Browning · Research review
Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 Ultra
- Mid-range
- Low-glow
The 2026 refresh of Browning's popular Recon Force HP5, adding 1440p video at up to 60fps and a bigger still-image claim. It keeps the long-reach low-glow flash and adjustable trigger that made the original a favourite of UK wildlife watchers.
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Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
- Long 130ft (about 40m) infrared flash reach with three flash modes
- 1440p video with sound at 30 or 60fps
- Large 2in colour screen for framing and review
- Fast adjustable trigger (0.1–0.7s) and 0.5s recovery
- Smart IR Video keeps recording while motion continues
Weaknesses
- Low-glow flash gives a faint red glow that some animals and people notice
- 46MP stills are upscaled – real detail is far lower
- Needs 8 AA batteries
- Ultra version itself has little independent testing yet
Who it suits
The research we draw on points to: badgers and foxes, deer, video, remote sites.
On our shortlists: Badgers & foxes
What reviewers found
-
NHBS blog: Trail cameras – a comparison (UK retailer) (nhbs.com) Retailer review
Tested the original Recon Force Elite HP5 and picked it as the best for overall picture quality, ahead of the Bushnell Core DS-4K (predecessor model, not the Ultra).
Summaries are ours; follow the links for each reviewer’s full verdict. Reviews marked “Retailer review” come from shops that sell the camera rather than independent publications. Where Which? is listed, we only note that the camera was in its test — its verdicts are for members.
Full specifications
From the manufacturer. “Not published” means we couldn’t find the figure in the maker’s own information.
- Brand
- Browning
- Model
- Recon Force Elite HP5 Ultra
- Year launched
- 2026
- Price band (our label)
- Mid-range
- Photo resolution
- 46 MP (interpolated; Browning does not state native sensor resolution (UK retailers describe the 46MP figure as interpolated))
- Video
- 1440p/60fps
- Trigger speed
- 0.1 s
- Detection range (PIR)
- 30 m
- Night vision
- Low-glow infrared
- Night illumination range
- 40 m
- Power
- 8×AA (12V external jack)
- Battery life (maker’s claim)
- 'Long battery life' – no duration stated
- Storage
- SD/SDXC up to 512GB
- Connectivity
- None stated (saves to card)
- Solar
- No
- Weatherproofing
- Not published
- Viewing screen
- 2in
- Dimensions
- 127 × × 89 × × 51 mm
- Weight
- Not published
Sources
Checked 18 October 2026. Specifications and findings come from:
- Browning: Recon Force Elite HP5 Ultra product page (browningtrailcameras.com)
- nhbs.com (nhbs.com)
- wildcare.co.uk (wildcare.co.uk)
- nhbs.com (nhbs.com)
- NHBS blog: Trail cameras – a comparison (UK retailer) (nhbs.com)
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Printed from wildlifetrailcameras.co.uk/cameras/browning-recon-force-elite-hp5-ultra/ · Checked 18 October 2026 · Research review: manufacturer specifications and independent findings, not our own tests.