First Thoughts on the Bushnell Prime L20 Brown, Text LCD Display, 3/12/20MP Resolution, Red Glow Flash, SD Card Slot/Up to 32GB Memory
The Bushnell Prime L20 Brown, Text LCD Display, 3/12/20MP Resolution, Red Glow Flash, SD Card Slot/Up to 32GB Memory is an entry-level trail camera designed for scouting wildlife. Bushnell is a well-known and respected brand in optics and outdoor gear, and this camera aims to bring reliable performance at an affordable price. It boasts a 20MP resolution, a red glow flash, and an easy-to-use text LCD display.
I was looking for a budget-friendly trail camera to monitor deer activity on my hunting lease without breaking the bank. My old camera finally gave out after years of abuse, and I needed a replacement that was easy to set up and reliable enough to leave in the woods for weeks at a time. I wanted something that could capture clear images and videos, even at night, and had decent battery life.
Upon unboxing the Bushnell Prime L20 Brown, I was immediately struck by its compact size and lightweight design. The brown casing blends in well with the natural environment, which is a definite plus. The build quality seems reasonably solid for a camera in this price range, though the plastic feels a bit cheaper than some higher-end models I’ve used.
Compared to the Reconyx HyperFire 2 and the Browning Defender Wireless Pro Scout, the Bushnell Prime L20 Brown is significantly less expensive. While the Reconyx and Browning offer superior image quality and features, their price points were simply too high for my current needs. I chose the Bushnell Prime L20 Brown because it seemed to offer the best balance of affordability and essential features.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The camera seemed straightforward to operate, and the text LCD display was easy to read, even in bright sunlight. I was eager to get it out in the field and see how it performed under real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bushnell Prime L20 Brown, Text LCD Display, 3/12/20MP Resolution, Red Glow Flash, SD Card Slot/Up to 32GB Memory to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Bushnell Prime L20 Brown on my hunting lease, setting it up along a well-worn deer trail near a creek crossing. The conditions were typical for early fall: relatively mild temperatures, occasional rain showers, and plenty of humidity. The camera was easy to mount to a tree using the included strap.
The camera performed adequately in daylight conditions, capturing decent images of deer and other wildlife. Nighttime performance was less impressive, with the red glow flash producing somewhat grainy and blurry images. I also noticed that the detection range was shorter than advertised, only triggering the camera when animals were within about 40 feet.
The user interface was intuitive, and I didn’t need to consult the manual to adjust the settings. However, I did experience a few false triggers, likely due to swaying vegetation in the wind. After adjusting the sensitivity settings, the false triggers decreased considerably.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of continuous use, the Bushnell Prime L20 Brown has held up reasonably well. There are no visible signs of damage or wear and tear, despite being exposed to rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures. The camera is still securely mounted to the tree, and the battery life has been acceptable, lasting about six weeks on a set of AA batteries.
The camera has proven to be fairly durable, resisting minor bumps and scrapes. Cleaning is simple, only requiring a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth. The image quality, while not exceptional, is consistently adequate for identifying wildlife and monitoring their movements.
Compared to my previous trail camera, a Moultrie A-30i, the Bushnell Prime L20 Brown offers similar performance but with a slightly more user-friendly interface. However, the Moultrie had a longer detection range. Overall, the Bushnell Prime L20 Brown hasn’t blown me away, but it’s a reliable and affordable option for basic scouting needs.
Breaking Down the Features of Bushnell Prime L20 Brown, Text LCD Display, 3/12/20MP Resolution, Red Glow Flash, SD Card Slot/Up to 32GB Memory
Specifications
- Image Resolution: Offers selectable resolutions of 3MP, 12MP, and 20MP. Higher resolutions mean better image quality and more detail, especially useful for zooming in on distant subjects.
- Flash Type: Employs a Red Glow Flash. This provides illumination for nighttime images while minimizing disturbance to wildlife, though the flash can be slightly visible.
- LCD Display: Features a Text LCD Display. This provides easy navigation and setup, allowing users to quickly change settings in the field.
- Memory Card: Supports SD cards up to 32GB. This is sufficient for storing thousands of images and videos.
