FLIR launches LS-Series ultra-compact handheld thermal night vision cameras

The new FLIR LS-Series thermal imaging camera gives every law enforcement officer the power to see clearly in total darkness. It gives law enforcement officers, security patrols and any other person that needs to see at night - without being seen himself, the information needed to make critical decisions, enhance mission effectiveness, maximize operational capabilities and improve safety.

The FLIR LS-Series are extremely affordable units. Price is no longer an issue, from now on; every law enforcement officer can be equipped with thermal night vision.

Crisp thermal images

The FLIR LS-Series are equipped with an uncooled, maintenance free, microbolometer detector. It delivers crisp thermal images in any day or night situation. The FLIR LS64 produces thermal images of 640 x 480 pixels. Users that do not need this high resolution can choose the LS32 which produces images of 320 x 240 pixels. All cameras are equipped with advanced internal camera software that delivers a crisp image without the need for user adjustments.

The FLIR LS32 comes with a 2x digital zoom, whilst the FLIR LS64 is equipped with a 2x, 4x digital zoom and continuous electronic zoom.

The FLIR LS64 is equipped with a 35 mm lens. It allows detecting human targets at a distance of no less than 1,080 meters. The FLIR LS32 is equipped with a 19 mm lens that allows detecting a human target at a distance of 640 m.

                                                                  FLIR LS32                       FLIR LS64

Image quality                                      320 x 240 pixels          640 x 480 pixels

Discrete digital zoom                          2x                                2x & 4x

Continuous electronic zoom               No                                Yes

Range performance                            640 m                          1,080 m 

Portable and rugged, ready for long missions

The FLIR LS-Series comes with long-life rechargeable Li-Ion batteries offering a typical operating time of 5 to 7 hours on a single load. Weighing 340 grams, batteries included, the FLIR LS-Series are extremely compact and extremely light systems. They are ideal for go-anywhere operations, in all circumstances. They are IP67 rated and operate between -20°C and +50°C.

Easy-to-operate

Ergonomic and easy-to-use, FLIR LS-Series thermal imaging cameras are fully controlled with the buttons on top of the unit. Conveniently placed the buttons are all right underneath your fingertips.

Laser pointer

Both versions of the FLIR LS-Series come with an integrated laser to quickly and safely pinpoint suspects in the dark.

InstAlert™

The unique InstAlert feature colours the hottest part of the scene in red, making it easy to spot suspects in the thermal image.

Thermal imaging versus image intensification

Image intensification, also referred to as I2 technology, amplifies small amounts of visible light thousands of times so that objects can be seen at night. Image intensification does require a certain level of ambient light, but even starlight can produce an image on a cloudless night.

Because the system requires at least a minimum level of ambient light, conditions such as heavy overcast can limit its effectiveness. Similarly, too much light may overwhelm the system and reduce its effectiveness.

Thermal imaging cameras like the FLIR LS-Series offer substantial benefits over image intensification. They work by detecting the heat energy being radiated and need no light at all to produce a clear image in the darkest environments. Thermal imaging cameras are not affected by the amount of light so that you will not be blinded when looking at a light source.

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 is 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.

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 are able to detect anyone hiding in the shadows. It is used for security and surveillance, maritime, automotive, fire fighting and many other applications.

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