Sionyx Aurora & PVS-14 Comparisons

Head to head, the new SiOnyx Aurora NV Action Cam, iPhone video, and a AN/PVS-14 captured with an iPhone 6+ via Carson Optics Hookupz 2.0 adapter.
There's daytime, starlight, and IR illuminated footage. Let me know what you think of the comparisons in the comments!
Gear used in this video:
☀ Laser Devices DBAL 5mW
☀ PVS-14 with Orion amber filter
☀ SiOnyx Aurora
☀ iPhone 6+
#MOZASlypod

[@The-LongRoad-Home]

You know it's incredible as I've recently purchased an Aurora Pro and the same streamlite.... I can attest that this combination of tools is absolutely incredible for the price point!

[@quarterpounderwithcheese3178]

You must've gotten the last one then because they're all sold out literally everywhere, you lucky bastard.

[@bophoto]

definitely reduce the aurora frame-rate to 30fps, as that will get each frame twice as much light exposure compared to the 60fps. that should make a huge difference in the dark parts.

[@hellcatdave1]

Good for vomiting on the head mount.

[@Eljanes123]

if you actually want to use it head mounted good luck navigating with 30 fps

[@joshuanightvision1181]

Some of this has to do with sionyx using compression but understandable at price point remember it's not a multi thousand dollar ptz camera or next generation envg cool device for what it is though 😎

[@chrisadams7206]

Hello Blackford. I am a dealer for Sionyx and think your video is about the best I've seen by way of comparison. Would it be OK if I refer potential customers to your video as a reference? I don't want to use your work for a commercial purpose without permission.

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

Of course, Chris, no problem. I think I talked to you once about getting two of my PVS14s converted into binos once upon a time - nice to have your professional compliments on my video!

[@mrsmith9350]

Whats up chris!

[@cmrtaco]

Chris - I am in the market for SiOnyx Aurora. What's your website/contact info?

[@blackfordoakes2291]

cmrtaco www.adamsindustries.com will have contact info, but I don’t see the Aurora listed with their usual government model NV.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Very similiar results to mine. I used a FLIR Sirius Gen2+ filmed through an iPhone 7. I agree that the Aurora is a great low light action cam. Especially when paired with an IR illuminator. For fighting and navigating in the dark I would go with a conventional analogous Gen2 or Gen3 NVD.

[@AussieStandsWithRussia]

Totally blown away by my Aurora pro. I got a few upgrades from Etsy like the pvs 14 eye cup adapter and a custom J arm for the helmet mount. Honestly yes the pvs 14 has less noise and no lag however I believe with my settings that on the aurora as seen above you have far better recognition of the the detail and ground surfaces then with the pvs 14. The aurora is not a fighting nvg but If used to approach an area and being able to identify people, targets and assets prior to moving into position the aurora is superior

[@PhoenixRising62]

The Sionyx looks pretty good for Digital, but could you add information on the Image Tube used in the PVS-14? I've been playing with night vision for a pretty long time and both the clarity and amplification on the PVS-14 look really low for what I am used to seeing out of a PVS-14 (and the ones that I have put together are using older tubes... likely Omni II or III 45 lp/mm). If you check in my channel I have some footage showing both video through a PVS-14 with early gen 3 tube (compared to home built thermal), and a Home Built Gen 2 scope using an MX-9644 tube (the tube that the older PVS-4 night vision scopes used) for comparison. I hope to be able to compare NV vs. Thermal vs. Digital soon (have a Sightmark Wraith on Pre-Order). Thanks for the Video!

[@WeeabooShipPoster]

4:43 - windigo crossing the road

[@JM-mz7wx]

Thanks for this. My Aurora is being delivered tomorrow. Very much look forward to it. 87

[@JM-mz7wx]

@Maine Jackal it can absolutely be helmet mounted. That's how I use mine for hog hunting

[@SynthoidSounds]

