The Bushnell CORE DS-4K game camera is the latest model from Bushnell Trail Cameras, equipped with two dedicated sensors for day and night imagery. The DS-4K camera has an invisible no-glow flash that won't spook the game and is invisible to the human eye. In addition, the camera is capable of 4K HD video resolution and 32-megapixel photos. The Bushnell Core DS-4K camera can capture pictures and videos simultaneously. While the game camera has a long list of impressive features, the DS-4K is still one of the smallest 4K cameras on the market and requires only six AA batteries. The memory card slot can fit large SD cards up to 512GB. The camera has a bright 1.5-inch screen and is easy to set up. The DS-4K also comes with a tree mounting strap and a two-year warranty.
Bushnell Core DS-4K No GLow
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Side
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Back
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Open
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Battery Tray
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Screen
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Mounted
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Dirty
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Detail
Pros
Invisible No-Glow Flash
Two Image Sensors
4K Videos
Two (2) Year Warranty
Cons
Expensive
15 Seconds Max Night Videos
Inconsistent Lowlight Images
Wind Noise Sound Sensitivity
Camera Ratings
Detection Range: 16/20
The Bushnell CORE DS-4K detection range is listed at 80 feet, and we have achieved those ranges.
Black Bear checking another trail cam
80 Feet Detection Range
Excellent Detection Range
Speed: 10/10
The trigger speed is almost instant at only 0.15 seconds and is definitely one of the best we have seen.
Accuracy: 9/10
The CORE DS-4K has four sensitivity options. Low, Medium, High, and Auto. The Auto option will automatically adjust based on the outside temperature. We are using the Auto option, and the camera has had very few false triggers.
Battery Life: 10/10
Our cameras are deployed high in the Rockies, so we don't use feeders, deer licks, or attractants. But since the DS-4K cam has an excellent battery life reputation, we have used a deer lick to speed up our test. On the first set of lithium batteries, the camera recorded 3,251 ten-second videos and took 571 pictures. The batteries lasted almost three months. Very impressive, especially considering the Bushnell CORE DS-4K camera only uses six AA batteries.
Daylight Images: 9/10
Daytime videos are excellent, with only a slight ISO grain. The colors are vivid, well-balanced, and natural.
Marie-the-wolf and her pack
Mama Elk with her Calf
Mule Deer Buck at snow
Mule Deer with a Fawn
Two Brown Black Bears
Young Bull Elk in Velvet
Mule Deer Buck on windy day
Sharing is Caring
Lowlight Images: 5/10
The lowlight images during early mornings and late evenings are probably the weakest strength of the Bushnell CORE DS-4K model. The camera is inconsistent when switching between monochrome (black & white) and color images. In an ideal world, the color switch should occur when there is enough or not enough light. For example, we noticed the camera would often switch to the color mode early in the morning when it is still too dark, resulting in poor-quality images.
Mule Deer Does
Young Elk Bulls in Velvet
Low Light Low Quality Video
Low Light Mule Deer Bucks
Low Light Mule Deer
Low Light Elk Calf
Night Images: 7/10
The dedicated nighttime sensor captures clear images without too much grain or the typical flash-burn. While the nighttime videos are limited to only 15 seconds, the fast video trigger will record another footage without any significant delay. Nighttime videos and still images are recorded in black-and-white monochrome. The no-glow illumination of this model is sufficient but not the brightest we have seen.
Elk Cow & Calf
Black Bear at Night
Marten on snow
Midnight Snack
Design: 16/20
The Bushnell CORE DS-4K trail camera is well designed, well-balanced, and 4K HD video capable no-glow camera. The 70 degrees Filed-of-View provide a wide-lense view without too much distortion. The camo design is somewhat light but still easy to conceal. The CORE DS-4K camera can be secured with a standard Python cable lock, but the door latch does require an additional padlock. While not the largest, the 1.5-inch screen is bright, and the settings are easy to understand, even for a novice user. Extra props to Bushnell for the very detailed user manual. Probably the best we have seen. The included strap has a metal buckle and is of good quality.
Wind Sensitive Sound Recording
Verdict: 82/100
It has been only a few weeks since we got our hands on this hot-selling unit, but so far, we are impressed. The trail camera has dedicated day and night sensors, and the Bushnell CORE DS-4K images are excellent. The lowlight videos are mediocre at best, but a software update may correct the switching issues between the day/night recording modes. The video mic is super sensitive to wind but not a dealbreaker. The battery life is impressive, as are the trigger speed and the trigger accuracy. In our case, the light, compact design makes the camera suitable for high mountains and remote locations. Yes, the camera is pricey, but you can expect big results from a small package.
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Install six AA lithium or alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries are recommended.
Am I correct that this camera works with both Verizon & AT&T? What is their monthly charge?
This camera model does not have cellular capabilities. At this time, Bushnell does not make a trail camera of this quality with a cellular connection.
I just received mine and there is no colour during the day. Is there something I need to change in the settings?
That does not sound right. Unless very low light (dawn, dusk), daytime pictures and videos should always be in color. I would recommend using the RESET ALL option in the settings. Also, try a different memory card. If that does not help, you should consider swapping the camera through your retailer.
Does this camera have simultaneous time-lapse and motion-capture capabilities?
Does this camera have simultaneous time-lapse and motion-capture capabilities?
Great review - seems like as of April 2023, it is already out of stock even with the manufacturer. Any idea of why that may be? Thanks!
does it have external battery capability?
I bought in Mai 2023 the Spypoint FORCE-PRO,
this camera took at night far better pictures as the
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow, I bought in July! Unfortunately I returned the Spypoint to the seller.
We are looking for a camera to be used for security, only at night. Lots of activity during the day. Can I program the camera to only trigger in the dark?
