Flash Test
I’ve always tried, just by comparing images, to figure out which of the three scouting cameras (P32, P41 and S40) have the strongest flash. It's really difficult, especially when the cameras are set in different locations causing so many other factors to come into play such as flash absorbtion and unknown animal distances.
Methods
In order to make the test fair for all three cameras, they need to be tested in a controlled set-up. I took all three cameras out into an open field at night, and set up a camera mount ("The Camera Stick") in a fixed location.
I then used marker stakes, and marked off distances of: 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 15 meters. I also used a deer decoy to make the test as real as possible, and had each camera take 3 pictures at each distance. The cameras were programmed with all the same settings: ISO 400, Flash Level "+" (High).
Results
I found that there wasn’t a significant difference in flash strength between the three cameras. I had to inspect the images quite closely to pick out subtle differences, and although very similar, I found the strongest flash to be the S40, followed closely by the P41, and P32.
By looking at the images closely, you can see the deer decoy at all distances with all three cameras, but there came a point where it was tough to see any detail. This was the point where I considered the camera’s Effective Flash Range to be. Based on this test the Effective Flash Range for the P32, P41 and S40 are:
- P32 – 7 meters
- P41 – 8 meters
- S40 – 8.5 meters