[Driftless Hunter]

It's hard to compare apples to apples when it comes to trail cameras, but I am going to make an effort. The only variable should be the cameras themselves, but the angle you point a camera can make a huge difference (especially on night pics).

Someone mentioned not liking the screen location on the GardePro cameras, but my more expensive Browning Dark Ops cameras don't have a viewing screen. I can set up a GardePro camera, walk past it, go back & look at my pic on the viewing screen. That's better than a more expensive camera without a viewing screen.

I created a licking branch a few years ago. It hangs from rope slung over a branch of a tree. I like having a "no glow" camera at that spot, because I get a good number of night pics there. Prior to my GardePro E5 purchases recently, my only "no glow" cameras were a couple Browning Dark Ops cameras. Even though I've had a "no glow" camera there the past couple years, I've adjusted my Browning Dark Ops 3 different times this year, & I still didn't have it quite right. I am sitting with my laptop at home when I realize this, however.

So here's my first attempt (aimed too low) in early September with the Dark Ops -

2nd attempt a little better -

If you went by just day time pics, you would think it's not all that bad -

After my 3rd time adjusting that camera, it's much better (but still slightly low) -

So my neighbor (who is seldom around/just a hunting cabin) was using his chainsaw, checking his stands, & whatever near this spot the other day. So I decided to switch out cameras in this spot. I happened to go by the camera after one night being out, & I had this one small buck on camera. I just want you to notice the brightness of the GardePro E5. It's almost too bright, & this is a "no glow" camera just like the way more expensive Dark Ops. Now to be fair, I think I aimed this one better on the first try. I want to acknowledge that. The Dark Ops would look slightly better if aimed a bit higher, too. Even if aimed higher, I can't say the more expensive Dark Ops would light up things like the E5. You can judge for yourself -

In my opinion, that's a pretty good night range for a $58 "no glow" camera. If aimed a bit higher, you're not going to see that deep into the trees with the Dark Ops.

I don't know what is about a hanging vine that interests a deer so much, but I even have strutters at my vine in October!

 

[wis-redneck]

Just a review update on the GuardPro A3 cameras I purchased and used this fall. Four cameras out on location from Mid September until yesterday Nov. 20th Anywheres from 100 to 380 pictures per 5 - 6 day period. All pictures day or night were clear, with daytime pictures great with vivid colors. Temps from 70 to last couple weeks down to 20's Using EverReady Max alkaline batteries, had about 80% battery capacity left. Overall, I would recommended them especially at their price.

 

[dale lockwood]

I have like 16 Garde pro and have had zero malfunctions, except one a bear chewed on, camera still works, but the screen is shot.
I have a few of the Garde Pre E5 and they have a much better screen which you can look at pictures taken there.

 

[dale lockwood]

Late romp in the snow GardePro E5

 

[Driftless Hunter]

My third Browning Dark Ops camera is having issues now. The SD card will not click into place making the camera sort of worthless. This particular camera was a replacement camera from Browning. It replaced one that stopped taking night pics (with brand new batteries) last fall. I emailed Browning about this new issue, but they ignored me on this one. 3 Dark Ops have failed me now. I am glad that I didn't invest more in them.

I am officially done with brand name cameras. I still have two Browning Command Ops that work, but they are cheaper IR models. When they are done, I am done with Browning and the other major brands.

The GardePro "no glow" cameras have been a great find. It's not uncommon to see the E5 for under $60. Trigger speed, detection range, and night pics are quite good! Battery life in the camera mode is also quite good this fall. I am quite happy & impressed with them.

 

[dale lockwood]

What amazes me the price seems to keep dropping. That is fine with me.

 

[dale lockwood]

Had a couple of Brownings and all I had was trouble.

 

[coltchris]

Just scrapped an old Browning, and it looks like GardePro is the way I'm going. Help this old fart decide which one (E5, E5S, or A3S); they all are about the same price!

 

[dale lockwood]

I like the E5 series because of the brighter screen if you want to look at pictures there. I also like they latch better and how the camera is turned on and off. I think the E5 series is a little upgrade. I also can't believe how low the price is now. I also only use ONLY Photo..
I really have had almost zero problems. Maybe the format on the disc didn't match and worked a couple of times.
I think the price is awesome.

 

[robertyb]

I have 2 A3s and was telling my nephew yesterday if he was going to order one to get the E5 as it looks to be an upgrade.

 

[wis-redneck]

Just scrapped an old Browning, and it looks like GardePro is the way I'm going. Help this old fart decide which one (E5, E5S, or A3S); they all are about the same price!

When I talked with gardepro before purchasing my cameras, they said the A3 was better for still photos, and the E5 was better for videos. I bought the A3's. additionally the trigger sensors were different between the models One supposedly better then the other.
If you have further questions, you could always e-mail them.

 

[dale lockwood]

wow, interesting info

 

[dale lockwood]

Very little difference in cameras -look at bottom of page:
Amazon.com: GardePro A3S Trail Game Camera 32MP 1080P H.264 MP4 Video Next-Gen Imaging Technology 100ft No Glow Night Vision 0.1s Trigger Speed Motion Activated IP66 Waterproof : Sports & Outdoors camera sensor differs

 

[coltchris]

Just ordered the E5S, hope I chose right one! They all appear very similar .

 

[dale lockwood]

You won't be disappointed

 

[dale lockwood]

I will have to run a test side by side and see if there is a difference from E5 to A3. I think it will be very small.

 

[coltchris]

Thanks for all the help. I don't think you can buy the A3 anymore; that's where I started!

 

[dale lockwood]

Amazon still has the A3s.

 

[SavedWretch]

Trail Cam Pro had A3 on sale 2 for $120 with free shipping & 2 year warranty. Not sure if they’re still on sale.
I have 4 of the A3’s & am thinking about picking ip a couple of more. Only problem I’ve had is the sound on one camera is sometimes staticy.
Great cameras for the $

 

[Driftless Hunter]

Trail Cam Pro had A3 on sale 2 for $120 with free shipping & 2 year warranty. Not sure if they’re still on sale.
I have 4 of the A3’s & am thinking about picking ip a couple of more. Only problem I’ve had is the sound on one camera is sometimes staticy.
Great cameras for the $

If you are in the market for an A3 or E5, it pays to check Amazon daily. I have the E5, & they were around $58 when I bought them. They are typically around $69, but that price drops sometimes a couple times within the same week. It was under $55 with free shipping the other day, & now it's back up to $69 today.

If Amazon knows I am looking at an item like that, they will send me notice if it goes on sale, too.

I compare my E5 cameras to my Browning Dark Ops trail cameras that no longer work. Even @ $69, the A3 or E5 are a good value. Until they give me a reason to not like them, the A3/E5 trail cameras are the only ones I would consider buying these days.