SR-304 thermal imaging camera unveiled by FLIR Systems
6th January 2010
The FLIR Systems SR-304 model is an addition to the highly successful SR-Series thermal imaging cameras, an an expansion of the existing product line into narrower field of view cameras with longer range performance.
With a narrow 4° field of view, the SR-304 is “using the most advanced thermal imaging technology available on the market today”. It incorporates an uncooled Vanadium Oxide microbolometer detector producing crisp 320 x 240 pixels thermal images.
The SR-304 is a fixed thermal imaging camera. It provides clear thermal imagery in total darkness, light fog or smoke. It features the same thermal imaging technology found in many of FLIR’s most sophisticated security and surveillance systems, but is designed for those end users who have mid-range security and surveillance as their primary application.
These new cameras include FLIR Systems’ advanced image processing techniques which “deliver excellent contrast regardless of scene dynamics”. Unlike other night vision systems that require low amounts of light to generate an image, the SR-304 needs no light at all.
Excellent range performance
The SR-304 contains “the best Vanadium Oxide microbolometer detector technology on the market today”. This provides the camera with an excellent sensitivity such that the end user is able to see the smallest of details in the image even at long ranges.
Image quality is enhanced still further through FLIR Systems’ patented DDE (Digital Detail Enhancement) image processing technology.
The SR-304 can detect man-sized targets at a distance of no less than two kilometres. Objects the size of a small car can be detected more than five kilometres away.
Equipped with an ‘athermal lens’, the SR-304 is able to maintain focus no matter what the environmental temperature happens to be. There’s no need for end users to make any adjustments. Once it’s installed, the SR-304 will deliver a sharp, focused image.
No maintenance needed
The absence of a motorised focus mechanism prevents mechanical breakdowns. The SR-304 does not need any maintenance whatsoever. That being the case, this guarantees an extremely low total cost of ownership.
The SR-304 can be easily connected to common power and video interfaces found in existing and new security systems. It can be easily integrated into any existing CCTV infrastructure, providing early detection and visibility 24/7 all the year round. The images from the 320 x 240 pixels detector may be shown on virtually any existing display that accepts composite video.
The SR-304 is an extremely rugged system. Its vital core is well protected against humidity and water ingress, meeting both Mil-Std-810E and IP66 requirements. A sealed lens maintains the environmental ratings of the existing enclosure.
FLIR Systems’ latest cameras operate between -40°C and +55°C. They have a built-in heater which ensures a clear lens and perfect infrared images displayed on your monitor even in extremely cold environments.
About thermal imaging
Thermal imaging is the use of cameras constructed with specialty sensors that ‘see’ thermal energy emitted from an object.
Thermal or infrared energy is light that’s not visible to the human eye because its wavelength is too long to be detected. It’s the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat. Infrared allows us to see what our eyes cannot detect.
Thermal imaging cameras produce images of invisible infrared or ‘heat’ radiation. Based on temperature differences between objects, thermal imaging produces a clear image. In contrast with other technologies, such as light amplification, thermal imaging needs no light whatsoever to produce an image on which the smallest of details can be seen. Thermal imaging provides full visibility irrespective of the prevailing light level and weather conditions.
It can see in total darkness, in the darkest of nights, through fog, in the far distance, through smoke and is able to detect anyone hiding in the shadows. It is used for security and surveillance, maritime, automotive, firefighting and many other applications.