Browning has been in the trail camera business since 2012. While that may not seem long, the brand has positioned itself as the embodiment of quality and affordability in the industry. There are plenty of Browning trail cameras available, which makes it easy to become confused, overwhelmed…and overspend. So…which is the best Browning trail camera for you?
Our Top Pick
The Dark Ops Pro XD Game Camera is our overall winner. With its amazing 24MP image sensor, 0.15-second trigger speed, dual-lens technology, and many other high-tech features, this model offers an experience that other Browning trail cameras struggle to beat.
Top 7 Browning Trail Camera Reviews
1. Dark Ops Pro XD Game Camera – Best Overall
Our top pick, the Dark Ops Pro XD, is a feature-packed camera that can capture fantastic daytime and nighttime images. It is equipped with two camera lenses, one dedicated to daytime photos and video, and the second for nighttime.
Key Features
- 24-megapixel camera
- 1080P HD video resolution
- 80-foot detection range
- 15-second trigger speed
- 5-second recovery time
- Dual camera lens technology
- Invisible IR flash
- Adjustable flash range
- Time-lapse option
- Smart IR video detection
- Up to 8 rapid-fire and multi-shot images
- Up to 512GB SDXC memory card
- 6 AA batteries
- 12V external power jack
The camera’s no-glow IR flash can illuminate an 80-foot range, without spooking animals or drawing any unwanted attention. Moreover, you can set the flash to either Power-Saving or Long-Range mode.
Another feature of this powerful trail camera that we love is that its image stamp includes barometric pressure. This is a crucial piece of information if you’re trying to monitor an animal’s behavior and movement patterns.
A couple of downsides to this model, however, is that night pictures tend to be grainy, and the detection range can fluctuate.
Pros
- Easy to set up and operate
- Great battery life
- Quality audio capture
- Great quality images and videos in different light settings
Cons
- Nighttime photos can be blurry
- Detection zone can be faulty
Dark Ops Pro XD is a well-rounded trail camera. Besides being easy to set up, it delivers splendid images and great videos. It’s also exceptionally fast and captures strong audio and video.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5.0
2. Browning Recon Force Extreme FHD Camera – Most Bang for your Buck
The Recon Force Extreme FHD is one of the most powerful trail cameras Browning has ever produced. It can capture high-quality 20MP photos and 1920 x 1080 full high-definition videos with sound and boasts high storage capacity.
Key Features
- 2-inch display screen
- 20-megapixel camera
- 1080P Full HD video with audio
- 4-second trigger speed
- 8-second recovery time
- 80-foot detection range
- Adjustable infrared flash
- 120-foot flash range
- Up to 8 multi-shot images
- Up to 8 rapid-fire images
- Zero Blur technology
- Programmable picture delay (range from 5 sec. to 60 min.)
- Up to 512GB SDXC memory card
- 8 AA batteries
- 12V external power jack
With a 0.4-second trigger speed, the Recon Force can capture anything within a distance of 80 feet. Nighttime photos are also quite detailed, thanks to the infrared LED flash system, which can illuminate objects as far as 120 feet away.
You can control the quality of nighttime images with the adjustable flash system, and the time-lapse shooting mode allows you to capture images at pre-set intervals. But don’t worry—this doesn’t stop the camera from capturing motion-activated shots.
The Recon Force features a rugged, camouflaged case, which makes it virtually invisible to intruders; the camera is powered by 8 AA batteries, giving you up to 8 months of battery life. You can also use the 12V external power jack.
A limiting factor of the Recon Force we didn’t care for is that it can only record 20-second videos at night.
Pros
- Well-designed outer case
- Good battery life
- Excellent detection circuit
Cons
- Can only capture 20 seconds of night video
Conclusion
The Browning Recon Force is a rock-solid trail camera packed with valuable features and delivers great images and videos. And despite its limited battery life, it’s one of the better values when it comes to trail cameras for under 100 dollars.
Overall Rating: 4.6/5.0
3. Browning Strike Force Elite BTC5HDE – Best Low-Budget
Despite being our best low-budget option, the Browning Strike Force Elite BTC5HDE trail camera can take clear photos of 10MP quality and record videos of 720P resolution. It also records audio along with the videos.
