Finding a mini trail camera that takes high-resolution pictures and videos while having an amazingly low price can be quite a challenge. Many users often face the frustration of either compromising on the size and portability or settling for lower quality images. The KJK JDL201 Mini aims to address this common problem by offering an impressive array of features packed into a small size. This KJK JDL201 Mini Trail Camera review will help you understand if this popular trail camera meets your needs, too.
Table of Contents
Summary of the KJK JDL201 Mini Trail Camera Review
The KJK JDL201 Mini Trail Camera stands out in the crowded mini trail camera market by offering high-resolution images (36MP) and 2.7K video recording at an affordable price. With a compact size of 4.3 x 3.0 x 1.8 inches, it is highly portable and easy to conceal, making it suitable for wildlife monitoring and property surveillance. Key features include a 130° wide field of view, a fast trigger speed of 0.1 seconds, and adjustable PIR sensitivity. The camera also supports multiple operational modes (Photo, Video, Photo + Video) and includes a time-lapse feature for capturing environmental changes over time.
Despite its many strengths, the KJK JDL201 Mini has some limitations, such as a maximum nighttime video recording duration of 30 seconds and the use of low-glow infrared flash. Overall, with its balance of high performance and affordability, the KJK JDL201 Mini is a compelling choice for both novice and experienced users.
Pros
- Small compact size
- Amazing low price
- High-resolution camera
- Fast trigger speed
- Super affordable price
- Adjustable motion sensor
- Color LCD screen
Cons
- Nighttime videos recording is limited to a maximum of 30 seconds per clip
- Low glow flash (to be fair, most mini trail cameras – especially ones in this price range – also use low glow flash)
- No cover over the batteries to keep them in place once installed
Review of Key Features and Benefits of the KJK JDL201 Mini Trail Camera
Camera
The KJK JDL201 Mini is equipped with a 36MP camera for still images and can record videos at a resolution of 2.7K, which puts its video resolution right between the standard 1080p HD (1920 x 1080) but not as high as 4K (3840 x 2160). All of this ensures that you capture clear and detailed images and videos, regardless of the time of day.
The camera features a 130° wide field of view (FOV), allowing it to cover a larger area and increase the chances of capturing wildlife activity. Additionally, the camera supports multiple operational modes including Photo, Video, and Photo + Video, with a frame rate of 30fps for video recording, which is great.
The one thing I wish was different with the camera was the setting for nighttime videos. It limits video recording to a maximum of 30 seconds per clip to help save on battery life, but I wish it gave us the option to override that setting if we need to record longer video clips at night.
Motion (PIR) Sensor
The KJK JDL201 Mini has one PIR sensor, offering a wide 130° detection angle. This sensor can detect motion up to 75 feet away, ensuring that you don’t miss any activity in the monitored area.
Users can also adjust the sensitivity of the PIR sensor to high, medium, or low settings. This feature, which isn’t always found on mini trail cameras, is particularly useful in areas with frequent false triggers, ensuring that the camera only captures relevant activity making it more efficient.
Trigger Speed
A fast trigger speed is essential for capturing fleeting moments, and the KJK JDL201 Mini is listed as having a lightning-fast trigger speed of 0.1 seconds. This ensures that the camera quickly responds to any detected motion, capturing images or videos almost instantaneously.
I don’t know if the trigger speed that is listed for the camera is correct since there are a few people who say that the trigger speed isn’t fast enough for them. That said, the trigger speed of the the KJK JDL201 is going to be more than enough for most situations. If you are in the minority of people who feel like the trigger speed isn’t fast enough for your needs you can always move the camera back a few feet from the area it is monitoring or changing the angle at which the camera is monitoring the area.
Flash
For nighttime surveillance, the KJK JDL201 Mini uses low glow infrared flash. Equipped with 22pcs 850nm infrared LEDs the flash range extends up to 75 feet, providing clear nighttime images without overexposure or underexposure.
