It doesn’t actually get mounted to a gun, but Eotech’s new X320 handheld thermal imager is beyond cool. It’s the size of a pair of roof-prism binoculars and gives you the almost magic ability to see through camouflage and foliage, or to track warm footprints over cold, hard ground. It’s not really priced for recreational use yet, but the cost of this technology is dropping faster than you might think. Make the jump for some creepy, skull-eyed infrared video . . .
I filmed this through the lens with a small camera, and I’m amazed it worked at all. The actual thermal image is of course much larger and more focused than this highly compressed, 3rd-generation low-bandwidth YouTube video. Trust me, it’s pretty weird.
The X320 weighs 13 ounces, runs for six hours on two AA batteries and lists for $3799. Still too pricey for a Christmas present, but within the reach of law enforcement and wilderness rescue groups.
Looks like a scene from THEY LIVE. The Bigfoot researchers are going to go nuts over this little thermal imager.
I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass…and I’m all out of bubblegum.
I got a couple pieces left… Here, have some.
Pieces of which?
Came here to say this, leaving satisfied.
Thanks Chris. Looks cool. I understand that FLIR is showcasing a new thermal image device for hunters. If you have a chance to visit their booth, I’d love to see it.
Having used these hunting pigs in GA, I can’t tell you how amazing they are on a cool night. Something like this would allow some walk n’ stalk to get in position on nocturnal piggies. From that point, you could light them up under red/green light with a traditional rifle/scope combo. At nearly $4000, they aren’t a steal per se, but if you’ve got a pig problem, they could pay for themselves in lost crops fairly quickly.
I want one! WHY am I so poor, haha?
“After a time, you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing, after all, as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true.”
She may have been a bitch, but T’Pring was hot.
Would not mind hoisting a Romulan Ale or two with her. She had no need for a cloaking device from the looks of her.
let me know when it gets to under $200.00 then I’ll take the plunge….
I’ll buy one when they are $379 instead of $3799.
Check out the upcoming Flir One. $350 MSRP (plus the cost of an iPhone 5 or 5S). Expected in Spring with Android version out later in the year.
http://www.flir.com/flirone/explore/
It also uses the phones camera to do some nifty image overlays. Or just straight up thermal images.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/07/flir-one-thermal-camera-iphone-case/
SH,
I just reviewed this at FLIR link you provided and there is a HUGE drawback: their new camera can only process/display environments down to 32 degrees F. So if you ever wanted to use their imager in cold environments, it won’t work.
Thanks. Just posted it for those who think a real thermal imaging system is too pricey. I would expect some significant draw backs at this low cost.
I saw this last year and missed getting in early, but the Mu Thermal Camera (http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mu-thermal-camera-a-great-tool-to-save-on-energy-costs) will support iOS and Android when it’s released. Not sure it’s going to beat Flir to the market, but it’ll be interesting to see if one side or the other files suit because they copied or stole something. 😉
“It doesn’t actually mounted to a gun” . Is that so?
The one post I don’t read…
When I was in Iraq my Company had 2 PAS-13s. We never really used them but they were fun to play with. It was amazing how sensitive they were. You could press your hand on a wall for 2 seconds and then see the thermal imprint left by you hand. I also had the opportunity to play with more advanced thermals at JRTC. I remember looking at a 5 gallon water can at 500 feet and being able to see the water inside the water can. It would be really cool if this technology comes down in price in the next couple of years.
339612 1969Id forever want to be update on new articles on this web site, bookmarked ! . 126308
Comments are closed.