ZEISS thermal imaging cameras for a new way of birding

At the Global BirdFair in Rutland, UK, ZEISS recently unveiled its complete range of thermal imaging devices for nature observation and birding for the first time. With the ZEISS DTI 1, DTI 3 GEN 2, DTI 4, and DTI 6, ZEISS offers a comprehensive line of thermal imaging cameras for day and nighttime observation, as well as for research and nature conservation. All the models in the ZEISS DTI family have a number of features in common: intuitive ergonomics for ease of use, excellent optics for an exceptional viewing experience with the ability to reliably recognize even the smallest details, as well as sophisticated power management.

“The use of thermal imaging cameras in nature observation and birding is becoming increasingly popular,” reported Stefan Gerner, himself an experienced birder and product manager in Nature Observation at ZEISS Consumer Products. These devices make it possible to locate, identify, and observe nocturnal birds such as owls, nightjars, and even other wildlife without disturbance from a light source during twilight and darkness, while during the day, and especially in dense brush and rough terrain, they make it easier to locate particularly camouflaged species such as snipes or bitterns. Thermal imaging cameras are also a useful tool in the fields of research and nature conservation – whether for tracking populations or observing breeding behavior, there are many applications. “This means that a thermal imaging camera is now part of many ambitious birder’s and ornithologist’s must-have gear and opens up a new way of observing nature and birds by day or night,” Gerner explained.

The ZEISS DTI 1 is a high-quality entry-level product in the thermal imaging line. In addition to the features that are typical of the DTI family, this particularly compact and lightweight thermal imaging camera has additional features such as Transition Zoom, which provides uninterrupted observation with its continuous zoom effect. The camera is rounded out by eight new color modes that, among other things, significantly reduce the screen’s glare effect and, with the new “Detection Mode,” allow heat sources to be detected more easily. The ZEISS DTI 1 is being launched with two different focal lengths: the DTI 1/19 with a field of view of 24 meters at 100 meters and a range of 1000 meters, and the DTI 1/25 with a field of view of 18 meters at 100 meters and a range of 1320 meters.

“The ZEISS DTI 3 GEN 2 builds on the DTI 3 first introduced in 2022 and offers a significant upgrade in terms of hardware and software features. In particular, the new image processor and AMOLED display deliver a significant improvement in image quality – for a remarkably detailed and sharp image. “The DTI 3 GEN 2 is an extremely versatile option among thermal imaging cameras. The advantages of the four additional observation modes are particularly evident when observing birds at closer distances in native forests or tropical rainforests,” noted Gerner. The DTI 3 GEN 2 will be offered with two focal lengths: the DTI 3/25 with a range of 930 meters and a particularly wide field of view of 26 meters, and the DTI 3/35 with a range of 1300 meters.

“With the DTI 4, we’ve taken image quality to another level,” Gerner said. Building on the features of the DTI 3 GEN 2, the DTI 4 is primarily distinguished by its higher resolution 640 x 512 px sensor. “This delivers even better image quality at all zoom levels and increased detection range – for increased detail recognition and a sharp, high-contrast image, even at longer distances.” For this reason, the DTI 4 is being offered in two focal lengths: the DTI 4/35 as well as the DTI 4/50. With the 50 mm focal length, ZEISS is offering a particularly long detection range of over 2,500 meters.

“Every detail matters when observing and identifying birds and other wildlife,” Gerner noted. Thanks to the innovative ZEISS Smart Image Processing Pro (ZSIP Pro), combined with a 640 × 480 sensor and a 1024 × 768 AMOLED display, the high-end ZEISS DTI 6 thermal imaging camera delivers particularly sharp and detailed images. Developed, designed, and manufactured in Germany, the DTI 6, with its intuitive operating concept and two interchangeable lenses, proves to be a particularly reliable and flexible companion – whether being used during the day or at night or for casual observations or scientific use.

The ZEISS DTI 1, DTI 3 GEN 2, DTI 4, and DTI 6 thermal imaging cameras are available from specialist dealers effective immediately.

Further information is available at www.zeiss.com/nature/thermal-imaging-cameras. Additional product shots application images in use can be downloaded here:

• ZEISS DTI 1
• ZEISS DTI 3 GEN 2
• ZEISS DTI 4
• ZEISS DTI 6