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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.
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Video Quality
Max res: 900p (30fps) Max length: 2mins day, 20 secs night
Trigger speed: about 0.4 seconds Recovery time: about 1.1 secondsWe’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 secondsThis 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.
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Speed and detection
Trigger speed: approx. 0.2s (photos), 0.4s (videos) Recovery speed: 0.6s
Detection range: approx. 100ft LED type: No-Glow LEDsThis 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.
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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.
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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.
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We use the kit we sell to help monitor, record and protect wildlife and habitats all over the world; from helping to re-wild Britain's landscapes to supporting the conservation of endangered species.- Audio Recording: Yes
- Battery Life - Photos: Up to 12 Months
- Battery Life - Video: Up to 3 months
- Can use rechargable batteries: Yes - Eneloop Pro only
- Cellular: No
- CMOS Sensor: 3MP
- Detection range max: Up to 80ft
- Encryption option: No
- External power jack: 12V 5.5mm DC Input, min. 2A max. 7A
- FPS: 30fps
- GPS Geotag: No
- Hybrid capture: No
- Image data strip: Yes
- IR flash range: 80ft max
- LCD Display: Colour
- LED Type: No-Glow
- Max Images per trigger: 8
- Max SD Card capacity: 512GB
- Max video resolution: 900p
- Memory overwrite: Yes
- Night vision flash: No-Glow
- No of batteries: AA x6
- Number of LEDs: 4 Power LEDs
- PIR sensor: Up to 80ft
- Power supply: AA batteries
- Recovery speed: 0.6s
- Resolution: 20MP
- Solar compatible: Yes
- Start Stop Timer: Yes
- Strap included: Yes
- Timelapse: Yes
- Trigger speed - Photos: 0.1sec
- Trigger speed - Videos: 0.4sec
- Tripod mount: Yes
- Video length: Up to 2 minutes daytime, 20 seconds night
- Warranty: 2 year
- Weatherproof: Yes
- Wireless connectivity: No
Browning Trail Cameras - what do we think?
Browning Trail Cameras are an American-based camera trap manufacturer with a growing reputation. They’ve innovated fast and won loyal customers across the pond – and its easy to see why. We’re proud to be a main UK distributor.
The current range from Browning builds on their successes, pushing the boundaries and improving every time. The Recon Force and Spec Ops have some of the best video quality we’ve ever seen on a camera trap; comfortably beating the previous leaders, Bushnell.
Browning say that you can watch their 1080p footage back on a 60 inch TV and not lose clarity – and we can see what they mean. Add excellent video trigger times (which are always slower than photo triggers) of about 0.3 seconds, and you can start to see why we’re so excited about these trail cameras. You can see videos for the product you’re viewing on the ‘Example video’ tab or in the ‘Our Review’ section.
We’re currently using Browning trail cameras on a number of NatureSpy projects – in Croatia (bear, wolf and lynx), Northern France (wolf and lynx) and of course the North York Moors (pine marten). We also work with a number of large environmental organisations and charities around the world also using Browning trail cameras.
Photo quality is also generally good, though differs throughout the range. Trigger times again are strong. All models also have Multi-Shot and Rapid-Fire modes, which give you control and choice over what you want your camera to do when taking photos.
Many models also have built-in, forward facing colour screens and a host of smart features and simple set ups to make camera trapping that bit easier and convenient. Add this all together with the excellent price and it can be difficult to look beyond a Browning wildlife camera trap.
And as NatureSpy are an official UK distributor, you’re fully covered by our 2 year warranty and if in the unlikely event something goes wrong, we’ll deal with it entirely in the UK.
If you need some further help with camera traps or Browning Trail Cameras in general, check out our support section - packed full of videos, FAQs and support.
Customer Reviews
Need some help?
We pride ourselves on our pre and post-purchase customer service.
We understand that occasionally, there is a question you can't find the answer for, or a tweak you need to make to improve the performance to help you get that shot you've been after.
Fortunately, we've seen it all before. We have a dedicated support section that covers loads of topics both simply and also in depth, depending on what you need.
Because we're Europe's experts and we work with the products we offer on a daily basis, we know them better than anybody. Our support area is based on years and years of working with the products we offer.
So instead of scratching your head to trying and figure something out, head over to the support centre or check our FAQs.