I currently use a gen3 PVS-14 mil spec night vision scope for sky watching, "NV enhanced astronomy" as some call it, and also to track satellites as they cross the night sky. The gen3 ITT tube is a true photonic amplifier, in that it magnifies the amplitude of the incoming photons from any source (is not IR specific). My curiosity was to consider using SiOnyx for the same type of application, but there wasn't enough night sky comparison shots in the video to judge that comparison. What did get my attention, though, was the roughness of signal noise with the SiOnyx at 3:00 - 3:20 . . . it seemed that as soon as the ambient light level dropped below a given minimum, the image quality got very noisy. Was just wondering if anyone else has used the SiONyx for this type of night sky watching application? It should be noted that the difference between a gen1 or gen1+ and gen3 PVS-14 tube is extreme, very definite. If you were using a gen1 type of PVS-14 for this comparison, that could be a bit misleading. In fairness, though, the gen3 NV scopes can be very pricey. Any comment you might want to offer is appreciated.

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

Might be interesting to check this video for clarity of stars in a time lapse: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5ibdXdrmdqGhrM

[@Sabactus]

So these tests were done with IR illumination and an IR aiming device? Really wish it was a side by side of Aurora vs PVS-14 (sans filter) vs regular camera. Just to get an idea of the absolute effect.

[@joejeans7913]

Nice Unit for the $ whats the best model for a head mount. to pair up with my MH25 thermal? what tube does that PVS 14 have in it?

[@The-LongRoad-Home]

most likely GEN two white phosphorus... PVS is exceptional but we are kind of seeing the difference huh...If you haven't seen the Aurora pro footage definitely check it out brother...Shit this gear is exceptional for the price!

[@joejeans7913]

@@The-LongRoad-Home yeah Im really considering pulling the trigger. I was dead set on getting a PVS14 gen 3 WP un filmed . but now Im seriously looking into the sport model. I wish I could try both for one hour so I could decide.

[@Presidentialrun2028]

The two seem to shine is areas the other does not. Interesting video.

[@chadwalker8859]

Great job on the comparison! I’m really impressed with the SiOnyx resolution and detail. I assume the recorded image is even degraded some? I really want the aurora soon. How impressed are you with the performance?

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

I think the KZbin video end result IS a little worse than what was native to the camera. A couple points: 1.) Using the amber filter was probably a mistake for filming: When using a PVS14 directly on your eye for hours at a time, the Orion or Wilcox filters are awesome. Not as hard on the eye as the green native output. But when putting a filter inbetween the iPhone and the PVS, it's got to be degrading the capture a tad. 2.) The SiOnyx is pretty unusable in complete darkness, but add even a little IR illuminator, and it "wakes up" the image better than a PVS14 because of the added clarity you get from the different colorization cues. 3.) I tried mounting the SiOnyx to a Team Wendy helmet with a Wilcox mount, and while it "sort of fits", a.) the eye needs to be right on the viewfinder or the unit turns off (proximity on/off), and b.) the magnification/lens view is a little off. It's usable to walk around with it, but size/perspective isn't pure zero like a PVS14. 3.) Both units need to be focused, there's no near and far field at the same time. I used the Streamlight IR torch because it reaches out way farther than the Surefire M600 KM2 I use for near-field. That light excels in room-to-room movement, but isn't a waytheheck out there lamp. I might do a video with the Surefire and the PVS compared to SiOnyx to show what closer in work might look like.

[@chadwalker8859]

Blackford Oakes Thank you for the reply and great in depth testing! I think the SiOnyx and a good IR Illuminator will give me a good alternative to a PVS14 to get into the night vision game. I eventually want a PVS14, but the budget won’t permit it at this time.

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

Further note: I'm going to run a similar (tripod) test in the dark part of the grove (as shown at 3:02 or so) but with the FPS turned down to 15 or 30 on the SiOnyx - I believe that will allow for more light capture to happen. I hadthe SiOnyx turned up to 60FPS to minimize the jitter and smooth the movement when fast panning or walking around, as well as to head-to-head it with the iPhone FPS rate. But if you're in a deer blind, or other static position, if you don't mind the "refresh rate" lag effect, you can probably get more light gathering in the darker areas. There's interesting areas in the video above where the PVS looks to blow the SiOnyx away in clarify, and certainly in super low light, but then again, I find myself preferring the SiOnyx image in other areas - look at 2:08 on, once the low light noise dies down on the SiOnyx, and from there on, the house lights bloom out the PVS, whereas the SiOnyx has better distinction due to the lights not washing it out and color separation.

