When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more about us.

Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow 82/100

Manufacturer: Bushnell

Review

Published:
Updated:

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.
Camera picture: Bushnell Core DS-4K No GLow - Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow
Bushnell Core DS-4K No GLow
Camera picture: Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Side - Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Side
Camera picture: Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Back - Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Back
Camera picture: Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Open - Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Open
Camera picture: Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Battery Tray - Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Battery Tray
Camera picture: Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Screen - Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Screen
Camera picture: Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Mounted - Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Mounted
Camera picture: Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Dirty - Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow
Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Dirty
Camera picture: Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow - Detail - Bushnell Core DS-4K No Glow
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. 

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

80 Feet Detection Range

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

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. 

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Mule Deer with a Fawn

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Two Brown Black Bears

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Young Bull Elk in Velvet

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

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.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Low Light Low Quality Video

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Low Light Mule Deer Bucks

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Low Light Mule Deer

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

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.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

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. 

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

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.


Buying Options:


Disclaimer: Ratings and reviews on our website reflect our experience with the product at the time of the review. Therefore, our ratings and opinions may change as we continue to use and test the product's performance and reliability over an extended period.

User Reviews

Got this cam? Please share your review!

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
Wireless
No
Wifi
No
MSRP
$199.99
Warranty
24 months

Questions & Answers

What battery(s) are used ?
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!


Photo & Video Samples