Garmin integrates Iris Photon 4K night-vision cameras

Iris Innovations’ Photon range of 4K Ultra High Definition low-light marine cameras is now compatible with selected Garmin GPSMAP chartplotters following Garmin’s Q4 2026 Marine Software Update.

The update comes three weeks after Garmin introduced a range of new marine products covering autopilot, instrumentation and audio, including the SmartDrive autopilot for sailboats and catamarans, the GMI 40 multipurpose marine instrument, and new JL Audio A60 and M200 systems.

GPSMAP displays can now receive Photon IP video streams

The integration allows compatible GPSMAP multifunction displays to receive IP video streams from Photon cameras and provides camera control through the Garmin system. Photon uses visible-spectrum imaging rather than thermal imaging to produce full-colour images in low-light conditions.

The cameras provide visual information that may be difficult to distinguish with thermal imaging alone, such as vessel markings, navigation buoys, harbour infrastructure and floating objects.

Photon is compatible with a range of Garmin multifunction displays running updated Q4 2026 firmware. For BlueNet MFDs, supported models include the GPSMAP 9010, 9013, 9017, 9019, 9022, 9024 and 9027 series, along with the GPSMAP 9500 Black Box. Firmware versions range from 45.02 to 45.03 depending on the model.

GMN MFD compatibility covers the GPSMAP 8400 and 8600 Series, as well as the GPSMAP 723, 743, 753, 923, 943, 953, 1223, 1243, 1253, 1523, 1543, 1553, 1623, 1643 and 1653 models. The listed models require firmware 45.01 where specified.

Photon supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). Garmin systems based on GMN MFDs therefore require a Garmin PoE Isolating Coupler, part number 010-10580-10. The coupler is not required when Photon is connected to compatible BlueNet MFDs.

For installations requiring the camera’s native 4K Ultra HD resolution, Photon video can be displayed on GPSMAP 8400/8600 and Garmin BlueNet 9000 Series MFDs using the Iris IP2HDMI IP Video Stream to HDMI Converter. This means the camera can be incorporated into navigation, surveillance and situational-awareness systems.

Photon’s visible-spectrum approach differs from thermal imaging, which detects differences in temperature. Instead, the system captures the visible scene, with its 4K resolution providing colour detail in very low-light conditions.