I am currently considering buying a HC500, since I have just enough money to afford one with the added accessorizes with it (lock box/batteries/charger for batteries/lock). However, I want some feedback regarding the HC 500. First, do the IR flashes at night really spook deer? Are the night pictures good, does anyone have any sample photos with the HC 500 at night? Is it really necessary to have the HC 600 for a non-spooking camera, or is the HC 500 just as good? If anyone has the HC 500, what do you think about it, is it worth buying? Any feedback is welcomed, I just want to know more about this camera before buying it, since it's such a large purchase. Photos with the HC are greatly appreciated since its hard to find a lot with it (especially at night).

Jon

Welcome to the forum.

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In Solidarity. Phil

Keep reading the forums here lots of post on both cams.

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DLC Pro Staff Member

2 covert 3.0
2 dlc covert black 60
1 dlc red 40
1 mp6

I have 2 of the 500's. This is the best one and I'm not going to comment on the images. You decide on that.

The trigger speed, build and so far, durability are the best I've ever seen. According to reports, Customer service is great.

I've never noticed IR spooked Deer from the Reconyx. The IR from some of my Video cameras does but I think that's because it is on longer.

Welcome to the board!

Jon,
It will help if you post what you like best in a trail camera. If image quality is your highest priority, and want photos with perfect color day and night then you may want to go with a home brew camera. If you are a hard core hunter that wants to know EVERY critter that comes in ranger of your camera and can take up to 10 pics every 1/5th of a second and KNOW it will trigger every time , then, ANY Reconyx is the camera for you.
I have a HC 600 ( black IR flash ) and I am still shocked at how many photos I can get of the same mature buck. As far as Red flash IR , some deer don't seem to mind at all and other do, you never know. But on other brand cameras set to video they are quicker to avoid the red IR but when set to take photos not so much.
Here are a few photos from my HC 600 The flash was set to Max Range . The image is 3.1 MP

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1 Spypoint 2012 BF-7
1 Reconyx 2011 HC 600
2 Moultrie 2011 M-80


1 WGI IR-4 ( dead )
2 Stealth 1540 ( dead )

I'm looking for quick trigger speed and quality photos. I've always looked at the Bushnell Trohpy Cam HD as a option but I figure since I have alittle more money then expected, why not try to go for the HC500. I mean, I could get the Bushnell HD Blackflash set up, but I always heard good things about reconyx and feel as though it would be a better investment in the long run. Basically, I just want a camera to take pictures of what comes by it and to have good quality night photos, so I can see whats out there.

Jon

The IR is definitely not working right on this one (assuming the batters are good). Do you know if the IR mode is set to balances, hq or max range?

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Moultrie D40
WGI IR4
Reconyx HC600

You won't find any camera out there that has better trigger speed than a Reconyx. You won't find too many that take a lower quality pic though.

Some Reasons to buy a Reconyx:
Ultra fast.
Unbeatable reliability. They do break, but they can also be repaired, which is more than can be said for too many others.
Customer service that is above and beyond the call of duty.
American Made, if that's important to you.
Incredible battery life. Can take 10,000+ pics on a set of 6 AAs.


Reasons to avoid them:
Most other cams can beat their pic quality...some by a mile.
No video mode, which is important to some.

If you want a camera that you can just set and forget...and guarantee that you'll get pics, a Reconyx is for you. If you want high quality pics, keep shopping.

Joe

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Friends don't let friends buy trail cameras.

Wildview Extreme 5
Reconyx RC60HO
UWay NT50B with IRB Extender
DXG567 HD Vid Homebrew
DXG125 HD Vid Homebrew
S600, SS
P41 IR, SS

I love my hc500! It is a machine andthe pics r look good to me!

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Reconyx hc 500
2 2012 M-80-xd's
3 covert 2012 Red40
2 Covert 2012 mp6
1 covert 2012 black 60

Just bought an hc600 to go with the pc900.I don't know why everyone bitches about reconyx picture quality,mine are fine.Nothing will compare to a homebrew but I believe that a lot of complaints about reconyx pic quality are camera set up problems.Not to many cams will give a really good nite time picture.J.M.O. I have been wrong before I think.

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wildview tgl2ir
scoutguard sg550v
reconyx pc900
reconyx hc600

It looks like Peters hc500 nite pic is set for fast shutter.Fast shutter at nite is not good

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wildview tgl2ir
scoutguard sg550v
reconyx pc900
reconyx hc600

Max range

3.1 mp and a full year warranty

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DLC Pro Staff Member

2 covert 3.0
2 dlc covert black 60
1 dlc red 40
1 mp6

IMO , Peter your camera needs one of two things.... fully charged batteries or to be sent back for repair

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1 Spypoint 2012 BF-7
1 Reconyx 2011 HC 600
2 Moultrie 2011 M-80


1 WGI IR-4 ( dead )
2 Stealth 1540 ( dead )

I agree. If you send it to rc now, you will have it back in less than two week. I live across the border from them (in MN) and it was back in about 5 days from doorstep to doorstep.

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Moultrie D40
WGI IR4
Reconyx HC600