Best Thermal Imaging Camera

To identify and record heat sources in the dark, a thermal imaging camera is the most obvious piece of tech to invest in.

One can be used for finding areas in the home or workplace that are emitting too much heat – which could lead to big savings on energy bills. Many work well for various other types of structural inspections, such as areas where there is water damage and mechanical failures in a building.

These heat-sensing cameras also have long-established uses in the security realm, where they can be used to capture images of intruders in the dark. They are favored by hunters and wildlife enthusiasts that want to identify areas where wildlife commonly reside at night. Plus, there are very clear tactical surveillance applications for such a camera.

Best Thermal Imaging Cameras

1. FLIR ONE Pro

The FLIR One is a very portable yet professional-grade mobile accessory for anyone that requires exceptional thermal imaging in the structural detection realm.

Key Features

• 500 radiometric image capacity
• 4800 pixels
• 14 to 302°F thermal range
• MSX image enhancement
• 1-hour battery life
• 40 minute charge time
• Fixes to iOS phone/tablet

This small accessory works with your iOS device to detect invisible structural issues with superb accuracy and clarity.

The thermal resolution is very impressive and this product has been designed for commercial purposes only. It’s also incredibly easy to charge and it allows you to measure issues from a safe distance.

Pros

• Extremely portable
• Attaches easily
• High-quality thermal imagery
• Large thermal detection range
• Finds heat loss and water damage
• Can detect electrical issues

Cons

• Export controlled under US regulations for non-US-military end users

Why it’s recommended: For professionals, this thermal camera is an easy to carry attachment that will provide you with a way to see hidden structural, mechanical, and electrical issues.

2. FLIR E6-XT

The FLIR E6-XT is an advanced handheld infrared camera option with an extended temperature range and has incredible image resolution – allowing a user to see astoundingly clear infrared imagery.

Key Features

• 240×180 infrared resolution
• 20 to 550 degrees celsius heat range
• MSX thermal technology
• Weighs 1.26 ounces.
• Wifi-connectivity
• E6-XT camera
• Radiometric JPEG image capture

The FLIR E6-XT provides superb features for advanced building inspections. It’s tough and lightweight design only requires one hand to operate.

It also gives you picture overlays of a thermal image to help identify problem areas in a building, as well as providing enhanced documentation.

Pros

• Lightweight and tough
• Ergonomic design
• Excellent clarity
• One-handed operation
• Radiometric images
• Extended temperature range
• Instant data sharing

Cons

• High-end pricing

Why it’s recommended: This is a thermal camera that can be used easily for professional work, where you need to provide data and evidence of your findings. Moreover, it’s packed with high-quality specs and will perform any required tasks well.

3. FLIR C3-X

The FLIR C3-X is a compact style thermal camera that is easy to carry on the move. It’s easily pocketed and comes as a standard model, or wifi enabled version.

Key Features

• Building industry focused design
• Compact and portable
• MSX thermal image enhancement
• Precision molded casing
• IP54 water and dust resistant
• Can withstand a 2m drop
• 3.5-inch screen
• Flir Tools software included
• Wide field of view

As a building industry-focused design, the FLIR C3 can detect hidden heat patterns that indicate energy wastage. It’s useful for finding structural defects and plumbing problems within a building too.

And, it allows the user to detect where structural repairs, that are invisible to the naked eye, have been carried out by using radiometric imagery.

Pros

• Lightweight at 6.7 ounces
• Pocket-sized design
• High sensitivity
• Rechargeable lithium polymer battery
• Optional voltage/moisture pen packages
• Multi-purpose detection
• Clear viewing screen
• Good value for the money

Cons

• Not ideal for in-depth moisture inspections

Why it’s recommended: For a thermal camera within its price range, the Flir C3-X offers a lot of value for money. It’s recommended as a handy tool for anyone regularly carrying out structural inspections.

4. Seek Revealpro

As a truly rugged design, the Seek Thermal Revealpro works well for professionals that need a product that will last the test of time.

Key Features

• 320×240 thermal sensor
• 300 lumen LED flashlight
• Tough rubberized casing
• 32 degrees field of view
• -40 to 626°F detection range
• 4 emissivity options
• 9 Hz frame
• Large colorful display

Made to detect heat, water, and electrical related issues in buildings, this thermal camera is the perfect tool for professionals that want to get the job done properly.

