Choice between thermal imaging and night vision

Before purchasing a night vision device or thermal imaging camera, our first priority should be to make a rough distinction between their functional configurations, clarify the environment of the place of use, observe the size of the target and other factors, and make a decision after full consideration.

First of all, it should be clear that a thermal imager is not a camera, it just converts the invisible infrared energy emitted by an object into a visible thermal image. Thermal imaging camera, also known as thermal imaging camera or infrared thermal imaging camera, is a device that performs photosensitive imaging of infrared rays emitted by objects. The resulting thermal image corresponds to the heat distribution field on the surface of the object. Generally speaking, the higher the temperature of an object, the more radiant energy it emits. Since the temperature of people or animals is generally higher than the surrounding environment, by detecting and receiving this energy, the thermal imager can form a corresponding image so that the observer can see the target. Because thermal imaging can sense temperature, is less affected by the environment, and can produce clear images in no-light, strong light, or backlight environments, it is widely used.

Thermal cameras detect heat, so they can often find targets hidden in dense jungle or obscured by fog. However, because it forms a thermal image, it often cannot show details. It requires a certain amount of experience to judge different parts of the imaged object. Also, using thermal imaging cameras to assist aiming requires some practice, as they are typically larger and heavier than night vision goggles.

1. Usage environment

It's important to know ahead of time the environment you'll be working with. If there is dense jungle or heavy fog, a thermal camera will be more suitable. Because no matter it is dense forest or heavy fog, it will not affect its heat detection at all. But if you are going to an icy and snowy area with extremely low temperatures, then a thermal imager is not suitable because extremely low temperatures will affect the quality of thermal imaging. It is wiser to choose a night vision device at this time.

2. Price budget

For most people who purchase products, product price is an important consideration. Generally speaking, the price of a night vision device is about 25% of the price of a thermal imager. The price also changes due to differences in product configurations, such as: the resolution and frame frequency of thermal imaging detectors; the image intensifier tubes of low-light night vision devices are of several generations. Currently, there are 1st generation, 2nd generation, and 3rd generation. Generation, 4th generation, the larger the generation, the clearer the image and the more expensive the price; whether the image is color or black and white (thermal imager, digital night vision device); whether to record the content directly on the SD card, or need to use a data cable to connect the camera to record ; The operational flexibility of zooming in and out; the ease of installation, etc., all of which affect the price of the instrument. Therefore, only by knowing your demand parameters and budget can you make the best choice.

3. Effect of light

Remember, image-enhanced night vision devices require the use of light sources to form images. If you are going to work in extremely remote mountains, it is very likely that there will be no light around, so only a thermal imager can come in handy. And if the environment is often clear and the moon is clear and the sky is full of stars, then the night vision device can also be used.

The advantage of a thermal imager is that it can be used under all lighting conditions, day or night, or in deep mountains and dense forests; moreover, it can also track residual heat, such as newly left footprints. Its disadvantages are: higher price, larger size, heavier, and lower clarity; because it relies on temperature differences for imaging, it cannot see the target clearly through the glass lens; if it is in an extremely low temperature environment , image quality will also be affected.

The advantages of night vision devices are: the imaging is more natural and clear, the price is cheaper than thermal imagers, and the field of view is larger. The disadvantage is that the field of view is easily obstructed by shadows, haze, woods, and camouflage, and visible light must be used to see the target clearly.

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