Wildlife Camera – Ltl Acorn 5210A
£119.99 – £172.00
The Ltl Acorn 5210A wildlife camera has evolved and improved over the years but still remains the cheapest and most purchased trail camera in the Ltl Acorn range. A great, low cost trail camera for recording wildlife in your garden. This wildlife camera will record video and audio, day or night. It can be set to capture still images too.
1 Year Warranty & FREE UK Delivery. Please scroll down for the full product description.
Wildlife Camera – Ltl Acorn 5210A Information
Portable garden wildlife camera - Ltl Acorn 5210A
The Ltl Acorn 5210A is a wildlife camera that rivales any on the market in terms of value for money. Some features include:
- it offers long running time,
- 1080P HD video resolution
- audio recording
- 12MP photos (interpolated from 5MP).
Wildlife cameras are also often known as camera traps or trail cameras but are also used extensively for security video surveillance in remote areas. This is due to the fact that they do not need connection to mains power, in fact, you do not need to run any cables at all. This ability to be used wirelessly makes them completely portable too.
Record nocturnal wildlife...
Thanks to the built in infrared, the camera can capture black & white video footage & photos in complete darkness. Daytime images and video are full colour. The wildlife camera will only record when heat change / movement is detected. There is a Timelapse mode though, so you can set the camera to record images or video at set intervals regardless of whether there is any action in front of the lens.
The Ltl Acorn 5210A can take photos of 12MP quality (interpolated from 5MP) or record video clips (with sound) at 1080P resolution. You can even set the trail camera to take a photo then a video clip if you want to, all triggered by movement/heat change within the camera view.
Feature packed, low cost Ltl Acorn 5210A wildlife camera
The 5210A has password protection, 32G max SD card storage (SD card not supplied as standard), time & date stamping, timer recording (explained later), password protection and even a time lapse feature that allows you to tell the camera to take a photo/video clip at set intervals.
The image above was taken using a Ltl Acorn 5210A trail camera (feel free to click the image to enlarge) to give you an idea of the true colour and image quality on offer.
The built in Timers on the 5210A trail camera are ideal if you want it to only record between certain hours of the day or night. For instance, you may want it to record in your back garden but only at night time, so you can set it to trigger only between 8pm in the evening and 6am the next morning for example.
Small & portable trail camera
The amazing thing is that this feature packed trail camera comes in a palm size casing of just 14cm x 8cm x 6cm!
The Ltl Acorn cameras are very easy to use, all set up is done via the built in LCD screen and the menu system - no software is required to use the non cellular Ltl Acorn cameras.
Image above was taken using a Ltl Acorn 5210A trail camera (feel free to click the image to enlarge).
Instructions
Here at Pakatak I write my own instruction sheets for the Ltl Acorn trail cameras so you don't have to worry about deciphering translated manufacturer manuals! I am also constantly tweaking and trying to improve our instructions to make for a better customer experience.
Our instruction sheets will be sent to you electronically via email once your order is received & processed.
How does a wildlife camera work?
The Ltl Acorn 5210A wildlife trail camera has 3 heat sensors. 2 of these are known as side sensors or prep sensors, they cover a total range of 100 degrees. So if you imagine drawing the letter V with the bottom point being the camera lens and the V having a 100 degree angle then you start getting a feel for the area that the sensors will cover in front of the camera.
The third (and most important) of the 3 sensors is the central "shooting" sensor. This sensor has a V of 35 degrees. The camera will only actually record a video or capture an image when this sensor is triggered. The side sensors act to prepare the camera in advance of the central shooting sensor being triggered. The reason for this is so that the majority of your videos or images will begin with the subject fairly central within the camera view.
All 3 sensors are heat sensors. They take the ambient air temperature and if they notice a different heat signature that's what triggers the camera into action. For example, it's 15 degrees outside and a human or creature with a body temperature of much higher than 15 degrees moves into the sensing area then the camera will come alive!
Batteries:
The camera holds a maximum of 8 AA batteries, but can run off just 4. As you would imagine, the more batteries you fit the longer the running time.
Batteries are not included but battery choice is vital for the efficiency and performance of your camera, we recommend using rechargeable batteries as these will save you money in the long run.
Our top recommendation for rechargeable batteries would be the Panasonic Eneloop Pro 2500mA, we use these on a daily basis for testing trail cameras and they offer the longest running time of all of the rechargeables we have tested.
For non rechargeables we recommend the Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries, these offer the longest running time of all batteries we have tested (rechargeable & non rechargeable) and will also work better in more extreme low temperatures.
