Bushnell CORE DS-4K 119987C, CORE S-4K 119949C - Trail Camera Manual

CAMERA OVERVIEW

CORE DS-4K / CORE S-4K

VIEWSCREEN INDICATORS

QUICK START GUIDE

1. Make sure camera power switch is in the OFF position.
   
2. Install 6 AA batteries (lithium or alkaline, lithium batteries are x6 recommended).
   
3. Make sure the write-protect switch on the side of the SD card is "OFF" (not in the "Lock" position.) Insert card (up to 512GB max). Do not insert or remove an SD card with the power switch in the ON position. A "click" sound indicates the card is installed properly.
   
4. Switch the power ON.
   
5. Set the date and time.
   
6. Mount the camera using the tree strap.
   

Your camera is now ready to use at its default settings: photo mode, 10 sec intervals between photos, medium resolution, "Long Range" illumination mode. If you would like to customize your settings, see the Settings Menu section.

If you have questions, call Customer Service: 800-423-3537

HELPFUL SETUP TIPS

LEARN YOUR CAMERA AT HOME FIRST

We highly recommend that you first spend some time indoors with this manual and your camera to familiarize yourself with the Settings Menu and various functions like Video capture, as well as read the tips to help you mount it properly on a tree (see Mounting & Positioning).

INSTALLING BATTERIES

To load or remove batteries, locate the Battery Release Button. Press the button and the battery tray will release from the bottom of the camera. The battery tray will stop about ½ inch out of the device, this is a latch system to prevent the tray from dropping onto the ground. Just apply a little pressure when pulling and the tray will release. The battery tray has six battery slots. Install a full set of 6 batteries. Be sure to insert each battery with correct polarity (negative or "flat" end against the long spring of each battery slot).

USING SD CARDS

Choosing A Card

Your camera requires a standard SD (Secure Digital) memory card to save photos (.jpg format) and/or videos (.mp4 format). It supports SD and SDHC (High Capacity) cards up to a maximum 512GB capacity. We recommend high speed SD cards (SanDisk® SDHC rated class 6 or higher) if you are using the 1280x720 or 1920x1080 video settings.

Before Inserting

Make sure that the write-protect switch on the side of the card is "Off" (not in the "Lock" position).

Inserting

Insert the SD card into the card slot with its label side facing the front of the camera. A "click" sound indicates that the card is installed successfully. If the wrong side of the card is facing up, you will not be able to insert it.

Formatting

To assure the card is formatted to save images and video correctly, format the SD card by using the "Format" option.

Use this option especially when a card has been used in other devices.

Removing

To remove the SD card, be sure the camera's power is switched OFF, then gently push the card in and release it (do not try to pull it out without pushing in first). The card is released from the slot and ready to be removed when you hear the click.

CAMERA VIEWSCREEN

Check your viewscreen for the area your camera will see. Note: maximum distance of your camera is listed in Technical Specifications under Illumination Mode or on the box.

MOUNTING & POSITIONING

After you've set up the camera's settings to your preferences, you're ready start capturing images.

We recommend mounting the camera on a sturdy tree or post with a diameter of about 6 in. To get the optimal picture quality, the camera should be about 16-17 ft. away from the place to be monitored, with the camera placed at a height of 3.5-5 ft. Also, keep in mind that you will get the best results at night when the subject is within the ideal flash range, no farther than 80' and no closer than 10' from the camera.

The height away from the ground for placing the device should vary with the animal size appropriately. In general, 3 to 6 feet is preferred. You can avoid potential false triggers due to temperature and motion disturbances in front of the camera by not aiming it at a heat source or nearby tree branches or brush (especially on windy days).

There are two ways to mount the camera

• Using the provided adjustable belt: Push one end of the belt through the two slots on the back of the trail camera. Thread the end of the strap through the buckle. Fasten the belt securely around the tree trunk by pulling the end of the strap firmly so there is no slack left.
  
• Using the tripod socket: The camera is equipped with a socket at the back (below the strap brackets) to enable mounting on a tripod or other camera mounting accessories that have a standard 1/4"-20 thread.
  

USING A SOLAR PANEL ACCESSORY

You can connect an optional Solar Panel accessory (model# 119986C) – please visit www.bushnell.com for more information) to the "DC In" jack on the bottom of your camera.

Other external power supplies should not be used, as the camera and/or display may not function correctly. If the solar panel is connected and AA batteries are installed, the camera will be powered by the solar panel's rechargeable lithion battery, as long as it provides adequate voltage (if not, the camera will switch to battery power). The solar panel's battery will power the camera at night.

