Review
Published:
Updated:
Intro
The Browning Strike Force Pro DCL is a sub-micro compact size trail camera featuring Dual Camera Lens Technology and RADIANT 6 Infrared Illumination System to enhance the image clarity at night. The Strike Force Pro DCL also features a fast 0.15-second trigger speed and a 100 ft. motion detection range. The tree mount bracket offers good adjustability, but the camera lacks door latch security. The Strike Force Pro DCL can take up to two minutes of 1080p Full HD video with sound. However, nighttime videos are limited to 20 seconds. The Strike Force Pro DCL is powered by only six AA batteries and is compatible with up to 512 GB SDXC memory cards.
Pros
- Dual Lens
- Fast Trigger
- Compact Size
- Adjustable Mount
Cons
- Expensive
- Dull Daytime Images
- Inconsistent Detection Range
- Limited Warranty
Camera Ratings
Detection Range: 12/20
The detection range is hit-or-miss and very inconsistent. On occasion, the cam would detect beyond 100 feet, but more often than not, the object is very close before the camera is triggered.
Speed: 10/10
The fast 0.15 seconds trigger provides instant video recording. The Strike Force Pro DCL also provides outstanding recovery times between images.
Accuracy: 5/10
The trigger sensor is sensitive and prone to false triggers caused by even a very mild wind, especially during warmer temperatures. This will negatively affect the battery life and overall camera lifespan. Unfortunately, the camera lacks a sensitivity setting option often included with other brands.
Battery Life: 6/10
Being a "sub-micro" camera, the Strike Force Pro DCL will run on only six AA batteries. While the battery life per image is very good, be prepared for frequent battery swaps due to the high number of false triggers.
Daylight Images: 5/10
The manufacturer's "razor-sharp daytime images" description of the Pro DCL is a bold statement we could not replicate regardless of camera settings. Instead, our unit produces quite dull, out-of-focus images lacking any sharpness. In addition, the colors are highly oversaturated, causing a significant loss of detail and clarity.
Lowlight Images: 7/10
Like its big brother Patriot, the Strike Force Pro DCL camera uses a black & white image mode during dawn and dusk. As a result, the lowlight images are of better quality and slightly sharper than daylight images.
Night Images: 8/10
The dedicated nighttime lens delivers monochrome pictures and videos with only a small amount of ISO grain. The Strike Force model line uses traditional infrared illumination. While that is more powerful than the "invisible" illumination used by its twin "Dark Ops Pro DCL," the "infrared" is visible not only to humans but also to most animals.
Design: 16/20
The Strike Force Pro DCL, along with most other Browning models, has a new color scheme for 2022. This is a considerable improvement over the previous camo design. However, the paint job of most Browning cameras is of low quality and prone to fading, eventually turning blue, and only time will tell if the new paint job itself is of better quality. The included strap is of good quality, but the green color is also very noticeable. The compact size, nice screen, easy setup, adjustable mount, and only six batteries are the highlights of this model. Unfortunately, as with all other Browning cameras, the door latch is not lockable; therefore, a security box is a must for those of us on public land.
Verdict: 69/100
When the Strike Force Pro DCL model was announced, we were excited and eager to test this camera. In addition, we had high hopes for the new RADIANT 6 illumination and image quality improvement over the previous Strike Force Pro models. Unfortunately, while the dedicated night lens delivers better images, the daytime images are a huge disappointment. The colors are so dull and oversaturated that the pictures and videos look like they were painted with a highlighter. The absolute lack of clarity and sharpness is regrettable. We hope this can be corrected with a software update, but until then, we can't recommend this model, especially at this steep price, as you can get much better daytime images and more accurate triggers from trail cameras at half the price.
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User Reviews
Anonymous 0/10
Motion Detection failed. Of course this happened after one year has passed. Apparently this has been an issue with the Strike Force Pro DCL. Avoid this camera!
Specs
Official specs from the manufacturer.- Name:
- Browning Strike Force Pro DCL
- Manufacturer:
- Browning Trail Cameras
- Model:
- BTC-5DCL
- Model Year:
- 2022
- Series:
- Sub Micro
- Flash Type:
- Low-Glow IR
- Max Pixels:
- 26
- Max Video:
- 1080p
- No. of Sensors:
- 1
- Detection Range:
- 100 ft
- Flash Range:
- 120 ft
- Field of View:
- 55 degrees
- Trigger Speed:
- 0.15 second
- Min Delay:
- 1 seconds
- Max Delay:
- 60 minutes
- Max Card Size:
- 512 GB
- Cellular/Mobile:
- No
- WiFi:
- No
- Bluetooth:
- No
- Live View:
- No
- MSRP:
- $169.99
- Warranty:
- 12 months
- Country of Origin:
- N/A