GardePro A3S User manual

A3S TRAIL CAMERA
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
V3.8

Congratulations on your purchase of one of the best
trail cameras on the market! We appreciate your
business and want to earn your trust. Please refer to the
notes below and the instructions in this manual to
ensure that you are completely satisfied with this
product.
In case of any further questions or concerns, please get
in touch with us at:
[e-mail]
or visit our page (for FAQs or latest firmware):
www.zopudt.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. IN THE BOX ..................................................................... 1
2. IMPORTANT NOTE .........................................................1
3. INTRODUCTION ............................................................. 1
3.1. ABOUT THE CAMERA .........................................1
3.2. MAIN FEATURES ................................................. 2
4. PARTS AND CONTROLS ............................................... 3
5. INSTALLING THE BATTERIES AND SD CARD .........6
5.1. LOADING BATTERIES .........................................6
5.2. INSERTING THE SD CARD ................................. 7
6. USING THE CAMERA .....................................................7
7. THE OFF, ON, AND SET MODES .................................. 8
7.1. OFF MODE ...........................................................8
7.2. ON MODE ............................................................. 9
7.3. SET MODE ............................................................9
8. ADVANCED SETTINGS ............................................... 10
9. MOUNTING AND POSITIONING THE CAMERA ..... 16
9.1. MOUNTING ........................................................ 16
9.2. SENSING ANGLE AND DISTANCE TEST .........17
9.3. SWITCHING ON THE CAMERA ........................18
10. REVIEW PHOTOS OR VIDEOS ................................. 20
11. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................ 21
12. TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................23
13. WARRANTY .................................................................24

1
1. IN THE BOX
1 x Camera, 1 x Mounting Strap,
1 x Instruction Manual, 1 x Mini USB Cord
Note: Memory card and batteries are not included (user supplied).
2. IMPORTANT NOTE
Require eight (8) 1.5V AA Alkaline or Lithium batteries. We
recommend the use of Energizer AA Lithium batteries in this
camera to obtain maximum battery life.
Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix battery type.
Rechargeable NiMH AA batteries can be used, but the lower
voltage (generally 1.2V) they produce has short lifetime, you
may have to replace them frequently.
Remove batteries when the camera is NOT in use.
Require a standard-size SDHC/SDXC memory card (maximum
capacity 512GB, Class 10). We recommend using SanDisk
32GB SDHC Class 10 memory cards in the camera to obtain
the best cost-performance.
Before first use, please format your SD card in the camera
by using "Format SD Card" in the menu settings.
3. INTRODUCTION
3.1. ABOUT THE CAMERA
The GardePro A3S trail camera is a new generation of digital
scouting camera, it can be triggered by any movement of game
in a location, detected by a highly sensitive Passive Infra-Red
(PIR) motion sensor, and then take high quality pictures (up to
48MP still photos), 1296P 20fps or 1080P 30fps H.264 video

2
clips with audio.
The camera features the all new innovative and ultra-clear Sony
imaging technology. The camera encompasses all-new software
innovations, smart illumination technology, blur reduction
technology, auto noise reduction and dynamic exposure
technology to deliver high resolution image quality, multi-zone
detection, pre-activated technology and fast boot to deliver 0.1s
fast trigger speed and 0.5s recovery time. The camera consumes
very little power (less than 0.1mA) in a stand-by (surveillance)
state. It can deliver 8 months of standby operation time when
the device is powered by eight AA 1.5V batteries.
3.2. MAIN FEATURES
High quality pictures (up to 48MP still photos), 1296P or
1080P HD video clips with audio. The camera is equipped
with a Sony Starvis sensor, premium f/1.6 great aperture lens
and has exclusive imaging optimization algorithm; it can
take clear photos or videos even at low light or dark
environment.
Clear night vision, flash range 100ft. (30m). The camera is
equipped with 36pcs high performance infrared no glow
940nm LEDs that function as a flash (invisible to human and
animal eyes).
Easy to use/program with well-designed operation buttons
and built-in 2.4-inch LCD color screen, easy to review
pictures and videos on the screen.
3 working modes - Motion detection, Time lapse and Hybrid.
Fast trigger time approx. 0.1~0.5 seconds (pre-activated
technology with 3 PIR sensors designed), Fast recovery time
of less than 0.5 seconds, Long trigger distance up to 90ft.
(27m).
Info strip on each capture: Date, Time, Temperature & Moon
Phase.

