Thermal Imagers

Thermal Imagers

Thermal Imagers are used to measure surface temperature and temperature differential for Commercial, Industrial, General, and First Responder Use. Understand the differences between thermal imagers in this comprehensive buyer's guide.

Thermal Imagers for Law Enforcement, First Responders, Marine Safety, and Home Land Security are used to locate criminals, casualties and hazards in total darkness, smoke, fog, and fire. They are now considered to be an essential tool and accepted worldwide for Safety and Enforcement Searches. The use of thermal cameras offers officers a tactical and search advantage.

A vehicle mounted thermal imager allows the observation and location of suspects, without revealing the officers’ location in total darkness or through smoke, moderate fog, and behind foliage. Thermal Imagers also increases the likelihood of identification and capture of a suspect, improving ability to track and collect important evidence, increasing the probability of locating injured or hidden casualties in a fire as well as locating the source of high temperature and possible danger. First Responders and Law Enforcement Personnel depend on having the shortest reaction time in order to gain information and to be able to assist, save or apprehend. Utilizing a vehicle mounted Imager offers the officer of responder a better chance of noticing suspects, criminals, animals, pedestrians, fire, and obstacles along the roadside well in advance of being in close proximity. Utilizing a Fixed Mounted Imager, for example on a building, offers much greater security and possible identification of intruders or criminals.

TEquipment.NET has solutions for all these applications and carries the leading brands. This buyer's guide covers them in these sequential sections.

• Building and Industrial Thermal Imagers
• IR Windows for Building and Industrial Applications
• Driver Vision Thermal Imagers
• Fire and First Responder Thermal Imagers
• Fixed Mount Thermal Imagers
• Hunting and Outdoor Thermal Imagers
• Law Enforcement Thermal Imagers
• Marine Thermal Imagers

NOTE: The FOV (Field of View) discussion and images in the Building and Industrial section have application in all camera types and is worth reviewing.

 

BUILDING AND INDUSTRIAL THERMAL IMAGERS

There are many applications for Thermal Imagers. They are now considered to be an essential tool utilized in many industries for evaluating operating conditions, machinery safety, and personal safety. Their uses include, but are not limited to, Process Control, Predictive Maintenance, and Building Diagnostics as well as Personal Safety. They are used by consultants, electrical contractors, mechanical contractors and personal safety professionals (and first responders) in wide and varied applications around the world.
 
The following images are representative of observations using a Thermal Camera.
 

Focus

IR Resolution (Pixel Array)

Thermal Sensitivity

Temperature Range

FOV - Field Of View

Refresh (Frame) Rate

Digital Display with Thermal Display  

Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Capability

Some Thermal Cameras have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capability to disseminate the collected Thermal Footprint information to other instruments, such as a PC, a smart phone or to a tablet device. These features save time compared to saving, recording, and downloading information using memory cards and digital connection cables. This feature also allows the user to instantly share images and information with co-workers and management.

Emissivity

 

IR WINDOWS FOR BUILDING & INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Infrared Windows or IR Windows allow Thermal Imagers to be used for safer electrical inspections by reducing exposure to Electrical Hazards. As stated in NFPA 70E, the Electrical Safety Standard in the Workplace, all electrical locations are categorized into CAT I, II, III, and IV. These CAT ratings classify the risk and hazard possibility for danger in all electrical locations. In order to be in Compliance with this standard, appropriate clothing and equipment (PPE-Personal Protection Equipment) is required in order to enter the selected area and proceed with any testing or evaluations. With the use of installed Thermal IR Windows, you will be able to perform safer and more efficient Low and High Voltage Electrical Inspections without exposing personnel to any increased risk.

Opening electrical cabinets to perform IR and visual inspections of live components is dangerous work, which exposes the operator to the risk of a hazardous arc flash. Installing an IR Window on an entry door allows Thermal Imagers to be used to gather important temperature measurements without exposing your personnel to any increased risk. These Arc-Resistant, indoor/outdoor certified, infrared windows allow thermal, ultraviolet, visual, and fusion technologies to be used without exposing personnel to live equipment and possible serious and dangerous conditions.

Features of Windows

• Minimizes time and cost of complying with NFPA 70E requirements for electrical inspections
• Decreases risk of injury due to arc flash incidents
• Perform Visual Inspections
• Perform Thermal Inspections
• Integrity and environmental ratings of cabinets and doors are intact following window installation
• Variety of Sizes to match Thermal Imagers
• Easy to install

Applications

• Arc Resistant
• For Indoor/Outdoor use
• Waterproof meets IP65
• Available in different diameters

Why is available area important?

