product:: shotkam
Frequent Questions
Frequently Asked Questions > Click to Download the Complete User Manual (PDF) How fast is shipping to Canada? Shipping to Canada takes 2-4 business days with FedEx. ShotKam LLC is headquartered in Florida, USA, but we have additional international online stores in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Thanks to our Canadian business number and tax ID, all import taxes are already included in the ShotKam Camera price, so no additional charges will apply. The price is in Canadian Dollars (C$) and again includes free shipping and all GST. Is this the newest ShotKam? Yes, this 3rd Generation ShotKam is our most popular and current video camera - now with 4x faster Wi-Fi, new mobile app, 2x memory capacity, and smoother video. Each purchase includes a 12-Gauge mounting bracket, hard carrying case, lens cover, Allen driver, and all spare accessories. Computer and phone compatibility? The following computers are compatible with the ShotKam Camera: Windows PC: Windows 8 or later are compatible. Windows 7 are not compatible. Apple: All MacOS laptops and desktops are compatible. Google: Chromebook 2nd Generation (2015 release date) or newer are compatible. The following phones are compatible with the ShotKam mobile app: Android: All devices from 2015 or later. Apple: iPhone 6 or later, and all iPads from 2015 or later. Google: Pixel 4 or later. How will the ShotKam Camera help me improve? The biggest culprit for unchanging scores is a false perception of why you missed. ShotKam captures the reality of the shot to give the objective feedback needed to make an adjustment. Watch this YouTube video to learn 10 tips for studying your ShotKam videos: How to Improve Your Shooting Will the ShotKam Camera fit my shotgun? Your ShotKam automatically comes with a 12 Gauge mount which fits on any 12 GA single barrel or double barrel. If you have a sub-gauge, then the following additional accessories are available for C$59 each: 20 GA, 28 GA, .410, 12 GA side-by-side, or a bow mount. To use the Bow Mount, remove the stabilizer on your bow and screw in this mount. The Bow Mount is designed to be the same width as a 12 GA shotgun barrel, so then you can simply clamp the ShotKam directly onto the mount. It will not work for crossbows. Can the ShotKam be mounted to a rifle? Yes, it can be mounted to most rifles using our additional sub-gauge accessories: The 12 Gauge bracket (comes with the ShotKam) works on large caliber African guns (22 mm, 21 mm, 416, 458, etc). The 20 Gauge bracket can fit most 30 caliber rifles (.300 win mag, .308, .338, 270, 30-06, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 9.3 x 62mm, etc). These are the normal “deer” rifle calibers. The 28 Gauge for .243 sized rifles, 6.5 creedmore, 16mm, etc. The .410 for 15mm and .223 sized rifles. If you have a specific gun you would like to use your ShotKam on, please let us know and we would be happy to assist you in finding the correct mount. Contact us: Support@shotkam.com Will the brackets leave a mark on my barrel? No, each bracket is lined with soft rubber pads so there is no metal-to-metal contact. You will notice little squares on the bracket pads which act as suction cups to secure the camera during recoil. After exposure to rain, simply remove the ShotKam and wipe your barrel down. If you mount the camera to the same place on your barrel, then you will not need to realign the reticle (crosshair in your videos). Where do I mount my ShotKam? Attach the camera under your barrel about 3 to 10 inches back from the muzzle. Ensure that it is not on barrel porting holes, then connect to the mobile app to live stream video and align the reticle (crosshair in the video). To see how to clamp the camera on and configure your settings, please watch our step-by-step setup tutorial here: How to Get Started with Your ShotKam Is it weatherproof? Yes, the ShotKam is 100% weatherproof when the rear cap is ON. The removable rear cap can be taken off for charging, then screwed on before shooting in order to protect the USB port from water damage. The ShotKam is not submersible and should only Will I feel the weight on my barrel? The ShotKam Camera weighs 155 grams (equivalent to 5 slices of bread), so most shooters do not notice a difference. If you feel as though the gun if off-balance, then simply move the camera closer to the forend. Some shooters notice a smoother swing when the camera is closer to the muzzle, so that is acceptable as long as it is not on porting holes. Is this an action camera? No, it is an accelerometer-controlled aiming system (ACAS) video camera. It was developed by an engineer with expertise in military laser-targeting systems and is designed for high shock and vibration environments. The ShotKam has a patented recoil absorption system