Browning Dark Ops Pro DCL Nano

Overview

The Browning Dark Ops Pro DCL Nano offers 4K video recording in a rugged and discreet design. Featuring a unique dual lens system, the Pro DCL Nano has one lens optimised for daytime recording and one for night. Combined with Browning’s responsive and reliable detection circuit and six high-power no-glow LEDs for nighttime recording, this compact camera is capable of capturing high quality footage. 

The Pro DCL Nano is the first camera in Browning’s popular Dark Ops range capable of recording at 4K resolution, and we found that the enhanced 4K details are most noticeable when recording at closer distances of around 1-3m. In testing, we found that the benefit of 4K resolution was most noticeable in brighter ambient light

The 46MP photo quality is a decent resolution and with a 0.5s recovery speed this helps the camera capture as much activity as possible. However, the photo trigger speed of 0.24s is slower than some of Browning's other no-glow models.

The camera is well-suited for security purposes, as its infrared LEDs do not produce any visible light, and its small case size aids in discreet mounting.

There is a handy steel bracket on the back of the camera to allow it to be tilted forward for precise positioning. Additionally, the forward-facing colour screen enables easy setup and viewing, and Browning has increased the font size on this model -  as not everything is better nano! 

Overall, the Dark Ops Pro DCL Nano camera is an excellent choice for detailed image capture at closer ranges; however, for more consistent image quality over longer range, we recommend considering the Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5.

The warranty length in the UK through NatureSpy is 2 years.

Video Quality

Max res: 4K (23fps)    Max length: 2mins day, 20 secs night
Trigger speed: about 0.24 seconds    Recovery time: about 1.5 seconds

The DCL Nano offers a high video resolution of 4K at 23fps on the ‘ultra’ setting, which we found to be excellent in bright environments and for working at closer ranges of around 1-3m. 

Daytime videos are particularly high quality, outshining a lot of other trail cameras on the market. However, night time footage lacks clarity compared to cameras like the top of the range Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 and the Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5.

Photo Quality

Max res: 26MP (lowest 4MP)    Max number per trigger: 8 photos
Trigger speed: about 0.24 seconds    Recovery time: about 0.5 seconds

The Dark Ops Pro DCL Nano features good photo quality, as afforded by the dual lens system. One lens is custom-tuned purely for daytime shots, and the other for low-light to take clearer night time images. 

As with almost all trail cameras, this model uses image interpolation for photo capture. Counterintuitively, this means that larger photos aren’t actually better quality as they’re artificially enhanced. For best image quality with a bonus of smaller file sizes, we recommend running it on the ‘low’ 4MP setting. 

Speed and detection

Trigger speed: approx. 0.24s (photos), 0.24s (videos)    Recovery speed 0.5s (photos), 1.5 (videos)
Detection range: approx. 60ft    LED type: No-Glow LEDs

The Dark Ops Pro DCL Nano has a decent trigger circuit, though its trigger speeds are slightly slower compared to Browning's other contemporary models. It is fast enough for UK species, but for very fast-moving wildlife, we recommend considering the Spec Ops Elite HP5 as a faster alternative.

Detection range is solid, reaching around 20 metres with a flash range that extends to 30 metres for optimum illumination at night. 

Build quality & batteries

Warranty: 2 years (through NatureSpy)
Batteries: 6x AA (Lithium strongly recommended)

The Pro DCL Nano features a familiar-looking Browning case that’s been slightly remodelled, but maintains the compact size of the Dark Ops range. It’s yet another rugged trail camera from Browning, featuring the durable build quality we’ve come to expect from the brand. It features a dark and discreet camouflage colouration that is well suited to the UK and this helps minimise the camera's visibility in the field.

Like most Browning cameras, this new model has an exceptional battery life. Generally, the DCL Nano offers up to 22 months of battery life when used for photos, and around 2.5 months when recording video, based on use with Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. This camera requires 6 AA batteries and its battery life will be dependent on factors such as: length of videos, how active the camera is and if there are more night shots compared to day shots. The camera can use rechargeable AA batteries that have a capacity of at least 2500mAh.

Browning cameras in general have been also very reliable for us and are covered by a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty in the UK when bought through NatureSpy.

Ease of Use

The Browning Dark Ops Pro DCL Nano is easy to use, owing to its adjustable bracket, intuitive settings menu and forward-facing screen. 

The adjustable steel bracket at the back of the camera allows the camera to be tilted for optimal positioning in the field - no more wedging sticks behind the camera! The forward-facing 1.5” colour screen is useful for perfecting camera placement and reviewing captured images/videos without removing the SD card. 

The camera offers three main modes: Trail Cam (photo), Video, and Timelapse Plus. The timelapse mode is only available during daylight hours and the camera will not take any timelapse photography at night. When set to Video mode the camera will save a separate photo for every video recorded.

There is also a ‘Motion Test’ feature, like most camera traps have, where a test light on the front will blink when it detects you during setup. Use this to check that the camera position will be effective when an animal passes by.