Qualities & Features
- Brand new for Summer 2024
- Dual lens technology
- 4K video resolution
- Robust, compact housing
- 0.24 second trigger speed
- Long-range no-glow IR flash
- Compatible with rechargeable batteries
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Overview
The Browning Dark Ops Pro DCL Nano offers 4K video recording in a rugged and discreet design. Featuring a unique dual lens system, the Pro DCL Nano has one lens optimised for daytime recording and one for night. Combined with Browning’s responsive and reliable detection circuit and six high-power no-glow LEDs for nighttime recording, this compact camera is capable of capturing high quality footage.
The Pro DCL Nano is the first camera in Browning’s popular Dark Ops range capable of recording at 4K resolution, and we found that the enhanced 4K details are most noticeable when recording at closer distances of around 1-3m. In testing, we found that the benefit of 4K resolution was most noticeable in brighter ambient light
The 26MP photo quality is a decent resolution and with a 0.5s recovery speed this helps the camera capture as much activity as possible. However, the photo trigger speed of 0.24s is slower than some of Browning's other no-glow models.
The camera is well-suited for security purposes, as its infrared LEDs do not produce any visible light, and its small case size aids in discreet mounting.
There is a handy steel bracket on the back of the camera to allow it to be tilted forward for precise positioning. Additionally, the forward-facing colour screen enables easy setup and viewing, and Browning has increased the font size on this model - as not everything is better nano!
Overall, the Dark Ops Pro DCL Nano camera is an excellent choice for detailed image capture at closer ranges; however, for more consistent image quality over longer range, we recommend considering the Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5.
The warranty length in the UK through NatureSpy is 2 years.
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Video Quality
Max res: 4K (23fps) Max length: 2mins day, 20 secs night
Trigger speed: about 0.24 seconds Recovery time: about 1.5 secondsThe DCL Nano offers a high video resolution of 4K at 23fps on the ‘ultra’ setting, which we found to be excellent in bright environments and for working at closer ranges of around 1-3m.
Daytime videos are particularly high quality, outshining a lot of other trail cameras on the market. However, night time footage lacks clarity compared to cameras like the top of the range Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 and the Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5.
Photo Quality
Max res: 26MP (lowest 4MP) Max number per trigger: 8 photos
Trigger speed: about 0.24 seconds Recovery time: about 0.5 secondsThe Dark Ops Pro DCL Nano features good photo quality, as afforded by the dual lens system. One lens is custom-tuned purely for daytime shots, and the other for low-light to take clearer night time images.
As with almost all trail cameras, this model uses image interpolation for photo capture. Counterintuitively, this means that larger photos aren’t actually better quality as they’re artificially enhanced. For best image quality with a bonus of smaller file sizes, we recommend running it on the ‘low’ 4MP setting.
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Speed and detection
Trigger speed: approx. 0.24s (photos), 0.24s (videos) Recovery speed 0.5s (photos), 1.5 (videos)
Detection range: approx. 60ft LED type: No-Glow LEDsThe Dark Ops Pro DCL Nano has a decent trigger circuit, though its trigger speeds are slightly slower compared to Browning's other contemporary models. It is fast enough for UK species, but for very fast-moving wildlife, we recommend considering the Spec Ops Elite HP5 as a faster alternative.
Detection range is solid, reaching around 20 metres with a flash range that extends to 30 metres for optimum illumination at night.
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Build quality & batteries
Warranty: 2 years (through NatureSpy)
Batteries: 6x AA (Lithium strongly recommended)The Pro DCL Nano features a familiar-looking Browning case that’s been slightly remodelled, but maintains the compact size of the Dark Ops range. It’s yet another rugged trail camera from Browning, featuring the durable build quality we’ve come to expect from the brand. It features a dark and discreet camouflage colouration that is well suited to the UK and this helps minimise the camera's visibility in the field.
Like most Browning cameras, this new model has an exceptional battery life. Generally, the DCL Nano has a 22 month battery life for photos and you can expect a battery life of about 2.5 months, when using Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. This camera requires 6 AA batteries and its battery life will be dependent on factors such as: length of videos, how active the camera is and if there are more night shots compared to day shots. The camera can use rechargeable AA batteries that have a capacity of at least 2500mAh.
Browning cameras in general 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 DCL Nano is easy to use, owing to its adjustable bracket, intuitive settings menu and forward-facing screen.
The adjustable steel bracket at the back of the camera allows the camera to be tilted for optimal positioning in the field - no more wedging sticks behind the camera! The forward-facing 1.5” colour screen is useful for perfecting camera placement and reviewing captured images/videos without removing the SD card.
The camera offers three main modes: Trail Cam (photo), Video, and Timelapse Plus. The timelapse mode is only available during daylight hours and the camera will not take any timelapse photography at night. When set to Video mode the camera will save a separate photo for every video recorded.
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 during setup. Use this to check that the camera position will be effective when an animal passes by.
Every purchase funds our projects
Every purchase makes an impact
All shop profits fund our projects to protect the wildlife you love.- Audio Recording: Yes
- Battery Life - Photos: Up to 18 Months
- Battery Life - Video: Up to 3 months
- Can use rechargable batteries: Yes - Eneloop Pro only
- Cellular: No
- CMOS Sensor: 2MP
- Detection range max: Up to 60ft
- Encryption option: No
- External power jack: 12V 5.5mm DC Input, min. 2A max. 7A
- FPS: 30fps
- GPS Geotag: No
- Hybrid capture: Yes
- Image data strip: Yes
- IR flash range: 100ft max
- LCD Display: Colour
- LED Type: No-Glow
- Max Images per trigger: 8
- Max SD Card capacity: 512GB
- Max video resolution: 4K
- Memory overwrite: Yes
- Night vision flash: No-Glow
- No of batteries: 6x AA
- Number of LEDs: 6 Power LEDs
- PIR sensor: Up to 60ft
- Power supply: AA batteries
- Recovery speed: 0.5s
- Resolution: 26MP
- Solar compatible: Yes
- Start Stop Timer: Yes
- Strap included: Yes
- Timelapse: Yes (daylight only)
- Trigger speed - Photos: 0.24sec
- Trigger speed - Videos: 0.24sec
- 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.
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.
