See in Near-Total
Darkness.
The Nocturn Series is a ruggedized passive low-light camera line featuring high-definition, high-sensitivity CMOS imaging — from full daylight to quarter-moon conditions with zero active illumination required.
Passive Low-Light Imaging for Demanding Platforms.
The Nocturn Series camera cores are designed for OEM and systems integrators requiring high-sensitivity visible and near-infrared imaging in a minimal Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) envelope. The series spans from the ultra-compact XS with LVCMOS output to the plug-and-play SDI variant for broadcast-grade surveillance pipelines.
Built on a proven low-light CMOS sensor in monochrome or color, every Nocturn model shares the same core performance: 1280×1024 resolution, sub-4e⁻ read noise, and NL3 sensitivity — scalable to any integration requirement.
- Day & night imaging — full daylight to quarter-moon (NL3)
- Four video interface options: HD-SDI, CameraLink, USB 3.0, LVCMOS
- Passive 860 nm & 1064 nm laser detection
- Onboard NUC, noise removal, sharpening & contrast enhancement
- Up to 8× digital zoom (model dependent)
- Ruggedized: −40°C to +60°C operating range
- Monochrome or color CMOS sensor options
Nocturn SDI
Nocturn USB3
Nocturn XL
Nocturn XS
Four Configurations. One Proven Core.
Every Nocturn model shares the same high-sensitivity CMOS sensor — scaled to match your interface, platform, and SWaP requirements.
Plug-and-play HD video output. Ideal for broadcast-standard surveillance pipelines and vehicle-mounted systems requiring direct HD-SDI signal feed with no additional encoding hardware.
High-bandwidth USB 3.0 interface enables direct integration with PC-based machine vision systems, scientific instruments, and field-deployed laptop platforms.
Extended feature set with CameraLink or PAL/NTSC output. Designed for advanced OEM integration into armored vehicle platforms, pan-tilt gimbal systems, and demanding defense applications.
The smallest Nocturn configuration. Minimal SWaP footprint with LVCMOS output — purpose-built for handheld systems, UAVs, and any space-constrained OEM design where size and power matter most.
Full Performance Data.
Specifications apply across the Nocturn Series unless otherwise noted. Individual parameters may vary by model — contact Wilco Imaging for model-specific datasheets.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor | |
| Sensor Type | CMOS low-light — monochrome or color |
| Resolution | 1280 × 1024 pixels |
| Pixel Pitch | 9.7 μm × 9.7 μm |
| Spectral Range | 350 – 1100 nm (VIS + NIR) |
| Frame Rate | Up to 100 fps |
| Read Noise | < 4e⁻ |
| Sensitivity | Full daylight to quarter moon (NL3) |
| Interfaces & Functions | |
| Video Output | HD-SDI / CameraLink / PAL-NTSC / LVCMOS / USB 3.0 |
| Digital Zoom | Up to 8× (model dependent) |
| Image Enhancement | Non-uniformity correction, noise removal, sharpening |
| Image Processing | Noise removal, sharpening, contrast enhancement |
| Communication | Serial over USB or RS-422 |
| Laser Detection | 860 nm & 1064 nm (passive) |
| Mechanical & Environmental | |
| Dimensions | From 34.1 × 36.6 × 37.4 mm³ (model dependent) |
| Weight | From 85 g (model dependent) |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +60°C (model dependent) |
| Storage Temperature | −50°C to +80°C (model dependent) |
| Input Voltage | +5 to +12 VDC via GPIO interface |
Engineered for Integration.
Every design decision in the Nocturn Series prioritizes SWaP efficiency, environmental durability, and flexible deployment across aerial, ground, and handheld platforms.
Passive low-light CMOS imaging from full daylight down to NL3 (quarter-moon) conditions with no active illumination required — ideal for covert surveillance and low-observable platforms.
HD-SDI, CameraLink, PAL/NTSC, USB 3.0, and LVCMOS outputs allow direct integration across virtually any system architecture, frame grabber, or display pipeline.
Spectral response from 350–1100 nm enables near-infrared imaging and passive detection of 860 nm and 1064 nm laser designators without additional filter assemblies.
Starting at 85 g and from 34.1 × 36.6 × 37.4 mm³, the Nocturn's Size, Weight & Power profile suits the tightest UAV, gimbal, and handheld packaging constraints.
Rated for −40°C to +60°C operation and −50°C to +80°C storage, the Nocturn withstands the full environmental range of field-deployed defense and surveillance hardware.
Non-uniformity correction, noise removal, sharpening, and contrast enhancement are processed onboard — up to 8× digital zoom — delivering refined imagery without external processing hardware.
Where Nocturn Performs.
Proven across defense, scientific, and industrial platforms worldwide.
Product Documentation.
Download the official Nocturn Series brochure from Exosens.
Ready to Integrate the Nocturn?
Wilco Imaging's team can help you select the right Nocturn configuration — interface type, sensor format, and SWaP requirements — for your specific platform and application.