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Operation Hours, Loop Recording, Time Lapse, Password
Protected.
Built for any climate - IP66 Waterproof designed for outdoor
use and resistant against rain and snow. Operation
Temperature -4~140°F (-20 ~ 60°C).
Support SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card, maximum capacity
512GB (not included).
4. PARTS AND CONTROLS
The camera is equipped with 36pcs built-in high efficiency
infrared LEDs, LED Indicators, Optical Lens, PIR Sensors,
Lock Holes in front view (Figure 1).
TIP: During use, the black PIR Lens may be dirty or have
scratches, however it does not affect the performance due to the
reliability design. If you must clean it, please try to blow it off
or pick out the dirt very lightly. Please do not try to wipe it,
which may cause more scratches.
Figure 1: Front View
IR LEDs
Lock Hole
Side PIR
Motion Sensor
Optical
Lens
Center PIR
Motion Sensor
Side PIR
Motion Sensor
Light Sensor
Indicator
Microphone

4
The camera provides the following connections for external
devices: Mini USB port and SD card slot etc. (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Bottom View
The camera has two strap holes on the back. The strap can be
put through the strap holes and fastened securely around the tree
trunk by pulling the end of the strap firmly (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Back View
The camera has a 2.4-inch built-in LCD screen, which can be
used for reviewing pictures or videos and menu displaying, and
unique keypad design for easy program and operation, 8 AA
batteries slot supported (Figure 4).
Tripod Base
1/4" - 20
SD Card
Holder
DC 12V/1A
Plug 4.0x1.7mm
Strap Hole
Lock
Buckle
Mini USB Port

5
Figure 4: Inside View
Figure 5: Operation Buttons and Shortcut
A 3-way power switch is used to select the main operating
modes: OFF,ON,and SET (Figure 5).
A control key interface with six keys is primarily used in SET
mode to select operational functions and parameters. As shown
in Figure.5, the keys can also perform a second function
(shortcut operations in SET mode) in addition to their main
function.
5. INSTALLING THE BATTERIES AND SD CARD
Before you start learning how to use your camera, you will first
need to install a set of batteries and insert an SD card. Although
that may only take you a minute, there are some important notes
RIGHT Key as
Manual Shutter
("SHOT")
DOWN Key as
Camera Mode
OK Key as
Playback Mode
Power Switch
Color
Screen
Battery
Compartment
and Cover
Operation
Buttons
UP Key as
Video Mode

6
about both batteries and SD cards you should be aware of, so
please take the time to read the following directions and
cautions:
5.1. LOADING BATTERIES
After opening the cover of the battery compartment, you will
see that the camera has eight battery slots (Figure 6). A full
eight batteries must be installed for the camera to operate. Be
sure to insert each battery with correct polarity (negative or
"flat" end against the long spring of each battery slot).
In the SET mode when battery power level gets low, the
message "Low Battery" will show on the screen, please replace
the batteries. If the battery indicator shows in RED, this does
mean the batteries are not able to drive IR LEDs flash at night,
however the batteries still work at daytime until "Low Battery".
If you want to continue night vision, please replace the
batteries.
Figure 6: Loading the Batteries
5.2. INSERTING THE SD CARD
Insert the SD card (with the camera's power switch in the OFF
position) before beginning to operate the camera. Don't insert or
一

