• Help Support TNDeer:

Browning Spec Ops HP5

B

BSK

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 11, 1999
Messages
84,218
Location
Nashville, TN
I've got a couple of Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5 cameras coming. As long as shipping doesn't lose them along the way (a real possibility these days), I hope to have them out for testing in a week or so.

The HP5's upgrade over last year's the HP4 is supposed to be longer flash range (black flash). I get 95 feet of flash across open areas with the HP4s so I'll be interested to see what the HP5s produce.
 
redblood said:
I know the reviews sure are favorable on them. It seems browning cams are bulletproof
Click to expand...
From an overall "best value" aspect, I'd rate the Browning brand for trail cams #1.

For very specific applications, there are certain other brands with specific models I may find "better" (sometimes even a better long-term value), but most brands/models that are "cheaper" up front end up being short on features, reliability, and lasting value.

One thing many do not consider is the ongoing costs of batteries, and the battery life of a specific cam, plus the "special" trips you sometimes make just to replace the batteries (as well as an SD card). Add to this how many years of life you may expect to get from a particular cam.

On these issues, Browning is at the top of the heap, including most their cams being able to utilize very large capacity SD cards, meaning you have less worry about the card filling up before you revisit the cam.

As to the Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5, not only can it utilize high-speed SD cards up to 512 GB (most cams cannot go above 32 GB), but with the HP5 you may be able to go years on your first set of batteries! Add to this it's feature rich reliability, and you can see how by paying just a little bit more up front, you receive much more in benefits, plus costs savings, over time.

Note: The HP5 is not a cell cam, but it is a top-notch model for running video, for which you absolutely do need the ability for using SD cards larger than the 32 GB limit of so many other brands.
 
The HP5 is as advertised, I'm going to be thrilled!

Of course, as TheLBLman points out, each camera is best at something, often giving up characteristics in a different direction. If I wanted a cell camera, or a camera for doing a lot of time-lapse coverage of large areas, I would probably choose a different cam. I choose the Browing Dark Ops cameras because they are so great at day and night video.
 
I got two of those same cameras ordered hopping they hold up to the reputation. I'll post results when they come in.
 
In this case, I'd go ahead and order the HP5
unless the HP4 were heavily discounted (which seems pretty unlikely).

www.trailcampro.com

Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5 (Non-Cellular)

This Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5 trail camera takes epic 24 megapixel photographs. Order this high quality trail camera online from Trailcampro today.
www.trailcampro.com www.trailcampro.com

These are the security cases I use on most my cams . . . . .
www.trailcampro.com

Browning Elite HP5 Security Case

This security case works with the Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5 and the Browning Recon Force Elite HP5. This case has pre-drilled holes designed to easily slide your Python Cable Lock to secure to a tree. If you plan on lag-bolting this case to a tree, we recommend the Master Lock Shrouded Lock...
www.trailcampro.com www.trailcampro.com

These security cases will add some longevity to your cams by protecting them a bit from direct sunlight and heavy rain. They're not just about increasing "security".

Note the security cases are different for each brand & model of cam (with rare exception).
 
Mine came in today (48 hour shipping from Trailcampro - they're always great to work with).

I'm surprised the HP5 is a little bigger unit than the HP4, as it seems every manufacturer has been going smaller and smaller of late. Camo on HP5 is better than on HP4. Flash area is MUCH bigger on HP5 than HP4 and camera lens looks bigger on HP5.
 
The HP5 also has what they call "Smart Video," which will keep the video feature running as long as something is moving in front of the camera. In addition it has Illumi-Smart night flash that adjust the strength of the flash depending on how far away the target is. That prevents the flash from producing a "white out" or wash out when the deer is close to the camera. This feature tones down the flash if the deer is close and boosts it back up as the deer gets farther away. I've seen this feature on the HP4 and it really works. The only thing you have to be careful of is making sure there are no branches, weeds, or grass in front of the camera. If "junk" close to the camera gets illuminated brightly, the flash will tone itself down. That can mean not enough flash out where the deer is. Don't ask how I know about this. :rolleyes: Lesson learned!
 

Latest posts

Back
Top