[@chadwalker8859]

Blackford Oakes I definitely see what you mean. At around 2:30 the color detail and clarity of the SiOnyx looks real sharp!

[@nwss9053]

what the tune used in the video? stellar comparison

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

Actually, there's a (probably uninteresting) story behind that... :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHW2ZGeMoNmVY9E

[@joejeans7913]

This unit can be used in the day without damage?

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

Correct.

[@taskforcedeltacanada6708]

I like the setup, too bad you didnt try 720P 30fps or even at 24fps when comparing to PVS14. More of a fair comparison and a better picture on the Aurora.

[@Eljanes123]

nope its not fair, sense one can be then used as head mounted and the other will make you throw up

[@MarioRuscovici]

This video shows that with an IR Illuminator, the Sionyx holds its own to PVS14. However which Sionyx was this? Sport or Pro?

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

It was the very first generation prior to the Pro or White models even coming out.

[@poolee77]

Definitely an interesting option. Something I could see being useful for static surveillance, in light polluted environments. Until they make it able to be practically helmet-mounted and clean up that low-light noise I don't think it will beat out the legacy systems for war-fighting. For $800, in your opinion, is this better than just getting a good Gen 2+ mono? I only have experience with Gen 3 OMNI IV/V tubes. In the ANVIS-9 and PVS-14 systems.

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

I've only got Gen 3 NV, so can't speak to lesser / older units vs. this. I think my take away is that the SiOnyx is a very neat tool in the box for static use (deer blind, etc.), surveillance, and for nighttime video and photos. If I have a need for active use, walking-around-with NV, I'd go with one of my PVS14s. I haven't mounted this to a rifle yet, but probably will soon to see how it works with my DBAL illuminator and aimer. Or a MAWL, which might be a better choice. (I used to have a MAWL pre-production unit before they came out - nice illum that would be a fit here - but had to give it back!) Either way, this unit really benefits with the addition of external IR illum, but when it's got it - it really pops and works great with the color and clarity.

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Wilcox is coming out with a dovetail adapter

[@troubleinbound]

There's ways to mount it to a helmet, their insta shows two units set up on a bump helmet with a Wilcox mount.

[@mackenziecarlson9050]

Digital night vision lags too much for helmet mounting imo. Pvs14 is real time.

[@atonefew]

Excellent comparison video. I am curious which gen PVS14 you have as it would give a better idea of the clarity differences between them.

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

Gen 3 - But the Amber Orion filter might be degrading what’s making it to the iPhone. I’ll run some video with the filter off soon. Filter is great for eyes, but dims it a bit with an iPhone!

[@atonefew]

I'd have to agree with iPhone not picking up the details from the Gen3. Appreciate the side by side of them both for sure though, thanks.@@ScapegoatIndustries

[@rightOrWrongMyCountry]

It's really not bad for only 720p. when 4k is almost everywhere.

[@nguyenthehongduc]

what kind of Images intensifier tube? it's really bad or you shut the day filter in. extremely camera btw

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

There's always going to be light loss using a cameraphone through an adapter vs. what the eye sees through the viewfinder. But, you should try to video your PVS-14 and see if the results are similar.

[@TheTeeDay]

I feel like when they make a gen 2 version is when I will buy it

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

You know they just announced Gen 2 a few weeks ago? The SiOnyx Pro model was released at Shot Show.

[@TheTeeDay]

Blackford Oakes seems like a small update.

[@mig1nc]

The difference between 5:15 and 5:25 is pretty staggering. Is that just video compression? Or does it really look like that?

[@mig1nc]

Also, was black/white better than color?

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

Straight up, the PVS blows it away in complete darkness. But like you said: add a little Illuminator and the Sionyx is very interesting. That artifacting is what it looks like in high darkness. The crisp, defined video ten seconds later has some IR illumination.

[@zinlioren]

Hi Blackford. I am in an awkward situation where I have to give opinions on Aurora against other military grade night vision cameras. I have no experience with any military types of equipment at all. Could you tell me which one do you think will perform better for military use? (since I don't have any military experience, I have to compare the Aurora in the way I think the military will use. Aurora is the only night vision camera I have on hand so I can't do a side by side comparison either, your point of view will be very helpful) Thanks.

