Best Night Vision Equipment for 2021
Sailing unfamiliar waters after dark can be intimidating even for an experienced boater. Radar and AIS (Automatic Identification System) are great help but nothing takes the place of being able to see what’s ahead and around you almost like it was daytime. Night vision cameras have become must-have equipment for boaters of many stripes, especially since prices have come down on most brands and models. Five of the best are described below.
The lineup is part of an exercise Marine Electronics Journal does every year as part of our Buyers’ Guide. It works like this: We ask the top manufacturers to identify the one model they produce in a particular category (17 in all) that they consider to be their Best & Brightest—not necessarily the most technically advanced or newest but rather the one they rate highest in the product line for one reason or another. Could be the functions and features it offers, or maybe it breaks new ground in maximizing effectiveness or utility, or maybe it’s the most popular as measured by sales to boaters.
FLIR M364C
Featuring a high-definition low-light camera and one of the most advanced FLIR thermal imaging cores ever, the M364C provides an elite level of awareness on the water. M364C uses multispectral imaging to deliver exclusive FLIR Color Thermal Vision (CTV) technology. CTV blends visible camera details with a thermal image, overlaying vital color imagery that allows captains to positively identify navigation aids and other vessels within the thermal scene. Outstanding imaging performance, intelligent object recognition technology, and enhanced gyro-stabilization make the M364C an indispensable tool for law enforcement professionals, commercial mariners, and serious recreational boaters.
Iris Sentinel
Available in a number of models depending on your requirements and your budget, and available also in a range of colors to suit your application, Iris Sentinel cameras take their style cues from Iris’s popular NightRunner range and build them into a far more robust cast, anodized and powder-coated aluminum housing. Everything about the Sentinel range has been subject to a major overhaul, improving motor strength, internal temperature management, repositioning connectors centrally to simplify installation and much more. There are currently two thermal resolutions to choose from (384×288 and 640×512) with a higher resolution IP device in the pipeline featuring Augmented Reality built into the camera. Cameras are available as either single-payload or in dual-payload formats, pairing up the thermal core with a high-quality daylight camera.
Raymarine ClearCruise/FLIR M232
The combination of the FLIR M232 thermal camera and Raymarine Axiom series MFDs make for a powerful night-time navigation system that is sized and priced for any boat. When integrated together the pair’s ClearCruise intelligent thermal analytics technology offers boaters an entirely new level of awareness and safety. Like an extra set of eyes, the M232 will automatically scan for objects in the water and Axiom will notify you about them with both visible and audible alerts. When combined with the AR200 Augmented Reality sensor, the M232 can also display live data overlays identifying navigation aids, AIS contacts and navigation points. The AR overlay is stabilized and synchronized with the M232’s pan, tilt and zoom capabilities too.
GOST Watch HD XVR 4G
The GOST Watch HD H20 XVR 4G all-in-one video surveillance system is designed to remotely stream and record thermal and IR-illuminated camera recordings in real time. Designed for law enforcement and fire boats, the GOST WATCH HD H20 XVR is enclosed in a fiberglass case that offers IP67 waterproof and impact-resistant protection and also makes installation simple. Within the case is a high-speed 4G LTE data communicator that can stream up to eight analog or IP 1080P cameras to the newly released GOST Watch HD XVR app. It also has a redesigned GUI (Graphical User Interface) when connecting locally over an HDMI/local network. The built-in expanded 4-TB hard drive records and stores up to 90 days of footage per camera. The XVR is compatible for full remote PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) control of FLIR M300 M400 and M500 cameras.
ComNav HV 250XL
ComNav’s HV 250XL with 800 x 600 resolution and a spectral range of 8µm-14µm make it ideal for surveillance purposes for law enforcement, patrol and reconnaissance. With an over 3-kilometer detection range and 16-GB memory it is tailor-made for search & rescue. The viewfinder’s OLED 1280 x 1024 visual clarity provides an identification range of more than 1 kilometer. Its light weight (less than 1.5 kg including battery) makes it easy to carry. More than four hours of operation.
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