Key Features
- 10-megapixel camera
- 720P HD video resolution
- 4-second trigger speed
- 5-second recovery time
- 55-foot range PIR motion sensor
- 36 infrared LED flash
- 100-foot flash range
- Up to 1-hour programmable picture delay
- 6 AA batteries
- 12V external power port
- Up to 32GB SD card
- USB port and TV out
- NEW Smart IR Video Detection System
The quality of nighttime photos and videos is good, thanks to the 36-piece infrared LED system that can illuminate objects as far as 100 feet away. Moreover, the BTC5HDE is equipped with Browning’s Zero Blur technology, which minimizes fuzziness and washout.
With rapid-fire mode, the camera can take up to 8 pictures with only 0.3-second intervals. This trail camera’s 6 AA batteries can keep it running for up to two months…which is short, but you can back it up through the 12V power jack. We love the camera’s camouflaged, heavy-duty, weatherproof case. It functions well in harsh conditions and is unlikely to draw unwanted attention.
The biggest disadvantage of this trail camera is that you must transfer the photos or video to a computer or other device to view them.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Waterproof
- Consistent image quality
- Impressive trigger speed for the price
Cons
- Short battery life
- Can’t view photos or videos on the camera
Conclusion
Browning Strike Force Elite is a decent trail camera and one of Browning’s bestsellers. It delivers excellent picture quality, and the night-vision flash is also very powerful. It’s certainly a trail camera worth considering if you’re shopping for a new device but don’t want to spend a fortune.
Overall Rating: 4.3/5.0
4. Browning Defender 940 – Best for Tech-savvy Users
Here’s another powerful Browning trail camera. The most outstanding feature of the Defender 940 is that it has WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity. This makes it easy for you to view pictures and videos right from your smartphone.
Key Features
- 20-megapixel camera
- 1080P HD video resolution
- 4-second trigger speed
- 8-second recovery time
- 80-foot detection range
- Smart IR video detection system
- WiFi/Bluetooth support
- Adjustable infrared flash
- 80-foot flash range
- Time-lapse technology
- Up to 128GB SDXC card
- 4 CR123A batteries
- Built-in adjustable mounting bracket
This camera takes excellent photos and videos, thanks to its 20MP 1080P image sensor. It can detect objects as far as 80 feet away and snap their images within 0.4 seconds, and it takes only 0.8 seconds to be ready to take another picture. The camera is equipped with an infrared LED flash system for enhanced night vision, and is powered by 4 CR123A batteries.
We enjoy this camera’s high-storage capacity; it can support SDXC memory cards of up to 128 GB. Unfortunately, one downfall of the camera is that it doesn’t support SD cards, which are normally cheaper to buy. Another shortcoming is that you may get less-than-stellar results if not mounted properly—which is a difficult process.
Pros
- Compact design
- Long battery life
- Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity
- Programmable for desired performance
Cons
- Difficult to position correctly
Conclusion
The Browning Defender 940 is a great option if you want a super-fast camera that takes spectacular photos, records high-quality videos, and can transmit photos to a phone.
Overall Rating: 4.3/5.0
5. Browning Spec Ops FHD Camera – Best for Video Recording
Spec Ops FHD trail camera delivers clear, crisp images thanks to the 10MP CMOS image sensor. It can also record 1920×1800 full high-definition videos—one of its major strong points.
Key Features
- 10-megapixel camera
- 1080P FHD video resolution
- PIR motion sensor
- 67-second trigger speed
- No-glow infrared flash
- Adjustable flash system
- 55-foot detection range
- Zero Blur technology
- Up to 512GB SD card
- Smart IR video detection
- Time-lapse plus IR triggered movement
- 8 AA batteries
- 12V external power jack
Its no-glow infrared flash can illuminate objects as far as 70 feet away, and Browning’s Zero Blur technology helps to enhance picture quality. The quality of videos is impressive, and is one of our favorite aspects of this camera, but the videos themselves tend to be considerably short. The camera offers good battery life, and a remarkable attribute is that taking videos doesn’t eat up battery life.
The discouraging aspect of this trail camera is that the trigger is so sensitive that even leaves can sometimes activate it.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Great quality daytime images
- An ideal choice for video taking
Cons
- Video recordings are short
- Very sensitive motion detection
Conclusion
The Spec Ops FHD has an impressive detection circuit and high video quality. It would be a great choice if you plan on using it for video recording exclusively; picture quality is lacking.
