Browning Strike Force HD Pro X

Our
rating
8.4/10

Overview

There is a new version of this product available - the Browning Strike Force Pro X 1080

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

It uses the new kind of LEDs to give really strong IR flash range at night.

Trigger speeds are improved too – at around 0.15 seconds for photos, and 0.45 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 at 900p – its smooth and clear, with excellent IR flash range at night and exposure balance.

The build quality and overall design of the camera 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 under 2 seconds and record another 20 second clip. The warranty length in the UK through NatureSpy is 2 years.

We’ve been really enjoying this camera – its quick, great on batteries, the video is good especially at night (though not as good as the Recon Force Advantage), it improves on the previous version in all the right areas and its just fun to use too. We give it 8.4 out of 10.

Video Quality:

Max res: 900p (30fps day, 24fps night)    Max length: 2mins day, 20 secs night
Trigger speed: about 0.45 seconds    Recovery time: about 1.1 seconds

This is one of the most noticeable improvements on the previous version, especially on the night videos – really strong flash range with no over-exposure. The trigger speed is also great on the Strike Force HD Pro X – well demonstrated by the fox video below. That kind of speed at that kind of distance, through trees, is really impressive

The video quality is just under 1080p at 900p. Lots of manufacturer’s 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.

Real-world example videos from the Browning Strike Force HD Pro X;

Day videos are better than the last version of the camera, but the colour on these videos is not at the level of some higher end trail camera and does vary depending on light conditions.

The audio quality has improved and is good enough to hear bird song in the background and pick up smaller sounds, as well as any sounds made by whatever has triggered the wildlife camera.

Photo Quality:

Max res: 20MP (lowest 3MP)    Max photos per trigger: 8 photos

Trigger speed: about 0.15 seconds    Recovery time: about 1.1 seconds

The night photo quality in particular is very strong on this model – great contrast and flash range, coupled with the very fast triggers, is a winning combination. There is barely any motion blur on fast moving subjects too.

Daytime imagery is ok, but its safe to say the HD Pro X leans towards night quality. The colour during the day is a little washed out, 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 the lower resolution setting for best results.

However, the camera 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.

Speed and detection

Trigger speed: approx. 0.15s (photos), 0.4s (videos)    Recovery speed: 0.6s
Detection range: approx. 90ft    LED type: Low-Glow LEDs

This detection circuit is top-notch, simply put. Its super quick in photo mode and the video trigger is still one of the best available. 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 Strike Force 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 love 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 strong on the Strike Force HD Pro X, particularly if you use Lithium batteries. It requires 6x AA batteries at a time. Generally, you can expect an improved 12 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 trail 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 Strike Force HD Pro HD Pro X is certainly 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 a sneaky look before you head to work!

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 Cam (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 Strike Force 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.