SiOnyx Aurora PRO | Affordable Color Digital Night Vision

Have you ever wondered what those Special Operations soldiers are seeing through those high-speed night vision devices attached to their helmets? Since the entry price into a decent pair of night vision goggles is around $6000+, most people won’t ever know. Until recently. SiOnyx, has been using digital imaging with enhanced low light sensors to illuminate the night at a much more affordable price. Additionally, the Aurora PRO provides a color picture on moonless starlit nights.

Digital night vision is a bit different than the analog stuff I used in the Ranger Regiment in the 90’s. We were issued single objective lensed AN/PVS-7’s utilizing an intensifier tube. This tube collected photons (light energy) and released electrons (electric energy) before converting it into light again in the form of an image. This process worked fairly well but provided a grainy monochromatic green image. At the time, it was the best available.

SiOnyx Aurora PRO Digital Night Vision Video:

How Digital Night Vision works

According to SiOnyx,”Digital night vision devices operate differently than analog devices, in that light entering the objective lens is transformed into a digital signal by an image sensor of either the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor sensor (CMOS), or Charge Coupled Device (CCD) variety. These are the same technologies used in all digital cameras.The digital image is enhanced several times before being viewable on the devices display. The larger the CMOS or CCD sensor pixel size, the better it will perform in reduced light.”

“SIONYX, as an example, has patented technology that enhances sensitivity to near infrared (NIR) wavelengths and therefore provides greater low light performance. Its CMOS sensors produce extremely good low light performance thanks to a combination of its patented technology and a much larger pixel. Currently, the company’s most sensitive sensor is the XQE-1310, producing an impressive 1.3 mega pixels to collect incoming light.”

Affordable Night Vision

Pricing is a major factor in Digital Night vision. These devices are well within reach of the average outdoorsman or adventurer. Not inexpensive, but won’t break the bank for the serious outdoorsman either. SiOnyx’s Aurora line ranges in price from $699 to $999. Or a bit less on Amazon. The top of the line Aurora PRO stands above the others with a <1 MLX sensor allowing you to see well beyond human eyesight & pick up a man-sized target at 150 meters. Allowing you to operate in moonless starlit conditions. Also included with the Aurora PRO is a second battery and a larger 256MB onboard memory.

The uses for this little device are fairly limitless. hunting, hiking, camping, boating or surveillance. I even mounted it to my FJ Cruiser to see what driving “blacked-out” was like. Although I don’t recommend this to others. I was just testing it in my neighborhood on a private road. It wasn’t as easy as I thought either. With the camera fixed to the bumper, the field of view isn’t wide enough to look ahead into corners as you turn. This summer, I plan to mount the Aurora Pro to our boat to aid in late night trips back home from the restaurant. With an IP-67 rating, using the Aurora on the water is worry free.

Infrared Illuminator Accessory

For increased functionality, SiOnyx offers an Infrared Illuminator. This 940nm, 5W LED infrared illuminator is tuned specifically for the Aurora sensor. Blending the perfect balance of color and brightness. Great for close up work or in dark rooms where there is no ambient light. Outside, the IR illuminator looks just like a flashlight would to the naked eye. In the woods, the IR illuminator highlights with great detail, the area directly in front of you. However, you’ll loose the ability to see deeper into the wood line. In an open field, it’s a different story. Here the Illuminator will allow you to identify targets out to 150 meters and recognize targets well beyond.

What’s in the box?

• Aurora PRO color night vision camera
• Hardshell waterproof case
• 2 camera batteries
• USB charge/data cable
• 32 GB microSD card

Features:

• Moonless starlight night vision
• GPS, compass & accelerometer
• Water resistant (IP67)
• Wirelessly stream to a smart device via the SIONYX app
• Storage Capacity 256 GB

Final thoughts:

All-in-all, I really enjoy the Aurora PRO. Having a night vision device can greatly expand your adventures. With three modes to select from, day, twilight and night, the functionality of this low light camera isn’t limited to nighttime use. A 256GB storage capacity plus a miniSD card slot allows the user to store hours of video and images, day or night.

The Aurora is also weapon rated for 5.56mm caliber rifles. And uses its onboard accelerometer for recoil activated image capture. What I’d like to do is find a way to mount the Aurora Pro to my helmet. Let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions. Check out the SiOnyx website and compare the range of cameras to see which one best suits your needs. With the Aurora Black starting at $699, $549 on Amazon, I’m certain you can justify owning of one of these slick night vision cameras.