menu etc) the camera arms itself and is ready to go.
This forward-facing colour screen is extremely useful – you can strap the camera trap up, then use the screen to perfect the positioning. Its also very handy when you want to review the images/videos captured without taking the SD card out and using a computer/tablet etc – just open the door and have a quick check – useful if out and about, or a sneaky look before you head to work!
There are three main modes; Trail Cam (photos only), Video, and Timelapse Plus. Most of the time, you’ll be using either photos or videos. The timelapse function only works during the day – and with timelapse plus, you can have photos taken at set intervals plus the camera will trigger day and night based on any detections.
There is also a ‘Motion Test’ feature, like most camera traps have, where a test light on the front will blink when it detects you. You can use this to find the right distances or angles and it can help with setting up the Recon Force Edge in the best place possible.
Overall a very straight-forward camera trap to use, but if you do require any help or have any questions you can just get in touch with us.
David Griffiths (verified owner) –
We brought the Recon Force Edge to record the wildlife in our garden, particularly after dark. We’ve seen cats and foxes, plus good close ups of birds and squirrels during the day. We have some specific comments about this camera and comments which may apply to other trail cameras.
The camera records good quality HD pictures and so far (after one month) shows low battery use, using lithium batteries. The camera does not add the date and time to the filename and restarts numbers from one after the SD card is cleared, therefore duplicating filenames previously used. It is therefore possible to overwrite files when you transfer them to the same directory on a computer, so you will need to rename files. The lowest trigger speed of 0.2 seconds seems short but a fox passing close to the camera will be half way across before it starts video recording.
General comments, which may apply to other trail cameras:
The LCD screen is highly reflective, making it difficult to aim in daylight. The support webbing is intended for attaching to large trees which makes the camera difficult to aim, especially downwards to record small mammals and birds. If you want to use the camera around the garden, a clamp with a camera screw and/or a ground spike will give you flexibility in positioning.
We’re glad we bought the camera and NatureSpy have been very efficient. We did receive a faulty SD card and this was replaced promptly.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Phil (verified owner) –
Brilliant
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Michael Barnes (verified owner) –
This is a well made a technically excellent camera. Following the instructions and you can go wrong. I bought it for my housebound wife who absolutely loves it. Now we share breakfasts reviewing our catch. So pleased to have discovered 3 previously unknown hedgehogs, 2 foxes and a squirrel as regular visitors. Not bad considering we live close to the city centre. If in doubt buy. You won’t regret it.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Philip Sharp (verified owner) –
Wanted a second camera trap to complement our existing camera, so having already got a Browning from Naturespy and been happy with its performance, we decided on the Recon Force Edge as it is to be located in our garden and ‘low glow’ rather than ‘no glow’ wasn’t an issue (our other camera is the previous gen Advantage Spec Ops).
Have had it out a couple of nights now and are really impressed with the video footage (don’t use it for stills) – the already good quality of the previous generation has been improved still further, and the triggering seems to be even more reliable. Really happy. (Attached video cropped to remove location details.)
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
sheila2468 (verified owner) –
Ordered this Monday, arrived next day. Found it easy to set up and well made. Got some great clear videos of hedgehog!
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Vivienne Reijnen (verified owner) –
Have been using for a couple of weeks now, very happy with the quality both of the images and build (has been nibbled by a cow and none the worse for it). Also works well for close ups (with extra lens), read that some trail cams overexpose and need the flash dimmed with tape when used at such a short range (40cm) but exposure seems very quick to adjust and balanced so pleasantly suprised. Overall very happy with it and Naturespy offered great advice and service, would reccomend.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Tricia (verified owner) –
I wasn’t sure what to buy to check out the wildlife in my garden, but NatureSpy were extremely helpful in advising me what would be the best camera for my needs. I am extremely pleased with it, very easy to setup, it took a little while to get the ‘aim’ right but I think I’ve got it sorted. The timer is brilliant, I’ve got it set to late night to early (ish!) morning, and have already got some great photos. I haven’t tried videos yet, but that will come. Overall, I would highly recommend both this company and this camera.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Tony Laidler (verified owner) –
I use the camera for night video in the garden and the picture quality is excellent, far better than another brand of camera I bought a few years ago. Technology has obviously moved on. My only gripe is battery consumption: a set of Li-ion disposables lasted less than 3 months taking 8-10 videos a night. It’s cheaper and more environmentally friendly to rig up a rechargeable external battery. I used the very helpful link from reviewer David here although I don’t need solar recharging.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Sara Wright –
been wanting one of these for years but confused about what to buy. I found your web-site very helpful. Husband purchased this for my birthday a few days ago and so far I’ve got some fantastic shots of husband, my dog, my horse, a tractor and a delivery van. the quality of which is exceptional. now if you could just arrange for some wildlife that would be fantastic…..
