Browning Dark Ops HD Pro X

Our
rating
8/10

Overview

There is a new version of this product available - the Browning Dark Ops Pro X 1080

The Browning Dark Ops HD Pro X packs a lot of punch into a small package, and builds on the success of the previous 2017 version.

It uses the new kind of LEDs to give really strong no-glow IR flash range at night. This is the no-glow version of the popular Strike Force HD Pro X.

Trigger speeds are better too – at around 0.2 seconds for photos, and 0.4 seconds for videos – to be this fast for both types of trigger is impressive, and few cameras come close to this – especially in this price range.

Video quality is also improved from 720p to 900p.

The build quality and overall design of the Dark Ops Pro X is very good, with a 1.5″ forward-facing colour screen to help with set up and so you can review images/videos without dismounting the camera in the field. It also has a great little steel bracket which the camera can pivot off for better positioning – if you’re used to fiddling around the get your camera trap positioned right, this makes things much easier!

Due to its 9V power system, night time videos are limited to 20 seconds per clip. However, if activity remains, the camera can recover in just under 2 seconds and record another 20 second clip. The warranty length in the UK through NatureSpy is 2 years.

Video Quality

Max res: 900p (30fps)     Max length: 2mins day, 20 secs night
Trigger speed: about 0.4 seconds     Recovery time: about 1.1 seconds

We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the video quality on the Dark Ops HD Pro X – its not full HD (900p), but the night videos are especially strong and offer really good contrast, helped by the powerful LEDs. There is little to no overexposure too, which is fantastic.

Daytime quality is pretty good too, although the colour not as good as it could be. The video quality is very consistent though and performs really well in different situations and environments.

The video quality is just under 1080p at 900p. Lots of manufacturers would have artificially boosted this to 1080p to attract attention but we love the fact that Browning have a more ‘do what it says on the tin’ approach, so you know what you can expect rather than be disappointed.

Video examples coming soon…

Photo Quality

Max res: 20MP (lowest 4MP)    Max number per trigger: 8 photos
Trigger speed: about 0.2 seconds    Recovery time: about 0.6 seconds

This trail camera is a photo-taking machine and the photo quality, again especially at night, is really solid and consistent. It stops motion really well and delivers a punch of contrast which allows for good clarity – particularly useful if using the Dark Ops HD Pro X for security.

Daytime imagery is ok, but it does lean towards night quality. The colour during the day is a little muted, although does change quite a lot depending on the light conditions. As with all trail cameras, the HD Pro X is using interpolation to boost the image size, which in turn degrades quality. We recommend using the photo mode on its lowest resolution setting for best results and detail.

However, the Dark Ops can fire off shots incredibly quickly and you’re never left wanting in terms of speed. The photo quality is always comfortably good enough to see what triggered the camera trap. The Rapid Fire photo mode is particularly fun to play with, taken up to 8 shots per trigger at 0.2 seconds apart – great for fast moving animals, and for security applications.

Speed and detection

Trigger speed: approx. 0.2s (photos), 0.4s (videos)     Recovery speed: 0.6s
Detection range: approx. 100ft    LED type: No-Glow LEDs

This detection circuit is absolutely fantastic, simply put. It’s extremely quick in photo mode and the video trigger is still one of the best available today. Detection range is great too and it rarely feels like you’re missing anything at all. Both photo and video modes don’t result in that ‘wish it had triggered earlier’ feeling.

Recovery speeds are right up there as well. This is the time the camera takes after finishing one capture to be ready to trigger again. The lowest ‘Delay’ setting is 1 seconds; however, that just tells the Browning Dark Ops HD Pro X to recover as fast as it possibly can. We have consistently found that the Browning will generally re-trigger in just over a second for video, and under a second for photos.

The detection angle roughly matches the camera’s field of view too on the HD Pro X, so that anything steps in frame will trigger the trail camera.

Build Quality & Batteries

Warranty: 2 years (through NatureSpy)
Batteries: 6x AA (Lithium strongly recommended)

We really like the design of this camera. Really strong build with some great little features. And smaller than the average camera trap.

One of our favourite things, and something that customer’s also feedback to us, is the metal bracket on the back of the camera. This allows you to strap it up – with the metal teeth gripping the tree/fencepost – and then tilt the camera down to whatever level required. It means an end to finding the perfect tree, or wrestling with sticks behind the camera. It’s quick, easy, and very well though out.

Battery life is insane on the Dark Ops HD Pro X, particularly if you use Lithium batteries. It requires 6x AA batteries at a time. Generally, you can expect a whopping 15+ months battery life for photos (taking around 60 pictures every 24 hours) and about 3-4 months for video (taking around 20 videos, 20 seconds in length every 24 hours). This will obviously vary depending on how active the camera is and how long each video is, if there are more night shots than day, and is based on using Lithium batteries. This is one of the most battery-efficient trail cameras available today, and up there with the best available.

Browning cameras have been also very reliable for us and are covered by a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty in the UK when bought through NatureSpy.

Ease of use

The Browning Dark Ops Pro X is designed to be easy 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 10 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 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 if you need to check on nefarious activity from the night before!

It is a small screen, at 1.5 inches, but actually still easy to use. You don’t find yourself squinting to read it and the text is nice and bold.

There are three main modes; Trail (photos only), Video, and Timelapse Plus. Most of the time, you’ll be using either photos or videos. The timelapse function works only 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 Darks Ops HD Pro X 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.