which is combined with an accelerometer. This allows the ShotKam to buffer and only record-to-memory the few seconds before, during, and after the discharge of bows or firearms. It records video in Full HD (1080p) at 100 frames per second. Does the ShotKam Camera require batteries? No, it has an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so it does not require additional batteries. On a full charge, the ShotKam lasts approximately 4-5 hours when shooting clay targets (approximately 150 shots), or 5-6 hours when hunting (approximately 75 shots with longer videos). The battery lasts 3 - 4 years (same as an iPhone), then is replaced at our Repair Facility in Florida, USA for C$79. To charge the ShotKam, simply plug the provided USB cable into any computer or wall adapter for 2 hours. If needed, an external battery pack or car adapter can be used to charge the ShotKam remotely. How does it know when to record? The ShotKam uses a gyroscope and accelerometer to know when to record video. In simple terms, the camera detects your barrel movements to know when to begin recording video, then only saves video when there is a recoil. This is a patented memory-buffer system that is unique to ShotKam. Once the action of your gun is closed, the ShotKam will buffer 20 seconds of video. If there is a recoil during that time, then it will save the time before, during, and after the shot. If you move your gun but do not shoot, then the video is deleted and not saved onto the internal memory card. When shooting clay targets, all shots taken within 5 seconds of each other (true and report pairs) will be saved on the same video. Can I live stream video to my phone? Yes, the ShotKam app can live stream video, but we recommend allowing the camera time to finish saving your shot before watching it in the app (blue LED at the back of the camera will stop flashing). The ShotKam is designed to slow video down into 1/3 speed and that step is critical in order to accurately see and understand what is happening during your shot. If you watch the video live, then it will be too fast to see what happened. Instead, allow the video to finish saving in 1/3 speed, then download it and watch it frame-by-frame within the app. If you’re working on a problematic station, then I would recommend staying connected to the app and downloading the videos after each shot. Please note that the battery will only last 1 hour if it is constantly in Wi-Fi Mode. If you have the camera in “Normal Shooting Mode” which is only 1 LED at the back, then the camera will last 5-6 hours. We typically shoot in Normal Shooting Mode, then turn it off and into Wi-Fi Mode when needed to download shots. Does it record sound? Yes, the ShotKam Camera will record the “bang” sound of the recoil. You cannot, however, speak into the camera and record audio. Only the sound of the shot will be recorded with each video. Does the camera have zoom? The ShotKam lens has a magnification that is effectively 4x zoom, but it cannot be adjusted. It is fixed at an 18 degree field-of-view which is uniquely designed to replicate the human eye. ShotKam also automatically slows each video down into 1/3 speed which is how your brain perceives a moving target. If you record a shot on your iPhone, then the clay will look small and very fast. If you record a shot with ShotKam, then the clay will look just like you remembered it while shooting. This is thanks to the narrow field-of-view and slow-motion replay. How does it adjust to varying target distances and light conditions? The unique light-balancing technology will automatically adjust to varying light conditions, whether indoor or outdoor. The field-of-view is optimized for targets ranging from 5 to 100 yards and is effectively 4x magnified. The zoom cannot be adjusted, so targets beyond 100 yards will look small (equivalent to what they look like with the naked eye). Does the ShotKam Camera have Bluetooth? No, it has Wi-Fi instead because it is much faster than Bluetooth for video transferring. The ShotKam has its own built-in Wi-Fi network that enables you to connect directly to your smartphone, iPad, or tablet. You do not need cellular data, Bluetooth, or any other source of Wi-Fi. Simply turn the camera into Wi-Fi Mode (two yellow LEDs at the back), then connect to the ShotKam Network within your mobile device’s Settings. What mobile app do I need? Our free mobile app is called "ShotKam" and is available for download in the Android Google Play Store, or iOS App Store. The ShotKam app works on any iPhone, iPad, Android Phone, or Tablet from year 2014 or later. Here’s a 6-minute video on how to install and operate the app: How to Use the ShotKam Mobile App Can I see the pellets? If shooting against a blue sky (contrasting background to the black pellets), then you can see the