It features a fixed-focus lens and exceptional clarity so you can really find out where an otherwise invisible problem is located.

Pros

• Tough and durable construction
• Small and portable
• Wide field of view
• Large temperature detection range
• Includes a useful flashlight
• Auto span and level control

Cons

• Slightly on the expensive side relative to other similar options

Why it’s recommended: The biggest draw to this thermal camera design is that it has been ruggedized, meaning it should be hard-wearing and reliable over a long period.

5. Fluke PTi120

One of the real benefits of this Fluke PTi120 Thermal Imager is that you can asset tag your photos so they can be easily found and organized efficiently.

Key Features

• Asset tagging
• Compact and portable design
• Water/dirt resistance
• 5 inch LCD touchscreen
• IR-fusion technology
• Radiometric thermal imagery
• 120×90 pixel IR resolution

A simple and effective thermal imaging solution for construction professionals offered by Fluke. It works well in scanning electrical panels, motors, and HVAC systems for problematic areas.

Plus, it is a rugged design that can withstand heavy use out on building sites, making it a long-lasting and reliable option.

Pros

• Intuitive to use
• Easy to find images
• Very portable design
• Comes with a carry case and lanyard
• Large and clear touchscreen
• Mix normal and IR images
• Good Flir alternative

Cons

• Computing speed is a little slow compared to pricier alternatives

Why it’s recommended: The asset tagging aspect, as well as the portability of this Fluke IR camera, make it an attractive proposition. It comes as a solid design and should last the test of time.

6. Seek Compact

For the budget-minded, this Seek Thermal Compact offers an “all-purpose” thermal image capturing solution and can be used with Android and MicroUSB technology.

Key Features

• 206×156 thermal sensor
• 36 degrees field of view
• Lens focus
• -40-626°F detection range
• Photo and video capture
• Choice of 9 color palettes
• Powered by phone/tablet/laptop

Given the price, this simple to use battery-free thermal camera design can be used by homeowners to seek out structural issues in a building. Such issues could include water damage, mechanical failures, and areas of heat loss, that can not be identified with the naked eye.

Pros

• No batteries required
• Easy to use design
• Software included
• Ideal for homeowners
• Decent field of view
• Good heat-sensing range
• Waterproof case included

Cons

• Not ideal for professional work

Why it’s recommended: Whether you require thermal imaging for particular tasks, or just want one for the fun of it, this inexpensive Seek Thermal Compact camera is a great option. And, it won’t break the bank.

7. Spectrum Zohulu

This Spectrum Camcorder is packed full of modern technology so it can capture high definition videos and images.

Key Features

• External IR Illumination
• 32gb SD card
• 1080p recording
• 4K Ultra HD 30x digitally enhanced zoom
• Webcam functionality
• Automatic file compression
• Wifi-enabled
• Android/iPhone apps
• IPS touchscreen

It uses a built-in external infrared LED light for its IR mode which saves on huge amounts of battery life with the main unit. It also saves video files and compresses them automatically to allow for more storage capacity.

The zoom function means that this camera can be used for viewing game or wildlife from afar, and it can be used in both night and day effectively.

Pros

• High definition imagery
• Long-lasting battery life
• Video night and day
• Good for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts
• Excellent zoom function
• Large storage capacity
• Batteries and SD card included
• Wide-angle viewing

Cons

• The sound quality could be improved slightly

Why it’s recommended: Some people prefer a full camcorder type set-up which can work for them at night as well as in the day. By using a separate IR light, this ingenious design gives you night visuals without draining the camcorder’s batteries.

8. PerfectPrime IR0280

At a very reasonable price, this PerfectPrime IR02080 camera and video recorder offers great value for the money, given all the features packed into the design.

Key Features

• 32×32 thermal resolution
• Simple touch screen controls
• Real-time temperature readings
• -22 to 1832 °F temperature range
• Radiometry data reports/analysis
• Works on an Android platform
• 1024 pixel camera

This camera produces accurate thermal graphic reports that can be analyzed easily on the device itself, or separately on a computer.

The touch screen operation makes using the device straightforward and intuitive for the user. Plus, you can record thermal viewing and analyze the visuals at a later time.