Overall Rating: 4.2/5.0
6. Browning Command Ops Pro – Top Entry-level Model
If you are looking for the best Browning trail camera that features low-glow IR illumination and is budget-friendly, consider the Command Ops Pro. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to install several trail cameras.
Key Features
- 14-megapixel camera
- 720P video resolution
- 5-second trigger speed
- 70-foot detection range
- Infrared LED flash
- 70-foot flash range
- Up to 4 multi-shot images
- Up to 4 rapid-fire images
- Time-lapse technology
- 6 AA batteries
- 12V external power jack
- Up to 32GB SD card
Despite being one of the cheapest Browning trail cameras, the Ops Pro still packs a punch. The quality of both daytime and nighttime photos and videos is great for the price. The camera takes 14MP quality photos and 720P resolution videos.
Adding to the clarity of nighttime photos and videos is an infrared LED flash system, which can illuminate objects as far as 70 feet away. Not only is it affordable, it is also easy to use, making it a beginner-friendly camera.
The camera has a 0.5-second trigger speed and takes about 2 seconds to take a subsequent picture. It can detect movement up to 70 feet away, which is impressive for an entry-level trail camera. One thing that would make me avoid this model is the lower quality of night videos, although it’s acceptable for the price.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Ideal for beginners
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Lower nighttime image quality
Conclusion
The Browning Command Ops Pro makes an excellent choice for an entry-level trail camera. With its competitive price and great battery life, it would be a worthy investment if you need several trail cameras.
Overall Rating: 4.1/5.0
7. Browning Dark Ops Elite BTC-6HDE Trail Camera – Best for Beginners
This is another one of the best Browning trail cameras if you are just starting out. The Dark Ops Elite offers plenty of valuable features for the price. It can take 10MP quality pictures and 720P resolution videos.
Key Features
- 10-megapixel camera
- 720P HD video resolution with audio
- 4-second trigger speed
- 5-second recovery time
- 55-foot detection range
- Invisible IR LED flash
- Up to 8 rapid fire and multi-shot images
- Programmable picture delay
- 12V external power jack
- 70-foot flash range
- 6 AA batteries
The camera’s nighttime performance is impressive, thanks to its invisible infrared flash, which doesn’t spook animals. The flash can illuminate up to 70 feet away, and the camera can even record up to 20-second nighttime video bursts.
Another valuable attribute of the Dark Ops Elite is its adjustable IR flash technology. You can set it to Power Save or Long Range mode, and it has a backlit display screen, which makes it easy to set up. The Dark Ops Elite can also work with SDXC memory cards of up to 512GB.
The major setback of the Dark Ops Elite trail camera is that it can’t detect movement beyond 55 feet — which we found very limiting.
Pros
- Compact design
- High-storage capacity
- Easy to set up and operate
- Excellent quality photos and videos
- Long flash range for the price
Cons
- Limited detection range
Conclusion
The Browning Dark Ops Elite is above par. It delivers great picture quality, battery life, and speed. It’s also easy to set up and use, and we found it to be an effective yet affordable trail camera.
Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0
About Browning Trail Camera Brand
Founded in 1878, Browning Arms Company is one of the world’s premier manufacturers of firearms and outdoor gear. They ventured into the trail camera market in 2012, and now holds a reputation for manufacturing high-quality and affordable trail cameras.
Browning uses high-quality materials and components to uphold the reliability of their products, and works tirelessly to upgrade and improve. Each camera features a camouflaged exterior, a feature that most other brands don’t offer, and makes them the easiest trail cameras to hide. They also utilize effective technologies like Smart IR video detection and Zero Blur technology to deliver the best picture and video quality.
There’s a wide selection of Browning trail camera models with different configurations and features to suit different needs, and they all come with a one-year warranty.
If you’d like to explore other brands why not read our post on trail cameras by Primos and those by Wildgame Innovations? And don’t forget to visit our page on the best trail cameras.
Final Thoughts
Browning trail cameras are popular for their quality, compactness, high-tech features, and affordability. Regardless of your experience level, you can get a Browning trail camera that suits your needs. Our number one choice is the Dark Ops Pro XD Game Camera, as none of the other six models can totally match what it has to offer. In addition to its superior megapixel count (the highest Browning has to offer at 24) and trigger speed (leading the pack at .15 seconds), it’s affordable, versatile, and provides excellent picture quality, giving you a gratifying hunting experience.