For those unfamiliar with infrared flash technology, it is designed to be less intrusive and doesn’t visibly light up the area it captures. This minimizes the risk of startling wildlife compared to traditional white flash photography. Although the low-glow flash doesn’t visibly illuminate the scene, the LEDs on the front of the camera emit a red glow when active. If someone looks directly at the camera while the flash is in use, they may notice this glow. This could potentially reveal the camera’s location at night, which might be problematic if you’re using it for security purposes.
If concealing the camera’s location at night is a high priority for you, you might want to consider a camera with a no-glow flash. However, it is worth noting that mini trail cameras with no-glow flash are relatively rare.
Dimensions
The compact dimensions of the KJK JDL201 Mini, measuring 4.3 x 3.0 x 1.8 inches, make it incredibly portable and easy to conceal in various environments. Its small size allows it to blend seamlessly into natural surroundings, reducing the risk of theft or vandalism.
This compact design is particularly beneficial for users who have multiple trail cameras and need to transport and set up the cameras in different locations frequently. The small footprint ensures that the camera can be placed discreetly, making it an excellent choice for both wildlife monitoring and property surveillance.
Time-Lapse Feature
The time-lapse feature of the KJK JDL201 Mini is perfect for observing changes in the environment over time or monitoring wildlife patterns in areas that are beyond the camera’s detection range. By capturing images at set intervals, this feature provides a comprehensive view of the area without relying on motion detection.
While this feature is especially useful for certain individuals, it’s worth noting that the time-lapse mode deactivates the PIR sensor, which is common among trail cameras with this capability. This means that when the time lapse feature is on the camera will only capture images at the predefined intervals you select.
Hours of Operation Timer
To conserve battery life and storage space, the KJK JDL201 Mini includes an hours of operation timer, or an “Operation Hours” setting as KJK calls it. This feature allows users to set specific hours during which the camera will be active, ensuring that it only captures footage when necessary.
The ability to schedule the camera’s operation is a practical feature for users who want to focus on specific times of day, such as dawn or dusk when wildlife activity is more common. This feature also helps in extending battery life and optimizing storage usage, making the camera more efficient.
LCD Screen
Historically, not all mini trail cameras have come with a color LCD screen. That is why it is nice to report that the JDL201 comes with a 2.0-inch color LCD screen, which allows users to more easily adjust the camera’s settings and review captured footage and images. The screen size is optimal for functionality while keeping the camera compact.
For those who are new to trail cameras, having an LCD screen is a significant advantage as it provides immediate feedback and control over the camera’s settings. This is especially helpful when you are initially setting the camera up in the field.
Memory Card
The KJK JDL201 Mini supports full sized SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards up to a capacity of 128GB. For best performance, Class 10 cards are recommended. The ability to use high-capacity memory cards is essential for extended use in higher traffic areas where you won’t be checking the camera very often, especially when recording high-resolution videos.
The camera comes equipped with a 32GB microSD card with an adapter. So obvisouly KJK thinks that using a microSD card with an adapter won’t hurt performance. That said, if I am getting another memory card for the camera I am playing it safe and opting for a full sized SD/SDHC/SDXC card, as I have seen cameras in the past that suffered from performance issues when using a microSD card with an adapter.
Password Protection
Security is a priority with the KJK JDL201 Mini, and the password protection feature prevents unauthorized access to the camera’s settings and captured media. When enabled you will be able to create a 4-digit password of your choosing to help protect your camera.
While password protection is a valuable feature, it’s important to note that it doesn’t prevent physical theft of the camera or memory card. Users should still take additional measures to secure the camera physically, especially in high-risk areas.
Batteries
The KJK JDL201 Mini is powered by 4 AA batteries. 4 AA alkaline batteries are included with the camera, ensuring that you can get the camera up and running right away. Only needing 4 batteries helps to keep the size of the camera small, but the downside of this is that it limits how long you can leave the camera in the field before it runs out of power.