Understanding the difference between “Optic Diameter” and “Available Area” gives the thermographer a measure of how much infrared energy is passing through the window. The more energy, the better the reading. Using a crystal IR Window means that the entire area is available for infrared transmission for optimum repeatability and results. While a mesh grid may have a larger “Optic Diameter” the grid itself blocks the IR signal, meaning that the amount of radiation available to the camera is significantly reduced and the signal may be irregular.

Purpose for Electrical Thermal Imager Inspections

As described above, NFPA 70E details information as required to efficiently and safely perform Electrical Inspections. These inspections must be made on a regular basis since electrical connections and conductors may be loose, corroded, overheated, under rated, carry increased load, or just in a critical condition where excessive heat becomes a dangerous problem. The temperature rise or differential may be extremely important in maintaining an efficient system and its components. By utilizing a Thermal Imaging Camera, many possible problems may be observed and corrected before any dangerous situation exists. If the location of these Electrical components, transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, relays, timers and all components is in an area that requires PPE that is not readily or quickly available, an IR Window allows the technician to perform the inspection and provide the results.

Learn More About CAT Ratings

Click the image or the link below to learn more about CAT Ratings. CAT Ratings Also, please see NFPA 70E  for complete details regarding equipment and PPE protective clothing.

 

 

DRIVER VISION THERMAL IMAGERS

Driver Vision Thermal Imagers are vehicle and dashboard mounted Imagers that assist First Responders and Law Enforcement Personnel in locating road hazards and suspects in total darkness. These Imagers provide images that would not ordinarily be seen in the dark and allows for quicker reaction time and greater opportunity to apprehend an otherwise “hidden in the dark” suspect. This technology is identical to the technology used by Military to view heated objects at night.

Below are two examples of vision using the headlights of a vehicle and the vision as seen using a mounted Thermal Imager.
 

View with Headlights only

View with Thermal Imaging

The following photos demonstrate the capability of Thermal Imager night time vision and the advantage that exists when using a vehicle with a mounted Imager.
   

Features of Mounted Thermal Imagers

• See objects, suspects, obstacles, animals, and any heat source in total darkness
• Enhances Drivers Vision in darkness 
• Can be utilized as Surveillance without moving
• See through smoke 
• Enables vision at night during Pursuit
• Supplied with Wide Angle Lens
• Standard High Pixel Count Array

Benefits of Mounted Thermal Imagers

• Temperature can be seen in the dark, so can suspects or hazards can be seen in dark.
• See four times beyond the range of headlights; get more time to react to road hazards.
• Monitor the activity of suspects without their knowledge, in total darkness, from a distance.
• These Thermal imagers see through smoke, allowing officers to respond safely in brush fire or tunnel fire situations.
• See hazards from a longer distance enabling lives to be saved and property to be protected.

Refresh (Frame) Rate

Refresh rate or frame rate is the accepted frames per second update for the image being transmitted to the display. Rates used in Law Enforcement and Vehicle Mounted Imagers are commonly listed as 7.5Hz, 8Hz, 25Hz, or 30Hz. Higher frame rates are usually found on cameras with better resolution as well as cameras used for "First Responder” applications involving motion. If the application anticipates using video output, a higher refresh rate is preferred. The choice is based on application and camera specifications. Refresh rates above 9 Hz are export restricted.

IR Resolution (Pixel Array) / Detector Size

Although for Driver Vision Thermal Imaging Cameras the Detector Resolution selection is limited to one choice, it is important to understand more about Detector Resolution. Detector resolution is based on the pixel array that each camera contains. Using larger pixel arrays, (as well as the lens “Field of View” selected and any special electronics being added to the optical circuit), cameras can measure smaller targets at a longer distance that would be sharper and in greater detail. All cameras display temperature gradient. As the pixel array increase in size, the average temperature spot measured becomes smaller. This will increase the information gathered by the camera.

When discussing pixel size, the specific application must be taken into consideration. Please be aware that the detector resolution is different than the display resolution. It is the detector resolution that matters the most. Higher resolution thermal imaging not only provides more accurate quantitative results, but it is also very important when presenting those results to customers. Please see FOV, “Field of View” paragraph below. Given a fixed pixel array, the FOV will determine the detail of temperature being displayed.

