G5 Infrared Long-Range MWIR Cameras — Now with ATCOM Real-Time Image Enhancement
G5 Infrared, a subsidiary of LightPath Technologies and a principal of Infrared Imaging LLC, designs and manufactures high-performance cooled MWIR thermal cameras for long-range surveillance, border protection, maritime security, and critical infrastructure applications. G5 cameras now integrate an optional real-time image enhancement technology called ATCOM, developed by EM Photonics, that significantly improves image quality at long range by mitigating the effects of atmospheric turbulence.
G5 Camera Systems
G5 fixed-mount thermal cameras operate in the 3–5 µm MWIR spectral band — the optimal wavelength range for marine and high-humidity environments. All models feature continuous zoom optics, f/4 high-sensitivity lenses, cooled detectors, and environmentally sealed dry nitrogen-backfilled enclosures rated IP67 and meeting MIL-STD-810F. Operating temperature range is –32°C to +65°C. Standard and HD detectors carry an MTTF greater than 20,000 hours and a two-year warranty.
G5 cameras are offered across three range tiers:
Short Range — 640 × 512 detector, 18× continuous zoom, 32° to 1.8° horizontal field of view. Man-sized target detection in excess of 10 km. Available with 8× or 18× zoom configurations.
Mid Range — 640 × 512 or 1280 × 1024 HD detector, 18× continuous zoom, 18° to 1.0° field of view. Man-sized target detection in excess of 18 km.
Long Range — available in the 550CZ (640 × 512, 44–550mm zoom, 18 km detection) and 785CZ (640 × 512 SD or 1280 × 1024 HD, 44–785mm zoom, 25+ km detection). The 785CZ HD is the flagship model for critical infrastructure, vessel traffic management, and long-range ISR.
All models are remotely controllable via RS-232/422 serial interface and graphical user interface, with PAL/NTSC/digital video output options and support for pan/tilt platform integration.
ATCOM: Real-Time Image Enhancement
At long standoff distances, atmospheric turbulence introduces time-variant distortions that degrade image contrast, resolution, and detail — limiting the effectiveness of even the highest-performing optics. ATCOM, developed by EM Photonics, addresses this problem at the signal processing level using NVIDIA GPU-accelerated algorithms that operate in real time on live video streams.
ATCOM’s processing suite includes atmospheric turbulence mitigation, physics-based deblurring, image stabilization, and local area contrast enhancement. The system processes each incoming frame and outputs an enhanced image with no additional latency — maintaining the real-time nature of the video stream while dramatically improving image clarity at range.
Key advantages of ATCOM:
- No additional optical hardware required — pure signal processing approach
- Real-time processing of 1280 × 720 video at 30+ fps
- Compatible with virtually any camera system
- Available in software or as the ATCOM SHARP ruggedized hardware unit for edge deployment
- Validated across military surveillance, NASA mission cameras, and facial recognition applications
In documented tests, aerial imagery of ground targets at approximately 9 km showed measurable improvement in contrast and resolution after ATCOM processing, enabling operators to resolve fine features that were otherwise lost to atmospheric distortion.
Available Through Infrared Imaging
Infrared Imaging LLC offers G5 camera systems with optional ATCOM enhancement. For specifications, pricing, and a demonstration contact us at sales@infraredimaging.com or call 508-668-5650. You can also download the G5/ATCOM datasheet or watch ATCOM in action on Vimeo.
