Beyond the Specs: Our Real-World Experience with the NocPix Slim H35

At Cape Thermal, we live and breathe thermal imaging. So, when NocPix South Africa generously loaned our team a brand-new NocPix Slim H35, we were more than excited to put it through its paces in a "longer-term" test. This isn't just another review; it's our firsthand account of working with a device that's quickly becoming a standout in the professional and enthusiast market.

Field Test at 50 and 100 meters.
 

A True 2-in-1 Game-Changer

The NocPix Slim H35 isn't just a thermal device; it's a versatile 2-in-1 handheld thermal scope and monocular. This means you can seamlessly transition between using it as a comfortable monocular for scouting or observation, and quickly mount it onto a rail using the included quick-release Picatinny adapter for more precise applications. This adaptability is a significant advantage, offering flexibility that many other devices simply can't match.

Powering Your Vision: Non-Proprietary Batteries for Peace of Mind

One of the first things that impressed us about the Slim H35 is its thoughtful power solution. It utilizes a single standard 18650mAh lithium-ion battery. NocPix even includes two of these batteries and an external charger in the package. Why is this a big deal? Unlike some popular brands that rely on proprietary batteries, the H35's power source is readily available and non-proprietary. We've unfortunately seen instances where customers have been left with expensive, unusable thermal investments just a couple of years down the line because proprietary batteries were no longer supplied by manufacturers. The NocPix Slim H35 avoids this pitfall entirely, ensuring your thermal investment remains usable and valuable for years to come.

"Jissie, It's Nice!": Unpacking the User Experience

Our team, who collectively "eat, breathe, smoke, and drink thermal," came back noticeably impressed. We even had staff literally exclaim, "jissie, it's nice, we don't know what they've done, it's a bloody nice experience." This sentiment wasn't just anecdotal; during several client demonstrations where we showcased multiple brands, the Slim H35 was the clear winner in terms of overall capabilities and user attention.

A significant part of this positive experience comes from NocPix's fantastic job with their Ocular display. It genuinely feels as though it boasts a far higher resolution than its actual specifications, providing a viewing experience akin to a significantly larger lens while remarkably maintaining a wider field of view and increased detection capabilities.

A Fresh Perspective: The Green Monochrome Revolution

While "black hot" and "white hot" have long been the go-to thermal palettes, we found ourselves particularly enjoying and frequently using the newly released red and green monochrome color palettes. The green monochrome, in particular, quickly became our team's preferred choice, often replacing our previous reliance on black or white hot. This preference might stem from a touch of nostalgia, as it closely mimics the classic night vision aesthetic seen in movies. Objectively, however, we found this palette offered a vibrant color experience that made it significantly easier and faster to detect and identify targets.

Ergonomics and Robust Technology

Weighing in at a mere 500g including the battery, the Slim H35 is seriously lightweight. Its compact design also makes it incredibly easy to handle, especially when compared to other 35mm offerings in its class. This ergonomic advantage means less fatigue during extended use and greater portability in the field.

Looking inwards at the core technology, the H35 boasts a 640x512px thermal sensor, a 12-micrometer pixel pitch, and a NETD of <18mK. At the time of writing, these specifications still represent the pinnacle of current thermal technology, offering exceptional performance and clarity.

The device also includes essential features like WiFi connectivity, standard tripod mountability, and a durable, removable lens cap – marked improvements over older InfiRay devices (NocPix is an InfiRay brand).

The NUC Reduction: A Near-Elimination of Stutter

During our testing, we observed a significant reduction in NUC (Non-Uniformity Correction) related calibration stuttering. In this class of devices, differences in NUC performance are usually slight, with perhaps a 10-20% variance between models. With the NocPix Slim H35, the NUC problem felt almost non-existent, leading to a much smoother and more consistent viewing experience.

Our Verdict

Overall, our "longer-term" test with the NocPix Slim H35 confirmed what we saw in client demonstrations: it's a star performer. Our experienced staff, who are intimately familiar with a wide range of thermal devices, were genuinely impressed.

If you're seeking a versatile thermal device capable of everything from detailed nature photography to effective pest control, the NocPix Slim H35 is undoubtedly worth your serious consideration. Its blend of innovative features, user-friendly design, and robust performance truly sets a new benchmark.

Curious to see more? Remember to check out our thermal detection calculator tool to understand how different specifications might impact your detection capabilities: https://shop.capethermal.com/pages/dri-calculator