| When we think about photography or recording with a | | | | that most people would consider to be totally dark. |
| video camera we usually are considering doing it when | | | | There are two different methods that night vision |
| it is light. For most of us filming in the dark is not a thing | | | | cameras use. The first type uses all available light, and |
| we would have considered until today when it is | | | | also some infrared light from the lower end of the |
| becoming a viable option with the new night vision | | | | spectrum that we cannot see. That is why these |
| camcorders and cameras. There are many situations | | | | types of cameras are called 'infrared'. |
| where you might want to be able to take a picture or | | | | The sensors are much more sensitive than our eyes |
| film in the dark or when there is not enough light for a | | | | are, and it is amazing the images that these cameras |
| regular camera. Those who camp or hunt have many | | | | can record. The second type uses thermal imaging. |
| situations where night vision technology would be | | | | This type of sensor records the heat given off by a |
| especially useful. | | | | body or an object. These heat readings are converted |
| We all have heard about the military's use of night | | | | in a thermal scale to images that we can comprehend. |
| vision equipment but have always thought that it is out | | | | Both types of imaging have many different uses and |
| of reach for the average person. New technology and | | | | applications. Night vision is now built in to not only |
| mass production has now put this technology in the | | | | cameras and camcorders, but also to binoculars, gun |
| price range that anyone can afford. | | | | and rifle scopes and night vision goggles. The cost of |
| Understanding how night vision works requires that we | | | | these items varies, but consumer priced models that |
| have a definition of what seeing in the dark means. | | | | have excellent performance are now available for all |
| What we call dark is a condition where we as humans | | | | these types of low light and no light vision equipment. |
| have difficulty seeing. But many animals can see much | | | | And there are also many types of accessories such |
| better in the 'dark'. That is because there is always | | | | as infrared floodlights and illuminators that can be used |
| some light at all times of day and night. It might come | | | | in addition to your equipment to add more 'light' but still |
| from the moon and stars, or from distant street lamps | | | | keeps everyone else in the dark. |
| or other man made sources, but the problem is that | | | | If you are thinking about getting your feet wet with a |
| our eyes can't gather enough of the light rays to be | | | | night vision camcorder or camera, it looks like the time |
| useful to us like an animal can. | | | | is finally here where you can do it without breaking the |
| While animals eyes have evolved to have better vision | | | | bank while getting excellent quality results. |
| at night, we can use technology to see in conditions | | | | |