pellets and wad for about 3-4 frames. This is more of a "fun" factor rather than a helpful factor. Once the pellets go out about 10 yards, they are too small to be seen on video because they are smaller than a video pixel. If you are shooting a close target (example: skeet station 8 high house), then you will be able to see the pattern as it hits the target. But for targets beyond 10 yards, the pattern cannot be tracked. To improve your shooting, we recommend focusing on the frames before the shot was taken to learn why you hit or missed a target. Here's an 8-minute with some tips on how to study and learn from your ShotKam videos: How to Improve Your Shooting How can I watch my videos frame-by-frame? The ShotKam Camera records one hundred pictures (frames) per second. To view your videos in slow-motion, either use the free ShotKam mobile app to go forward and backwards through each frame, or use one of our recommended computer video players. We suggest downloading either Elmedia Player (Mac computers), Potplayer (Windows PC), or VLC Media Player. How can I tell if my shot was saved? At the back of the ShotKam Camera, you will see a blue flashing LED light after the recoil. When you close your shotgun action (works with semi-auto, over-and-under, and pump guns), there will be a solid green LED light at the back of the camera to indicate that it is ready to go. After the recoil, there will be a blinking blue LED for a few seconds to indicate that the shot was saved onto the internal memory card. You can continue shooting while the blue LED is flashing and it will continue recording video. How can I change the settings? The ShotKam settings can be customized using the free ShotKam mobile app which is available on the Android Google Play Store, or the iOS App Store. Once your device has been connected to the ShotKam’s Wi-Fi, then you will see the following setting options: GUN: Semi-Automatic, Over-and-Under, Pump, Rifle Semi-Auto, or Rifle Bolt Action TARGET: Clay Targets, Flying Birds, or Ground Game (deer, turkey, hog, etc) RETICLE: Red Dot, Crosshair, or Reticle OFF RECORDING TIME: Short, Normal, Long, or Extra Long PLAYBACK SPEED: ⅙ Speed, ⅓ Speed (Normal), or Full Speed Defaults for Clay Targets: Sleep Mode: Initiates after 20 seconds of inactivity to conserve battery. Open and close the action or press the control button to waken the ShotKam. "Normal" Recording Time: 2 seconds pre-shot, 1 second post-shot. Playback speed is 1/3 speed, therefore videos will be 9-15 seconds long. If two shots are taken within 5 seconds of each other (true & report pairs), then both shots will be saved as one longer video. Defaults for Flying Birds: Sleep Mode: Initiates after 30 seconds of inactivity to conserve battery. Either close the shotgun action, press the control button, or bump the stock of the gun to waken the ShotKam (solid green LED). "Normal" Recording Time: 3 seconds pre-shot, 3 seconds post-shot. Playback speed is ⅓ speed, therefore videos will be 18 - 30 seconds long. If multiple shots are taken within 9 seconds of each other, then they will be saved as one longer video. Defaults for Ground Game: Sleep Mode: Initiates after 300 seconds (5 minutes) of inactivity to conserve battery. Either press the control button or bump the stock of the gun to waken the ShotKam. "Normal" Recording Time: 6 seconds pre-shot, 20 seconds post-shot. Playback speed is ⅓ speed, therefore videos will be about one minute and 20 seconds long. If multiple shots are taken within 10 seconds of each other, then they will be saved as one longer video. Recording Time Specifications: "Short" = 1/2 the normal recording time "Normal" = See the default recording time for each target type "Long" = 2x the normal recording time “Extra Long” = 4x the normal recording time How do I align the reticle (crosshair) to my gun? Use the ShotKam mobile app to align the reticle to where your gun is aimed. Simply point your empty gun at a safe target about 30 yards or beyond, then connect to the ShotKam’s Wi-Fi Network to live stream video on your device. You will see four arrows within the app (up, down, left, and right) that can be tapped to move the reticle as needed. Once the reticle is exactly on the target, then hit “save.” To watch a demo of the quick and easy alignment process, watch our 6-minute tutorial video here: How to Setup the Camera Will the reticle need aligned each time I take the camera off? No, the ShotKam does not need realigned if you mount the camera the same distance back from the muzzle each time. For instance, if the ShotKam is placed 8 inches back from the muzzle of a break-action, then you can move it to any other break-action 8 inches back without adjusting it. But if you are going from a double-barrel to a single-barrel, then the reticle will need to be realigned.