Pros

• Excellent budget option
• Fluid real-time info and camera movement
• Lightweight and ergonomic
• Good battery life
• Can easily attach a tripod
• Straightforward file management
• Easy to follow manual

Cons

• Heat spot detection could be more precise

Why it’s recommended: Quite simply, this is a low budget thermal capture device that’s easy to use and offers a great range of features that you would not expect in this price range.

9. Seek Shot

As an all-purpose thermal imaging camera option, this Seek Shot design is great value for money, compact, lightweight, and ultra-portable.

Key Features

• 36 degrees field of view
• 206×156 thermal sensor
• Seekfusion technology
• In-device analysis
• Wifi streaming available
• Large touchscreen
• Customizable spot temperatures
• Eight color palettes

Made for both professionals and homeowners, this thermographic camera allows you to notice issues in structures, electronics, plumbing, or mechanics that can not be seen by the naked eye.

Once images have been captured, it’s also incredibly simple to get straight into the analysis just using the device itself. The wifi streaming aspect is great for sharing your findings in real-time.

Pros

• Affordable thermographic camera option
• Easy analysis tools on board
• Wide field of view
• Can blend normal and thermal imagery
• Rechargeable battery
• Large and clear visuals
• Touchscreen operation
• Various presets to choose from

Cons

• Might be overly sensitive for some people’s needs
• Not recommended for high-end professional work

Why it’s recommended: This Seek Shot design gives you all the capabilities needed to inspect various hidden issues in your home, without having to spend a small fortune.

Choosing a Thermal Imaging Camera

It’s becoming more evident that there are a growing number of uses for thermal imaging cameras with technological advances in the modern world.

Some of the main reasons why people choose them are:

• Building and structural diagnosis
• Infrastructural and electrical maintenance
• Nighttime civil security
• Wildlife protection and observation
• Varmint locating and hunting
• Tactical training
• Temperature checking

The most common reason is for finding problems in buildings and infrastructure. Domestically, these cameras are useful for finding where heat is escaping in the home, as well as plumbing and electrical issues.

With the right type of thermal camera, security professionals can see intruders or potential threats from afar in complete darkness. Wildlife conservationists, as well as hunters, can also similarly use this type of camera in pitch black conditions.

Certain thermal cameras can work well for tactical training exercises, but it should be remembered that nearly all of the cameras we’ve mentioned are mostly designed for civilian use.

Lastly, temperature checking has become a common occurrence in today’s world, given virus threats. Ideally, you should want a very portable thermal camera for this that displays a person’s temperature in real-time.

Difference between Infrared and Thermal Cameras

Essentially infrared cameras are active IR systems that utilize a short wavelength infrared light to illuminate a chosen area. This light is then reflected back and interpreted into an image.

Thermal imaging cameras use mid to long-range wavelength infrared energy to view a particular location. They are considered passive and will only sense and therefore display images via the location’s heat signature.

Usually, thermal images are considered the superior form of imaging out of the two choices. What holds people back is the pricing, which is normally a fair bit more expensive than night vision IR systems.

Things to look out for in Thermal Cameras

Modes

Having a good selection of modes is ideal for anyone wanting to detect different problems, especially in the home or in commercial building projects.

Image quality

This is an obvious benefit for any thermal camera. The clearer the image, the easier it is to identify problems, threats, or targets.

Screen display

Having a large screen display with relevant information being shown in real-time is definitely a desirable feature to look for in a heat camera. The required data to be shown all depends on the application, of course.

Accuracy

Temperature accuracy is highly important when the data counts on a professional or commercial level. Gaining accurate temperature readings of people when checking for potential virus carriers is clearly important. Also when checking buildings, electrics, and plumbing, it can really make a difference in the problem identification process.

Battery life

This aspect is more of a priority for people using these devices on the move, and when they don’t have immediate access to a power hub. It’s also desirable for wildlife observation when a camera is left overnight to spot animals in the dark.

Image storage

This is most important in portable devices that are used without a connection to a larger tablet or laptop, or if they are not wifi enabled.

Ease of use

Finally, it makes sense to purchase an easy to use a thermal imaging camera that doesn’t take hours of learning before you can use it.

Bottom Line

This article has given you a wide selection of some of the best thermal imaging cameras we could find to date. Not all of them are “top of the range”, but each choice is arguably one of the best within their price category.

We now hope, at least, you are more informed about what thermal imaging cameras are capable of and how they can be used for particular applications. Moreover, you should now understand which camera could suit your specific requirements.

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