Night-vision footage like you’ve never seen before

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER in a consumer video camera, footage taken in complete darkness looks like it was shot in the middle of the day. The Sionyx Aurora IR night-vision video camera uses a massive one-inch optical sensor with pixels three times larger than those of most other cameras, allowing it to gather the minuscule bits of light reflected off the moon, stars, and foliage around you. If you’ve ever been hindered by low light when using a Gopro, you’ll love it.

On a recent trip to Fire Island, enjoying the boardwalk on a moonless night, we could barely make out one figure alone on the sand. Then we looked again through the Aurora. In night mode, the OLED monocular revealed a surprise: That solitary figure was, in fact, two people, passionately kissing, and … a third person observing from a few metres beside them. Our view was nearly as good as his, although a little less creepy, and we were 20 metres away.

Priced at $799 (about R11 000), it’s for diehard outdoor enthusiasts. But it performs. It’s water-resistant and captures stills and 720p video, extending your day into night whether you’re hiking, boating, camping, or just watching the kids chase fireflies. (Law-enforcement officials have also shown interest, since it’s great for reconnaissance.) And if you bring along a cheap IR flashlight, you can use the camera in places where there’s no natural light at all, such as underwater caves, where pairs (or trios?) of people kissing will never expect you. – Dan Dubno