Reconyx HyperFire 4K Surveillance LPC Trail Camera Review

The Reconyx HyperFire 4K Surveillance is the first of its kind to be a true 4K native resolution camera. Reconyx has established itself as a leader in dependability and durability within the industry. This camera has additional ability to select the hours of each day that you want the camera to work, or the option of getting a photo of a license plate. Futhermore, this camera comes with a substantial manufacturer's warranty of up to 5 years, offering considerable peace of mind. It's recognized as a reliable option, particulary favored by researchers and institutions in the field. - TCP Staff

Model # HS4K  | Reconyx HS4K Manual

***All tests done is security mode

Trailcampro Comprehensive Score:

 In Progress/100

 Review

 Pros

• License Plate Capture mode
• 4K Native Resolution
• 5 Year Manufacturer Warranty
• Up to 1 TB SD card
• Will work in harsh conditions
• Day/Night working options
• Motion Sensor Scheduling
• Time-Lapse
• Time-Lapse Scheduling
• Day of the week Time-Lapse scheduling
• Day of the Week Scheduling for motion
• Password available
• Must have an SD card in the camera to arm the unit
• If you forget to arm the unit, it will arm itself
• No Glow
  
• Great latch

 Cons

• Menu wording
• External Power Cover is easy to lose
• License Plate mode is not available with video

Be Wary Of Megapixel Ratings

Megapixel ratings for trail cameras seem to increase more & more every year. In reality, the native resolution of 99% of all trail cameras is 5 megapixels or less.  Manufacturers artificially inflate megapixel ratings for advertising purposes through a process called interpolation. Interpolated photos are enhanced by software to mimic the file size of a higher megapixel photo, but seldom offer additional clarity or resolution.  The result is an exponentially larger file size photo which takes longer to load and slows down the speed of your camera.  We always program our cameras to capture photos at the image sensor's native resolution. This allows our cameras to operate as efficiently as possible and store more photos to memory.  With shorter load times,  this also allows us to review photos at a much quicker pace. 

Picture Quality:  In Progress/100

Photo resolution:   4K Native Resolution

Video resolution:  4K Native Resolution

Flash Type: No Glow

 We are placing cameras in the field and will post samples when we get them.

Battery Life:    98/100

Picture & Video Resting Power (on):  0.49 mW

Picture Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption:  2.83 Ws  | 4.44 Ws

Video Daytime/Nighttime Power Consumption:  17.29 Ws  |  94.74 Ws

Here are your best battery options:

Trailcampro Choice: XTAR Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

If the HS4K were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 14.5 months in the field - per charge - on a set of XTAR Rechargeable Lithium AA batteries.

There are a number of benefits to these batteries:

• Up to 1,000 charges
• Consistent 1.5 volt operation
• Charges with the included USB cable charger
• Eco-friendly (less batteries in a landfill)
• Batteries pay for themselves after 2-3 charges

Longest Lasting Choice: Energizer Ultimate Lithium

If the Reconyx Survellance LPC were to take 35-day and 35-night pictures every 24 hours, this camera would last 21.8 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.

Video Mode

If this camera were to take 15 day and 15 night videos every 24 hours, it would last 3.8 months in the field on a set of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.

Ultimate Lithium batteries are the longest-lasting battery choice due to their incredible consistency and capacity. We've loved these batteries for a long time. However, in recent years they have become cost prohibitive and forced us to seek out a more affordable, eco-friendly option. 

Detection Circuit:     87/100

Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed:  0.46 s.  |  2.3 s.

Video Trigger & Recovery Speed:   0.43 s.  |  3.1 s. 

Detection Range & Angle:  80 ft @ 42.3° detection angle (41.3° f.o.v.)

Quality of Design:     92/100

Dimensions:  3" x 4.5" x 5.5"

Battery Type:  12 AA

External Battery Jack:12 V (Connector Dimensions: 4.75mm OD, 1.7mm ID, 9.5mm Barrel length)

SD Card Size: Up to 1 TB

Country of Origin: United States

Case Design

The Reconyx Hyperfire 4K Surveillance LPC is widely regarded as the most durable and solid unit in the industry. The case incorporates teeth that help it bite against wherever it's strapped. There is a 1/4 x 20 thread on the back and the bottom of the camera. The hole in the front of the case allows a python cable to run through and lock the door. The latch is very large and easy to open and close. The batteries are a little hard to replace but they stay in place. The Hyperfire 4K is rated from -20 degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The seal is large and appears to work well. The Hyperfire 4K has an external power input on the bottom of the unit. This is one of the best case designs that we have seen.

 Camera Setup

Durability

Through our 2-year warranty program on the trail cameras we sell, we are able to track warranty rates on all trailcam manufacturers. We do not publish this data but durability on Reconyx trail cameras is unmatched. These cameras are engineered and produced in Holmen, Wisconsin by some of the brightest minds in the business. On top of that, Reconyx has recently started issuing a 5-year warranty on the Hyperfire 4K. This is quite the statement.

 All test results are achieved through the use of proprietary equipment used exclusively by Trailcampro.  Any re-publication of this data without prior written consent is strictly prohibited by law. COPYRIGHT TRAILCAMPRO, L.L.C. 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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