7
remove the SD card when the power switch is in the ON or
SET position. The camera uses a standard-size memory card to
save photos (in .jpg format) and/or videos (in .mp4 format). SD
and SDHC (High Capacity)/SDXC cards up to a maximum
512GB capacity are supported (Figure 7).
Figure 7: Inserting the SD Card
The following describes how to insert and remove the SD card:
Insert the SD card into the card slot with its label side
upwards.A "click" sound indicates that the card is installed
successfully. If the wrong side of the card is facing up, you
will not be able to insert it without force, there is only one
correct way to insert cards. If the SD card is not installed
correctly, the device will not display an SD card icon on the
screen in SET mode.Formatting the SD card by using the
camera's "Format" parameter in the menu settings before
using it for the first time is recommended, especially when a
card has been used in other devices.
To take out the SD card, just gently push in the card (do not
try to pull it out without pushing in first). The card is
released from the slot and ready to be removed when you
hear the click. Be sure the camera's power is switched OFF
before inserting or removing SD cards or batteries.
6. USING THE CAMERA
Once you've prepared your camera by properly installing

8
batteries and an SD card, you could simply take it outside, strap
it to a tree (or not-according to your application scenario),
switch it ON and leave-and you might get some great photos
that are exactly what you wanted. However, we highly
recommend that you first spend some additional time indoors
with this manual and your camera until you know a bit more
about what the 3-way switch and those control keys do. If
nothing else, you'll probably want to at least set the date and
time so the camera will imprint them (or not-it's your option) on
your photos as they are taken, learn how to set the camera to
shoot video clips instead of still photos if you like, and read
some tips about mounting it on a tree.
7. THE OFF, ON, AND SET MODES
The camera has three basic operational modes:
OFF mode: Power switch in the OFF position.
ON mode: Power switch in the ON position.
SET mode: Power switch in the SET position (screen is on).
7.1. OFF MODE
The OFF mode is the "safe" mode when any actions must be
taken, e.g., replacing the SD card or batteries, or transporting
the device. And of course, when you are storing or not using the
camera, you will switch it to OFF. Please note that in the OFF
mode the camera consumes little power. It's a good idea to take
the batteries out of the battery compartment if the camera will
not be used for a long time.
7.2. ON MODE
Anytime after the batteries and SD card have been inserted, you
can switch the camera on. When the power switch is moved to
the middle position, the camera will enter into the ON
(Surveillance) mode. If the Mode is set as "Motion Detection",
the camera will countdown 30-second delay and then be ready

9
to capture images. If the Mode is set as "Time Lapse", there will
be no 30-second counting down, and the camera will be ready
to enter Time Lapse.
Once in the ON mode, no manual controls are needed or
possible (the control keys have no effect). The camera will take
photos or videos automatically (according to its current
parameter settings).
You can either move the power switch directly from OFF to
ON mode, or stop at the SET position first to change one or
more settings, then move the switch to ON after you have
finished doing so.
7.3. SET MODE
In the SET mode you can check and change the settings of the
camera with the help of its built-in screen. These settings, found
in the menu by pressing MENU key, let you change the photo
or video resolution, interval between photos, switch the time
imprint on, etc. (See more in Section 8 ADVANCED
SETTINGS).
Moving the power switch to the SET position will turn on the
screen display, you will see an information screen that shows
how many images have been taken, the battery level, camera or
video mode, etc.
Attention please: In SET mode, the camera will automatically
enter ON mode if there is no operation (key pressing) within 5
minutes. Then the camera will perform as your settings in the
menu.
In the SET mode, you can connect the camera to a computer's
USB port to download your images.
Shortcut Keys/Functions

10
As mentioned earlier in "Parts & Controls", the keypads have
secondary, "shortcut" functions when the camera is switched to
SET mode:
Press the UP key to quickly set the camera to shoot video
clips.
Press the DOWN key to quickly set the camera to take still
photos.
Press the RIGHT key to manually trigger the shutter. This is
useful for testing the camera. The "number of images taken"
counter on the top right of the screen will increase by one.
Press the OK key to playback. Then press UP or DOWN
key to navigate the history photo or video if you want.
Finally press the OK key to exit playback.
8. ADVANCED SETTINGS
The trail camera comes with preset manufacturer settings. You
can change the settings to meet your requirements. Please make
sure that the camera is in the SET mode. Once the camera
screen is on, press MENU key to enter/exit the menu. Press the
UP/DOWN key to move the marker, Press the LEFT/RIGHT
key to change the setting, and press the OK key to confirm the
change. Always remember to press the OK to save the change.
Otherwise you will lose your new setting.
Parameter
Settings
(Bold =
default)
Description
Mode
Motion
Detection,
Time
Lapse,
Hybrid
In Motion Detection mode, the
camera will take photos or videos
once triggered. In Time Lapse mode,
the camera will take photos or videos
periodically according to your preset

