Night Vision Cameras
See in the dark with our specialist camera equipment
How to hire
1.
Check availability
Drop us an email or give us a ring on 0161 806 1200 to let us know what kit you would like to hire and when.
We’ll check if it’s available for your dates and pencil them in our calendar.
2.
Open an Account
If you’re a new client, we’ll need you to fill out a new account form. You can upload your insurance details here too.
If you’re an existing client, skip this step!
3.
Pay for your hire
As soon as we’ve received and approved your account form, we’ll send you an invoice. Once this is paid for, everything is set!
We’ll arrange the courier and prep the kit ready for use.
4.
The kit arrives
Inside the case you’ll find an itemised list of all the included kit plus a return shipping label.
We’ll arrange for the courier to come and collect on the pre-arranged date.
How night vision works
All infrared imaging requires some form of illumination. During the day this is not a problem: the sun outputs more IR than visible light.
During the night or in any darkened room however, artificial sources will be necessary. Just as we can’t see if there’s no visible light, a full spectrum or infrared camera can’t see anything if there’s no infrared light. IR sensitive cameras such as CCTV systems typically utilise infrared LEDs to light up an otherwise dark area at night – this is called active illumination.
Military-grade night vision goggles on the other hand are a form of passive illumination, using technology called image intensifiers to amplify available light – whether visible or infrared – without needing additional illumination.
Thermal imaging however requires no illumination at all. It detects the thermal radiation (heat) given off by all objects and interprets this visually in different shades of brightness or colour.
FAQ
What is full spectrum?
Full spectrum refers to the range of wavelengths either side of and including visible light, from ultraviolet through to infrared.
Which is the best night vision camera?
The right camera may depend on your budget and application – whether you are looking to film in the highest possible quality or perhaps just use the camera for observation.
If you require high resolution, our full spectrum FX3 or infrared XA60 both shoot in 4K.
The XA60 has a built in zoom lens, whereas the FX3 is body only and you will need to supply your own lenses.
You may also require infrared lighting for night vision applications. The XA60 has a small infrared light in the top handle.
Our XP50 thermal camera requires no lighting at all however.
How do I use the camera's night vision?
Full spectrum and infrared cameras require infrared light in order to see in the dark.
Unless using a filter to block infrared, a full spectrum camera is always sensitive to infrared in addition to visible light.
The Canon XA60 has an infrared mode which, when enabled, allows the camera to detect infrared light in the scene. The camera has a built in infrared light in its top handle.
Additional infrared lighting is available to hire either on its own or in addition to our cameras.
Thermal cameras however require no light at all and can always see in the dark.
Is thermal imaging night vision?
Thermal imaging is a totally different technology to that of traditional night vision devices like our full spectrum and infrared cameras.
Thermal cameras can see without any light at all. They can be used to see in the dark, but they work equally well in the day.
In summary, thermal cameras may not be true night vision devices but their unique capabilities means that they can be used for night vision applications.