Introduction

Please enjoy this product review of the ShotKam camera from Pull! Magazine. This device mounts to a shotgun barrel, recording shooting sessions to help users analyze and improve their technique. Learn more about its features, setup, and performance as they explore why the ShotKam is a standout choice for clay shooters looking to enhance their skills.

Overview

In this and forthcoming issues of Pull! we are going to be looking at training aids designed to help your clay shooting and improve your scores. First up we are looking at barrel cameras and in particular the ShotKam from the USA. David Stewart first began designing the ShotKam in 2010 with the Gen 1 model being released for sale back in 2012, so safe to say that they have a very strong heritage in this area. The Gen 4 model is the current version and was launched in November 2022. ShotKam is a high-resolution camera that mounts to the bottom barrel of an over and under or the barrel of a semi-auto using the supplied mounting bracket and allen keys. Using it enables you to see the gun position at the pick-up point, lead given to the target, and most importantly barrel position at the time the shot was taken. It also allows the user to shoot, record the shots automatically and then review either immediately or at a later date.

The ShotKam arrives in a really smart branded carry case and in there you will find everything you need to set up and get started. This includes the mounting bracket (12g is standard with it but you can order one for smaller bores), allen key/wrench, USB charging/data cable, instruction manual, and some spare parts and cleaning cloth. It’s a very smart package and more than justifies the price.

Setting Up

Setting up the ShotKam is pretty straightforward, and I had it mounted onto the gun in just a few minutes. Next, you need to download the ShotKam app to your phone and connect the camera to the app. Once you have done this, you do need to calibrate the camera to your gun, and this is very straightforward to do. It involves pointing the gun at a fixed target around 30 yards away and adjusting the point of aim with the app on your phone. Again, this took minutes and ShotKam very helpfully has loads of videos on YouTube to help you through all of this process and make it easy even for the technophobes amongst us!

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

We tested both the Gen 3 and Gen 4 models and there are some differences between them. Gen 4 records in 4K high-definition resolution, has an adjustable 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