11
“Timelapse Interval” parameter.
Hybrid mode includes both above.
Photo or
Video
Photo
Video
Photo+Vide
o
Select whether still photos or video
clips are taken.
Photo
Quality
48MP
32MP
24MP
16MP
8MP
4MP
Select desired resolution for still
photos. Higher resolution produces
better quality photos, but creates
larger files that take more of the SD
card capacity. Larger files require
longer time to write to the SD card,
which will slightly slow the shutter
speed.
Photo
Burst
01, 02, 03,
04, 05
Select the number of photos taken in
sequence per trigger.
Video
Quality
1296P
1080P
720P
Select video resolution (pixels per
frame). Higher resolution produces
better quality videos, but creates
larger files that take more of the SD
card capacity.
Video
Length
10 seconds,
Optional
from
3s to 5m
Select video recording length.
Note: It is highly recommended to set
the night video length to less than 30
seconds as the IR LEDs will consume
more battery power.
Video
Sound
On
Off
Selecting On will record video with
sound.
Video
Format
MP4
MOV
MP4 is the mainstream format in the
video industry, more compatible with
any player. Select MOV in case some
legacy digital camera software must

12
be working with videos in MOV
format.
Overexposur
e
Suppression
Daytime:
Off/Low/
Medium/
High
Night:
Off/Low/
Medium/
High
Divided into daytime and night, from
off, low to high, the degree of
overexposure suppression is
gradually increasing. The default
settings can be used for most scenes.
However, the settings can be
fine-tuned for different camera
installation positions. If you think the
image is dark, please lower the level,
if overexposed, please increase the
level. In order to obtain the best
image quality, please try to eliminate
obstacles in front of the camera.
Detection
Delay
10 seconds,
optional
from 0s to
60m
Select the shortest length of time that
the camera will wait until it responds
to any subsequent triggers from the
PIR sensor after a game is first
detected. During the selected
interval, the camera will not take
pictures/videos. This prevents the SD
card from filling up with too many
redundant images. 0 means capture
as fast as possible.
Note: this option is invalid if Mode is
set as "Time Lapse".
PIR
Sensitivity
High
Medium
Low
Select the sensitivity of the PIR
sensor. Temperature affects the
sensitivity. The High setting is
suitable when the ambient
temperature is warm or you want to
capture distant object or capture

13
more, and the Medium/Low setting is
helpful in cold weather.
Note: this option is invalid if Mode is
set as "Time Lapse".
Side
Motion
Sensors
On
Off
Selecting On will activate the side
motion sensors. It brings faster
trigger speeds and helps capture fast
moving animals. When any of the
two side motion sensors detects a
motion event, the camera will be
pre-activated. While the animal
enters the detection area of the center
motion sensor, the camera will start
taking photos or videos. Select Off to
save batteries power.
Motion
Test
This feature helps you aim the
camera at your target area. Please
refer to the details in Section 9.2.
Timelapse
Interval
First Shot
Time:
hh:mm
Set the earliest shot time after Time
Lapse or Hybrid mode is enabled. If
you would like to get photos earlier,
it is recommended to set it later than
the current time.
Interval:
optional
from 3s to
24h
Set time lapse interval. It takes effect
ONLY when Mode is set as Time
Lapse or Hybrid, the camera will
automatically take photos/videos
according to the set interval,
regardless of whether the PIR sensor
has detected any game. This is
helpful when observing cold-blooded