The manufacturer states that the JDL201 can use high-quality alkaline or lithium batteries, but for the best performance, they recommend Energizer AA Lithium batteries. Longevity and better performance in extreme temperatures are characteristics of lithium batteries, which make them a great choice for this trail camera, especially since it only holds 4 batteries.
In case you are wondering, KJK says that you can use NiMH rechargeable batteries in the JDL201 Mini. However, they might have a shorter life span than other options and probably won’t do as well powering the flash while recoding video at night. So I would probably only use rechargeable batteries in this camera if I was going to check it more frequently and wasn’t planning on recording a lot of videos at night.
One criticism I have that relates to the batteries is that I wish the JDL201 had a plastic cover that goes over top of the batteries once they are inserted in the camera so you don’t need to worry about them staying in place when you swing open the camera’s exterior casing to check the memory card or change the camera’s settings.
Input for External Power Supply
The camera includes an input for a 6V DC external power supply, which is a great addition for those planning to use the camera for extended periods. By utilizing an external power source, such as a battery box or solar panel, you can dramatically increase the amount of time you can leave the camera in the field.
This feature is particularly useful for remote areas where frequent battery changes are not feasible and can save you a lot of money on batteries over-time. However, I would think twice about using an external power supply if one of the main reasons I was buying this camera was for its stealthiness, as using a solar panel or other power source will definitely help to give away the camera’s location. So in situations where it is important to keep the camera’s location concealed, I would opt to use lithium batteries instead of an external power source.
Image Stamp
The image stamp on this camera includes the date, time, temperature, and moon phase. You have the option to turn the image stamp on or off.
The image stamp feature is highly beneficial for users who need to analyze wildlife behavior and want to correlate the behavior with the time of day or environmental conditions. By including vital information on each image, it enhances the value of the captured data, making it easier to interpret and use for research or monitoring purposes.
Included Accessories
The KJK JDL201 Mini comes with a bundle of handy extras to ensure you have everything you need to get started. In addition to the camera, the packaging includes:
- 32GB microSD Card (with SD adapter)
- 4 AA Batteries
- USB-C Cable
- Camera Mount
- Installation Belt
- User Manual
These included accessories make it convenient to set up and start using the camera immediately. The 32GB microSD card provides ample storage for most use situations, and the installation accessories ensure that the camera can be securely mounted in various scenarios.
Areas of Use
The KJK JDL201 Mini trail camera is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, and property owners. Its high resolution and fast trigger speed capture detailed images and videos of animals in their natural habitat without causing disturbance. Additionally, its compact size makes it perfect for property surveillance, as it is easier to conceal.
The camera’s small size is also advantageous for users who own multiple trail cameras or frequently move their cameras, as it is easier to transport from one location to another.
However, if you plan to use the camera for nighttime security and surveillance, be aware that the flash on the JDL201 could reveal the camera’s location.
Pricing
The KJK JDL201 Mini is priced like an entry-level trail camera, but unlike many of its peers, it offers a more comprehensive feature set. Its high resolution, compact size, adjustable motion sensor, external power supply option, and included accessories provide substantial value, making it a competitively priced option for those seeking performance without breaking the bank.
The KJK JDL201 Mini is an attractive choice for users who need a reliable and efficient trail camera without overspending, as well as for those who need to purchase multiple cameras while sticking to a budget.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re aiming to capture wildlife in their natural habitat or monitor your property, the KJK JDL201 Mini trail camera is a reliable and efficient option.
The KJK JDL201 Mini is a versatile and compact device that caters to both novice and experienced users. Its low price, high-resolution camera, fast trigger speed, adjustable PIR sensitivity, and small size make it an excellent choice for wildlife monitoring and property surveillance.
Overall, the camera’s performance and flexibility make it a valuable tool for a variety of applications and environments.
Last update on 2024-10-04 at 02:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