What's Included
What's in the box: ShotKam (3rd Generation) 12 Gauge quick release mounting bracket Built-in 64 GB Micro SD memory card - Holds 2,000 clay videos USB cable and car charger Hard camera case Hex-end screwdriver to tighten screws Spare silicon rear cap Spare front lens cover Spare rubber mounting pads Spare “O ring” Spare mounting screws
Technical Specs
Technical Specifications Weight: 156 grams Dimensions: 3 cm diameter, 11.4 cm length Memory: An internal 64GB Micro SD card (enough for 2,000 clay videos). Video Recording: Records video in either 1080p Full HD at 100 fps, or 720p at 180 fps. The recording setting can be selected within our "ShotKam" mobile app. ShotKam has an accelerometer which registers forces and registers when there is a shot taken. Once the action of your shotgun is closed, the ShotKam begins recording a video through a memory buffer. If the accelerometer registers a recoil, then it saves the video to the memory card. If there is no recoil, then it dismisses the video. All true or report pairs taken within 6 seconds of each other will be saved as the same video. Video Format: MP4 Video Format Wi-Fi: 4x faster built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your ShotKam to any iPad / Tablet / Smartphone while in the field (no other Wi-Fi source needed). The ShotKam's Wi-Fi will appear in your phone's Wi-Fi Networks options. You can instantly share your shots to social media right from your phone. Waterproof: ShotKam is 100% weatherproof when the rear cap is on to cover the USB port. The ShotKam is OK in rain or accidental submersion when hunting, but it cannot be used for under-water sports. Phone and computer compatibility: The following computers work with the ShotKam Camera: Windows 8 operating system or later. Windows 7 are not compatible. Apple computers from 2014 or later. Google Chromebooks The following phones are compatible with the ShotKam mobile app: Android mobile devices from 2015 or later. Apple: iPhone 6 or later, and all iPads from 2015 or later. Google Pixel 4 or later. Mounting Systems: A 12 gauge mounting bracket is included with your ShotKam purchase. This can be attached to any break-action, semi-auto, or pump shotgun. There are additional sub-gauge brackets available: 20 Ga, 28 Ga, .410, or 12 Ga side-by-side. Material: The ShotKam's housing material and mounting brackets are aircraft-grade aluminum. Target Settings (Adjustable): Clays: Saves 2 seconds pre-shot, 1 second post-shot Sleep Mode: After 20 seconds of inactivity Flying Birds: Saves 3 seconds pre-shot, 3 seconds post-shot Sleep Mode: After 60 seconds of inactivity Ground Game (deer, turkey, etc.): Saves 6 seconds pre-shot, 20 seconds post-shot Sleep Mode: After 300 seconds of inactivity For Paper Targets: Saves 2 seconds pre-shot, 1 second post-shot Sleep Mode: After 60 seconds of inactivity Recording Time (Adjustable): Short = Half of "Normal" recording time (see below) Normal: Clays = 2 seconds pre-shot, 1 seconds post-shot Flying Birds = 3 seconds pre-shot, 3 seconds post-shot Ground Game = 6 seconds pre-shot, 20 seconds post-shot Paper Targets = 2 seconds pre-shot, 1 seconds post-shot Long = 2x Normal Extra Long = 4x Normal Battery: The internal lithium-ion battery is rechargeable and the life expectancy is 3 years. Your ShotKam can be charged via the USB port and a USB cable is provided with every purchase. A battery replacement costs $40 and must be done at our warehouse in Florida. Battery Life in Normal Shooting Mode (not Wi-Fi): Clay Shooting: 5 - 6 hours. Hunting: 4 - 6 hours (approximately 75 shotgun shells). Battery Life in Wi-Fi Mode: Typically lasts 1 hour in Wi-Fi mode. NOTE: The Wi-Fi mode is for adjusting the ShotKam's settings and for “in the field” shot-analysis of problematic targets. Battery Charging: Charge the ShotKam using the provided USB cable to a computer, car charger, or wall adapter (such as a cell phone wall adapter). The USB cable will convert the input to the correct voltage, so it can be used internationally. A solid red LED indicated a full charge (takes about 2 hours). > Click to Download the Complete User Manual (PDF)
What's Included
ShotKam video camera Rail mount for Picatinny, Weaver, or Glock rail Built-in 32GB Micro SD memory card SD memory card adapter USB cable and wall charger Hard camera case Allen keys and screws to adapt the mount to every rail Spare silicon rear cap Spare front lens cover Spare rubber mounting pads Spare “O ring” Spare mounting screws
Frequent Questions
