Gear: FLIR releases M300 Series marine camera range

The FLIR M300 Series is a new generation of thermal imaging and high-definition cameras designed for the harshest marine environments – those generally experienced by professional mariners and search and rescue services.

However, the new system is also available to recreational boaters seeking safer navigation and better integration with chartplotter electronics.

FLIR said the M300 Series features “rugged and robust” new pan and tilt housings.

Four models will offer a mix of thermal and visible imaging with either 640 or 320 resolution thermal camera cores and various fixed field of view lenses, while a fifth model – the M300C – will feature a high-definition colour low-light camera with 30-times zoom function but no thermal imaging.

The new cameras are smart enough to provide users with a steady on-screen view despite the sea state, and integrate seamlessly with the Raymarine Axiom family of chartplotters.

Two of the new models, the M364C and M364C LR, use twin sensors to blend thermal and visible imaging to enhance the detection of obstacles such as buoys, vessels and other targets at night.

FLIR said the M364C and M364C LR models feature MSX imaging technology to extract edges and borders from the visible camera, and blend them with the thermal image, making it easier to identify distant objects.

FLIR M300 Series pricing