Recon Outdoors HS300/September 14, 2014
- Resolution: 5, 8 or 12 MP Color CMOS
- IR Flash: 50 Feet @ 19 LEDS or 90Feet @ 40 LEDS
- Memory: SD Card (8MB-32GB) with 2GB SD Card included
- LCD Viewer screen: 2″ TFT,RGB,262K
- PIR Sensitivity: 3 Settings: High/Normal/Low
- Multi Shot: 1-7 Pictures
- Trigger Time: 0.75-1 Second
- Video: 3 Resolutions setting includes option for audio
- Video Format: AVI
- Video Length: 1-60 Seconds Programmable
- Power Internal: 8AA Batteries
- Power External: 6V DC or 12V DC
- Interface: TV Out / USB / SD Card
- Mounting Options: Strap(Included) or 1/4″x20 Stud Mount
- Operating Temp: -13 Deg F to 140 Deg F
- Dimensions: 5 1/4″x 4 7/8″x 3 1/8″
- Certifications: CE,FCC,RoHS
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Class | Optics |
| Category | Scouting Cameras |
| Model Year | 2014 |
| Manufacturer | Recon Outdoors |
| Model | HS300 |
| Flash Type | IR Red Flash |
| Battery Type | 8 AA |
| MSRP |
| Test Performed | Result |
|---|---|
| Flash Range | 60+ feet |
| Trigger Time without flash | 1.15s |
| Trigger Time with flash | 1.19s |
| Video Trigger Time | 2.43s |
| Day Range | good contrast realistic color |
| Battery Life | Not completed |
| Filter Clunk | Twice per day at transitions |
| Invisible Flash | No |
| Motion Blur | Moderate |
| Sensing Test | 60+ at 75F |
This camera is very similar to the Acorn cameras we have tested. It is comprised of two parts, a back pack and a camera which are two pieces which snap together both with latches and thumbscrews. The camera itself warehouses 4 AA batteries and the backpack also allows for 4 more. There is a rubber gasket that seals when the backpack is latched to the camera although the latches do not feel tight. I would recommend using the thumbscrews to secure the two pieces together. Also I found it somewhat difficult to use my fingers on the thumbscrews so a small screw driver is probably a good idea to have on you in the field.
In the field, it would be necessary to pull from the tree then unscrew the backpack in order to change any settings, while the bottom latched door would allow swapping the sd card without removal from the tree. However, since the on/off switch is on the back of the camera, I would recommend turning it off before swapping cards and would involve unscrewing the two halves.
A lock box is probably a good idea. A modified Acorn box would probably work but I cant say with out trying it.
The sd card and battery compartment are accessed via a flap door on the bottom of the camera. A thumbscrew also secures this hinged assembly. The threaded insert is embedded in this latched door and could be a bit fragile unless securely screwed down.
The led flash array is separated into two sections. One at the top with 19 leds and one on the bottom with 40 leds. As a result there are options to activate one or both arrays to control flash range and battery consumption.
I like the mild camo and dull green color and I feel it will hide and blend fairly easily.
There are some interesting options on this camera as I move through the menus. audio recording is optional which is good for law enforcement use. The delay setting can be programmed from OFF (no delay), from 1 second all the way to 1 hour, 59 mins, 59 seconds. So If you want a minimum delay of 2 hours hours it would appear you can do that.
It has a cycle recording option to overwrite the oldest data when the card is filling up. It has a photo + video recording option. There is a timer option to control operational time of the camera and a time lapse function. It also supports several digital zoom modes as well.
The frames per second is adjustable on the video with either 15 or 30 fps. I expect that set at 15fps your videos will take up less space on the sd card which is a good option in my opinion. Generally 15fps is suitable and 30 is overkill but it does depend on your goals.
Dark room tests reveal a visible red flash, and a single quiet filter clunk that occurs once. The clunk will theoretically occur twice a day which is good.
Overall this is a fairly nice camera. My main complaint is that a screw driver is needed to attach the backpack. My recommendations would be to have longer thumbscrews to enable you to actually use your thumbs and that the latches on each side were a bit tighter.
