The aptly named Pocket K3 Thermal Imaging Monocular from RIX delivers night vision capability in a portable form factor. Featuring a high refresh rate and low noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD), this compact device shows what the darkness conceals, and it can capture and save videos and photos with onboard storage or Wi-Fi sharing. Four color palettes let you customize the view on the 800 x 600 resolution OLED display, and 2x optical and 1x, 2x, and 4x digital magnification lets you see the details of your target. A sliding cover protects the objective lens and will never be misplaced. Power is supplied by a rechargeable and replaceable 18650 battery.
- 384 x 288 Vanadium Oxide Sensor
- 2x Magnification, 1-4x Digital Zoom
- Under 25 mK NETD
- Black, White, Red Hot & Color Palettes
RIX Pocket K3 Overview
RIX Pocket K3 Specs
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| Sensor Size | |
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| Display | |
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| Thermal Sensitivity | |
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| Magnification | |
| Angle of View |
| Storage |
| Wireless | |
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RIX Pocket K3 Reviews
Amazing tech, not ideal for birding
The K3 is my first thermal imaging purchase. First, for the price, the imaging tech is fantastic, the mono is comfortable in the hand, and it's very easy to use. It is a great hiking companion, day or night. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is that the sliding lens cap's slider tabs broke within my first week (I have not yet contacted the OEM for repair, but their warranty policy is generous). It's a minor design flaw, but that cap is critical for protecting against scratches while stowed / pocketed, and against damage to the sensor when not in use. I would suggest RIX re-examine that part of the design on future versions. In terms of field use: I acquired it for aiding in birding, and while I have had some success with it, it is better suited for mammalian spotting (at which it is great). The field of view is also a bit tight for animals closer than about 40 yards, so it works best when you already have some idea where to point in that range. That tighter FOV is not as useful if you're trying to scan upper branches of nearby trees, so I would recommend a model with a wider field of view if your use case is like mine.
Best sub $1k monocular available
Nearly all 384 X 256+ sensor monoculars are well over a grand. I've been using the K3 for about a week and it lives up to my expectations, save one. The resolution is quite good @ 1X, but the digital zooms (2X and 4X) degrade the image so badly that they're practically unusable. They might extend your detection range occasionally at the expense of having no idea what you're looking at. Battery life is excellent, and 18650s are cheap enough to get a spare or two so you can easily keep this unit running all night if necessary. While not cheap @ $800, it's a significant step up from the 256 X 192 sensor units that run $400 - $500.