Avoid alkaline batteries, avoid Duracell and never use any battery with a mA rating of less than 2500mA as they will struggle to power the camera (especially at night) and you are likely to find little glitches in your camera performance.
How long will my batteries last before I need to change or recharge them?
We get asked this question at lot with regards to trail cameras and it's always very difficult to answer as it depends upon many different variables such as:
- How many batteries are being used in the camera?
- Which type of battery is being used?
- Is the camera set to record video or capture still images?
- Is the camera recording a lot at night time when the more power hungry infrared is being used?
- If recording video, what video length have you set for each clip?
- Is the camera working in very low temperatures? (will use up more battery power in extreme temperatures)
These variables could mean your batteries might last anything from 4 days to 4 months!
What is Trigger Speed?
Trigger speed determines how quickly, after detection by the main central/shooting sensor, will the camera then start actually recording.
Trigger speed is always likely to be faster when capturing images/photos than it is for recording video due to it taking the camera a little longer to “wake up” and prepare for video recording than it does for it to "wake up" and take a quick snap.
So if you want to make sure you don't miss anything then it's recommended to either set the camera to take images or use the camera+video setting to take a photo first and then start recording the video clip.
Infrared (Night Vision) Options - 850nm or 940nm?
The Ltl Acorn 5210A can be purchased with either the standard (850nm) or the covert (940nm) infrared. The 850nm "low glow" infrared is about 30% more powerful but the leds give off a feint red glow when in operation, the 940nm leds are not as strong but will not glow at all and so are more suitable for covert surveillance applications.
Animals do not seem at all bothered by either infrared type but if you're planning to use the trail camera in a location where you feel that your trail camera is at risk of being spotted and stolen, then it will probably be wise to opt for the 940nm covert "no glow" version infrared.
All Ltl Acorn cameras have the infrared brightness adjustment feature. The user can choose between 3 different night vision strengths to suit their surveillance location. This feature helps to avoid white out issues when filming animals or human subjects that are closer to the camera.
SD Card:
The Ltl Acorn wildlife cameras require an SD card to operate, without one inserted the camera will switch itself off immediately after power up. The 5210A can accept up to a 32G SD card maximum. Always use SDHC and class 10 cards.
Powering the trail camera from a Solar Panel:
For longer running time and a more environmentally friendly way of running your trail camera, you may be interested in the Ltl Acorn Solar Panel. There are case studies on the Solar Panel product page to give you an idea of what's possible.
Help & Support
You''ll receive our full, easy to follow, set up guide and maintenance information with your camera (or via email) You can also contact us via our website live chat facility or on the telephone if you have any questions. I know choosing a wildlife camera isn't easy, so please feel free to get in touch with any queries you may have.
Infrared Brightness Adjustment:
The Ltl Acorn trail cameras feature infrared brightness adjustment, this helps if you are trying to record video or take photos of subjects that are close to the camera and allows the user to adjust the night vision power in accordance with their own application - so "white out" problems in dark conditions can be eradicated.
Low Power Consumption (in standby mode):
Another new feature added to the Ltl Acorn cameras in early 2018 is the much reduced standby power consumption, this means that your batteries should last a lot longer than previously and puts the Ltl Acorn cameras another step ahead of much of the wildlife camera competition out there!
Other Information & General Maintenance:
Do not leave discharged batteries inside your Ltl Acorn camera for any prolonged length of time. The batteries will leak and this acid will corrode the circuit board. Battery leakage is very easy to spot and is not covered under the manufacturer warranty.
Technical Specification:
Ltl Acorn 5210A Trail Camera Spec & Features:
24 Infrared Leds (850nm or 940nm available)
Weatherproof Casing
12MP Photos (interpolated)
1080P HD Video
Audio Recording
1 Central Motion Sensor
2 Angled “Prep” Motion Sensors
Real Time Video Recording
Time & Date Stamping
Motion Trigger Sensitivity Settings
LCD Screen for Menu Setting
Space for 4 AA Batteries (batteries not supplied)
Additional Back Pack (supplied) for 4 more AA batteries
Video Length Programmable
Password Setup
Time Lapse Trigger Feature
2 Built In Timers
Device Serial Number Setting
SD Card Recording (16G max) – SD Card not supplied
Playback on PC, laptop, TV or on built in LCD screen
Dimensions – 14cm x 8cm x 6cm (approx)
72 reviews for Wildlife Camera – Ltl Acorn 5210A
Ltl Acorn 5210A Trail Camera
Box contents:
trail camera
strap
these instructions (will be sent to you via email)
warranty card (for your own records)
Set Up & Recording:
Remove any PIR sensor protectors before using your camera.
