As ranges are starting to open up again, folks are enjoying the opportunity to shoot at long range. But if you like to shoot paper out beyond 400 yards or so, you’ll find that it can be difficult to see bullet holes on paper, even with premium high-magnification spotting scopes. That’s why it’s great to have a high-quality wireless target camera. The systems we like are produced by Longshot Target Camera (aka Targetvision).
With a Longshot camera system, you receive a live WiFi feed from a camera. This comes back to your shooting station on the firing line and you can view the image with a laptop or mobile device. No separate tall antennas or routers are required, and you don’t need internet coverage. Simply place the camera unit next to your target and the receiver unit close to your rifle or bench. (Or, with the 300-yard-rated Marksman you get the WiFi signal directly from the camera — there’s no separate receiver). The Longshot system is completely self-contained. Longshot produces a variety of cameras starting at just $399.00 for the LongShot Marksman. We recommend the $799.00 LR-3 unit which is rated to a whopping two miles.
This Video shows how the Longshot Marksman Wireless Target Camera Works:
Longshot camera systems are excellent. They provide VERY sharp images and the WiFi signal is strong and stable, without the fuzziness you find with lesser systems. And, importantly, Longshot cameras come with integrated shot-marking software that works with your mobile device (phone or tablet). The Longshot mobile Apps can mark all the shots in your group (and you can select colors). In addition you can make your last-fired shot blink on the screen. And, as you’d expect, you can take a screen-shot at any time to record your shot impacts for future review. This kind of functionality makes the Longshot camera system much more sophisticated than any conventional optical spotting scope.
Longshot CEO Clay Rhoden explains: “Longshot target camera systems provide shooters with the opportunity to see their long range impacts as they occur. Acting as your spotting scope downrange you are able to see each impact with clarity. Our wireless target camera systems and camera spotting scopes provide double the resolution and double the possible distance available elsewhere.”
If you purchase a Longshot camera system, we recommend getting the optional “Bulletproof Warranty” for $39.00. This will cover most replacements if you accidentally shoot the camera system placed down-range. That $39.00 buys a lot of peace of mind. If you start with a $399.00 Marksman unit, you can also later upgrade to a full 2 mile-rated LR-3 system.
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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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Over the past five years we’ve tested many target cams. Important qualities you’ll want in a target cam system are: ease of set-up, good video resolution, effective range (good signal quality/strength), 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 — $357.02 at Midsouth Shooters Supply. If this target camera system proves rugged and reliable, then we predict it will be a big seller for Caldwell. (There are other target cam systems on the market that cost twice as much, yet lack key features of the Caldwell system). We recommend you watch the video — it shows the complete set-up process and how to use the free App.
This video shows system set-up and actual Target Cam output on a WiFi-enabled tablet:
The Ballistic Precision LR Target Camera by Caldwell is a complete kit with video camera, long-range trasmitter/antenna, base receiver, mounting stands, batteries, battery chargers, and fitted storage case. This system allows you to stream HD video to any WiFi-enabled smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Caldwell claims a range (in ideal conditions) of up to one mile. Based on our experience with similar systems, that may be a bit optimistic, but we see no reason why this could not be a solid 1000-yard system, given good line-of-sight from transmitter to receiver. This Caldwell system features both an elevated transmitter and an elevated receiver. That should provide good broadcast + reception capability over long range. An elevated transmitter works better in typical terrain than systems placed on the ground. The Caldwell LR Target Camera is so new that we have not yet tested it, so we can not verify range. But it appears that Caldwell did its engineering homework. We do wish, however, that Caldwell had shielded the camera in an armored housing.
The Caldwell LR Target Camera is very versatile, allowing you to both watch and record video and/or stills on any WiFi-enabled device. Rechargeable lithium ion batteries will run the target cam up to to 6 hours continuously. (For extended use there’s an external power jack). A free iOS/Android Mobile App allows you to record video, save still pictures, add notes, calculate group size, and save session info.
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 for extended use.
— 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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Would you like a target-cam system that fits in a single, compact weatherproof container, sets up quickly without tripods or external antennas, and works with smartphones, iPads, Android tablets, and Windows laptops? Well then you would like the brand new Bullseye AmmoCam Sight-In, a self-contained target-cam system in a sturdy plastic box resembling a classic military ammo can. Simply set the unit downrange, flip the “on” switch, and start shooting. The whole system weighs just 5 pounds. The manufacturer offers a 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee.
The $349.00 wireless Bullseye AmmoCam is a stand-alone video camera/transmitter that works out to 300 yards. The built-in software identifies and flashes your last shot on the display — that’s smart. The signal can be received by a WiFi-enabled smartphone, tablet, iPad, or Windows laptop computer. It even allows multiple users to connect simultaneously (so your buddy can watch your target as you shoot). There are no wires to string or bulky antennas to set up. The whole system is simple and easy, and weighs just five pounds. The fully weatherproof container is a compact 14″ x 8″ x 10″. Daytime battery life is 12+ hours.
Bullseye AmmoCam Sight-In Edition
The AmmoCam Sight-in model works out to 300 yards with clear line of sight. With a built-in lamp to illuminate the target, the AmmoCam system works both in day-time and after dark. The 5-lb, $349.00 package includes all the following:
Video Camera with night illumination.
WiFi Transmitter (with built-in router).
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack w/charger (12+ hour run time).
Target Manager software package for iPhone, iPad, Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and 8.
Secure, fully weatherproof 14″ x 8″ x 10″ Carrying Case.
Bullseye 1000-Yard Long-Range Edition
While we understand the appeal of the dead-simple AmmoCam, we know that many shooters want to go out way past 300 yards. For them, Bullseye Camera Systems offers a 1000-Yard Long Range Edition System, priced at $549.00. This is a complete package which includes video camera, router with high-gain antenna, tripod, carrying case, and all necessary connectors. Bullseye Target Manager software works with iPhone, iPad, Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 (and soon Max OSX).
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