We’ve been supplying and offering technical services for Ltl Acorn Cameras since around 2010.

In this article we briefly cover the main topics normally questioned for first time buyers/users. The topics covered here can also assist with other trail cameras.


Topics:

  1. Night Vision (Infrared)
  2. Lens Field of View (FOV)
  3. Batteries
  4. Memory Card
  5. Sensor & Interpolation
  6. Viewing the Footage (Playback)
  7. Product Contents
  8. Standard & Cellular Options

 

  1. Night Vision – Infrared

As with all trail cameras they are intended to work during the day and at night.
When the light conditions are low or zero, the cameras will automatically switch over to night vision mode taking B&W images/videos through the infrared illumination.
Without this the footage will be unviewable with only a black image/video unless there is any sources of local illumination.

Every model offered by Ltl Acorn has the option of either the standard (850nm) or the no glow (940nm) infrared LEDs.
The 850nm offers around 35% more powerful night vision than the 940nm, however with the drawback of them faintly glowing red when activated.
I most scenarios particularly for wildlife and covert surveillance applications the no glow 940nm variant is preferred. It is often a concern to ensure the camera remains invisible in the field to prevent theft of equipment.
We mainly supply the 940nm variant and do stock the 850nm variant if requested.

  1. Lens Field of View

Since around 2015 Ltl Acorn has introduced a series of models that have an option of either having a standard 55 degree FOV (Field of View), and wide angle variants of 110 degree FOV.
This is in the horizontal span when the trail camera is fitted conventionally upright.
For capturing slow mammals and/or within a few metres of the camera a standard lens will be ideal.
In scenarios were a large area coverage is needed the wide angle variant is in most cases preferred.
The model code will specify a ‘W’ which will refer to wide angle variant.
For instance:  
Ltl Acorn 5310A – Standard Lens
Ltl Acorn 5310WA – Wide Angle Lens

  1. Batteries

With most Ltl Acorn cameras you can run these of a set of AA batteries. Some of the professional series can operate off different set of batteries.
You will need either a set of 4, 8 or 12 AA batteries to run a unit depending on the model. In the case a 5310A, you can run the camera from 4 AAs, and place another 4 in the secondary battery compartment to extend the capacity thus allowing a longer usability in the field.
Most models in the 6000 series can accept a total of 12 AAs.

AA batteries are not included with Ltl Acorn cameras as with most trail cameras. We recommend rechargeable batteries with over 2000mAH energy capacities.
The better the batteries are, including a greater energy capacity the longer the trail camera will operate for. Again this is the same with all trail cameras, and other electrical devices.

  1. Memory Cards

A memory card is not supplied, and one will be needed for the footage to be saved on to. Not having one installed will in most cases prevent the camera from turning on. We believe this has been intended by the manufacturers as a fail-safe proof to prevent the user from failing to install a card at the surveillance site.

Memory cards are available in different sizes and types. Some models of Ltl Acorn cameras can hold up to 16GB and the 6000 series up to 32GB. You will need a standard SD card, and we recommend to always use SDHC and class 10.

  1. Sensor & Interpolation

Most tail cameras including the majority of Ltl Acorn cameras use a 5MP sensor.
These sensors are different across different brands, and also dependant on the model series. The premium variants of trail cameras will have better sensors (reflected in the price) which will offer better images/videos in different environments. Typically these are CMOS.
For instance a premium sensor will normally allow you to have better differentiation in colours. There’s a huge amount of differences for the various sensor options and we will discuss this in another article.

As with most trail cameras, interpolation is used to resize the images based on the algorithms used within the camera’s software. Most Ltl Acorns offer around up to 12/14/30MP. We’ve came across brands which offer very high interpolation figures and we believe this should not be a factor in deciding the model.
The quality of the images/videos are highly dependant on the sensors used, and the interpolation algorithms. Unfortunately obtaining details from the manufacturers on the algorithms is almost impossible!

  1. Viewing the Footage (Playback)

There are several ways you can view the footage obtained from the Ltl Acorns.

i. View directly on the inbuilt screen
Most Acorn cameras have a built-in low-resolution screen which image/video footage can be viewed on directly.
Some units do have an external screen which can be plugged through the USB port.
ii. SD Card Removal
The best option is to remove the SD card and view the files on an external device. If you have a USB port but no inbuilt card reader, you’ll need a USB card reader which are typically inexpensive.
iii. USB Cable
A micro USB cable is supplied with all Ltl Acorn cameras. This allows you to plug the unit with the other end to a USB port.
iv. TV Cable
A TV RCA cable is supplied with most Acorn cameras. This allows you to connect the camera straight the back of a TV/monitor through one of the yellow (video) RCA ports.

Our recommended choice is to remove the SD card and plug this straight into a device to view the files. Some users find it easier to keep the camera onsite and have a second SD card to swap around with.

  1. Product Contents

Typical Ltl Acorn Cameras include:
1. Mount Strap
2. USB Cable
3. TV Cable
4. Instructions (Printed)
5. CD – This is only necessary for the cellular units.

 Standard & Cellular Options

Those Ltl Acorn camera that have a ‘MG’ denoted in the model name indicates these are cellular.
A cellular camera will have the added addition of the standard trail camera with the option to send images/videos/notifications wirelessly through a network carrier e.g Vodafone.
This will need a data plan/credit with the carrier for this.

 

We hope you have found this quick run through helpful and as always if you need and further assistance or point you in the right direction do let us know.