BUTTONS & FUNCTIONS OVERVIEW

Power Off

Function

• "Safe" mode when replacing the SD card or batteries.
• When transporting the camera.
• When connecting camera to a computer's USB port to download your photos/ videos.
• When storing the camera. NOTE: Remove batteries before storing for a long time. In OFF mode, your camera still consumes power at a very low level unless the batteries are removed.

Power On

Function

• When you are ready for the camera to begin taking photos or video. NOTE: After you switch the power ON, the motion indicator LED will blink red for about 10 seconds. This allows time to close the front cover, lock the latch, and leave the monitored area. The camera will take photos or videos automatically according to its current settings when the PIR sensors detect motion.

Menu

Function

• Press once to activate MENU options on view screen, press again to go back to the home screen.
• Allows you to change your specific settings for date & time, photos and videos. (See Settings Menu).

Right & Left Arrow

Function

• Press right button to go forward in the menu setting options, press left arrow to go backward.

Up & Down Arrow

Function

• Press to go up or down to choose a specific setting in the menu option you are currently viewing.

Ok Button

Function

• Press the OK button to save the setting you select in the Menu.

SETTINGS MENU

Time and Date

Sets the hour (24-hr format only, "00"=midnight, "12"=noon), minute, year, month, and date.

Pre-Sets

Allows you to select settings ideal for the following scenarios, or Advance mode to customize all settings.
Feeder: Medium Image Size, 3 Picture Capture, 3m Interval

Trail: Medium Image Size, 1 Picture Capture, 0.5s Interval
Food Plot: High Image Size, 1 Picture Capture, 2S Interval, Field Scan ON 5:30-9:00/15:30-19:30 with 5M Interval
Advanced: To customize all settings.

Mode

Selects the format your camera will record in.

Camera: For photos only.
Video: For videos only.
Hybrid: A photo (multiple photos, if NUM PICS is set >1) followed by a video clip will be captured for each PIR trigger event.

Image Size

Chooses the image resolution and size. Note: Larger sizes mean higher image resolutions that take up more space on the SD card. Medium is the recommended default for good resolution and smaller size.

Capture Number

Selects how many photos are taken in sequence per trigger. This setting affects photos taken in Camera, Hybrid, and Field Scan mode.

Image Format

Selects the aspect ratio of your photos.

Illumination Mode

Selects the shutter speed. Note: These settings only affect the quality of your nighttime images.

Low: Recommended for subjects at less than 60'.
Fast Motion: Recommended for subjects moving quickly through the frame.
Long Range: Recommended for maximum illumination range and field of view. (You may experience more motion blur at this.)

Camera Name

Allows you to enter a name for your camera that will appear on the image time stamp. Press the OK button to choose "Input" and go to the name input screen. If necessary, select the arrow in the upper right of the keyboard to erase the current camera name, then enter the new name using the arrow buttons and keyboard. Press the OK button to select a letter. Press MENU to save the name to memory.

Video Size

Selects video resolution. 3840x2160: Maximum resolution, takes up the most space on your SD card.
1920x1080: The recommended default resolution, clear resolution without filling up your SD too fast.
1280x720: Lowest resolution. Good for videos when resolution is not critical.

Note: We recommend SanDisk® SDHC class 10 or higher.

Video Length

Sets length per video clip. 10 seconds is the recommended default. Press OK to see other options.


Nighttime limit of 15 seconds when Illumination Mode = "Long Range". The "Dynamic" setting provides a variable video length, based on animal activity within PIR range and your Interval and Illumination Mode settings.

Delay

Selects the length of time that the camera will "wait" until it responds to any additional triggers from the PIR. Settings begin with 10 second default when parameter is first selected. To choose other intervals, press OK, and select by using the arrow buttons. The shorter your delay, the more images you'll get.

Sensor Level

Auto sensor level will automatically adjust the sensor level depending on the surrounding temperature.


Auto: Automatically sets sensor level based upon temperature.
High: Recommended when air temperature is above 70° or when maximum range is desired.
Med: Recommended when air temperature is 45-70° or when range is up to 70'.
Low: Recommended when air temperature is below 45° or when range is up to 40'.

Camera Mode

Allows you to limit operation to day or night period if desired.


Day: Only captures images at daytime.
Night: Only captures images at nighttime.
24hrs: Captures pictures day and night.

Format

Deletes all files stored on a card to prepare it for reuse. Always format a card that has been previously used in other devices.


Make sure you have downloaded and backed up any files you want to save first!

Time Stamp

Selects on or off for time stamps, current temperature, moon phase, and camera name on images.

Field Scan

Allows you to capture images without requiring a trigger during a specified time period and interval. For instance, it will take picture every 5 minutes between 8am and 5pm if that is your desired time period.


On: Allows you to select two time periods within a 24-hour period and the interval.
Off: The recommended default.

