Pros
- Exceptional detection circuit
- Good battery life
- Easy to use
- Unparalleled durability - Made in the USA
Cons
- 25 ft. night flash range
- Blurry night photos
- Expensive
Trailcampro Analysis
The Reconyx HC550 is a white LED trail camera (as MOULTRIE M-40I GAME CAMERA). Instead of the traditional incandescent flash, Reconyx put a white led flash to produce the same color night photos.
As you will read below, the HC550 has the same detection circuit, case design, and nearly all other functions as the popular Reconyx HC500 and HC600 models. The biggest difference is the white led flash.
As you will read below, the HC550 has the same detection circuit, case design, and nearly all other functions as the popular Reconyx HC500 and HC600 models. The biggest difference is the white led flash.
As with any camera, we give you our opinion of the photos, but your needs are different than ours. If you disagree with our rating of the photos, the sample photos on the right will help you decipher the quality for yourself.
For years, Reconyx photos have been some of our favorite for overall photo quality. The HC550's day photos have vivid color but we have noticed more blur in day photos then we have ever noted in the HC500 or HC600.
The night photos, to be quite honest, are disappointing. The 25-foot flash range rating we gave the camera is really only if the animal is in the center of the photo. On the edges of the photo, the flash range might be closer to 15 feet.
While the night photos are color, they are still very dark and don't give the big, bold color photos we have accumulated from past incandescent cameras.
The most concerning note is the white led is so bright (much brighter than an incandescent flash), we have multiple photos of animals turning and running when the flash goes off. Maybe it is more noticeable in this camera because the HC550 is taking photos so much faster than any of the incandescent cameras, but it is worth noting.
The only scenario that I can see the cameras night photos being useful is if you are doing a large cat study (Leopards, cheetahs etc.) and you need color night photos to I.D. specific animals at night. In order to be effective, you will need to be within 15 ft of the animal.
The night photos, to be quite honest, are disappointing. The 25-foot flash range rating we gave the camera is really only if the animal is in the center of the photo. On the edges of the photo, the flash range might be closer to 15 feet.
While the night photos are color, they are still very dark and don't give the big, bold color photos we have accumulated from past incandescent cameras.
The most concerning note is the white led is so bright (much brighter than an incandescent flash), we have multiple photos of animals turning and running when the flash goes off. Maybe it is more noticeable in this camera because the HC550 is taking photos so much faster than any of the incandescent cameras, but it is worth noting.
The only scenario that I can see the cameras night photos being useful is if you are doing a large cat study (Leopards, cheetahs etc.) and you need color night photos to I.D. specific animals at night. In order to be effective, you will need to be within 15 ft of the animal.
Battery life is a strong point in all Reconyx cameras. The numbers on the HC550 are incredible considering this is a white LED trail camera. Resting draw, daytime consumption, and nighttime consumption are all top of the line.
This camera will work with alkaline, lithium or NiMH rechargeable batteries. We recommend the rechargeables for their consistent battery life in both warm and cold weather and overall cost savings.
As with all Reconyx cameras, the detection circuit on the HC550 is the best on the market. The trigger time is a scorching 0.207 seconds and the camera recovers right at 1 second. In other words, this camera will take pictures of an animal every second as long as it is moving in front of the camera.
The detection range is 60 ft. and the detection zone is slightly less than the field of view. Overall, this detection circuit is top-notch and will result in the maximum number of photos being taken at the given camera trap station
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