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2016 Browning Dark Ops Elite (BTC 6HDE model)

Andy S.

Andy S.

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As many of you know, I only run Reconyx black flash trail cameras these days. With that said, I still oftentimes do research, read online reviews and shop around for friends of mine. Due to several of my buds having great success with the Browning Dark Ops over the past two years (2014 model is 8MP and 2015 is 10MP), coupled with the favorable reviews I have read on TnDeer, I decided to purchase one to play with around my house on the neighborhood deer, and use mainly for still pics. If my camera performs like so many of the others did (my friends and coworkers), I will be very happy with it. For the $150 price point, this camera has become one of my favorite budget model black flash cams, especially for still images. As with all things, time will tell and I will report back with a follow up review at some point down the road.

Here are a few reviews and videos that detail all of the features of this year's model.

http://www.trailcampro.com/collecti...views/products/browning-dark-ops-elite-review (scroll down to see review)

Few videos that go over camera specifics as well as show night time video (one of the weaker points of the camera IMO, but notice the deer never really look at the camera which may lend credence to it's quietness and covertness)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo1EbVsMjOc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtac_JpCWuU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isy-Qlhg3Q4
 
I don't have a 2016 Dark Ops (yet), but my 2014 Dark Ops are still performing as advertised without problems.

As long as I can purchase four (4) of these for the price of one (1) Reconyx, will remain hard for me to justify purchasing Reconyx in the future. I've been thinking for years now that Reconyx would do something more to up the differences (and possibly include a price reduction). The competition (including many brands, not just the Browning line) keeps offering more for less and less money, and Reconyx may soon be pricing themselves out of the business?
 
I agree with much of what you say LBLman, but the two best things about my Reconyx cams are 1) it rarely, if ever misses a trigger/pic, and more important to me, 2) their customer service is and has always been top notch over the last 7-8 years for me. I love knowing that as long as they are in business, I can send a cam to them (if need be) and have it back up to snuff within 7-10 days for $50 or so, and sometimes for nothing more than return shipping. They have continued to treat me first class, even after the 1 year warranty expired, which is not what I expected, but man do I love it. :tu:
 
Andy S.":336zg94i said:
I agree with much of what you say LBLman, but the two best things about my Reconyx cams are 1) it rarely, if ever misses a trigger/pic, and more important to me, 2) their customer service is and has always been top notch over the last 7-8 years for me.
Click to expand...
But, will your Browning Dark Ops rarely, if ever miss a trigger/pic event? :tu:
I've seen no evidence mine have.

I originally purchased two Dark Ops units, and one had a relatively minor issue, for which I sent it back to Browning.
When I called, to my surprise, a live person answered the phone, and the process went smoothly.
Had a new replacement cam back in about 10 days, and my only cost was the shipping.
Realize that's but a single event, but I have no reason to worry about customer service, at least with Browning.

My bottom line becomes weighing 4 reliable cams vs 1 reliable cam for about the same cash outlay.
 
Andy I'm with u. My wife ruined me and got me a reconyx for Christmas. I used to think people were crazy paying that but now unless something changes I'll never buy another that's not reconyx. I've got a bushnell that was in the woods when I got the reconyx. I have never went and got it
 
muddyboots":1jt1e5zv said:
I used to think people were crazy paying that ....
Click to expand...
Me too, until I bought one and it lasted a decade. That equates to $50/year which means a $150-$200 China made camera will have to last 3-4 to make them justifiable to me, and only in some situations would I want them (areas where risk of theft is high, need a camera close to my house for frequent access, etc). The older China made cameras lasted me 1-3 years on average, depending on the manufacturer, but I am hoping the quality control and quality assurance has improved somewhat where I can at least get 3-4 years out of this Browning. If so, I'll be tickled, if not, I'll cuss China some more. :D
 
The "best deal" probably changes by the minute, but you'll not go wrong in getting a really "good" deal via http://www.TrailCamPro.com
I say this because their prices are very competitive, free shipping, and typically include an extra year beyond the manufacturers' warranty.

Not sure what that extra warranty year is worth, but it's definitely worth a few dollars?

I just checked, and TrailCampPro has the DarkOps in stock at $149.95, free shipping, 2-yr warranty.

One more thing, when you seek lower prices via searching the internet, you're often going to be getting them on prior year model units. This isn't necessarily anything bad, just be aware they may not be the current model year units which often have more features and sometimes prior years' "bugs" fixed. Of course, sometimes the newer year models come up with new "bugs", and those prior year models have sometimes been more reliable units. I'm not aware of any issue like this with the Browning line, but have seen it with many others.
 
Andy, that looks like a good deal to me for $139 for a current model Dark Ops. :)
Would appear the basic difference between this and $10 more with TrailCamPro is an extra year on the warranty?

I'm not sure about the exact series number of my oldest units, but I'm absolutely positive I purchased both those units late summer 2014, and they are 10mp unit versions of the Dark Ops. If they are considered "2015" models, they were sold late summer 2014.

Just for price comparison, the current online price on the 2016 Dark Ops among some major retailers is

Cabela's = $149.99 (generally plus shipping)
Bass Pro = $149.99 (generally plus shipping)
Gander Mountain = $149.99 (currently free shipping)
Richard's = $149.99 (currently free shipping)

Regarding some of the lesser known online retailers, I have purchased at least two cams from Vergona Outdoors (located in Pennsylvania) without complaint.
(Fast shipping, good communications.)
Just checked to see if they had any "deals" and found this on some prior year's model Dark Ops:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Browning-Da ... 3f654cb8af

Keep in mind this is an 8mp, prior year model, but I don't most users would "see" much if any difference.
Vergona Outdoors = $99.99 (currently free shipping)

Or, you can get the newer 10mp Dark Ops unit . . . . .
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Browning-Da ... 5683cc826a

Vergona Outdoors - $117.98 (currently free shipping)
 

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