One of the biggest concerns that people have is whether they need to buy a thermal imaging device or a night vision device. It is easy to get confused with the two when you don’t have the specifics. Both are high level optical technologies with mostly similar uses and some unique purposes.

Thermal imaging devices are basically sensors for heat. They detect radiation based on temperature and display the detection in the form of an image on the screen of the device. The higher the temperature, the higher the radiation and the more the image pops out in terms of colour – with different colours being used to represent different temperatures. Some thermal imaging devices are so sensitive that they can detect temperatures as low as 0.01°C. And because thermal imaging relies on radiation based on body heat, devices with this technology do not require any light source to highlight objects. With this technology it is very easy to see humans and other warm-blooded animals whose body temperature is mostly higher than their surroundings. But, as with all technology, thermal imaging devices also have their limitations – it is very hard to see cold blooded animals like snakes and other reptiles since their body temperature adjusts to their surroundings. To sum up thermal optics can be used for Inspect, Detect and Discover

Thermal imaging has a vast array of uses:

• Firefighters –since they can see through smoke and debris to a certain extent, they help firefighters find people who have passed out.
• Military and Police – thermal imaging devices are a big hit with military and police personnel where they allow them to see and assess potential threats without getting detected.
• Hunting –when hunting wild animals, thermal imaging can come in very handy and can save you from serious injury.
• Surveillance – since they can work both in the day and at night and since they can see through smoke and fog, thermal imaging devices are great for surveillance.
• Energy Audits – heating and cooling companies use thermal imaging devices to see if and where a building is leaking heat.
• Commercial  - Home Building, Outdoors, Home Security.
• Animals - to identify which part of the body of the animal needs medical attention

Night vision is different than thermal imaging in one major way – it needs at least a little bit of light to highlight objects. It doesn’t have to be a big light source, even the moon and stars will do – and some devices perform well even on a slightly cloudy night. That’s not to say that night vision equipment is inferior – it has its own set of uses and features. Night vision equipment is used far more widely than thermal imaging but the only downside is the light requirement which can be easily coped with using an IR illuminator which casts an infrared light that is invisible to the human eye. The technology has seen a lot of advancement, having gone through various generations with each one being better. The best part about these devices is their incredible durability which makes them a good pick for a variety of activities.

Night vision devices are used in a variety of ways:

• Hunting – in low-light situations, NV devices can highlight game around you.
• Military and Police –seeing in the dark is a huge advantage in tactical operations.
• Surveillance – very useful as security cameras.