The Reconyx Hyperfire HC500 Trail Camera is a “low-glow” scouting tool that has stupidly awesome battery life, is as dependable as Chuck Norris, and is so easy to setup that even a caveman could do it.
Some of you know that I used to be a big proponent of homebrew (no, not this homebew) trail cameras. And to a certain point, I still am. But, after getting and thoroughly testing ( after literally 10s of thousands of pictures) I am now proud to fly the Reconyx flag.
I want to put a disclosure on this post – I’m not a Reconyx groupie, and will always try to stay away from that. I don’t think that they are perfect for everything and I understand that a camera that cost this much, are certainly not for everyone. I also want to add that I’ve never paid HALF the asking price of the Reconyx Hyperfire HC500 cameras, because I am on a budget – by budget I mean poor. I scratched and clawed craigslist, eBay and many message boards to find a Reconyx camera that I could afford. It did not happen overnight.
Before I forked over the dough for my Reconyx Hyperfire HC500, I experienced some good things and bad things with homebrews. Overall the experience was, at best – frustrating. I’d have brutal battery life, and few pictures. I’d also have deer spooking from the white flash.
Since my Reconyx installment on our farm, I’ve never once changed the batteries. They’ve been out for 6 months, taken around 30,000 pictures – AND HAVE 85% battery left. Really? Yes really. That’s impressive. My Reconyx HC500 is smaller than my previous homebrews, and hooked the the tree quicker and easier.
When you gotta go, you gotta go!
All in all, I think my Reconyx HC500 is one of, if not the best thing going in the trail camera industry. Incredible dependability, battery life that will outlast 1,000 goldfish, and the simplicity of paper clip.
Reconyx Hyperfire HC500 Top 5 Features – In My Opinion
- Dependability- Above all else, this is by far the best thing about this camera. When I set it up and walk away, I KNOW when I return I’m going to have pictures – and lots of them. My homebrew cameras I purchased still gave me that “We’ll see what happens” feeling when walked away from the trail camera setup. I haven’t had that feeling, ever since my Reconyx HC500 camera has been in our woods. The Time Lapse feature allows the camera to take pictures in intervals, throughout the day, so I can place the camera over an area, not just a trail or scrape and get pictures that clue me in on if deer or turkeys are using a certain field. Brilliant!
- Simplicity- I am not bright. I graduated college by the thinest of margins. Never once did I get an A in college, (“C’s get degrees!”). But, I could use these Reconyx cameras within minutes of turning them on (no, not like that). Just simple little buttons. No dials or things to twist and break. Just simple, effective design. Beautiful.
- Battery Life- Like I mentioned above, it will outlast any other camera I know of, and it’ll probably outlast your old neighbor across the street. Just 12 AA’s and you’re set. How SWEET is that? Just need a couple of 4G SD cards and you’re good for months and months and months……..and months.
- Size- This thing is little. The older Reconyx cameras were larger and bulkier, with the same dependability and quality. These obviously still have that – just in a smaller, more concealable package. What’s not to love? It also comes with a nice bungee strap that will setup on any size tree within reason. Simple, silent, and easy. Sounds like the perfect girl. JOKING!
- Support And Service- I have not experienced their service and support yet with this camera and it’s doubtful that I’ll ever need to. But I bought a broken Reconyx RM45 for CHEAP and had it fixed and updated for <$40. And they threw in an new Reconyx hat, to boot!
Overall, Props Reconyx.
Looks more more trail cameras reviews in the future as I love to review cameras.
