In-Depth ShotKam Review by Pull Magazine
Introduction
Pull Magazine, a trusted source in the shooting community, recently conducted an unpaid, comprehensive review of the ShotKam gun camera. Known for their rigorous testing and honest evaluations, Pull Magazine's review highlights the innovative features, performance, and user experiences of ShotKam. This review provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced shooters considering adding ShotKam to their gear.
Overview
The ShotKam, designed by David Stewart and first released in 2012, has a strong heritage in the barrel camera market. The current Gen 4 model, launched in November 2022, features a high-resolution camera that mounts to the bottom barrel of an over and under or the barrel of a semi-auto. It allows shooters to see the gun position at the pick-up point, the lead given to the target, and the barrel position at the time of the shot. This tool is essential for shooters wanting to improve their accuracy and technique.
The ShotKam arrives in a smart branded carry case, including everything needed to set up and get started. The package contains a mounting bracket, allen key/wrench, USB charging/data cable, instruction manual, and spare parts. This comprehensive package justifies its price, providing excellent value for the investment. (Unboxing here).
Setting Up
Setting up the ShotKam is straightforward, taking only a few minutes. After mounting the camera, download the ShotKam app to your phone and connect it to the camera. Calibration involves pointing the gun at a fixed target and adjusting the aim using the app. ShotKam provides numerous helpful videos on YouTube to assist with the setup process, making it accessible even for technophobes.
Testing
During testing, the ShotKam added noticeable weight to smaller bore guns, but this was manageable. The app settings allow adjustments based on the type of shooting and gun used. The ShotKam's accelerometer senses movement, starting the camera recording when the action is closed and saving the video upon recoil detection. This smart technology ensures only the relevant shots are saved, maximizing disk space efficiency.
For game shooting, the camera can be forced into recording mode by tapping the stock with your hand. Users can review shots by connecting their phone to the ShotKam's Wi-Fi and utilizing the frame-by-frame function to analyze barrel positioning and lead. This feature distinguishes ShotKam from lower-cost barrel cameras, which often lack a reticle and have limited training aid capabilities.
The Gen 4 model's standard field of view is 18 degrees, with playback at one-third real-time speed, matching the shooter's perception. The Gen 4 version also offers adjustable fields of view from 11 to 44 degrees.
Comparison
The Gen 4 model records in 4K high-definition resolution, has up to 8x zoom, and offers up to 15 hours of battery life. In contrast, the Gen 3 model records in 1080p, has a fixed 18-degree field of view, 4x zoom, and 5 hours of battery life. The Gen 4 has 128 GB of internal memory, while the Gen 3 has 64 GB. The higher quality of 4K is noticeable on larger screens, making the choice between models dependent on shooting needs and preferences.
Despite the £170 price difference, the Gen 3 remains a solid product. One minor drawback is the limitation of downloading only five videos at a time to a smartphone, which can be time-consuming. However, the ShotKam's military-grade aluminum construction, waterproof design, and advanced features make it the best barrel camera on the market. It is important to note that it cannot be used at CPSA Registered shoots or competitions.
Check out CPSA online: cpsa.co.uk.