14
animals like snakes, or the process of
flowering, etc.
Note: This option is invalid if Mode
is set as "Motion Detection".
Timelapse
Period
On
Off
Selecting On to set a specific
working time period for your camera
in Time Lapse mode or Hybrid
mode. You can set up to 2 different
time periods for the camera, and it
will not capture time-lapse photos or
videos outside of those periods.
Note: This option is invalid if Mode
is set as "Motion Detection".
Date/Time
M/D/Y
hh:mm
M – Month, D – Day, Y – Year, hh –
Hour, mm – Minute
Note: Use "LEFT/RIGHT" key to
switch settings, use "UP/DOWN" to
set current date and time.
Date input format may change.
Please refer to "Date Format"
parameter settings accordingly.
Date
Format
D/M/Y
M/D/Y
Y/M/D
Select date format which will be
shown on the screen and each
capture.
Time
Format
12h
24h
Select time format which will be
shown on the screen and each
capture.
12h - AM/PM
Camera
Name
On
Off
Select On to assign a 4-character
long in the form of Capital A-Z, 0-9
to record the location in the photos
(e.g., A123 for Yellow Stone Park).

15
This helps multi-camera users
identify the location when reviewing
the photos.
Info Strip
On
Off
Select On to show date, time,
temperature, moon phase on each
capture.
Loop
Recording
On
Off
Selecting On option will cause the
oldest files to be overwritten with
new captures when the SD card
reaches its capacity. With Off option
selected, the camera will stop
capturing images once the SD card
reaches capacity.
Operation
Hours
On
Off
Select On if you only want the
camera to work within a specified
time period every day. For instance,
if the starting time is set at 18:35 and
the ending time at 8:25, the camera
will function from 18:35 the current
day to 8:25 the next day. Outside the
time period the camera will not be
triggered.
Note: This option is ONLY valid if
Mode is set as "Motion Detection" .
Password
On
Off
Set up a 4-digit password to protect
your camera from unauthorized
users. If the code is lost, you can
contact customer support to reset the
password.
Format SD
Card
Yes
No
All files will be deleted after
formatting the SD card. We highly
recommend you to format the SD
card if it has been used previously in

16
other devices. Caution: make sure
wanted files on the SD card have
been backed up first!
Factory
Reset
Yes
No
Selecting Yes will return all your
previous settings back to the
manufacturer default.
Version
Defined
Display the version of the camera.
9. MOUNTING AND POSITIONING THE CAMERA
9.1. MOUNTING
After you've set up the camera's parameters to your personal
preferences at home, you're ready to take it outside and slide the
power switch to "ON". When setting up the camera for scouting
game or other outdoor applications, you must be sure to mount
it in place correctly and securely.
For optimal picture quality, we recommend mounting the
camera on a sturdy tree with a diameter of approximately 6
inches (15cm). The tree should be positioned about 16-17 feet
(5m) away from the area you want to monitor. The camera
should be placed at a height of 2.5-3.5 feet (0.75-1m). It's
important to note that the best results will be obtained at night
when the subject is within the ideal flash range. To achieve
optimal results, ensure that the subject is positioned within a
range of 10-65 feet (3-20m) from the camera.
There are two ways to mount the camera: using the provided
adjustable web belt, or the tripod socket.
Using the adjustable strap: Use the strap on the camera as
illustrated. Push one end of the strap through the two brackets
on the back of the camera.Thread the end of the strap through
the buckle. Fasten the strap securely around the tree trunk by
pulling the end of the strap firmly so there is no slack left

17
(Figure 8). Note: it is not possible to use a cable lock (in the
upper part of the bracket) and the strap at the same time.
Using the tripod socket: The camera is equipped with a socket
at the bottom end to enable mounting on a tripod or other
mounting accessories with a standard UNC 1/4-20 thread screw
(not included).
Figure 8: Mounting the Camera
9.2. SENSING ANGLE AND DISTANCE TEST
To test whether the camera can effectively monitor the area you
choose, this test is recommended to check the sensing angle and
monitoring distance of the camera.To perform the test:
Switch the camera to the SET mode.
Select "Motion Test" in the Menu. The camera will
countdown a max 60-second delay and will be ready to
capture motions. (Note: The delay time may be less than 60
seconds, depending on the actual time of the motion sensor
to be activated. The delay time is 60 seconds minus the
power-on time.)
Close the camera door.
Make movements in front of the camera at several positions
within the area where you expect the game or subjects to be.