Review
Published:
Updated:
Author: John R. - Senior Editor & Wildlife Photography Expert
Intro
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Buying Options:
User Reviews
jack 1/10
I had two units. They both kept glitching out. Batteries would drain completely in 30 seconds and then the camera would turn off. Tried new formatted memory cards, and different battery brands. Just no luck. Would have loved a wide-view camera.
Specs
Official specs from the manufacturer.- Name:
- Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow
- Manufacturer:
- Bushnell
- Model:
- 119987C
- Model Year:
- 2021
- Series:
- CORE
- Flash Type:
- No-Glow IR
- Max Pixels:
- 32
- Max Video:
- 4000p
- No. of Sensors:
- 1
- Detection Range:
- 80 ft
- Flash Range:
- 120 ft
- Field of View:
- 70 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:
- $199.99
- Warranty:
- 24 months
- Country of Origin:
- N/A
- Buying Options:
Questions & Answers
When you turn the camera on, the screen should display the actual view from the camera. This allows you to adjust the camera's position to ensure it covers the desired area.
Exiting the Settings Menu:
Once you reach the end of the settings menu, the options will start over again. To exit the settings, press the Menu button or simply turn the camera off.
Testing the Camera:
Turn the camera on and wait about 30 seconds for it to be fully operational.
Walk in front of the camera to test its motion detection and capture capabilities.
Review the test footage either on the camera display or by using a memory card reader with your phone or computer.