Important Notice: Our web hosting provider recently started charging us for additional visits, which was unexpected. In response, we're seeking donations. Depending on the situation, we may explore different monetization options for our Community and Expert Contributors. It's crucial to provide more returns for their expertise and offer more Expert Validated Answers or AI Validated Answers. Learn more about our hosting issue here.

What is the difference between Generation 1, 2, and 3 night vision devices?

April 26, 2017Devices difference generation night vision

0

Posted

What is the difference between Generation 1, 2, and 3 night vision devices?

1 Answer

0

Posted

Generations refer to technological peculiarities that lead to difference in performance. Since its appearance, night vision has developed in the direction allowing people to see better and sharper image at lower light levels. The technological leaps on that way are called Generations. Contemporary market comprises the following main gradations: Gen. 1 (consumer quality products), Gen. 2 (obsolete technology, widely spread in 80s, but still present for economical reasons), Gen. 2+ and Gen.3. The main parameters of advanced Gen. 2+ systems are equivalent to those of Gen.3. The main difference between these two is in their behavior in different light environments. Gen. 3 provides the best visibility in extreme darkness, while Gen. 2+ is better suited for the mid-level lighting. The three main criteria are System Light Gain, System Resolution, and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR).