OPSIN from SiOnyx | Digital Night Vision Monocular Camera

From night hunts to attending low-light shooting courses, the interest in affordable night vision has increased over the past several years. Digital night vision is also making significant steps into the night vision arena, even in the U.S. military. SiOnyx is gaining a foothold with night vision devices such as their Aurora and now with the feature-laden OPSIN.

OPSIN Features

On the OPSIN’s exterior bottom front, there is a power/brightness knob and three control buttons. On the front and back of the device’s middle, there are the objective lens and electric viewfinder (EVF). Around the objective lens is a focus adjustment ring to adjust the focus of an object when looking through the camera. In addition to the objective lens, there is a lens cover. Around the EVF, there is the diopter adjustment ring to adjust the EVF’s diopter to the user’s eye. The mini rail to attach the camera to a helmet is at the OPSIN’s top front, and the power connector is behind the mini rail.

“Inspired by the U.S. DoD’s desire to integrate digital night vision into surveillance and support low-light operations, OPSIN is changing the night vision game.” ~ sionyx.com

The OPSIN stands apart from other night vision devices by the number of features in the camera. SiOnyx has installed an onboard SD card to record pictures or videos. To help with recording videos, the OPSIN has a built-in microphone. SiOnyx also added the capability to access Wi-Fi to connect the device to a phone to live stream through the SiOnyx app. Users can also use a built-in GPS to get their location. One thing to note with the GPS is that it is only formatted in latitude and longitude.

OPSIN Video Overview:

How the OPSIN Performs

I tried the OPSIN outdoors and indoors to review its performance in low and no-light conditions. The OPSIN worked well when there was light outdoors, and I had no issues identifying objects and surroundings. However, as I got further into the woods one night with the moon at its waxing crescent phase, the camera struggled to show my surroundings.

Note as well that the color of the objects is not always one hundred percent what they are in daylight conditions. Since the device is digital, there can be a little lag when I turn my head sharply to the left or right. However, as I was walking around, I did not have a bad experience with poor depth perception as with some models of analog devices.

“OPSIN’s technology provides unmatched color low-light capability plus immersive digital display, recording, and navigation features that make operations more precise, efficient, and informative.” ~ sionyx.com

One thing to note for the indoors is that the camera performs poorly in a room without illumination. I stood in a room sealed from ambient light and could not identify any objects or observe the room. But this allowed me to test whether the OPSIN could see infrared (IR) light. I used an IR beacon to test that aspect, and I could see the flashes with no problems. Since there is no built-in IR illuminator, which some night vision devices have, a user would need to employ an IR light when using the OPSIN in zero-light conditions. However, the camera performs without any issues if there is some light.

Users who want to stream a night hunt or their progress during a low-visibility shooting course can do that with the OPSIN. To get started, a user must pair the device with the SiOnyx app on a smartphone. When I did this process, it was easy for me, and I had no issues connecting the device to my phone. While livestreaming video from the camera to the phone is easy, there is a lagging effect, and the image quality is not as sharp. But for average users, this is not going to be an issue.

“Your tactical toolbox just stepped into the future.” ~ sionyx.com

SiOnyx OPSIN Features & Specifications courtesy of sionyx.com

• OPSIN Camera
• Eye Cup
• Swing Arm
• Battery Pack (>16 HRS Operation Time)
• Canvas Pouch
• Micro SD Card
• Lens Cap
• Charger
• User Manual
• <1 millilux moonless starlight night vision
• Extra-large 1920×1080 HD micro-OLED display with a custom eyepiece for 25mm eye relief
• 44 degree field of view for maximum situational awareness
• Photo, video, and audio recording
• Manual focus of objective lens and diopter
• Onboard digital magnetic compass and GPS to document and geo-tag location
• Up to 256GB on-board storage
• Battery provides up to fourteen hours of operation with a full charge
• Flexible helmet mounting options with a standard dovetail interface
• Adjustable and reversible swing arm with quick-release button
• Exceeds MIL-STD-810G drop test
• IP67 rated: water-resistant at 1m/30min submersion, vibration/shock, salt/sand
• MSRP: $2,595.00 Sale: $1995.00

Final Thoughts

After using the OPSIN several times, I was pleased with what SiOnyx has developed. There are two minor improvements that I think SiOnyx could make to make the OPSIN better. The first improvement is adding a built-in IR illuminator for users using the OPSIN in no-light conditions. The second improvement is making the device’s mounting arm toolless so that users can adjust mounting the camera without difficulty and tools.

Besides these minor improvements, I like using a device to live stream or record what I do on the trail or the range at night. I also appreciate the sturdy design of the OPSIN and how it does not feel flimsy or cheap. Another thing worth noting about the camera is that I do not have to worry as much about damaging it with sun blems due to its being digital. If there is a need, users can use the OPSIN at times during daylight hours for observation purposes. For $2,595.00 $1995.00, the OPSIN is ideal for hunters, hikers, or recreational shooters who want to share their nightly activities.