The Ltl Acorn 5210 Trail Cam

[moxy 617]

I had been interested in buying a trail camera for a while and after a load of traps got nicked from a job, that spurred me on to take the plunge.

I trawled the net and on here to find a suitable camera.

Not wanting to splash out a small fortune only to find I was going to be disappointed I deliberated over the options available.

I came across the Ltl Acorn 5210a. As with most things it had mixed reviews online so the only way to find out its true worth was to buy one.

Although widely available over the net and various auction sites, I found one on amazon. Seller refurbished ( a return ) for only £70 inc next day delivery. They usually retail in upwards of £95 plus postage.

 

 

Now this version of the camera has the invisible IR LED's (purple) as opposed to the standard. This means that there is no red glow from the unit whilst in night mode, making it covert.

The downside is that range is reduced but its still good for up to say 12-20 metres, possibly more, I haven't yet put it to the full test.

 

 

It features 3 PIR sensors one forward facing and two sideways (the sideway ones are optional on/off).

A user friendly menu and lcd screen.

Up to 12mp camera which produces some ok pictures but not fantastic, if im honest the resolution isn't the best.

Up to 1 min video recording at 5mp or a combination of both photo then video. If this option is selected there is a second delay whilst it switches from photo to record, and the higher the resolution (mp) the slower the change over is.

Full specs can be found here although this is the standard IR

http://www.ltlacorn.com/index.php?page=mods/Products/itemdetail&itemid=64

 

The build quality feels tacky and of cheap plastic but it has taken the rough and tumble of being thrown around the van and squashed into holes in a dry stone wall. I wouldn't be too confident in dropping it from a great height.

The rear catches that hold the cradle and rear battery pack on feel flimsy but do lock tight enough to ensure a waterproof seal.

The back is also bevelled so the camera can be angled whilst secured to a tree but the strap provided isn't up to much and this task proves to be a bit of a ballache.

 

 

 

It takes 8 AA batteries and lasts well. My unit has taken hundreds of pictures and over an hours video in a few month and the batteries are still good.

The access panel to the on/off, SD slot and internal battery compartment is very mickey mouse. The locking mechanism is fiddly and the door hinge looks feeble. If this breaks, it wont be repairable and will leave the unit susceptible to the elements or you will find that duct tape will be make do and mend option!

 

 

Removing the rear battery cradle allows access to the LCD. The screen is colour and about 2"

The menu is easy to work and all images and video can be viewed and edited.

If the unit is fixed to a tree then as I said previous, its a pain to remove. So a spare SD card is a must so you don't have to remove the camera.

What I found is that once I transferred all the files off of the SD card onto the laptop, is that the card needed formatting. Otherwise it wouldn't record video. You would only get a second.

 

 

I have found it an ok little camera and im happy with it, especially for the price I paid.

 

[Mr Wilkes 2,992]

Ive wanted one of these for a long time but wasnt too sure about the pic quality, after reading your review i think ill invest in one..i want it for the allotment to catch the sneaky b*****d who breaks into the sheds..i really cant understand why more of the dog men dont have these to keep an eye on their yard whilst out . At least you would have a pic or a vid of the arseholes who attempt to break in and steal your dogs.

[moxy 617]

Make sure you go for the no glow

[Mr Wilkes 2,992]

Absolutely...i was thinking of building a bird box and putting it inside so as to hide it from view...would it be possible ?.

[moxy 617]

Absolutely...i was thinking of building a bird box and putting it inside so as to hide it from view...would it be possible ?.

I suppose so but you would have to cut most of the front away so that all the PIR's, LED's and lens wasn't covered.

You can buy custom made steel lock boxes to secure it.

[jf1970 328]

I bought one of these cameras last year and I find them great.

[moxy 617]

I bought one of these cameras last year and I find them great.

They are a nice piece of kit.

 

I would like to hear from anyone who has the 6210mms.

Does the email and message function work? Can it be used on a standard SIM card and what is the delay in upload?

 

The problem i found is you can't find many true reviews. Other than those that say "it's ok" or "a bit flimsy".

 

Is it worth shelling out up to £200 for an upgrade if it can't get any signal or chews through batteries for fun.

I know you can get solar chargers for them but I assure you. Try strapping £70 to a tree never mind £200 + and convincing yourself no one can see it as you walk away!!

[Hareydave 1,214]

looks a good bit off kit an insurance company had a few them stashed round a friends yard to do him out of his claim

[J Darcy 5,871]

I have just bought a Bushnell one, and the results are not bad i have to say....If you want to learn about the movements of shy animals they are a godsend...IMO

[moxy 617]

Which model and how much JD?

[J Darcy 5,871]

Don't know the model but it was about 180....from Amazon....image quality decent and film seems good enough too....

[moxy 617]

[J Darcy 5,871]

The bushnell one is very easy to take on and off the tree's, just a clip.

[moxy 617]

 

I suppose this isn't that bad albeit fiddly especially if you have fat fingers.

However. If you tighten that brass screw in the pic there will be no quick release.

[rexdigger 54]

Just be careful as they may seem watertight but they arnt that good at keeping water out iv had 2 of these and both let water in and buggered up I now have 2 Bushnell which are more expensive but worth it in the end