Over the last 4 months, I’ve field tested 9 of these cameras from 0 to 90 degree F temperatures. This is my opinion and I’m certainly not an expert on this subject. Hopefully by reading this review, I may be able to educate you a little, or save you some time or perhaps even money. If I achieve that, than I feel that I’ve accomplished my purpose for writing this article. 
If you are interested in purchasing this trail camera, please send me a PM or an email [email protected]. I’m in the process of negotiating a volume discount for everyone here at IDO!
I’m not going to compare individual features of this camera to other trail cameras simply because everyone’s likes and dislikes vary greatly. However, I will make some general comparisons. I’ve also used or am currently using several other trail camera as well including Cuddeback, StealthCam, Reconyx, Moultrie, Buck Buster, DeerCam and WildGame.
Let me start out by stating that I prefer to use video mode versus still picture mode. I would rather watch a 10-60 second movie clip versus looking at 1-3 snap shots. How many times do you get a photo of a buck and you can only see part of his rack or it’s at the wrong angle? That will happen far less in video mode. However, there are some cons to using video mode. One is that it will decrease your memory space on your internal memory on your trail camera (Bushnell Trophy Cam does not have an internal built in memory) or your SD card. It’s usually not a big deal because I’ve had up to 200 videos on one 2 Gig SD card. The other con is that it will take up more disk space on your PC since you are saving .AVI files versus .jpg files. Video sizes vary from 3-13 MB depending on the length of the video and whether or not it’s in color during the day or in black/white at night. I usually set up my video in 30 second lengths. However when you weigh all the pros and cons, my personal opinion is that videos give you a distinct advantage over still images.
Suggested Retail Price for the Bushnell Trophy Cam is $200 ($250 with the color viewer). In my opinion, the extra $50 for the color viewer is not worth the money due to its small size.
The trail camera uses a SD Card (up to 2 Gig, not included). The unit does not have internal built in memory so a SD card must be used (make sure you are not using a SDHD Card). The SD Card must be inserted into the camera to operate the camera. Make sure that you are using a good quality SD card in your camera (Bushnell recommends San Disk Brand SD Cards). Unfortunately, poor quality SD cards sometimes will not work or they may decrease your battery life. The SD card must be formatted in the camera which is easy to do and it only takes about 5 seconds. However, it’s an added step and it’s another thing to remember when you are in the field swapping out cards. Also, do not take out the SD Card when the camera is “on” or in “setup mode”. This may cause future problems.
Pros
• Very portable because of its small size (6x4x2¾ )
• Quick Trigger Speed
• Excellent battery life
• Adjustable PIR (low/medium/high)
• Easy to program (no remote needed)
• 2 Year Warranty
Cons:
• Only detects out to 45 ft
• Nylon Belt is weak
• Viewer is not worth the extra $50
PROS:
The small size (6 inches tall, 4 inches wide, 2 ¾ inches deep) and weight (approx. 1 pound) is incredible and you can easily carry this in your backpack or even your coat pocket. The small size and portability of this camera is one of my favorite features.
Trigger time is very good and is around 1 second for images (I believe it’s a little bit longer for video). Comparing that to other trail cameras in the same price range, the trigger speed is very good and ranks better than most.
Battery life is up to 6 months (depending on weather conditions), 6 months or greater with Lithium batteries. Bushnell expects the camera to take several thousand images before the batteries die. I’ve experienced excellent battery life in these trail cameras. One of the benefits of using AA batteries is that you are able to use rechargeable AA batteries. This certainly helps keep the costs down from having to buy more batteries.
Adjustable PIR (Low/Med/High), For warm temperature use, set the sensor to “High” and for cold weather use, set the sensor for “Low”. When the camera is in the “Setup” mode, a special LED on the front of the camera will flash when it senses motion. This is for setup purposes only and will help the user aim the camera. During use, the LED will not flash when the camera takes an image. This will help prevent spooking game.
Programming your Bushnell Trophy Cam is very easy. Simply open the cover and click through the menu options. No remote is needed. I do not like the use of remotes for programming. It’s just another thing that I need to remember to take out in the field or something else to I will end up losing. Compared to programming other trail cameras, I would rate it easier than most. However, in low light conditions it’s somewhat hard to see which buttons to push so carry a small light. The video quality is 16 frames per second. It is very easy to set to video as well. Simply open the camera, hit menu, go to the “camera mode” setting, and put it in video mode. It is just as simple to switch back to picture mode. In video mode, the date and time will also be stamped at the beginning of the video.
The Bushnell Trophy Cam comes with a 2 year warranty. Original receipt (proof of purchase) is needed along with a $10 for shipping. This is the only camera that I know of with a 2 year warranty (all others are 1 year or less). I wish I had this on some of my other cameras! All of my cameras worked out of the box. Therefore, I’ve not had the opportunity to test their customer service department.
CONS:
Detection Range and Infrared Flash Range is 45 ft. (Detection Width: Wide) I would consider this somewhat of a weakness compared to other trail cameras within this price range.
The nylon strap that is included is kind of lame and not very user friendly.
The optional viewer is only 1 inch by 1 inch and is so small that it’s very hard to see a deer much less a buck. In my opinion, the veiwer is certainly not worth the extra $50.
OTHER THINGS THAT I DISCOVERED:
After retrieving the camera in the field, you can check to see how many images/videos were captured. However, one thing that I’ve noticed is that you have to wait about 3 seconds after powering the camera off and before you power the camera back on in order to see the number of images/videos. Not a big deal but something that you should know.
You can’t view videos on the color viewer (which is waste of money anyways).
No laser pointer to help with setup but it does have a red flashing LED light to help you set up the proper camera angle
The hinge pins sometimes need to be pushed up in order to close the cover door
In video mode, if batteries run low, the video will have a slight hesitation. It will also not capture a still image.
No user password
No temp or moon phase
CONCLUSION:
Overall I’m very pleased with the Trophy Bushnell Camera considering its price range of $200. The small compact size and fast trigger speed is great along with the picture/video quality. The battery life is excellent and since it takes AA’s you can use rechargeable batteries. Even though I’ve had no problems with this camera, it’s reassuring to know that it comes with a 2 year warranty.
Other Specifications:
Recovery Time: 7-11 seconds
Resolution: High/Low resolution settings, 3MP or 5MP color images.
Auto White Balance and Auto Exposure
Infrared Night Vision: 24 LED (two more than its main competitor ScoutGuard)
LCD Display: Backlit LCD (a little hard to see in bright conditions)
Minimum Delay Setting: 1 second
Day/Night Auto Sensor
External power compatible
VGA video 20 FPS (640x480x440)
Trigger interval: 0 sec. to 60 min. programmable
Multi-image mode 1-3 images per trigger
Video length 1-60 sec. programmable
Time lapse mode
Temperature range -5F to 140F
24 infrared night vision emitters – 45 ft. range
1/4-20 socket (tri-pod mount)
Lens F=3.1=40 degrees IR cut
Accessories Included:
Instruction manual, nylon strap, USB cable and TV out cable
Optional Accessories:
Security Boxes and external power cables are available from 3rd party vendors such as (www.custom1enterprises.com). However, the Trophy Cam does not have a slot for a lock to slide through unless you have the security case as well.
Manufacturer Information:
Bushnell
8500 Marshall Drive
Lenexa, KS 66214
http://www.bushnell.com
888-276-5945