FOV - Field of View

Like the Detector Size above, the FOV or "Field of View" selection is limited to one choice. But it was optimally chosen for viewing road hazards at a distance. The FOV is the area of the image that is measured and viewed on the imager screen. The lens has the greatest influence on the total view, but a larger pixel array (matrix) may provide greater detail of desired temperature gradient. Compare the illustrations from the Building and Industrial Thermal Imager FOV section above.

 

FIRE AND FIRST RESPONDER THERMAL IMAGERS

Thermal Imagers for First Responders and Fire Fighters are used to locate casualties and hazards in total darkness, smoke, fog and fire. Thermal Imagers are used to measure surface temperature and temperature differential of surrounding areas for Commercial, Industrial, General and First Responder Use. They are now considered to be an essential tool utilized in many first responder applications including, but not limited to, Law Enforcement, Fire Fighting, Marine Safety and Home Land Security. They are now used and accepted world wide for Safety and Enforcement Searches. They are considered to be extremely powerful weapons that can be used by firefighters and emergency personnel in the fight against increased property damage as well as rescue of human life. The use of thermal cameras offers fire fighters a tactical, search and positioning advantage. A handheld thermal imager allows the observation and location of impending fire damage as well as locating and saving human life. This increases the probability of locating injured or hidden casualties in a fire as well as locating the source of high temperature and possible danger to structure and property.

The two figures below are representative of what is seen with night vision (left) and what is captured with a thermal imager (right). Left image represents a typical night vision view of a park surrounded by trees and foliage. It is not apparent that there is any human life in the general surroundings. Using a Thermal Imager designed for first responders in the right image demonstrates that someone is behind the foliage. If the park vegetation was beginning to ignite, the location of the person in the woods offers an undeniable advantage to the rescue responder team.
 

Primary Applications for First Responder and Fire Thermal Imaging Cameras

• See through smoke, dust, and light fog
• See through camouflage and foliage in any lighting conditions
• See farther in zero visibility
• Significantly improve safety and mobility
• Find hidden or injured in fires
• Monitor temperatures for preventative maintenance and condition monitoring of equipment
• Fire Prevention surveys
• Monitoring the effectiveness of cooling
• Searching for a person in deep water
• Examining containers storing hazardous or flammable materials
• Road Traffic accidents
• Predict potential of Hidden Fire Flashover
• Locating the seat and spread of a fire
• Searching for casualties
• Overhaul Systems
• Pre Qualification of Residential or Industrial hazards
• See through dense smoke and in darkness
• Detect and display the relevant temperatures of objects and walls
• Moving swiftly in “Search and Rescue” of casualties
• Enhance Mission Effectiveness
• Maximize Operational Capability
• Improve Officer and Firefighter Safety

The human eye uses reflected light to visualize and produce an image. Daylight cameras, night-vision devices, and the human eye all work on the same basic principle. When light energy reflects off of an object, our eyes receive that signal and produce the appropriate image. In darkness, or in fog, or in smoke, we are limited to the external light provided. If there isn’t enough light or the artificial light is not sufficient, we no longer see clearly or see at all. When using night vision devices, the available light is magnified to produce an image. These devices have range limitations especially in extremely low-light conditions. It becomes difficult to view or recognize an object or produce any contrast for the image we would like to find. The thermal contrast between an object and its surroundings is what safety first responders are seeking.

Thermal imaging cameras measure the reflected thermal energy and are not susceptible or responsive to daylight or artificial light. First Responder Cameras indicate temperature variations usually by a display of sharp black and white contrast screen. By sensing this thermal energy and displaying it as black and white video, thermal imagers allow you to see things from farther away and with greater contrast than conventional visible-light cameras and night-vision technologies. As long as there is a temperature variation, within the resolution and sensitivity of the camera, the image will be displayed. The use of flashlights and high beam spotlights never finds a hidden human in the midst of smoke. The photo below, figure 3 is indicative of locating someone who is in trouble at the scene of a fire where the area is smoke filled. In this case, the rescue team finds the Thermal Imager to, literally, be a life saver.