Open the hatch at the base of the camera & insert an SD Card (class 10, 16G max) and AA batteries (at least 4). The camera can hold a maximum of 8 batteries so you can choose to add an extra 4 in the back pack should you wish to – this would give your camera longer running time in the field.
Please read the section later in these pages about which batteries to use, battery choice is vital to the performance of your Ltl Acorn trail camera and batteries are always the first place to start if you think there is a problem with your camera!
Carefully remove back plate from camera body using the clips on each side and hand-tightening screw on the back. The safest way to do this to avoid putting unnecessary stress on the side clips is to hold the 2 parts of the camera together firmly with one hand whilst releasing the clips, one at a time, with the other.
Move the ON/OFF/TEST switch on the bottom of camera to the TEST position.
The LCD screen will come on (will go straight off again if you have not inserted a compatible SD card).
Push the MENU button & use the arrow keys to select & change settings.
Remember to push OK button after each setting change to save it.
Move the ON/OFF/TEST switch to the ON position, the LCD screen will now switch off & the camera is now ready to start recording whenever motion/heat change is detected. You will see a red light blink on the front of the camera for about 10 seconds after switching the camera into ON mode, this is to give you time to move out of the sensor range to avoid recording yourself.
Close bottom hatch & re-fit back plate before putting camera in chosen location. Use the side clips and the screw on the back to best seal the camera from the elements. The screw also takes some of the strain off the side clips.
BATTERIES:
Batteries are not included but battery choice is vital for the performance of your Ltl Acorn camera, do not choose any batteries with a capacity lower than 2500mA.
Batteries are not included but battery choice is vital for the performance of your Ltl Acorn camera, do not choose any batteries with a capacity lower than 2500mA.
We only recommend the following 2 types of battery to our customers:
Panasonic Eneloop Pro 2500mA Rechargeable AA (rechargeable)
or
Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA (non rechargeable)
We use the Panasonic rechargeable batteries mentioned above every day and so can vouch for their compatibility & quality. Using rechargeables will save you money in the long run and is better for the environment too.
DO NOT use Duracell or other “off the shelf in the supermarket” Alkaline batteries as they are unlikely to be powerful enough and so will reduce the performance level of your camera or cause problems.
Using batteries that are not powerful enough will often cause a problem with video recording at night time in dark or low light conditions. So you may find that your camera works perfectly during the day but then only records 1 second videos at night time (even if you have it set to record 10 or 20 second videos) for instance. This is due to the extra power required to run the infrared array, so the camera triggers to record and starts the recording, it then realises it does not have enough power to run the infrared for any length of time and so shuts down back into standby mode. This can happen over and over again whenever the camera is triggered, leaving you with lots of very short videos!
Do not use any battery with a mA rating of less than 2500mA.
Power issues can bring about many different, strange glitches and problems with any trail camera so it’s very important to use a battery that outputs enough power before assuming you have a fault with the camera itself.
IMPORTANT – Do not leave batteries inside the camera if you are not using it, this could result in acid leak and ruin the camera – this is not covered under warranty!
Menu Settings
Pushing the MENU button when in TEST mode will take you into the built in Menu. You can use the UP & DOWN arrow buttons to move up and down through the menu options and you can use the left and right arrow buttons to scroll through the various different settings available for each selected menu option.
If you change a setting remember to push the OK button to save the change!
The following are the menu options available:
Mode: Camera, Video or Cam+Video
Camera – record images only. Video – record videos only. Cam+Video records an image then video.
Format: will erase everything on the SD card.
Photo Size: choose the quality of the image the camera will record, options are 5MP or 12MP.
Video Size: choose the video quality the camera will record, options are 320×240, 640×480, 1280×720 or 1920×1080.
Set Clock: set date and time plus the date format using the up/down arrow keys to change the number and the right/left arrow keys to move to the next parameter.
Photo No.: if you have the camera set to record images you can choose whether you want a single image or a burst of 2 or 3 images.
Video Length: set the length of video that’s recorded each time the camera is triggered from 0-60 seconds, remember the longer the video recording the more battery life will be used (especially if recording in dark or low light periods as the infrared is the most power hungry component).
Interval: choose how long the camera will wait after finishing one recording until it will start a new one.
Sense Level: set the trigger sensitivity level, options are Off, Low, Normal, High. You can find out more about the sensitivity levels later in these instruction sheets under the heading “Heat Sensors”.
