Browning Spec Ops Platinum

2017 Browning Spec Ops Platinum Review

– This camera is known for outstanding video quality and a nice 2″ internal viewing screen. The Spec Ops doesn’t excel in picture taking, but it is an elite video trail camera. – TCP Staff

Model # BTC-8FHD-P  |  Browning Spec Ops Owner’s Manual

Pros

• Incredible video quality
• Very fast video detection
• 2″ Internal viewing screen

Cons

• Max of 20 second night videos
• Slow picture trigger speed

Trailcampro Analysis

The Spec Ops Platinum is a no glow infrared game camera with a 2″ internal viewer.  This internal viewer can be used to position the camera and look at the pictures/videos the camera has taken.

Picture Quality

Photo resolution: 10 mpxl  |  Video Resolution: 1920 x 1080 w/ audio  |  Flash Type:  No Glow Infrared

The day photos are similar to the Browning Recon Force.  They look very pixelated even though they have really good color.  Day pictures benefit greatly from reducing the mpxl setting down to a more native resolution – like medium (4 mpxl).  This reduces the pixelation.

Night images have a lot of “white noise” and can be grainy.  The night pictures are very middle of the road.

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Video quality is where the Spec Ops shines.  Day videos are spectacularly clear, especially when given plenty of sunlight.  The clarity and color is outstanding.  Night videos have great flash range, clarity and record smoothly.

Battery Life

Resting Power (on):  1.16 mW  |  Daytime Power Consumption:  7.19 Ws |  Nighttime Power Consumption:  9.81 Ws

The Spec Ops Platinum uses 8 AA Batteries.  Do yourself a favor and use lithium Batteries for long life.

The day and night power consumption is higher than we would like to see.  It is even higher than the Dark Ops and Strike Force cameras, which is mildly surprising.

If this camera were to take 35 day pictures and 35 night pictures every 24 hour period, this camera would last 5.2 months in the field on a set of lithium Batteries.

Detection Circuit

Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 1.10 s. / 1.4 s.  |  Video Trigger & Recovery Speed:  0.94 s. / 1.5 s.  |  Detection Range:  60 ft.

This is the first time we have seen a cameras video trigger speed faster than the picture speed.  1.1 seconds on picture trigger speed is far too slow for a modern trail camera.  The video speed is outstanding.

Detection range is 60 ft., which has been the most common range we have seen on all the 2016 trail cameras.

Overall, this camera excels in video detection and is average in picture detection.

Quality of Design

Dimensions: 5.5″ x 4.25″ x 3″  |  Battery Type:  8 AA Batteries  |  External Battery Jack:  12 Volt

This camera is incredibly easy to program, you won’t need the owner’s manual.  Another benefit to the internal viewer, is it allows for bigger text in the setup screen – so no squinting or glasses needed.    You will find that case design is outstanding in the Spec Ops Platinum.  We love the internal viewer, which doubles as a “Live Preview” when setting the camera up in the field.  This camera feels well-made, buttons are crisp, batteries are easy to remove and replace – overall, this is one of the best case designs on the market.

The Spec Ops Platinum has all the basic setup options, but is missing some of the popular options, like password protection and start/stop time.  If there is a weakness in this category, it would be the lack of programming options.

We have not had any warranty issues arise with the Spec Ops.  If something does come up, we will update our review to reflect those findings.

 

 

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