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Susanne (verified owner) –
I bought this camera primarily for hedgehog watching, and have been really pleased with both daylight & night vision video. It is a doddle for a complete novice to set up. The instruction manual is clear & easy to follow. I’ve used the tree mount strap & also a separately purchased telescopic mounting spike stuck in the grass. I’ve just seen the LEDs light up at 04.00hrs as a nuisance cat I chased out of my garden fled past it. They are quite bright. Not what I’d call ‘low glow’. Had I known how bright they were, I’d have spent the extra £20 on the Spec Ops version of this camera. If you are after catching skittish fauna, people, or are siting the camera where it might be seen by humans, then buy the uprated product. With this one caveat, I thoroughly recommend this, the Recon Edge. I’ve set mine on High Resolution to keep file sizes down as I catch about 20 video clips per night. Night time videos are wonderfully detailed, and very clear. Early morning/late night colour images are superb. Sound quality is excellent. You can hear every bird in the morning chorus & every night time rustle. I have my camera set to operated between dusk & dawn, & am changing the start off/stop times as the days lengthen. The inclusion of this timer is an absolute plus.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
NatureSpy –
Thanks Sara! The LEDs are 850nm, which is the low-glow spectrum – these appear red when the camera triggers, like a stand-by light on a TV. The big trade off is the no-glow, which sounds better at first, means you lose about 30% of the IR range – this results in poorer night time video and photos. If for wildlife, thats why we recommend a low-glow camera over a no glow, if photo/video quality is important. Thanks again
(0) (0)
Mike (verified owner) –
Ordered the Browning Recon Edge on Saturday 28th March and received it on Tuesday 31st March. Very impressive service I thought. Knowing nothing about trail cameras, my decision was based purely on your review.
I set it up in my garden Tuesday evening, using your recommended settings and to say i’m delighted would be an understatement.
Thank you and, be assured, I will have no hesitation in recommending you in the future.
With best wishes.
Mike
(1) (0) Watch Unwatch
Geoff Brownlow (verified owner) –
Having had foxes visit our garden during the night for some time now I decided to finally purchase a decent trail cam. I had had enough of standing out in the pitch black on very cold nights trying to catch the fox on my old video camera without any success. Having visited Naturespy website I found all the advice and information concerning buying a trail cam for the first time. Any questions I had were quickly answered and so I decided to go for the Browning Force Edge. I put the order in on the14th March and it promptly arrived on the 17th.
The camera was well packed and on inspection I was really surprised at the robust construction, good design and quality of the materials used.
The instructions are make it easy to set the camera up and I constructed a mobile stand to attach the camera to ( there are no suitable sized trees to use in the garden. After three nights of filming we captured the fox suddenly appearing from underneath a new fence via a deep hole that had appeared a few weeks ago. But then on the third night at about 2am a badger suddenly appeared obviously using the same hole and spent some time looking around the garden. The quality of the film is outstanding and the camera has already justified it’s cost. Whilst the fox was being filmed we notice another pair of eyes peering down out of the darkness from the top of the fence. It became apparent that was a cat obviously keeping a safe distance from this new intruder on his territory. Once you have started using these cameras it opens up a whole new world in the night time garden so if you can afford it think seriously about getting one.
I would just like to say a big thankyou to all at NatureSpy Shop for all the advice given plus a superb service and good luck with all the research you carry out.
(1) (0) Watch Unwatch
Brian Ludwig (verified owner) –
Excellent picture quality especially during the day. The led at night images are the best I have seen as long as the subject is not too close. I’d say keep at a distance of around 6 feet (2 metres). The LED’s do not seem to upset the field mice or birds. RECOMMENDED !
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Stephen –
I received this as a gift – the camera is excellent and exceeded my expectations. I am currently filming (have been for the past 2.5 years) a complex of Badger setts where I am filming 4 pairs of adults. Of all the cameras I use this one is far more superior.
Thank you again.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Francesca (verified owner) –
Love it. Got it as tried the cheap ones off a well-known site beginning with ‘A’ and they were useless. This is much, much better and well worth it. Video quality is great and it just works really reliably.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
David (verified owner) –
This is my third Browning trail cam. Functionally similar to the Recon Force Advantage and Spec Ops Advantage, but with a useful addition to the software allowing activity to be restricted to certain times only. I have cameras set up for pine martens in an area near a bird feeder. During the day the never-ending parties of finches and tits lining up for the feeders trigger the older camera repeatedly. By setting the camera to only function between 7pm and 7am you can save having to review dozens of 10-20 second videos of birds flitting across the screen. Sensitivity, trigger speed and range appear at least as good as the earlier models, but I’ve not done a true side-by-side comparison.
This camera, like other Brownings, can take an AUX power supply rather than the 8 lithium AA cells recommended. I use a DIY solar powered rechargeable lead acid battery to power them, saving both the cost of replacing the lithiums and the disposal of non-rechargeable batteries – details at https://www.sunartdiaries.co.uk/2020/02/29/solar-powered-trail-camera/. That said, battery life is excellent with 6-9 months from a set of lithiums.
Could the camera be improved? Yes. The option to erase the SD card is buried in the menu and would be better moved to the end of the list of options. A minor gripe.
Service, as usual, was excellent from NatureSpy.
(1) (0) Watch Unwatch