Test of the ZEISS Secacam 3 PROMO Pack with Battery: An Essential Hunting Camera
The ZEISS Secacam 3 Photo Trap from the prestigious ZEISS brand is the tool of choice for nature enthusiasts, whether for hunting, nocturnal wildlife observation or discreet field surveillance. Designed to capture images and videos of exceptional quality, this connected camera trap is equally suited to hunters, birdwatchers and hiking enthusiasts. We tested it over a week in the forest and on mountain trails, and the results were nothing short of impressive!
Unpacking and first impressions
Opening the box of the ZEISS Secacam 3 Photo Trap, we discover a complete and ready-to-use set of contents: the camera itself, a 32 GB SD card, 8 AA batteries, a 5000 mAh rechargeable battery, a multi-network SIM card, a mounting strap and a French user manual. The bark-gray camouflage design is both discreet and elegant, perfect for blending into natural surroundings. With its compact dimensions (14 cm x 9 cm x 7 cm) and a weight of 320 g, the camera is light and easy to handle. It's pleasant to hold, and ZEISS build quality immediately inspires confidence, with a sturdy, well-finished casing.
Optical quality
The ZEISS Secacam 3 Photo Trap excels in image quality, an area where ZEISS never disappoints. Equipped with a 3 MP CMOS sensor (interpolable up to 24 MP), it delivers crisp, detailed photos and videos, day or night. The infrared flash with 60 black LEDs (940 nm) is totally invisible to animals, enabling unobtrusive observation. In our test, we captured striking images of a fox at 20 meters in the middle of the night, with remarkable contrast and clarity. The 60° field of view is ideal for covering a wide area, perfect for monitoring a watering hole or a trail frequented by wildlife.
Ease of use
The ergonomics of the ZEISS Secacam 3 Photo Trap are a real highlight. Set-up is disconcertingly simple: everything is pre-installed (batteries, SD card, SIM card), and all you have to do to get started is connect the camera to the ZEISS Secacam application via an activation code.
The 1.9" swiveling LCD screen makes framing easy, even in uncomfortable positions such as on a low tree. We particularly appreciated the ability to manage the camera remotely via the app, which provides instant smartphone notifications as soon as motion is detected. Whether for prolonged surveillance while hunting or static birdwatching, this camera trap is a reliable and intuitive companion.
Robustness and practicality
Designed to withstand the toughest conditions, the ZEISS Secacam 3 Photo Trap boasts IP66 certification, guaranteeing waterproofing against rain and dust (but beware, it is not submersible). We tested it in pouring rain in a forest, and it continued to work perfectly.
Its operating temperature range (-20°C to +55°C) makes it suitable for all seasons, from harsh winters to scorching summers. The supplied strap makes it easy to attach to a tree or pole, and the PROMO Pack includes a 5000 mAh rechargeable battery, ideal for prolonging autonomy when used in the great outdoors. A solar panel is also available as an option for even longer autonomy.
Technical specifications
| Features | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 3 MP CMOS (interpolable up to 24 MP) |
| Infrared flash range | 30 meters |
| Field of view | 60° |
| Minimum detection distance | 1 meter |
| Weight | 320 g |
| Dimensions | 14 cm x 9 cm x 7 cm |
| Waterproofing | Yes (IP66) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Comparison with other models
Compared to the EZ45 WiFi Camouflage Hunting Camera with Smartphone Sending, also available on binoculars.com, the ZEISS Secacam 3 Photo Trap stands out for its superior image quality and 4G LTE connectivity, which guarantees faster and more reliable transmission, even in remote areas.
The EZ45 is an excellent option for those who prefer a WiFi connection, but the Secacam 3 offers a more complete experience thanks to its invisible infrared LEDs and intuitive app, perfect for real-time surveillance.
Highlights
- Exceptional image quality: clear photos and videos, day or night, thanks to the CMOS sensor and invisible infrared LEDs.
- 4G LTE connectivity: Fast, reliable image transmission to your smartphone via the ZEISS Secacam app.
- Easy to install: Ready to use in just a few minutes, with everything you need included in the package.
- Tough as nails: Weatherproof and resistant to extreme conditions, ideal for outdoor use.
- Extended autonomy: Rechargeable 5000 mAh battery and solar panel option guarantee uninterrupted monitoring.
Points to note
- The 320 g weight may seem a little high for a compact camera, but this reflects its robust and durable construction.
- The native resolution of 3 MP could be higher, but the interpolation up to 24 MP more than makes up for it in conventional use.
Verdict
The ZEISS Secacam Photo Trap 3 PROMO Pack with Battery is a real gem for nature lovers and hunters. Whether you want to observe birds, monitor a territory or capture night-time images of wild animals, this camera offers impressive performance and remarkable ease of use. With its signature ZEISS image quality, 4G connectivity and robustness, it represents excellent value for money for a top-of-the-range hunting camera. A must-have for anyone who wants to explore wildlife discreetly!