 
Features to Consider when choosing a thermal imaging camera for fire and first responder use

• IR Resolution or Detector Pixel Size
• Ambient Operating Temperature
• Direct Temperature Measurement
• FOV - Field Of View
• Start Up Time
• Display Size & Replaceable Lens
• Single Hand Operation
• Ease of Use
• Refresh (Frame) Rate (Hz)
• Memory Recording Capability
• Standard Black / White Display or Special Color Alarm
• BatteryLife and Replacement
• Enclosure Ratings / Capability
• Drop Test Capability
• Connection and Output Capability

IR Resolution (Pixel Array) FOV - Field Of View
Using the appropriate Thermal Imager designed to be used in the high temperature environment of firefighting allows for viewing of extremely high and low temperatures in one screen with clear definition. The units can also find casualties in the midst of high temperature conditions. Note the capture of temperature information in the two photos below and right victim photo above.
 
There is no doubt that using Thermal Imaging for Rescue and Firefighting provides an increased opportunity for safety and success for all first responders. This tool allows any operator to have the ability to increase life and death circumstance to their benefit as well as added protection at their fingertips. Thermal Imaging cameras will assist in approaching fires more strategically, able to detect additional combustibles and find hotspots quicker. Using a Thermal Imager will absolutely allow responders to rescue victims sooner. 
 

FIXED MOUNT THERMAL IMAGERS

Fixed Mount Thermal Imagers are multi-sensor Thermal Imaging Cameras primarily intended for indoor and outdoor security applications. They are used to detect intruders and other threats to a facility's security. Imagers can detect the existence of heat in a totally dark environment and inclement weather. The cameras provide both simultaneous visible-light and thermal video outputs to insure constant security and surveillance in your facility or on your property.
  
Some of the unique features include lens selection to obtain a selection of “field of view” distances, as well a choice of IR Resolution (pixel array) and mounting choice. A dome-up camera model can be mounted on top of the mounting surface. A dome-down camera model can be mounted under an overhanging mounting arm, or underneath an overhanging mounting surface such as eaves or an awning.
 
These cameras also allow precise pan/tilt control and fully programmable scan patterns, radar slew-to-cue, and slew-to-alarm functionality.

Applications

• Critical Infrastructure
• Law Enforcement
• Nuclear Power
• Petrochemical
• Seaports
• Borders
• Commercial Buildings
• Warehouses
• Distribution Centers
• Office Building
• Parking Garages
• Residential

Features

• See objects, suspects, obstacles, animals and any heat source in total darkness
• Enhances Security vision in total darkness 
• Installed in either “dome-up or dome-down” for ease of mounting for all surveillance
• See heated objects through smoke 
• Enables vision at night during Pursuit
• Temperature can be seen in dark…so can suspects and dangerous situations be noted and reacted upon.
• Monitor the activity of suspects without their knowledge and in total darkness
• See through smoke, allowing officers to respond safely and quickly

See hazards and perpetrators from an offsite position enabling lives to be saved and property to be protected.
 


This lone security guard with his dog walks the property line at night, while we see whether there may be danger lurking in the shadows.
 

IR Resolution (Pixel Array) / Detector Size

Although for Fixed Mount Thermal Cameras the Detector Resolution selection is limited to one choice, it is important to understand more about Detector Resolution. Detector resolution is based on the pixel array that each camera contains. Using larger pixel arrays, (as well as the lens “Field of View” selected and any special electronics being added to the optical circuit), cameras can measure smaller targets at a longer distance that would be sharper and in greater detail. All cameras display temperature gradient. As the pixel array increase in size, the average temperature spot measured becomes smaller. This will increase the information gathered by the camera.

When discussing pixel size, the specific application must be taken into consideration. Please be aware that the detector resolution is different than the display resolution. It is the detector resolution that matters the most. Higher resolution thermal imaging not only provides more accurate quantitative results, but it is also very important when presenting those results to customers. Please see FOV, “Field of View” paragraph below. Given a fixed pixel array, the FOV will determine the detail of temperature being displayed.

FOV - Field of View

Like the Detector Size above, the FOV or "Field of View" selection is limited to one choice. But it was optimally chosen for viewing at a distance. The FOV is the area of the image that is measured and viewed on the imager screen. The lens has the greatest influence on the total view, but a larger pixel array (matrix) may provide greater detail of desired temperature gradient. Compare the illustrations from the Building and Industrial Thermal Imager FOV section above.
 

HUNTING AND OUTDOOR THERMAL IMAGERS

Hunting and Outdoor Thermal Imaging Cameras are easy to pack, easy to use and deliver a high-quality thermal image.

