If you are planning on hunting for UFOs (or anything else that may be hiding in the dark), you’ve probably considered purchasing some sort of night vision scope, or even a night vision camera, that can record your (potentially) extraterrestrial encounters. However, given the wide range of available options and models, it is hard to know where to start.
In the latest edition of Tech Talk with Josh and Stefan, our paranormal dynamic duo looks at the Sionyx line of night vision cameras. For reference, Sionyx offers four different levels of NVG, ranging from the basic “Sport” model (which retails for $599) to the top of the line “Pro” model (which lists for $999). In this review, the guys focus on the top-of-the-line Aurora Pro Night Vision Monocular, because that’s how they roll.
First, don’t let the “pro” part intimidate you from checking out this product because, as Stefan points out, “you do not have to be a winner to be a professional.” OK, that may not be what he meant, but it’s still a good point.
What sets the entire line of Sionyx night vision cameras apart from previous generations of night vision technology (as well as some lower cost versions currently available) is the fact that it is true digital night vision tech and not the analogue “night-assist” technology of those earlier models. (The guys note that these previous “Gen-X” versions were akin to a flashlight taped to a camcorder, which is painfully accurate)
Understanding this night-vision technology difference is important for 2 reasons. First of all, early generation night-assist tech needed a source of IR (infrared) light to truly help in the darkest of situations, where the Sionyx Pro uses a true night vision tech that, as Josh and Stefan note “could work even in a dark cave.” (What the guys might be looking for inside a dark cave is another story altogether, or maybe just part of their Fearscape Paranormal Podcast)
So, you may ask. How bright and clear is the Sionyx Pro in these minimal light situations without the assistance of an added IR light source? To test this out, the guys actually brought along their Sionyx Pro when scoping out Witches Castle in southern Indiana. And according to Stefan “the view on the screen of the Sionyx Pro was clearer than shining the flashlight in front of us to see our way.”
Josh clarified this distinction in technological terms, noting that even within the Sionyx line, the three models below the Pro were rated to function in a “near moonless” night, where the Pro is rated for operation in a “moonless” night. Once again, this means that the Pro can even work in a pitch-black environment, and without an external IR source for help. (Josh points out that he does sometimes use an IR light to aid his Pro, making his vision even lighter and brighter, but reconfirms it is not needed)
As far as convenience of use, Josh and Stefan note how the Sionyx Pro can attach to a tripod or even a GoPro, and that given the right 3-D printed bracket, it can even be mounted on a military style helmet. (They did not comment on whether the Pro can be mounted between the horns of a Viking helmet, but hey, nobody’s perfect.)
By the review’s end, it is clear there are a number of things the guys like about this camera, while their list of complaints was surprisingly small. For instance, both reviewers observed that the zoom function was smooth and powerful, yet it made an audible clicking noise that not only shows up on the recording, but could potentially scare away game (or aliens, or Bigfoot, or ghosts, or….)
Another limitation comes from the fact that although the Sionyx Pro will display GPS coordinates, date/time data and other technical info (all a definite plus), that data is not captured in the actual recording for later review. Also, contrary to Josh’s declaration, the digital display will not tell you how deep you are in the Matrix.
Speaking of recording, even with a 128 GB memory card this camera stops recording after 16 minutes and must be restarted to continue. Josh explains the financial/product classification reasoning behind this issue, and how it may be fixable with some viable workarounds and an external device.
Finally, after offering their final WARP FACTOR review of the Sionyx Pro, Josh and Stefan use their APP OF THE WEEK segment to highlight another critical tool for any would-be UFO hunter: Flight Radar 24.
This killer, relatively low-cost app (which Stefan says has a robust FREE option he uses) offers real-time flight data of nearly everything in the sky. This includes virtually all commercial and civilian flights, a large number of military flights and even drones above a certain size. And, they add, in the paid version, you can scroll back in time to check flight data against actual UFO sightings.
Bottom line: If you want to hunt for UFOs or anything else in the sky, this app (and another used to track satellites) will let you catalog nearly all Identified Flying Objects, so they don’t get confused with the unidentified ones.
Now, if we could only get the night vision scope to scroll back in time, too. Hm.
Follow and connect with author Christopher Plain on Twitter: @plain_fiction