FLIR M364C LR Long-Range Thermal Camera with Low-Light Color

The FLIR M364C LR represents the pinnacle of FLIR’s M300-series camera lineup, engineered for long-range performance to meet the needs of captains who demand the most distance and detail out of their night vision system. As the “LR” (Long Range) designation implies, this model is equipped with a narrower thermal optics package: a 25 mm telephoto lens that yields a tighter 18° x 13.5° field of view. By concentrating its focus, the M364C LR can detect heat signatures at significantly greater distances than the standard M364C. For instance, under optimal conditions the M364C LR can detect a 30-foot vessel at up to about 2.0 nautical miles (~3700 m) – several hundred meters farther than the wide-angle model. It can also pick up a human-sized target in the water at roughly 0.6 nm (~1030 m), which is an increased range that can be critical for search and rescue and wide-area surveillance.

Like the standard M364C, the M364C LR combines a high-sensitivity 640x512 thermal imager with an ultra low-light visible camera, but every aspect of this dual-payload system is optimized for use on larger, more stable platforms such as superyachts, commercial ships, and patrol vessels. The camera’s 2-axis gyro stabilization keeps the image steady, and because the LR model is intended for vessels that typically have smoother motion (due to their size and displacement), the narrow field of view becomes an advantage – these vessels can fully capitalize on the extended detection range without losing situational context. (For full situational awareness, operators often pair the LR with a second camera or make use of its fast pan/tilt to periodically scan the wider scene.)

The integrated ultra-low-light color camera in the M364C LR is also geared for distance – its 30x optical zoom lens allows crew to scrutinize far-off objects such as channel markers, other ships, or even faint shore lights and see them in color for positive identification. With Color Thermal Vision™, the LR model continues to provide the blended imagery that overlays color detail on top of the thermal view. This means a helmsman can discern critical color-coded information (for example, the red and green sectors of a lighthouse or the flashing blue light of a law enforcement vessel) directly within the thermal scene, which is immensely valuable when navigating busy waterways at night.

Despite its specialized long-range optics, the FLIR M364C LR includes all the sophisticated features of the M364C. It has Marine Video Analytics (MVA) to automatically detect and highlight non-water objects or hazards in view. It supports multiple video outputs – streaming over IP for network integration, HD-SDI for uncompressed high-definition monitoring, and analog video for legacy systems – ensuring compatibility with any bridge setup. The camera easily integrates into an existing ship’s surveillance or navigation suite, and it can be controlled from a central display (via a connected chartplotter or PC) or through a dedicated joystick controller. On large vessels, a thermal camera like this is often part of a 360° situational awareness system; the M364C LR excels in that role by providing the long-distance thermal channel that complements other shorter-range visible cameras on board.

When it comes to build quality, the M364C LR is every bit as robust as one would expect for a high-end marine device. It’s sealed to IPX6 standards for water ingress, meaning it can handle heavy seas, direct spray, and high winds (tested up to 100 knots) without issues. This durability is crucial for continuous operation on the exposed exterior of a ship in all weather conditions.

Who is the FLIR M364C LR for? It is particularly recommended for large yachts, superyachts, commercial ships, and offshore patrol vessels where the bridge crew needs to see as far as possible at night. The extended reach of the LR’s thermal and low-light sensors gives early warning of other vessels, land, icebergs, or navigation buoys that would be beyond the range of a standard camera. For surveillance and security operations, the long-range clarity provides a strategic advantage, allowing identification of targets at greater stand-off distances. In search and rescue scenarios, the ability to detect the heat signature of a person or vessel from further away can be lifesaving.

In essence, the FLIR M364C LR is the ultimate long-distance lookout for your vessel. It pushes the boundaries of what a compact marine camera can do, combining thermal imaging and low-light color vision to give you a comprehensive picture with the range and detail previously unattainable in this class. By deploying the M364C LR, captains of large ships and luxury yachts equip themselves with an unparalleled night vision system – one that ensures that nothing on the horizon goes unnoticed, even on the darkest of nights.