Bushnell Trophy cam Essential E3/August 07, 2017
The Essential E3 is a medium sized camera, a bit larger than this years micro series by Browning. It uses only 8 AA batteries internally. The E3 uses a small monochrome multi-line LCD display screen for its menu setup. It is a bit hard to see unless you get it at the right angle. It is back lit for use in the dark.
This camera utilizes a visible IR red flash LED array for its night imaging. I do not hear a filter click during image capture.
The surface of the camera has a molded “industrial” geometric pattern that Bushnell has used for a few years. The camera is an olive green color front and back. The LED array is black and broken up by a honeycomb overlay to reduce glint in the sunlight and to help the camera hide in its background.
This camera opens like a book, with camera in the front half and battery compartment in the rear half. The bottom and back have a threaded insert for mounting while the back of the camera supports both strap and a python. Note: There is no external battery port on this camera. I like the single cam buckle that latches securely and feels tight.
Included in the box is a substantial nylon strap with a metal cinch type buckle.
Ultimately, I recommend a lock box for this camera for better security and protection as there is no way to stop someone from opening your camera and removing the SD card otherwise. Also, with a python it can fairly easily be yanked loose from the python, breaking the thin plastic tubes holding the python.
I would consider this an easy camera to use and I was able to change the configuration with out referring to the printed manual so far.
Manufacturer model #: 119837.
Manufacturers specifications:
- No external battery jack
- 16 interpolated mpxl photos
- 1280×720 videos w/ audio
- 2X time lapse w/ live trigger
- Day/Night/24 Hour mode
- Date, time, and temperature stamp on all images
- 8 AA batteries required
- Accepts up to 32 gig sd card
The MSRP on this camera is around $149.00.
Chasingame Test Results:
| Test Performed | Result |
|---|---|
| Flash Range | Very Bright, usable beyond 60 feet. |
| Trigger Time without flash | avg .20s |
| Trigger Time with flash | avg .30s |
| Video Trigger Time | avg 1.80s |
| Photo Recovery Time | avg .84s |
| Video Recovery time | |
| Day Range | Darker fairly natural color and good clarity beyond 50 feet even when zoomed. |
| Battery Life | |
| Filter Clunk | No |
| Invisible Flash | No |
| Motion Blur | |
| Sensing Test | 70+ feet at 83F degrees |
