Differences between night vision devices and thermal imaging devices.

ADVANTAGES OF THERMAL VISION

1. Night operation without the need for light: Thermal vision devices can function in complete darkness without the need for additional light sources.
2. Easy detection of low-contrast subjects: Thermal vision easily reveals subjects with low thermal contrast, making it effective in identifying objects or individuals even in challenging lighting conditions.
3. Ability to detect heat variations in adverse conditions: Thermal imaging can detect even the slightest temperature variations, even in the presence of fog, mist, suspended sand, foliage, or thick underbrush.
4. Tracking fresh blood trails: Thermal vision can be used to track fresh blood trails left by prey at twilight, where it may be difficult to locate them without the assistance of a trained dog.
5. Scanning the surrounding area: Thermal vision allows for quick scanning of the surrounding area to identify the presence of people or fellow hunters, even when they are concealed by vegetation.
6. Rapidly advancing technology: Thermal vision technology is constantly evolving and improving, offering better performance and features over time.

   

 DISADVANTAGES OF THERMAL VISION

1. Reduced image details compared to optical instruments: Thermal imaging may provide lower image details compared to optical instruments.
2. Bulkier than traditional optical scopes: Thermal scopes are typically bulkier than traditional optical scopes used for hunting.
3. Reliance on battery power: Thermal vision devices require battery power, and a simple oversight can render them unusable.
4. Performance affected by extreme cold or intense sunlight: Extreme cold temperatures or observing rocky areas in direct sunlight can reduce the performance of thermal cameras. Our eyes are naturally attuned to perceiving contrast through lines, colors, and shapes, so when the surrounding areas have similar temperatures, the contrast perception is significantly diminished.
5. Inability to see through glass: Thermal vision cannot see through glass, limiting its use in certain situations.
6. Some technical familiarity required: Some level of technical familiarity is necessary for calibrating settings, recording, transferring data, and updating software.
7. Potential software malfunctions: Thermal vision devices can experience software malfunctions.

ADVANDATES OF NIGHT VISION

1. Greater detail with optimal conditions: High-end night vision devices can provide greater detail compared to thermal vision devices when optimal conditions are present. Factors such as the diameter of the objective lens and the magnification of the eyepiece play a role, particularly for non-digital night vision devices.
2. Improved performance with additional IR illuminator: Adding an additional infrared (IR) illuminator can significantly enhance the performance of night vision devices.
3. More natural image representation: Night vision provides a more natural image representation compared to thermal vision.
4. Increasing availability of affordable night vision devices: With the introduction of thermal vision in the hunting industry, high-quality night vision devices are now available at lower prices than in the past.
5. Ability to see through glass: Night vision devices can be used to see through glass.

DISADVANTAGES OF NIGHT VISION

1. Dependency on external light sources: Night vision devices require an external light source to provide images.
2. Limited visibility in dense foliage or underbrush: Night vision devices may have limited visibility in dense foliage, underbrush, or when confronted with thick branches.
3. Impaired visibility in foggy conditions: Fog can obstruct visibility through night vision devices.
4. Difficulty perceiving low-contrast subjects: Low-contrast subjects may be challenging to perceive with night vision devices.
5. Battery dependence and potential software malfunctions: Night vision devices, including digital night vision, rely on batteries and can experience software malfunctions.

IN SUMMARY

It is evident that if the primary need is to identify animals and individuals at medium to short distances, both during the day and at night, without considering the naturalness of the image provided, thermal vision devices are currently the most high-performing products.

On the other hand, for certain types of observation, night vision devices offer better visibility of distant animals compared to the “constructed” thermal trace using the pixels of current sensors.

In any case, personal experience and individual preferences play a role in choosing between the two technologies. Factors such as the presence of dense vegetation, foggy conditions, familiarity with technology, preference for lightweight instruments, or more advanced technology should be considered.