After much demand I have put together a comparison of our three smallest Pulsar devices. These units are very popular for birders due to their small size and lower price point. The units will fit into pockets easier and won't add too much bulk to someone carrying binoculars, camera, tripods etc.
Small but mighty!
There are three units within the smaller Axion range - the XQ30 Pro, the Compact XG30 and the Compact XG35.
The actual unit bodies of these devices are all the same size and they run from the same APS3 batteries. There are some significant differences though.
-The screen size is bigger in the Compact XG units which does help show a clearer image.
- The lens sizes are different. The XQ30 and XG30 have a smaller 30mm lens. The XG35 has a bigger 35mm lens making it a slightly bigger unit width
-The XG35 has a higher base magnification
Size comparison between a 30mm lens and a 35mm lens
Sensors
The sensor size and spec is what determines the image quality that the device can give. The XQ is the smallest sensor that Pulsar make, and the XG is the next size up.
The XQ30 Pro has a 384×288, 17µm, <25mK NETD sensor. This is a small sensor but works well for mammal or closer bird watching. This device will perform better in wet weather. You would struggle seeing small birds in thick cover unless they were close.
Both Compact XG's have a 640×480, 12µm, <40 NETD thermal sensor. This is a more powerful sensor which shows up smaller temperature differences and gives a clearer image. The image size when downloaded is bigger due to the larger sensor
Image Comparison
I popped out and took some images from each of the three units so you can compare. The middle of the pond is about 50m from where I was stood
Please bear in mind that these images will be compressed when uploaded to this website but they are as true as I can make them.
Mallard are swimming in the reeds and there is a rabbit tucked in under the small tree on the spit of land in the middle.
I hope this has helped show the differences between the units. As ever, if you would like any help or advise on what unit suits your needs then please get in touch!