Caldwell Target Cam — Real World Reviews by Forum Members
We’ve used a variety of target cam systems — When you get a good one, they are a great tool for training and load development, and just fun shooting.
Over the past five years we’ve tested many target cam systems. To be frank, some have been disappointing, but we think the Caldwell Target Cam System works well. A number of our Forum members have purchased this system and the reviews have been generally quite positive — image quality is good, reception is good, software is good, and storage cases work well. The only complaint is that the flexible camera arm can droop with time. READ Target Cam Forum Reviews.
Caldwell Target Cam Review by Nando-AS
“I have been using the Caldwell camera for over a year and it works great for me in every respect. I use it mainly at 600 yards, but I have also used it at 1000 yards successfully. In my case, as opposed to the experience posted by Snakepit (see below), the flexible arm that supports the camera is as tight as when it was brand new. The only thing that has broken so far is the plastic top on one of the two stakes supplied to steady the tripods to the ground. Instead of the stakes, I now use a couple of heavy shooting bags. I just place one bag over one of the legs of the tripod, and that is good enough.”
Target Cam Output with camera placed 600 yards from shooter:
Target Cam view at 600 yards: Blue ring is three inches, outer circle is six inches. I use a Samsung Tablet to display the image. I zoom in when actually shooting — so each target fills the screen.
Caldwell Target Cam Review by Shoot4Fun
“Caldwell Target Camera owner here. It comes neatly packed in a soft case and even has two stands for the camera/transmitter and the receiver units. I have only used it to 500 yards though they do call it a one-mile system. The resolution is very good and it has some neat features for capturing and labeling your targets. I did buy two Tallantcell USB packs to power it but it has internal batteries as well. The App works with my iPad or my iPhone and I’m sure there is an Android version too. I see them on sale from time to time at under $375 complete.”
Caldwell Target Cam Review by SnakePit
“I have the Caldwell Target Camera system and it works great. I mainly use it at 600 yards and the transmitter has enough power that I do not have to use the receiver at the bench for my tablet or cell phone. But Caldwell needs to do something with the flexible arm that holds the camera to the tripod. It becomes loose after a while and the camera wants to droop down. Caldwell sent me a replacement flexible arm but it is starting to have the same problem. You can get it to work when this happens but it can be a hassle. Other than that it is a great system for the price and I would buy another one.”
Important Features of a Target Cam System
Key qualities you’ll want in a target cam system are: ease of set-up, good video resolution, effective range (good signal quality/strength), good battery run-time, and the ability to use WiFi-enabled devices for viewing. Caldwell’s new Long-Range Target Camera offers all these things, making it an impressive new product for the price — $359.95 at Midsouth Shooters Supply. Some other target cam systems on the market cost twice as much, yet lack key features of the Caldwell system.
Watch Video, Record Video, Capture Stills, Measure Group Size and more…
The Caldwell LR Target Camera is very versatile, allowing you to both watch and record video and/or stills on any WiFi-enabled device. A free iOS/Android Mobile App allows you to record video, save still pictures, add notes, calculate group size, and save session info. This video shows the complete set-up process and how to use the free App. It shows actual Target Cam output on a WiFi-enabled tablet:
Caldwell LR Target Camera Features:
— High Definition (720p) camera delivers sharp image with good detail.
— WiFi output is compatible with Android, iPhone and most tablets.
— System can stream live HD video, record video, and save still images.
— Camera, transmitter, and receiver are contained in sturdy, waterproof housings.
— Breaks down into custom-fitted storage case for easy transport.
— Rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries run system for up to 6 hours continuously.
— External power jack for more permanent installation.
— Target Camera Mobile App for iOS and Android devices.
— Includes two collapsible, tripod-base Antenna/router stands.
— Positionable, spring-loaded camera clamp.
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Great idea for “singlr lane” or improvised ranges, however, on a multi-lane range, the prospect of the transmitting antenna being struck by a bullet or even bits of dirt / gravel from errant low shots is a bit unnerving.
Given the requirement for “line-of-sight” in this system, I suspect it would be a good idea for the antenna to be provided with a long enough cable so that it could be set up a “safe” distance from the target camera area.
Other than that, it looks good for the money.
Just dreading what they might cost here in Oz.
Good system.
Saw one in use: some power issues but solved with USB battery packs. Screen selection is important in daylight as well. Works well for night shoots, extending range availability.
This one was shot quite deliberately. The club has a number of Highpower shooters who are desperate for spotters & the approach is ‘I’ll spot for you if you spot for me’- they don’t like ‘Not interested’ as an answer. They certainly did not like the camera system & ‘I don’t need spotting thanks’ response. Next detail, someone put a .30 round into the system.
A follow up to my comments that are printed in the article. As I stated before I really like the Caldwell Camera System and use it a couple of times a week. My second flexible arm (supplied free by Caldwell) has done exactly what the first one did and it has begun to droop from the weight of the camera. You can get it to work but it takes some effort. The Caldwell customer service rep told me they know about the problem and they are working to improve it. They are sending me another replacement.
Those kinky plastic flex arms are not much good when dealing with anything much heavier than a light condensor microphone, especially after being “wiggled” a lot. Could be OK with some of the recent “lightweight” cameras.
Go to your local music store that stocks microphone stands and accessories. There is a big range of arms and elbows that you can attach to a decent mic-stand. If you have a fairly reasonable height to reach from the floor of your target pits, have a look at the range of collapsible stands built to hold up loud-speakers and theatrical light fittings. These are pretty solid, even the “light-weight alloy” ones. If it gets breezy, drop some sandbags (filled) across the leg braces.
There is a German company, K&M who make a huge variety of this sort of stuff, (including drink-holders and ash-trays that clamp onto microphone stands)….
Have a poke around their website:
https://www.k-m.de/en
how far away can it be setup from the target and still be able to see the hits in the white paper? Is it possible that the software shows you the shot count? We’de like a system under $500 dollars for our team to load test at 500yds. Is the bullet cam any good?
Works great… as stated above. The Camera flex arm is ABSOLUTELY JUNK. eBay carries an Aluminum replacement that is bomb proof.