FLIR Multiple lens and thermal detector options allow you to customize the right camera for you. Tracking game in a heavily forested area? TS24 lets you see in the dark and through light foliage and camouflage up to 350 yards out. Monitoring a herd? Perhaps the TS32r Pro is your best option, so you can observe from more than a half-mile away.

The Scout, powered by the same advanced technology used by military and law enforcement, is a powerful personal thermal imaging camera affordable enough to give every outdoorsman the unsurpassed practical advantages of full-resolution thermal imaging night vision.

• Guide and See at Night
• Track and Stay Safe
• Search as a Volunteer
• Explore the Wild
• Identify Uninvited Guests
• Locate the Herd
• Navigate with Confidence
• Guard Your Safety

Small, rugged, and ergonomic, Scout provides direct push-button access to all of its controls, and weighs less than a pound and a half. Built around FLIR's bleeding-edge thermal night vision technology, Scout uses a thermal camera that creates video images from heat, not light, and displays this video on its built-in LCD eyepiece so you can experience the world as it happens, day or night.

• Six Models – Available in different resolutions and with a variety of image and video capture and storage options
• Multiple Lens Options – Choose from a model with a 19 mm lens and optional 2× optical extender or the longer range model equipped with a 65 mm lens
• Shuttered Eyepiece – Keeps light from coming out of the viewfinder and avoids alarming animals or other target subjects
• Rugged All-Weather Design – Built to withstand the demands of day-in, day-out rugged outdoor use
• Ready to Go When You Are – Battery operation with field-swappable AA common batteries plus Power In/Charging, RCA video out via standard Hot Shoe attachment
• Three Selectable Palettes – White Hot, Black Hot, and the powerful Instalert™ detection palettes provide excellent image detail in different environments

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT THERMAL IMAGERS

Thermal Imagers for Law Enforcement and Fire Fighting are used to locate criminals, casualties and hazards in total darkness, smoke, fog, and fire. The use of thermal cameras offers officers a tactical and search advantage.

The two figures below are representative of what is seen with night vision (left image) and what is captured with a thermal imager (right image). Right image represents a typical night vision view of a park surrounded by trees and foliage. It is not apparent that there are any suspects in sight. Using a Thermal Imager designed for first responders, left image demonstrates that someone is attempting to hide behind the foliage. If the “law enforcement team” had been using a thermal camera, the suspect would be apprehended. The use of Thermal Imaging cameras offers an undeniable tactical advantage.

 

Primary Applications for Law Enforcement Thermal Imaging Cameras

• See suspects in total darkness
• See through smoke, dust, and light fog
• See through camouflage and foliage in any lighting conditions
• See farther in zero visibility
• Significantly improve safety and mobility
• Find hidden or injured in fires
• Monitor temperatures for preventative maintenance and condition monitoring of equipment
• Fire Prevention surveys
• Monitoring the effectiveness of cooling
• Searching for a person in deep water
• Examining containers storing hazardous or flammable materials
• Locate vehicles that have been in motion
• Road Traffic accidents
• Predict potential of flashover
• Locating the seat and spread of a fire
• Searching for casualties
• Analyzing the effectiveness of attack
• Overhaul Systems
• Pre Qualification of Residential or Industrial hazards
• See through dense smoke and in darkness
• Detect and display the relevant temperatures of objects within the scene
• Moving swiftly in “Search and Rescue” of casualties
• Enhance Mission Effectiveness
• Maximize Operational Capability
• Improve Officer Safety

The human eye uses reflected light to visualize and produce an image. Daylight cameras, night-vision devices, and the human eye all work on the same basic principle. When light energy reflects off of an object, our eyes receive that signal and produce the appropriate image. In darkness, or in fog, or in smoke, we are limited to the external light provided. If there isn’t enough light or the artificial light is not sufficient, we no longer see clearly or see at all. When using night vision devices, the available light is magnified to produce an image. These devices have range limitations especially in extremely low-light conditions. It becomes difficult to view or recognize an object or produce any contrast for the image we would like to find. The thermal contrast between an object and its surroundings is what safety first responders are seeking.