Time Stamp: choose On or Off dependent upon whether you want the date & time showing on each recording or not.
Timer 1 & Timer 2: these Timers allow you to set the camera to only record between certain times of day. For instance you may want the camera to record only between 6pm and 4am. Use the left/right arrow keys to change the setting from Off to On and then push the OK button. Now you can enter the start and stop recording times of your choice. You can choose to use just one or both of the Timers.
Password Set: here you can set a 4 digit password that would then need to be entered whenever you switch the camera into TEST mode. If you choose to set a password do not lose it! We can reset it but you’ll need to send your camera back to us and there is a £20 charge for this.
Serial No.: this is a number or name for your camera and, if set, will show in the information bar at the bottom of each recorded image.
Timelapse: this feature allows you to set you camera to record a video or capture an image every X amount of hours, minutes or seconds regardless of whether or not there is any subject triggering the camera at that moment in time. For instance you may want to record the changes on a construction project and so take a new image every 12 hours to monitor progress over time.
If you do not want the camera to also trigger automatically using the sensors then you will need to switch the Sense Level to OFF.
Side PIR: switch the side sensors on/off, recommended to leave these on as they allow the camera to prepare in advance of a subject being central within the image.
Recycle: if set to ON the camera will start recording over the oldest recordings when the micro SD card runs out of space. If set to OFF then the camera will stop recording any new images or video as soon as the card becomes full.
TV Mode: PAL or NTSC, UK mode is always PAL.
Version: gives you information of the firmware version your camera is using.
Default Set: returns the camera back to factory default settings, this can be useful if you think your camera is not performing correctly. Acts as a reset tool.
PLAYBACK RECORDINGS:
You have two main options here, you can playback recorded files on the built in LCD screen (explained below) or you can remove the SD card and insert into your home computer. If your computer does not have an SD card slot then you can use a USB SD Card Reader to connect.
Playback on built in LCD screen:
In TEST mode push the Replay/OK button to enter Playback mode.
Use the up & down arrow buttons to scroll through your recorded files. In the top left hand corner of each file you will see a symbol denoting whether that file is an image or a video. A white arrow is an image, for a video a green video reel symbol that looks a bit like a # will show.
If you are looking at a video clip, push the right arrow (SHOT) button to play it.
Press the OK button to leave Playback mode.
Deleting recordings from the SD card when in the Playback Screen:
Whilst in the Playback screen you can push the Menu button to bring up the option to delete files, you can either choose to delete the current clip/photo or delete all of them.
SD Cards:
Always use genuine branded SDHC (class 10 & 16G max) cards, there are often many fake cards on the market (especially being sold on Amazon & eBay). Also, always format your SD card using the “format” option in the camera menu, or format the card on your home computer.
SD cards do not last forever, if you think that yours may have developed a fault then try a new card before assuming your camera is faulty.
Manual Reset:
If you think your camera has developed a fault, try a system reset as below:
Remove all batteries & SD Card, bring the camera inside for 24hrs then test again.
When in TEST mode, push the menu button and scroll down to “Default”, push OK to return your camera back to factory settings.
Infrared:
The infrared beam is powerful so don’t position the camera too close to any solid objects as your night shots could suffer “white out” issues. For cameras that came out of the factory from around early 2018 onwards you may have the Infrared Brightness Adjustment feature too. This feature allows you to adjust the strength of your cameras infrared beam and can help reduce white out problems with night time images or video.
Infrared Cut Filter (situated in front of the lens):
When moving the camera in your hand you may notice the IR cut filter moving in front of the lens, this is perfectly normal. When the camera is in operation, it will decide if the cut filter is needed automatically depending upon light levels.
We take a lot of calls & messages from customers thinking that they have a broken part on their camera but this is not the case!
Infrared Brightness Adjustment:
If your camera has this feature then you can adjust the power of the infrared, great if you are getting some white out issues on your night vision video footage or photos. When in TEST mode just push the downward arrow button on the camera, your current infrared brightness level will be displayed on the screen, push the downward arrow key again to change the setting, there are 3 levels available (high, medium & low) and your camera is likely to be set to high as default.
ON/OFF/TEST Switch
If you find that your camera is not responding correctly to the switch position you have selected, for instance the LCD screen does not come on in TEST mode but the camera works fine in ON mode, or if you have the camera in TEST mode but it is acting as if in ON mode then it may be that the switch contacts have become dirty.