Coordinate to Input

Allows you manually input GPS coordinates that will appear on image time stamps. This can be useful when running multiple cameras in an area, especially in research scenarios.


On: Takes you to coordinate setting options.
Off: The default setting.

Default

Restores all settings to the factory defaults.

Firmware Version

If you choose to update firmware, this is the screen you'll use. See firmware update instructions at https://www.bushnell.com/bu-product-softwareupdates.html or call Customer Service at (800) 423-3537 for details.

REVIEWING & DELETING PHOTOS & VIDEOS

After you have setup, mounted and activated your camera, you will return later and review the images it has captured. We recommend viewing the images directly from the SD Card.

Reviewing Images Directly From the SD Card

This is the most popular method of viewing images. Power the camera OFF and remove the SD card. Insert the SD card into an SD card viewer or the SD card slot on your computer to open and view your files.

Reviewing Images On the Camera

From the home screen select the OK button. This will take you to the last image captured. Use the Up and Down arrows to scroll through and view all the images captured on the card. Press the MENU button to delete images from here.
Press the OK button to exit view mode.

Deleting Photos or Videos

To delete all photos from the installed SD card, use the Format function one the camera. Or delete them when viewing on your computer.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

1. Camera won't power on.
   Possible Cause
   Batteries not fully installed, or not installed correctly.
   Recommended Solution(s)

• Install new AA alkaline or Bushnell recommended Energizer® Lithium AA batteries.
• Make sure the positive (+) and negative (–) poles are lined up properly in each compartment, with (–) pole making contact with the spring

1. Camera takes images without animals.
   Possible Cause
   A "false trigger" caused by motion (branches, water, etc.) and/or high heat in front of the camera lens when there is no subject in the image.
   Recommended Solution(s)

• Move camera to spot without branches or water close to camera.
• Change sensor level in menu settings.
• Move camera to inside area without movement to check and see if it still takes pictures without movement. Contact customer service for possible repair or replacement.

1. Camera responds slowly to movement, does not always capture image when triggered.
   Possible Cause
   PIR sensitivity setting needs to be adjusted.
   Recommended Solution(s)

• Go to "Sensor Level" in the Setting Menu and increase the PIR sensitivity.

1. Battery life is shorter than expected.
   Possible Cause
   Battery life will vary with operating temperature and the number of images taken over time. Setting the Interval time to 0.5 second will decrease battery life. Typically, you will be able to capture several thousand images before the batteries die.
   Recommended Solution(s)

• Make sure you install all new alkaline or Bushnell recommended Energizer® Lithium AA batteries.
• Use Bushnell recommended SanDisk® brand SD Cards.
• Longer delays and shorter night illumination will increase battery life (you'll take less images and use less flash). Adjust these in the Settings Menu.

1. Camera stops taking images or won't take images.
   Possible Cause
   The SD Card is full, in the locked position, improperly formatted, or the batteries are dead.
   Recommended Solution(s)
   • Check SD card. If full, download images, erase from card, reinstall empty card in camera.
   • Move the "write protect" switch to the unlocked position.
   • Reformat the card by using the "FORMAT" option in the Settings Menu.
2. Night images or videos look too dark.
   Possible Cause
   Batteries are low or Settings are not set for good night quality.
   Recommended Solution(s)
   • Check battery power. If low, replace.
   • Check distance of subject from camera. If beyond 80', subject may not be in flash range.
   • Go to Setting Menu, make sure Illumination Mode is set to "Long Range".
   • Note: When the Capture Number is set higher than "1", or with very short Interval settings, some images may appear darker than others due to the quick response and rapid retriggering of the camera.
3. Night images or videos look too bright.
   Possible Cause
   Subject is coming too close to camera for settings.
   Recommended Solution(s)
   • If animals are coming within 10' of camera, go to Settings Menu, select Illumination Mode and go to "Low" or "Fast Motion".
4. Daytime images or videos look too dark.
   Possible Cause
   Camera is aimed at sun or extremely bright sources during day.
   Recommended Solution(s)
   • Re-aim camera so not facing direct sun.
   • Make sure Light Sensor on camera is not in shade while camera is aimed into a bright area during day.
5. Daytime images or videos look too bright.
   Possible Cause
   Camera is aimed at a dark area during the day.
   Recommended Solution(s)
   • Re-aim camera to an area with more daylight.
6. Images appear off-color, ie. red, green, or blue.
   Possible Cause
   Sensor is confused in certain lighting conditions.
   Recommended Solution(s)
   • If seen consistently, sensor may need repair. Contact Customer Service.
7. Videos are too short, not recording to the length set.
   Possible Cause
   Batteries are low, SD card is full, or settings need adjustment.
   Recommended Solution(s)
   • Check battery power.
   • Check SD card. Replace or erase if full.
   • When Illumination Mode is set to "Long Range" the maximum video length is 15 seconds to avoid potential overheating of batteries and/or electronic components.
8. Date/Time stamp does not appear in images.
   Possible Cause
   "TIMESTAMP" setting is off.
   Recommended Solution(s)
   • Go to the Settings Menu, select "TIMESTAMP", select "ON".
9. Viewscreen powers on, but no text appears.
   Possible Cause
   Batteries are low or dead.
   Recommended Solution(s)
   • Replace with new AA Alkaline or Lithium batteries.
10. Viewscreen comes on but then powers off.
    Possible Cause
    Viewscreen automatically turns off after 30 second unless a control key is pressed.
    Recommended Solution(s)
    • Press a MENU button to reactivate screen.
11. Camera won't retain settings.
    Possible Cause
    Setting changes have not been saved.
    Recommended Solution(s)
    • Make sure to press "OK" after changing the settings.
12. Moisture or ants inside camera.
    Possible Cause
    "DC in" plug is not firmly in place.
    Recommended Solution(s)
    • Make sure the DC in plug is firmly in place. This prevents humidity and keeps rain out, as well as ants attracted to the camera's low-level vibrations.
13. Field Scan not working.
    Possible Cause
    Field Scan is not set properly.
    Recommended Solution(s)
    • Make sure the start and stop times of Field Scan A and B do not overlap. (Ex: If start time of A is 10am, stop time of B cannot be 8am).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