- Trigger Speed: Has a trigger speed of approximately 0.3 seconds. This is crucial for capturing fast-moving animals before they leave the frame.
- Recovery Rate: Advertised recovery rate is 1 second. Faster recovery rates mean the camera can take another photo quickly after the first trigger.
- Power Source: Operates on AA batteries (quantity not specified). Battery life will vary depending on usage, temperature, and battery type.
- Brown Housing: The camera’s brown color provides effective camouflage. This allows it to blend seamlessly into the environment.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the camera’s ability to capture clear images, conserve battery life, and remain undetected by wildlife. The 20MP resolution allows for detailed images, while the red glow flash helps minimize disturbance at night.
Performance & Functionality
The Bushnell Prime L20 Brown performs its job adequately, providing basic trail camera functionality at an affordable price. The camera is generally reliable, consistently triggering and capturing images when motion is detected.
The strengths of the Bushnell Prime L20 Brown lie in its ease of use and affordability. The weaknesses include somewhat grainy nighttime images and a limited detection range. The image quality could be improved with better optics and a more powerful flash.
The camera meets my basic expectations for a budget-friendly trail camera. While it doesn’t offer the advanced features or superior image quality of more expensive models, it gets the job done for basic scouting purposes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bushnell Prime L20 Brown is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and mount. The brown housing provides good camouflage, helping the camera blend in with its surroundings.
The camera is user-friendly, with a simple interface and intuitive menu system. There is no steep learning curve, even for first-time trail camera users. The text LCD display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bushnell Prime L20 Brown appears to be reasonably durable, though the plastic housing feels somewhat cheap. With proper care, the camera should last for several hunting seasons.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The battery compartment is easily accessible, and the SD card slot is well-protected from the elements.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bushnell Prime L20 Brown comes with a mounting strap for securing it to trees or other objects. No other accessories are included in the box.
The camera is not particularly customizable, lacking external ports for connecting external power sources or other accessories. It is compatible with standard SD cards, allowing users to choose the memory capacity that best suits their needs.
Pros and Cons of Bushnell Prime L20 Brown, Text LCD Display, 3/12/20MP Resolution, Red Glow Flash, SD Card Slot/Up to 32GB Memory
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Easy to set up and use, thanks to the intuitive text LCD display.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability.
- Brown housing provides good camouflage.
- Acceptable image quality for basic scouting needs, especially in daylight.
Cons
- Nighttime image quality is grainy and somewhat blurry with the red glow flash.
- Limited detection range compared to higher-end models.
- Plastic housing feels somewhat cheap.
Who Should Buy Bushnell Prime L20 Brown, Text LCD Display, 3/12/20MP Resolution, Red Glow Flash, SD Card Slot/Up to 32GB Memory?
The Bushnell Prime L20 Brown is perfect for budget-conscious hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who need a basic trail camera for scouting wildlife. It’s also a good option for beginners who are new to trail cameras and want something easy to set up and use.
This product is not ideal for users who require high-resolution images and videos or those who need a long detection range. If you’re looking for professional-grade image quality or advanced features like wireless connectivity, you’ll need to spend significantly more money.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality SD card from a reputable brand to ensure reliable data storage. Rechargeable AA batteries are also recommended to save money and reduce waste over the long term.
Conclusion on Bushnell Prime L20 Brown, Text LCD Display, 3/12/20MP Resolution, Red Glow Flash, SD Card Slot/Up to 32GB Memory
The Bushnell Prime L20 Brown, Text LCD Display, 3/12/20MP Resolution, Red Glow Flash, SD Card Slot/Up to 32GB Memory is a decent entry-level trail camera that offers reliable performance at an affordable price of $76.99. While it doesn’t boast the advanced features or superior image quality of more expensive models, it gets the job done for basic scouting purposes.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. The camera is easy to use, reasonably durable, and provides acceptable image quality in most conditions.
I would recommend this product to hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who are on a tight budget and need a simple, reliable trail camera for scouting wildlife. If you’re looking for an affordable way to monitor deer activity on your property, the Bushnell Prime L20 Brown is a solid choice. Consider adding this to your gear and start capturing the unseen moments in the wild!