Please click on the link below (this link is accessible from the main product page on our website if you are currently reading this from a hard copy) and have a read of the post as this issue is easily solved and may save you the cost of returning a camera:
Cleaning Dirty Switch Contacts
This is something that is worth doing periodically anyway to ensure the best performance and longevity of your Ltl Acorn camera.
Language Set:
When you have the camera in TEST mode, push the left arrow key to run through the various language options.
Trail Camera Triggering & Placement – Best Practice & Information:
Your trail camera records when triggered, the trigger occurs when the camera senses heat change within the image that is different to the ambient air temperature. This increased heat signature within the image is usually (but not always) caused by something new entering the camera view such as a human or creature.
In most cases optimal camera placement is at 45-90 degrees from the area you expect the subject to enter the image from. This way you are most likely to get the best picture/video possible of the subject entering the camera view.
When a subject moves across the camera’s field of view at 45-90 degrees to the lens axis the camera will be much more sensitive to this movement than if the subject is moving directly towards or away from the camera.
The reason for the lack of sensitivity in the latter is because the size of the subject will only change slowly as the cameras view of the subject expands or contracts against the background.
Whereas, if the camera is positioned at a 45 or 90 degree angle from where the subject enters the view, the entire subject will appear as “new” heat change from the cameras’ point of view.
As you can imagine trail camera placement is not an exact science as we cannot always rely on any subject to enter the camera trigger area from where we want/expect them to! Trial and error is often the best way to find out where to place your camera.
Heat Sensors & how they work:
If the air temperature is 20C and a human with a body temperature of 37C moves in front of the camera then the camera will be sensitive to the change because of the 17C difference between the two. If the air temperature is 30C then the camera will be less sensitive because the difference is only 7C. With a small temperature difference between the air and subject temperatures it can be advantageous to set the cameras sensitivity to HIGH although this could also lead to some false triggers in some circumstances, such as a tree branch warming in the sun and then moving in the breeze for example.
Conversely, if a 37C object moves across a subzero air temperature of say -10C the camera will be very sensitive to this because the temperature difference of 47C is much greater. In these circumstances it may be advantageous to set the camera sensitivity to LOW.
Product Support & Warranty:
For email product support please contact alan@pakatak.co.uk, alternatively you can get in touch via the website live chat facility.
Please note, your 1 year warranty is always looked after by your retailer.
However, here at Pakatak Ltd, we carry Ltl Acorn spare parts and are always happy to test your camera for you if you think it has developed a fault.
Thank you & we hope you enjoy your trail camera!
Useful links and other language guides:
Pakataks’ Ltl Acorn 5210A Easy Set Up Guide & Information (Spanish version)
Pakataks’ Ltl Acorn 5210A Easy Set Up Guide & Information (Italian version)
Pakataks’ Ltl Acorn 5210A Easy Set Up Guide & Information (German version)
Pakataks’ Ltl Acorn 5210A Easy Set Up Guide & Information (French version)
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Lesley M. (verified owner) –
Easy to set up but fine tuning the picture not so successful. The fore ground is still blindingly white. delivery was very efficient.
Kevin Watson (verified owner) –
Ordered Wednesday & delivered Friday. Excellent service. As described on the tin & mainly in use for filming visiting Hedgehogs. Excellent results considering it is mainly night time filming & therefore Black & White. No issues & therefore highly recommend Pakatak.
Christopher D. (verified owner) –
Does what it says on the tin
Kevin H. (verified owner) –
Great field camera for its price, especially like the timer facility which some more inexpensive cameras don’t have.
Sally B. (verified owner) –
Great company to deal with, very helpful and received the next day. Couldn’t fault their service and the camera is up and working ****
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Ltl Acorn wildlife cameras I have been using for 15 years and I have tried others but found that the Ltl Acorn is the most reliable
Roy Gooch (verified owner) –
I haven’t been able to use it. Despite being very careful in removing the camera from and reattaching to the battery box several times, aligning them before closing the securing clips, one of them broke off.
PAKATAK Reply: Very sorry to hear that, we have sent you a replacement back compartment for your camera.
Marian James (verified owner) –
I now have four of these cameras, my latest purchase has sound and I am thrilled with it, marvelous pics of foxes and badgers in my garden. I recommend them to anyone
GB –
A very easy and efficient transaction. The camera works well in all weathers and has produced some great pics/videos of local wildlife including badgers. Camera setup is straightforward. I fully recommend this camera and the vendor.
Jane (verified owner) –
I’m really enjoying the camera & already have some great videos of badgers, fox, deer & a variety of birds, feeding in the clearing of my wood.