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

You have to give opinions to who? If you're advising someone, then it would behoove you to have actual experience with the comparison products! :) But, you asked: "which one will perform better for military use" - Military use for what? Recording training or operations? Or as an alternative to head-or-weapon mounted NV? I think it's important to note that - no matter how cool it may be - the Aurora ISN'T a military grade NVD. It's a civilian use action camera with really impressive low light abilities. "Military Grade" equipment from L3, BAE, ITT, etc., is drop tested, water tested, and all those other things that are needed when sending goodguys parachuting out hatches of airplanes and into cold oceans, being shot at, falling down cliffs, you know... things like that. So, if we establish that it's for recording things that happen in low light environments, then that's what it excels at. If it's to be mounted on a helmet or weapon - NO - the military would be best served with the hardened gear that they're issued. Rather than comparing it to military NV, it might be worthwhile to compare this to, say, the MOHOC action camera. Those two items might be a little more apples-to-apples... They both are video and still cameras that military might use to record training and operations. They have pros and cons at that point, with the obvious pro for the Aurora being its light capabilities. The obvious con of the Aurora would be in relation to the MOHOC's lead on durability, dedicated helmet mounting solution, and simple interface to use wearing gloves while under stress. I'm not aware of too many other solutions used by military with the sole purpose to video record other than the Wilcox MHRS, which is issued to some coolkid units and interfaces with existing NV. Like many civilian products that have found their way into the military toolbox (Family Mobile Radios, etc.), this could certainly find creative uses augmenting military operations, but isn't a hardened product that one should try to call "military grade".

[@heyarno]

I wouldn't recommend the Aurora in modern combat. It's radio emissions are easy to intercept. So by using it, you might end up spying for the enemy.

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

@@heyarno Another good reason! A lot of people are excited about the Aurora, but again - it's important to remember that it's a cool action camera, not a FLIR T90 or something! :)

[@zinlioren]

Blackford Oakes Thank you so much for your reply! It is exactly just what I need. I’m actually doing the review for a company who want to establish connection(and business) between SiOnyx and foreign military, due to the circumstances they have to let me give them an in depth review so they can decide if the product is worthy for them to begin business with. Since they are just a random small supplier for military, they do not know what the military will use it for, but they do need to present the product with all the details that they want me to find out. The small supplier company doesn’t want to fly to Washington unless the camera is worth it so that’s why I’m here : / Again, thank you so much for your in depth reply!

[@zinlioren]

Arno nümuss Thank you Arno, I will mark this down

[@Bert2368]

An instrumental version of "Vincent Black Lightning"?!

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

Good catch - the backstory here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHW2ZGeMoNmVY9E

[@bosnia58]

I was planing to buy aurora pro but this review is telling me not to because sionyx is not really good as they say is no thanks.

[@mamadoudupont-aignan1786]

Syonix aurora get 4k 60 fps ?

[@danwhiteman2529]

1952 Vincent Black Lightning 👍

[@aestheticsdesign1095]

why 60FPS on siOnyx...? the image is worst at night! 24 fps would be a lot better.-

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

You're correct. This was one of the very first footage videos of the Sionyx when it first came out, I had access to one before they were sold, and didn't have suggested settings. I just apples-to-apples with the iPhone video settings.

[@dlim4325]

What are the PVS14 tube stats? I ask because that looks like a very low stat ungated PVS14, like an Omni 3 or older unit that is exportable from the US due to low FOM. It looks like its got high halo, lots of glare from not being auto gated, and low resolution and SNR from the dark and soft image. If you dont have the resolution, SNR, halo, EBI stats, do you at least have the tube make, model, and year of manufacture? Does it not have manual gain or us that as bright as it gets? I have not seen a Gen 3 PVS14 image that dark and wondering if it is an issue with your phone or just a lower end PVS14, because I have not seen a Gen3 PVS14 that dark.

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

One of my PVS14s says "ANVS, INC SLC, UT USA" Model ANVS1347, from 11/06. The other is more recent, but I didn't feel like cracking it open and getting dust in it. Both whine on startup, so Autogated is assumed.

