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Review
Published:
Updated:
Author: John R. - Senior Editor & Wildlife Photography Expert
Intro
The GardePro A3 is one of the best-selling cameras on Amazon, and we were eager to get our hands on this camera. Since April 2020, we have had four GardePro A3 cameras in the field. Unfortunately, the results are mostly disappointing, and we have no plans to acquire more cameras of this model. Please note that the GardePro A3 and Meidase S3 are the same cameras sold under two different names.
Pros
- Excellent daytime images
- Affordable
Cons
- Poor low light and nighttime images
- Extremely slow video trigger
- Limited detection range
- No python cable security options
Camera Ratings
Detection Range: 7/20
The camera has a detection range of only 35 feet. Unfortunately, most owners don't realize how many images they have lost by having a limited detection range camera.Speed: 3/10
While the manufacturer claims 0.1 detection speed, our experience is quite different. The photo trigger is average, and the video trigger is one of the slowest we have seen. Our estimated video speed is close to 3s.Accuracy: 4/10
The GardePro A3 has three motion sensors and three sensitivity levels. However, we have found the cameras extremely sensitive to the wind resulting in thousands of blank pictures at medium and high sensitivity settings.Battery Life: 6/10
We had quickly burned through several sets of batteries when the detection sensitivity option was set to medium or high. We have also noticed a low battery life when all three detection sensors are used. Therefore, our recommendation is to use low detection sensitivity and photo modes. In those settings, the batteries will last for over six months.Daylight Images: 9/10
This is where the camera shines. The daylight images are crisp, colorful, and comparable with high-end trail cameras.
Lowlight Images: 3/10
The camera captures color pictures during dawn and dusk. Unfortunately, the image quality is just subpar. Photos are incredibly grainy and out of focus.
Night Images: 5/10
The nighttime images are grainy and slightly out of focus.
Design: 6/20
The camera does not provide an option to secure the camera with a python lock cable. While it has a door padlock option, it is pointless, as anybody can remove the camera from the tree. Another drawback of this model is its bulky size. The camera strap is thin with a flimsy plastic lock. The cheaply made plastic strap loops are thin and brittle to the point that one of our cameras felt the tree.
Verdict: 43/100
The GardePro A3 takes impressive daylight pictures, but unfortunately, the low-light and nighttime images are dark, grainy, and out of focus. In addition, the slow trigger and limited detection range make this camera almost unusable for wildlife applications. However, if you are looking for an affordable feeder or mineral site camera on private property, this camera is often available at deep discounts.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
March 23, 2023, 1:13 p.m.
April 1, 2023, 8:12 p.m.
July 25, 2023, 2:18 p.m.
Aug. 18, 2023, 6:22 p.m.
Nov. 5, 2023, 8:02 p.m.
March 10, 2024, 4:31 a.m.
Anonymous 4/10
I can not get the photos to delete? Any help ?
April 1, 2023, 8:12 p.m.
Anonymous 1/10
My Gardepro A3 Trail camera quit working completely after 6 months. Still trying to have it replaced.
July 25, 2023, 2:18 p.m.
Anonymous 0/10
OFF/ON/SET has stopped working
Aug. 18, 2023, 6:22 p.m.
Anonymous 0/10
Sensitivity is horrible. Did not pick up human activity 4 feet away. Miserable camera.
Nov. 5, 2023, 8:02 p.m.
Anonymous 1/10
Steams up and images aren't clear. Even put silica packs inside but still gets condensation inside. Took it indoors and dried it out and within a week it's back full of condensation. No point in having it recording images because they are foggy
March 10, 2024, 4:31 a.m.
Anonymous 4/10
Great for watching my properties , I Like the day photos, night is ok .I have to keep eyes on neighbor, they are special type people, they don't like my Cane Corsos and they antagonize me and the dogs,
Specs
Official specs from the manufacturer.- Name:
- GardePro A3
- Manufacturer:
- GardePro
- Model:
- A3
- Model Year:
- 2019
- Series:
- None
- Flash Type:
- No-Glow IR
- Max Pixels:
- 20
- Max Video:
- 1080p
- No. of Sensors:
- 3
- Detection Range:
- 82 ft
- Flash Range:
- 100 ft
- Field of View:
- 63 degrees
- Trigger Speed:
- 0.10 second
- Min Delay:
- 5 seconds
- Max Delay:
- 60 minutes
- Max Card Size:
- 128 GB
- Cellular/Mobile:
- No
- WiFi:
- No
- Bluetooth:
- No
- Live View:
- No
- MSRP:
- $92.99
- Warranty:
- 12 months
- Country of Origin:
- N/A
- Buying Options:
Questions & Answers
For the money ($70), the A3 is a good camera for beginners. That's me! But objects closer than about 20 feet seem out of focus. Suggestions?
That does not sound right. Assuming the glass is clean, the only option would be to use the Reset All Settings. Otherwise, a warranty replacement may be the best option.
Menu button not working
We are sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, your only option may be to contact the manufacturer and request a warranty replacement.
Does your camera ever delete the 100Media folder along with images when you click delete?
All of our A3 cameras are currently deployed, so I can't check, but it should be no issue as long all the images inside the folder are gone after formatting the card.
looking for a lockbox for this camera
How do you delete pictures on the camera without removing SD card and putting it in a computer?
How do i find the serial number for my camera gardepro e5
How do you watch your footage in sequence on laptop
my original camera took color photos when we left a light on but new one is taking only black and white unless in daylight. why is this?
why doesn't my a3 camera maintain the date/timestamp? Batteries are full charge.
Have 4 A3 cameras used 2 of them for 2 yrs both of the viewing screens failed started getting colored lines running horizontal thru screen eventually screen was unusable . What is the cause of the problem
my gardepro camera uses AA batteries. They last two nights. what is the problem
Is this the same camera as the BlazeVideo A323. Seems to be the same external case and most, if not all, of the specs appear identical.
Very likely, it is the same thing. It is common that some trail camera models are sold under different names/brands.
Photo & Video Samples
