Bigfoot SLE

I found the Bigfoot SLE at BF Outdoors one day while searching the internet for some other digital trail camera information. I wrote the information down and decided that it looked like a good camera to review and use. I’ve liked the cameras that used the Sony S600 digital camera. This camera also gives me my first exposure to the Bigfoot control board.

I have given the Bigfoot SLE an A for picture quality. As expected, the Sony S600 in this camera takes very good pictures. You can see example pictures on the picture quality page.

The trigger speed is not particularly fast and is in the middle of the pack. The Trailmaster Mode does speed the trigger up some. This is a mode that allows the camera to stay on for 30 seconds to catch the next animal that passes the camera. The trigger speed was faster when Trailmaster Mode was turned on. The 15 second delay is also considered a no delay mode and this mode is much quicker. It will catch you very quickly after the first picture is taken when in this mode, which makes the trigger speed grade a tough one because in reality the trigger speed is much faster when in Trailmaster Mode.

The Sony camera uses two AA batteries and the control board uses three AAA batteries. The first set of AAA batteries lasted for about five months and we get several hundred pictures with rechargeable AA batteries in the camera.

Setup is very easy using four dip switches and a push button on/off switch. The only problem with this simplicity is the low number of delay times available. Four delays times are available including 15 seconds and 1,3,and 6 minutes. The 15 second delay is also listed as “no delay” in the literature. In this mode the second picture is taken very quickly. I have had problems with the camera not paying attention to the longer delay modes. I have had it take up to four pictures when in the 6 minute delay setting.

The Bigfoot SLE has a pipe through design and a Python cable lock is provided with the camera. This allows for easy set up and theft prevention. The pipe through design has proven to be an excellent tree attachment option. This camera also has a rope ratchet to attach the camera to a tree. You can attach the camera to the tree with the rope ratchet to get it set up and then lock it to the tree with the Python Cable. I like this set-up.

The Sony S600 uses the Memory Stick Pro Duo to save images and also has 32mb internal memory.

The Sony has a 2-inch LCD screen that is nice for viewing pictures in the field. USB cables are also provided to download the pictures to your computer.

The S600 does not imprint the date and time on each picture. You have to check the properties of the pictures or use other software to get this information.

The picture below is from second set of pictures taken with the Bigfoot SLE.

The Bigfoot SLE has proven to be one of my most dependable cameras and I have given it an A for an overall grade. The picture quality, dependability and overall operation put this camera among the best.

After using this camera for almost two years it stopped working properly so I simply ordered a new control board from BFOutdoors and replaced it. I also replaced the gasket to keep water out of the case. I was having a lot of trouble keeping water out of the case and the new gasket is helping. The camera is now back in the woods watching for deer. I should also note that the board change our was a very easy process. All you need as a small headed screw driver.

You can learn more about and purchase a Bigfoot SLE here.

This is the Bigfoot camera attached to a tree with a Python Cable Lock at one of our feeders.

Return from the Bigfoot SLE Review to the Digital Trail Camera Review Page.