A dual camera system uses a single lens and no moving parts in the optical
path. A single lens directs a desired scene to a partially reflective
beamsplitting mirror, thence to a pair of image sensors. For day/night
operation, one sensor may be optimized for nighttime sensitivity, while
the other is optimized for daytime operation. Alternatively, one optical
path may have greater magnification, thus allowing electronic zooming
with no resolution loss. The system may be enhanced with an image
intensifier for nighttime operation; digital sensors for improved
resolution, or orthogonal gyroscopic accelerometers for image
stabilization. Additionally, the monochrome and color images may be
produced simultaneously and `fused` algorithmically, yielding an
improvement in sensitivity and color resolution compared with a
conventional color camera.