[@jesseburlison1071]

can someone tell this company to boost the frame rate and make a helmet mountable version, maybe even a dual tube version.

[@bophoto]

boosting frame rate makes the video grainier because each frame then gets less light. ;-)

[@Mr_Glenn]

You can do all of this yourself. It goes to 60hz, and if you want to helmet mount it, you can. Even dual mount.

[@jakewolfert4069]

Why does the aurora look great sometimes and also really bad at like 2:08

[@sgtn00dle]

It's very dependent on ambient light. In dark spots without a lot of background light, it'll look super noisy.

[@jjohnston6645]

That for sure is a low end Gen, I have a PVS14 ITT Gen 3 that is way way brighter than that PVS 14, how every the SiOnyx is pretty cool

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

It's not a low-end unit, but agreed that it doesn't look as good as it "should" because you've got to take into account that the digital footage coming from the SiOnyx is native through a videocamera. Whereas the NV is being captured through an iPhone held behind the lens of the PVS14. The naked eye is going to see much less light loss stuck right up to the PVS14, as opposed to multiple layers of glass and sensors trying to capture what the eye sees. Add the Orion amber filter to the PVS (which looks good to the eye, but captures less brightly than native green tube display) and you're not getting all the PVS14 is capable of. It's still an honest take and approach here: This is what you'd get trying to take a video with a PVS14... which doesn't have video out capabilities. Obviously a digital camera capturing straight to an internal memory card is going to have a less adulterated image than a sandwich of optics trying to do what they weren't made to do.

[@jjohnston6645]

It's looking like a GEN 1 or Grade b GEN 2

[@Mr_Glenn]

@@jjohnston6645 not even close, dude.

[@remmo_2725]

Compare it with pvs14 with mx10160-C AVS6 tube 😁

[@blackfordoakes2291]

omer turkic send one over and I will. :)

[@muhammadalrofat6435]

0:17 and 02:12

[@edtechwallah]

how to buy this in Singapore

[@tomjjackson21]

You gotta be kidding me... What's the catch? This thing seems almost too good to be true.

[@nemisous83]

@000 000 not necessarily, IR light I only needed when its pitch black, which mind you evebbn the PVS14 needs help when it's that dark hence why soldiers have IR flashlights.

[@nemisous83]

@000 000 I'm not sure what's more ignorant, the fact that you think the Aurora is the best Digiral has to offer or that Analog will remain the king for the foreseeable future. Take a look at the x27 and get back to me.

[@nemisous83]

@000 000the Sony cip are almost gen3 quality and have the ability to distinguish IR light from ambient light which Photocathode cannot do, not only that but Digitial has the ability to see in color instead of one palette of monotone green or blue. Also on top of that digital doesnt have a tube life. Also Sony is about to release their newest chip which is supposed to be even more sensitive to ambient light than their current chip. So as the years go on Digital is only going to get better where as Photocathode has literally hit a development wall in terms of performance and how far they can take Photocathode tubes.

[@apsaffles531]

@000 000 000 000 you're a douchebag, nick Graham thanks for the video

[@apsaffles531]

@000 000 I stand corrected. Thank you blackford oaks for the video, thanks Nick for your input, 000 000... you're still a douchebag.

[@codemonkeymojo]

I have the Aurora, he is clearly taking some of the video in the twilight mode, which is why it is so grainy. The night mode....for night time...is better, duh. It's almost like day with mine. The twilight mode is grainy at night. 110 subs, take this video with a grain of salt. And I doubt that is a PVS 14, nowhere near as good as a real PVS-14, maybe a Chinese knock off....

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

The PVS-14 is a US government (Navy) issued one. Probably not a knockoff.

[@voidstrider4106]

Our pvs14s were ass compared to this lol

[@johndavis1312]

That pvs14 is junk, nowhere near gen3

[@ScapegoatIndustries]

It's a US military issued one.

[@johndavis1312]

@@ScapegoatIndustries lol soooo? Is it gen 2 or gen 3? Take the amber filter off? Its not focused? Your camera isnt bad by any means but compare it to good nvgs, not that.

[@cpm-3374]

Sionyx commercial shit