Who hasn't dreamed of seeing in the dark as well as in broad daylight? This capability, long reserved for top-of-the-range military equipment or expensive professional devices, is finally available to the general public thanks to Akaso Seemor 200 binoculars. And not just any way: in color, please! Gone are the days of unsightly greenish images and endless black and white, replaced by night vision that faithfully reproduces natural colors.
When I discovered these binoculars on Indiegogo, I admit I was skeptical. After all, how many promising projects have turned out to be disappointments once in our hands? I've still got a few sitting in my drawer :/ But after several weeks of intensive use, it's clear that the promise has been kept. These digital binoculars are truly revolutionizing night vision.
The night vision market is currently undergoing a veritable technological revolution. The arrival of new-generation sensors, coupled with image processors boosted by artificial intelligence, means that color images can now be obtained even in very low-light conditions. This technology, increasingly found in high-end surveillance cameras, finds a particularly relevant application in the Akaso Seemor 200.
What's more, these binoculars are positioned in a very affordable price segment, well below traditional professional equipment. But can they really compete with more expensive solutions? That's what we're going to find out in this in-depth test, where we'll explore not only technical performance, but also the day-to-day user experience.
Unpacking the Akaso Seemor 200 binoculars
As soon as you receive the Akaso Seemor 200, you'll be seduced by the sober, elegant packaging, dominated by a matt black finish that inspires seriousness.
Inside the box, you'll find a particularly sturdy, rigid carrying case that will effectively protect your investment during night-time outings.
The contents are generous and well thought-out. Two 3250 mAh batteries (please note that they arrive almost discharged, so you'll need to fully charge them before using them for the first time). A USB-A to USB-C cable for recharging, a carrying strap and an illustrated user manual complete the package.
The binoculars are made mainly of plastic, which makes them appreciably lightweight. Although this material could give rise to fears of a lack of robustness, this is not the case: the device is IPX5-certified, making it resistant to water and dust.
Regrettably, however, there are no lens or screen protectors. Fortunately, the hard case is there to store them!
The 3″ TFT color screen is the heart of the user interface. It impresses with its quality, offering excellent sharpness and saturated color reproduction, making menus easy to read. Contrast is particularly good, making it pleasant to use even in difficult conditions.
The grip reveals a device with a streamlined design, even if the plastic used lacks a little grip – a rubber coating would have been preferable for a better grip. The controls are logically arranged, but their hard plastic finish doesn't provide the premium feel you'd expect.
On the underside, we find the battery compartment, which is very easy to access, making it possible to change the battery very quickly.
There's also a Usb-C port for recharging, and a micro SD slot for photo and video recording (up to 512MB).
And let's not forget the screw thread for attaching the binoculars to a tripod if required, which can be very useful for night-time observation.
AI-ISP technology: the revolution in color night vision
Color night vision represents a major technological advance in the field of night observation. The Akaso Seemor 200 uses a technology called AI-ISP (Artificial Intelligence Coupled with Image Signal Processing) that enables faithful color reproduction of up to 99%, even in very low light conditions.
The system is based on several key elements. Firstly, a large CMOS sensor (1/1.79 inch) combined with a wide F1.2 aperture captures maximum light. Next, the image processor, enhanced by artificial intelligence, analyzes each pixel in real time to optimize brightness, contrast and colorimetry.
This color night vision technology is not exclusive to Akaso Seemor. Major surveillance camera manufacturers have also adopted it. Eufy, for example, incorporates MaxColor Vision technology in its new S3 Pro camera, using a 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensor with F1.0 aperture and an ISP doped with artificial intelligence. Manufacturers such as Reolink and Eufy continue to improve their artificial intelligence algorithms to optimize night-time image processing. In particular, these advances enable better motion detection and a reduction in false positives, while maintaining optimum image quality even in total darkness.
Unlike conventional infrared systems, which produce black-and-white images, this new generation of sensors offers a more natural, immersive perception of the environment. The technology not only distinguishes colors, but also produces more detailed and precise images, making it easier to identify objects and people.
Feedback from the field
The first thing that strikes you when using Akaso Seemor 200s is the impressive quality of their color night vision. In very low light conditions, images remain remarkably true to life, with striking color reproduction.
This photo, for example, was taken in total darkness:
An interesting phenomenon occurs during use: artificial intelligence effectively cleans the image of parasites and digital noise, but only when the camera is stationary. In motion, there are a few artifacts that disappear as soon as the binoculars are stabilized.
The 16x digital zoom system makes it possible to observe details at considerable distances. Performance lives up to the manufacturer's promises: human and animal movements can be seen up to 500 meters away, and building outlines up to one kilometer. Beware, however: as with any digital zoom, image quality deteriorates significantly the higher the magnification.
Seven levels of infrared illumination offer excellent adaptability to all dark conditions. Even in total darkness, the lowest level is often enough to reveal details invisible to the naked eye. In black and white infrared mode, images are particularly sharp, with less digital noise than in color mode.
Please note, however, that battery life varies considerably depending on the mode used: up to 8 hours in color mode, but only 4 hours in infrared mode.
The 3-inch LCD screen offers good visibility, even if its definition doesn't match that of a modern smartphone. Focusing can be tricky in the dark, and optimal positioning of the face requires a little practice to get a perfectly sharp image.
The 4K recording function is handy, even if the quality remains below that of a traditional camera. Nevertheless, it's more than sufficient for documenting nocturnal observations or for surveillance use.
Conveniently, the control buttons light up if desired, simply by activating the option in the settings (the buttons are less bright than the photo, my camera having increased the brightness when I took it):
A mobile application can also be used. It lets you update the binoculars:
Or browse through the photos and videos taken:
The interest is rather limited, the main interest I find in it being to be able to display on the smartphone what the binoculars are seeing: handy when you want to observe something with several people without having to pass the binoculars from person to person, with the added risk of losing the subject you were looking at.
During my tests, I didn't have the chance to see any animals at night, but they work just as well in broad daylight ;-)
The final verdict: an affordable revolution
The Akaso Seemor 200 undeniably mark a turning point in the democratization of color night vision. At just €229 at the moment, they represent an excellent compromise between performance and affordability. Admittedly, a few aspects could be improved, notably the ergonomics of the controls and the quality of the mobile application, but these points do not detract from the overall excellence of the product.
The quality of night vision in color is simply stunning. AI-ISP technology works wonders in very low light conditions, offering an unparalleled night observation experience. The effective range, build quality and long battery life make these binoculars a versatile tool for both night wildlife enthusiasts and security professionals.
In fact, these binoculars can be used by demanding night-watchers, wildlife photographers, security guards or simply technophiles fascinated by innovations in optics. Their value for money makes them an attractive alternative to much more expensive professional equipment.
The Akaso Seemor represents a real technological breakthrough in the field of consumer night vision. They pave the way for a new generation of more affordable, high-performance color night vision devices. If you're looking for night vision binoculars that combine performance and innovation, the Akaso Seemor clearly deserve your attention. (And between you and me, being able to observe a red fox keeping its beautiful red color even in the middle of the night is priceless!)
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