🦌 GardePro A60 Non-Cellular 4K Trail Camera Review: Upgrade Comparisions and Sample Videos
Introduction
This review is based on an independent field test conducted by the popular YouTube channel HuntingFarmer. The reviewer has been operating close to a dozen of these new cameras for four months across a variety of environments. This article summarizes his detailed findings, covering the camera's features, upgrades, sample footage results, and final pros and cons.
📸 Meet the GuardPro A60: The New Non-Cellular 4K Trail Camera
The GuardPro A60 is a Non-Cellular standard SD card trail camera. It offers several key features that set it apart from previous models:
- Ultra Clear 4K Video: Provides high-resolution footage.
- Sony Starvis Sensor: Guarantees superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
- No Glow Night Vision: The camera is advertised as truly "no glow," meaning there are no visible IR lights while operating at nighttime—a crucial feature for stealth.
- 2.4-inch Color Screen: Allows for easy setup and viewing of photos and videos directly on the camera.
- Wide Detection: Sports three PIR sensors that offer a 120° wide-angle detection zone.
- Self-Adapted Illumination: A new feature for nighttime operation where the camera automatically adjusts the power of the infrared LEDs. This is designed to avoid overexposure and conserve battery life.
⚙️ Physical Upgrades: My Observations
I noticed several significant physical improvements on this model compared to previous GuardPro cameras:
1. Enhanced Back Design and Strap Placement
The most immediate difference is the back of the camera. The new design features a "tree gripping back," which consists of small lugs that provide better grip than the completely smooth back of older models.5 This, coupled with the new placement for feeding the tree strap through, eliminates the difficulty I often criticized in the old style. These upgrades are excellent improvements for securing the camera and preventing shifting.
2. The Latch System
I appreciate that GuardPro did not do away with the large, single latch on the side, which is easy to operate even one-handed with a glove on, and securely closes the camera.
However, there is a notable drawback: On this model, there is no way to attach a padlock or secure the latch to prevent it from being opened. While the camera does offer the ability to use a Python cable to physically secure the camera to the tree itself, the inability to lock the latch will be a con for users who want to prevent tampering with the settings or theft of the SD card.
🎬 Video Performance and Auto Illumination
The real test lies in the sample footage. I operated these cameras in challenging field-edge environments as well as typical wooded areas.
I was genuinely impressed with the video quality from the new A60 cameras. They performed well and delivered good, clear video. Given my high expectations based on previous GuardPro models, this camera lived up to them and, in my opinion, is slightly—though not dramatically—better thanks to the new 4K Sony Starvis sensor.
You may also have noticed the auto illumination feature. This proved highly effective in eliminating overexposure at night and is also advertised as a battery-saving component.
final thoughts: Pros and Cons
After using many of these GuardPro A60 cameras over a long period, here are my final takeaways:
👍 Pros
- Superior 4K Video Quality: Impressive clarity in both daytime and nighttime footage.
- Excellent Audio: The microphone picks up audio in extreme detail, which is crucial for a video-mode trail camera.
- Physical Case Upgrades: The tree-gripping back and improved tree strap placement prevent shifting.6
- Single, Large Latch: Secure and easy to operate.
- 2.4-inch LCD Screen: Makes setup a breeze and allows for easy on-camera playback.
- Standard SD Card: Uses a full-size SD card, eliminating the need to fiddle with smaller micro SD cards.
- Versatile Power: Operates efficiently on eight AA batteries and includes an external power port for solar power options. I felt the battery life was good, possibly due to the auto-adjusting nighttime IR lights.
👎 Cons
No Padlock Option on Latch: This is the most significant physical change. While I don't personally use padlocks, the lack of a secure lock on the latch will be a major con for users concerned about tampering or SD card theft.
Occasional Glitch: Every now and then, upon pressing the start button to activate the camera, the 30-second countdown would not initiate; the LCD screen would immediately go dark, seemingly activating instantly. I believe this may be a firmware issue. Turning the camera off and restarting it always resolved the problem, but it is something I noticed a couple of times.
Overall Review Summary:
I've been overall impressed with these A60 trail cameras from GuardPro. Despite the minor glitch and the lack of a locking latch, the superior video quality, audio, and physical design improvements make this a highly compelling 4K Trail Camera Review subject.
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