Iris Innovations has announced that its Photon range of 4K Ultra High Definition Super Low Light marine cameras is now directly compatible with Garmin chartplotters, following the release of Garmin’s Q4 2026 Marine Software Update.
The new compatibility brings Photon’s exceptional low-light imaging performance directly into the Garmin ecosystem, allowing compatible GPSMAP multifunction displays to receive high-definition IP video streams from Photon cameras together with integrated camera control.
Designed specifically for marine applications, Photon uses advanced visible-spectrum imaging technology to produce exceptionally detailed, full-colour images in extremely low-light conditions — without relying on thermal imaging. This gives boat owners, professional mariners and system integrators an affordable alternative to traditional thermal night-vision systems, while providing the additional benefit of visible-spectrum detail and avoiding many of the complex export restrictions associated with high-performance thermal imaging equipment.
With Garmin integration, adding Photon night vision to a compatible navigation system becomes remarkably straightforward.
Plug-and-Play Garmin Integration
Photon is compatible with the following Garmin multifunction displays running the appropriate Q4 2026 firmware:
BlueNet MFDs
GPSMAP 9010 / 9210xsv — Firmware 45.03
GPSMAP 9013 / 9213xsv — Firmware 45.03
GPSMAP 9017 / 9217xsv — Firmware 45.03
GPSMAP 9019 / 9219 — Firmware 45.02
GPSMAP 9022 / 9222 — Firmware 45.02
GPSMAP 9024 / 9224 — Firmware 45.02
GPSMAP 9027 / 9227 — Firmware 45.02
GPSMAP 9500 Black Box — Firmware 45.02
GMN MFDs
GPSMAP 8400 / 8600 Series
GPSMAP 723 / 743 / 753 — Firmware 45.01
GPSMAP 923 / 943 / 953 — Firmware 45.01
GPSMAP 1223 / 1243 / 1253 — Firmware 45.01
GPSMAP 1523 / 1543 / 1553 — Firmware 45.01
GPSMAP 1623 / 1643 / 1653 — Firmware 45.01
Because Photon supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), installations using GMN-based Garmin systems require a Garmin PoE Isolating Coupler (Part No. 010-10580-10).
PoE isolation is not required when connecting Photon to compatible BlueNet MFDs.
Full 4K Video on Compatible Garmin Displays
For installations where the highest possible image quality is required, Photon video can also be displayed in its native 4K Ultra HD resolution on GPSMAP 8400/8600 and BlueNet Garmin 9000 Series MFDs using the Iris IP2HDMI IP Video Stream to HDMI Converter. This provides a particularly powerful solution for larger vessels, commercial operators and super-yachts, where Photon can form part of an integrated navigation, surveillance and situational-awareness system.
See More After Dark
Photon was developed to address one of the fundamental limitations of conventional marine night vision.
Where thermal imaging displays differences in temperature, Photon captures the visible scene. This enables operators to identify details such as vessel markings, navigation buoys, harbour infrastructure, floating objects and other visual information that may be difficult to distinguish using thermal imagery alone.
With 4K resolution, ultra-low-light colour performance and direct Garmin integration, Photon brings a new level of accessible night-time visibility to the helm. The result is a compact, rugged marine night-vision system designed to help recreational and professional operators see more, identify more and navigate with greater situational awareness after dark.
For more information, visit www.boat-cameras.com