CORE DS-4K #119987

Lens - FOV=50° Horizontal
Display Screen - 1.5" Color

Image Size (pixel count in 16:9 format)

• Low- 2MP = 1920x1080
• Medium 10MP = 4208x2368
• High- 32MP = 7552x4248

Video Size

• 4K (3840x2160) @ 30FPS
• 1080p (1920x1080) @ 60FPS
• 720p (1280x720) @ 60FPS
  Video Length - 5-60 seconds.

PIR Sensitivity - 4 settings: Low/Normal/High/Auto
Operation - User selectable: 24 Hour, Day only, or Night only (based on ambient light level)
Response Time - 0.15 second (Photo), 0.5 second (Video). 0.5 second interval
Delay - 0.5s - 60s and 1m-60m programmable
Images per Trigger - 1—6 programmable
Illumination Mode - Low, Fast Motion, Long Range (120' maximum range)
Power Supply - 6x AA batteries, lithium (recommended) or alkaline
Stand-by Current - > 0.075mA(75uA)
Average Battery Life*: approx. 12 mos. at 30 images per day average (15 day, 15 night w/LEDs)
Operating Temperature: -20 - 60°C (Storage temperature: -30 - 70°C)
Operating Humidity - 5% - 90%

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

CORE S-4K #119949

Lens - FOV=50° Horizontal
Display Screen - 1.5" Color

Image Size (pixel count in 16:9 format)

• Low- 2MP = 2048x1152
• Medium 4MP = 2592x1464
• High- 23MP = 6400x3600

Image Size (pixel count in 4:3 format)

• Low- 2MP = 2048x1536
• Medium 5MP = 2592x1944
• High- 30MP = 6400x4800

Video Size

• 4K (3840x2160) @ 30FPS
• 1080p (1920x1080) @ 60FPS
• 720p (1080x720) @ 30FPS

Video Length - 5-60 seconds.
PIR Sensitivity - 4 settings: Low/Normal/High/Auto
Operation - User selectable: 24 Hour, Day only, or Night only (based on ambient light level)
Response Time - 0.2 second (Photo), 0.7 second (Video). 0.5 second interval
Delay - 0.5s - 60s and 1m-60m programmable
Images per Trigger - 1—6 programmable
Illumination Mode - Low, Fast Motion, Long Range (110' maximum range)
Power Supply - 6x AA batteries, lithium (recommended) or alkaline
Stand-by Current - > 0.8mW
Average Battery Life* approx. 12 mos. at 30 images per day average (15 day, 15 night w/LEDs)
Operating Temperature: -20 - 60°C (Storage temperature: -30 - 70°C)
Operating Humidity - 5% - 90%

This product can use Lithium based batteries. Lithium batteries can overheat and cause damage if physically abused. Do not use any batteries that are damaged or show signs of physical wear. Never use a mix of old and new batteries, or batteries with different brand names.

Documents / Resources

References

• Performance Binoculars, Riflescopes, Rangefinders, Trail Cameras & Night Vision Equipment
• Performance Binoculars, Riflescopes, Rangefinders, Trail Cameras & Night Vision Equipment

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Bushnell CORE DS-4K 119987C, CORE S-4K 119949C - Trail Camera Manual