Digital night sights

Digital

— night vision devices of this type are actually a kind of video cameras: the image enters the electronic matrix, is processed by the video processor and displayed on a screen visible to the user through the eyepiece. This scheme of operation has a number of advantages over analogue devices based on image intensifier tubes. Firstly, with similar characteristics, digital sights are noticeably cheaper — including because the electronics suitable for them are mass-produced, unlike image intensifier tubes. Secondly, such models turn out to be more compact and lighter, but at the same time resistant to recoil; among digital "night lights" there are even solutions for large-caliber weapons. Thirdly, the matrix is not afraid of glare, so the device can be used even during the day. Fourthly, the sight can be equipped with various additional functions — for example, connect a recording device or provide IR illumination (it is useless for image intensifier tubes of early generations). On the other hand, digital models are somewhat inferior to analogue ones in terms of image quality, and the mentioned IR illumination is actually mandatory for them, which can create problems with stealth (for more details, see "Functions and Capabilities — IR Illuminator"). Therefore, this principle of operation has become widespread mainly in low-cost-level night sights.