Frequently Asked Questions > Click to Download the Complete User Manual (PDF) Can the ShotKam be shipped internationally? Yes, we ship internationally via FedEx. We do not have distributors outside the USA. IMPORTANT: The international shipping cost does not include import fees (VAT). The ShotKam (digital video camera) falls under the Harmonized Tariff code: 852580300000. Target Setting Specifications: The default setting for your ShotKam is "Paper Targets." Other target types are available through the ShotKam app. PAPER TARGETS: Sleep Mode = Imitates after 30 seconds of inactivity to conserve battery. Load the gun, rack the slide, or bump the gun to waken the ShotKam and restart the 30-second timer. "Normal" Recording Time = 2 seconds pre-shot, 2 seconds post-shot. Any shots taken within 8 seconds of each other will be saved in the same continuous video. The default setting is Full HD at 100 fps (frames-per-second). How do I start a recording? The ShotKam plays back at 1/3 speed and the length of the video recordings will vary depending on how many consecutive shots are taken. For example, a single shot will save a 9-second video and a round of 10 will save a roughly 40-second video. This is equivalent to 2 real-me seconds before your first shot, any c consecutive shots taken within 8 seconds of each other, and then one real-time second after the last shot. Is it weatherproof? The ShotKam is 100% weatherproof when the rear cap is on to cover the USB port. It is not, however, submersible. After exposure to rain, the lens should be cleaned with a soft cloth and the ShotKam removed from your gun's barrel - to be cleaned and completely dried. Is this an action camera? No, it is an accelerometer-controlled aiming system (ACAS) video camera. It was developed by an engineer with expertise in military laser-targeting systems and is designed for high shock and vibration environments. The ShotKam has a patented recoil absorption system which is combined with an accelerometer. This allows the ShotKam to buffer and only record-to-memory the few seconds before, during, and after the discharge of bows or firearms. It records video in Full HD (1080p) at 100 frames per second. Does the 4-ounce weight include the rail mounting bracket? Yes, the camera plus the attachment mount weighs a total of 4 ounces (567 grams). Does the ShotKam require batteries? No, the camera has an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery lasts 2 - 4 years and is fully covered for 1-year and then can be replaced for $40. A replacement must be done from our servicing center in Florida, USA, and includes a full Shock and Vibration test after replacement. How does the camera adjust to varying target distances and light conditions? The unique light-balancing technology will automatically adjust to varying light conditions, whether indoor or outdoor. The field-of-view is optimized for targets ranging from 3 to 100 yards and is equivalent to 18 degrees. The effective magnification is 4x and this is equivalent to how your eye perceives the target distance. How Does the Wi-Fi Work? The ShotKam has its own built-in Wi-Fi network that enables you to connect directly to your smartphone/iPad/tablet. You do not need data, Bluetooth, or any other source of Wi-Fi - just the ShotKam. The Wi-Fi antenna is internal. What is the ShotKam App? The ShotKam app is our mobile app used for customizing your settings and aligning your reticle. It is available for both Android or iOS on any smartphone, iPad, or Tablet that is from 2013 or newer. How are the settings changed? First, turn your ShotKam into Wi-Fi mode by holding down the control button for 3 - 7 seconds, then releasing. Next, open the settings for your smartphone/iPad/tablet. Tap on Wi-Fi (Connections > Wi-Fi), then select the "ShotKam network, just as you would connect to an open Wi-Fi network at a coffee shop or friend's house.It may say "Unsecured Network." This is normal and you are connected. Now, exit your phone's settings and open the ShotKam app. You can now adjust the ShotKam settings, view videos, and align the reticle. Does the camera signal that a shot has been saved? Yes, a solid green LED will light up once the action is closed (video is recording through a memory buffer), then a blue LED will flash after the recoil to signal that the shot has been saved.
Rifles
ShotKam is an invaluable tool when practicing with black rifles. It allows you to watch your move to the target and study your trigger control frame-by-frame. This powerful camera gives you the insights needed to make key adjustments for better performance. What's more, you can end your day re-living the excitement of the range from the comfort of your home.
Patented Reticle Alignment
The adjustable red dot or crosshair seen in your ShotKam videos is called the reticle. Patented alignment technology allows you to align the reticle to your gun's point-of-aim with any Android or Apple mobile device. Use it to study your gun's performance, gun-sight alignment, trigger-pull, etc.
Accelerometer Activation
The internal accelerometer detects when the gun action is closed, then starts recording a video through a memory buffer (temporary storage). Once it feels a recoil, the ShotKam saves the critical portion of videos and slows it down to the selected playback speed. All consecutive shots in a round will be saved on the same video. The camera waits 8 seconds after each recoil to see if there will be another shot. Once there are no recoils within 8 seconds, the ShotKam ends that recording and saves the video. All videos are MP4 format and will not need edited.