Thermal imaging cameras measure the reflected thermal energy and are not susceptible or responsive to daylight or artificial light. First Responder Cameras indicate temperature variations usually by a display of sharp black and white contrast screen. By sensing this thermal energy and displaying it as black and white video, thermal imagers allow you to see things from farther away and with greater contrast than conventional visible-light cameras and night-vision technologies. As long as there is a temperature variation, within the resolution and sensitivity of the camera, the image will be displayed. The use of flashlights and high beam patrol lights, when the officers might want to maintain their hidden location, is never necessary.

This image, (on the left), is typical of a hidden criminal in total darkness. The use of the Thermal Imager allows quite an advantage for Law Enforcement personnel to view and capture rather than be caught off guard. In the right image, note the use of cutters on a security fence that is taken in total darkness.
 
Features to Consider when choosing a thermal imaging camera for law enforcement                 

• IR Resolution or Detector Pixel Size
• Eyepiece- Shuttered / Non-Shuttered
• Single or Multiple Lenses
• Monocular / Bi-Ocular
• Focus Capability /Focal Length
• Thermal Sensitivity NETD
• FOV - Field Of View
• Zoom Capability
• Start Up Time
• Refresh (Frame) Rate (Hz)
• Memory Capability
• Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Capability/ Radio Frequency Transmission
• Lens Capability and Interchangeability
• Visual Alarm Capability
• Standard Black / White Display or Special Color Alarm
• Voice Annotation
• Video Output Capability
• BatteryLife and Replacement
• Enclosure Ratings / Capability
• Drop Test Capability
• Connection Capability

IR Resolution (Pixel Array)

FOV - Field Of View

Note the clarity and distance seen in figure  below. A Thermal Imager was used to capture possible problems with an unsuspecting driver using a longer lens FOV with a larger pixel array.
   

Download a comparison of various lenses and the range in yards to spot a man-size target. Click image or here: Lens FOV

There is no doubt that using Thermal Imaging for Rescue and Law Enforcement provides an increased opportunity for safety and success for all first responders. This tool allows any operator to have the ability to increase life and death circumstance to their benefit as well as added protection at their fingertips. For additional information, contact your TEquipment Certified Thermal Imaging Expert and also checkout these videos
 

MARINE THERMAL IMAGERS

In Marine applications of safety and security, the images you may obtain in total darkness, smoke, or fog will allow you to make consistent decisions for boat safety as well as maintain understanding of personnel safety in critical situations. When operating close to shore at night or in adverse environments, a thermal imager allows the crew and patrol boat officers an awareness of their surroundings so they can navigate confidently and safely. In darkness, smoke, or fog confidently knowing safe distances from pilings, docks, floating debris, or boats riding at anchor will allow officers and security personnel to do their job efficiently. The two figures below are typical of visualizing the same structure, boat, with and without Thermal Imaging. The boat and two passengers are clearly visible with the thermal imager versus only the lights and reflection without it. That is quite an advantage for safety personnel as well as for the boat occupants.
 

Here are additional example comparisons between naked eye versus thermal imager in maritime applications:

Maritime Thermal Imaging Camera Selection Considerations

• Maritime thermal imaging cameras are monocular style
   
• Detector Size. Detector resolution is based on the pixel array that each camera contains. Using larger pixel arrays, (as well as the lens “Field of View” selected), cameras can measure smaller targets at a longer distance that would be sharper and in greater detail. All cameras display temperature gradient. As the pixel array increase in size, the average temperature spot measured becomes smaller. This will increase the information gathered by the camera.
  
  When discussing pixel size, the specific application must be taken into consideration. Please be aware that the detector resolution is different than the display resolution. It is the detector resolution that matters the most. Higher resolution thermal imaging not only provides more accurate quantitative results, but is very important when presenting those results to customers. Please see FOV, "Field of View" paragraph below. Given a fixed pixel array, the FOV will determine the detail of temperature being displayed.
   
• Optional Lenses. See "Field of View" discussion below.
  • A wide field of view lens is perfect for mooring, avoiding vessels and other obstacles, and for searching for people in the water
  • A narrow field of view lens is perfect for zooming in on distant obstacles
     
• Refresh Rate or Frame Rate is the accepted frames per second update for the image being transmitted to the display. Rates are commonly listed as 9Hz, 30Hz, or 60Hz. Higher frame rates are usually found on cameras with better resolution as well as cameras used for First Responder applications involving motion. If the application anticipates using video output, a higher refresh rate is preferred. The choice is based on application and camera specifications.

FOV - Field Of View