Iris Innovations has introduced the Photon, a compact ultra-low-light 4K night vision camera, aimed at enhancing marine safety for boaters navigating after dark.
Photon captures clear, full-color images in nearly complete darkness without the assistance of infrared or thermal imaging, catering to nighttime activities such as cruising, fishing, or coastal patrols.
Performance Standards
Photon maintains optimal visibility and situational awareness in real-world settings
Unlike traditional thermal cameras that may falter in low thermal contrast scenarios, the Photon maintains optimal visibility and situational awareness in real-world settings.
It boasts a minimum illumination of just 0.0003 lux, ensuring detailed, full-color video capture even under starlight. This feature, combined with its ultra-high-definition 4K resolution, positions Photon as a competitive option in the marine imaging market.
Cost-Effective Night Vision Solution
Carl Hitchcock, CEO of Iris Innovations, stated, “Photon is for anyone who wants to navigate with confidence after dark and can be used on any vessel: from leisure and sports fishing boats to yachts, commercial operators and law enforcement patrol craft.”
He emphasized that its low-light performance is delivered at a significantly lower cost compared to other thermal night vision cameras, enhancing its appeal as a practical solution for boat operators.
Seamless Integration
The inclusion of PoE connectivity eases building, with a rugged waterproof PoE injector included to ensure setup
Photon is built to withstand marine conditions, being fully EN60945 EMC compliant and IP67 rated for durability against saltwater and harsh weather. The inclusion of Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity eases installation, with a rugged waterproof PoE injector included to ensure dependable setup.
It integrates smoothly with popular navigation systems like Raymarine, Navico, Furuno, and Garmin, thanks to Iris' CMAC management system and IrisControl App for Garmin OneHelm.
Wide Range of Applications
Hitchcock also noted, “With Photon, we've combined our expertise in rugged, purpose-built camera design with state-of-the-art low-light and 4K processing technology to create a camera that’s accessible for all boat owners and operators.”
Product Launch and Availability
The Photon camera will make its debut at METSTRADE 2025 in Amsterdam this November. Priced at $1295.00, it will be available globally through Iris Innovations' dealer network by the end of November, featuring a 12 mm lens for distance viewing and an optional 2.8 mm super wide-angle lens for various marine applications.
Iris Innovations, a world pioneer in specialized marine camera technology, has announced the launch of Photon, a compact ultra-low-light 4K night vision camera designed to make safe nighttime navigation accessible to every boater.
Whether cruising after dusk, fishing before sunrise or patrolling remote coastlines, Photon delivers exceptional clarity and full-color imagery in near-total darkness – all without the need for infrared or thermal imaging.
New benchmark for performance
Unlike thermal cameras, which can struggle in low thermal contrast conditions, Photon excels in real-world environments, maintaining exceptional visibility and situational awareness. With an incredible minimum illumination of just 0.0003 lux (extremely high sensitivity to low light), the camera captures detailed, full-color video even under starlight conditions.
Combined with best-in-class ultra-high-definition 4K resolution and a highly competitive price tag, Photon sets a new benchmark for performance and value in marine imaging.
Cost of thermal and other night vision cameras
“Photon is for anyone who wants to navigate with confidence after dark and can be used on any vessel: from leisure and sports fishing boats to yachts, commercial operators and law enforcement patrol craft,” said Carl Hitchcock, CEO of Iris Innovations.
“It delivers extraordinary low-light performance at a fraction of the cost of thermal and other night vision cameras, and because it’s 4K, the detail and definition are outstanding. We’ve designed it to work seamlessly with pioneering marine electronics systems, so it’s ready for any boat.”
Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity
Built for the demands of the marine environment, Photon is fully EN60945 EMC compliant and rated to IP67, ensuring long-lasting performance in saltwater and harsh weather. Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity simplifies installation, while an included rugged, waterproof PoE injector makes setup quick and reliable.
Compatible with major navigation systems, including Raymarine, Navico (Simrad, B&G and Lowrance), Furuno and Garmin (via Iris’s CMAC management system and IrisControl App for Garmin OneHelm), Photon integrates effortlessly into modern helm displays.
Marine and commercial applications
“We’ve always focused on designing rugged, purpose-built cameras for demanding marine and commercial applications,” added Hitchcock.
“With Photon, we’ve taken that expertise and combined it with cutting-edge low-light and 4K processing technology to deliver a camera that performs brilliantly at a price point that puts it within reach for all boat owners and operators.”
Photon camera at METSTRADE 2025
Iris Innovations will be launching its Photon camera at METSTRADE 2025 in Amsterdam this November.
Retailing at just $1295.00, Photon will be available worldwide through Iris Innovations’ global dealer network from the end of November and is available with a standard 12mm lens for viewing at distance, and a 2.8mm super wide-angle lens option for rear view, side view and backup applications.
