Top 5 thermal cameras to consider: A buyer's guide

Last Published on Jan 23, 2023 16:34 IST

Summary:

This article covers the best thermal cameras available on Amazon. It also includes suggestions to help you buy one that best suit your needs.


A thermographic camera, also known as an infrared camera, thermal imaging camera, thermal camera, or thermal imager, is a device that produces images using infrared (IR) radiation like that of a standard camera, which produces images using visible light. Infrared cameras are sensitive to wavelengths from roughly 1,000 nm (1 micrometre or m) to approximately 14,000 nm (14 m), as opposed to the 400-700 nanometre (nm) range of visible light cameras. Infrared energy is captured by thermal cameras, which utilize the data to produce images via digital or analogue video outputs. The components of a thermal camera include a lens, a heat sensor, processing circuitry, and a mechanical casing. The lens directs infrared light onto the sensor. The sensor can have pixel arrangements ranging from 80×60 to 1280×1024 pixels. Because thermal detectors must detect energy with far larger wavelengths than visible light, which necessitates significantly larger sensor elements, their resolutions are poor compared to imagers that employ visible light. As a result, a thermal camera often has far fewer pixels than visual sensors of the same mechanical size.

Product list

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1. FLIR C5 Compact Thermal Camera

For building inspections, facilities upkeep, HVAC/R, electrical repair, and other troubleshooting tasks, the FLIR C5 compact thermal camera is your go-to tool. The potent FLIR C5 makes it simple to find concealed issues because it includes a thermal camera, visual inspection camera, and LED lamp. Images are constantly accessible on all your devices thanks to built-in FLIR IgniteTM cloud connectivity, which enables direct data transmission, storage, and backup. In addition, you can quickly inspect, document repairs, and share evidence with customers thanks to the 3. 5 inches integrated touchscreen's ease of use. When you carry the FLIR C5 in your pocket, you'll always be prepared to locate hot fuses, air leaks, plumbing problems, and more.

Specifications

Price: Rs.81,000

Brand: ‎FLIR

Manufacturer:‎ Flir

Number of Memory Sticks: ‎1

Item Weight: 190.51 Grams

Product Dimensions: ‎13.72 x 8.38 x 2.39 cm

Batteries:1 Lithium Ion battery required. (included

ProsCons
Rugged and reliable Wifi acquisition takes time 
Tripod connectors  

2. CEM T-10 Thermal Imaging Camera (Type C)

With a 206×156 sensor and a restricted 360° field of view, you can turn your smartphone or tablet into a long-range, outdoor thermal camera. This thermal camera is ideal for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for people and animals. This ideal thermal camera may be connected to Android smartphones with USB-C or Micro-USB. No additional battery, storage, or display is required with the T-10. It only needs to be linked to the smartphone via the USB interface, and then using the free Smart Thermview software from the Google Play Store, it turns the phone into a fully functional thermal imaging camera that can capture, analyse, generate reports, and share data all from the same device. All functions of a standalone Thermal Imager can be performed directly from your smartphone using the T-10 and the Smart Thermview app.

Specifications

Price: Rs.36,165

Brand: ‎CEM

Manufacturer: ‎Shenzhen Everbest Machinery Industry Co., Ltd.

Country of Origin: ‎China

Item Weight: ‎216 g

Package Dimensions:‎ 17.8 x 9.6 x 5.1 cm; 216 Grams

Item part number:‎ T-10

Are Batteries Included: ‎No

ProsCons
Threshold modeLess compatible with phones
9 colour palettes  

3. FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera with Image Storage

The FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera fills a space between single-spot infrared thermometers and FLIR's famous thermal cameras. The TG165, equipped with FLIR's proprietary lepton micro thermal sensor, lets you see the heat, so you know where to measure it accurately.

Pulling the trigger instantly, you can take measurements and photos and then send those files to your computer via USB or SD Card to produce thorough reports.

Specifications

Price: Rs.49,729

Brand: ‎FLIR

Manufacturer: ‎FLIR

Model number: ‎TG165

Number of Memory Sticks: 1

Item Weight: ‎840 g

Product Dimensions:‎ 21.08 x 6.35 x 8.13 cm

Batteries: ‎2 AAA batteries are required.

ProsCons
Compact and durable Does not have a lens cap or case.
Image transferring by USB 

4. Thermal imager, 1.8in Screen Display:

This thermal camera makes the work easier by displaying the temperature at the central point and utilising rechargeable batteries. There is no need to calibrate the thermal imager thermograph camera because it uses an AMG8833 infrared sensor. It supports 8x8 resolution, precise measurement, and a temperature measurement range ranging from 0°C to 80°C. The thermal imager is lightweight, compact, powerful, and simple.

Specifications

Price: Rs.13,814

Brand: ‎FASW

Specification Met: ‎ISO

Net Quantity: ‎1.00 count

Power Source: ‎Battery Powered

Upper-Temperature Rating: 80° Celsius

Response Time: 10000 Milliseconds

ProsCons
Scratch resistance Does not rotate
Environmental friendly  

5. Thermal Camera, Temperature Detection Sensor

You can measure temperature in a wide range, from 0 degrees to 80 degrees, with the help of this thermal camera module. The module contains a USB micro interface for faster charging and supports more power sources. It's easier to operate with one hand because of its small size and low weight, and it's excellent for outside detection. This module has a long detection range of 7 meters, which significantly simplifies the detecting process. In addition, this camera module can run for a long time because it has a vast area for dissipating heat.

Specifications

Price: Rs.18,766

Brand: ‎ANNB

Manufacturer: ‎ANNB

Package Dimensions ‎: 15 x 10 x 4 cm

Number Of Items: ‎1

Manufacturer: ‎ANNB

Item Weight: ‎80 grams

ProsCons
Convenient to useLess camera resolution 
Wide range of camera 

Price of thermal cameras at a glance:

ProductPrice
FLIR C5 Compact Thermal CameraRs. 81,000
CEM T-10 Thermal Imaging Camera (Type C)Rs. 36,165
FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera with Image StorageRs. 49,729
Thermal Imager, 1.8inch Screen DisplayRs. 13,814
Thermal Camera, Temperature Detection SensorRs.18,766

Three best features for consumers:

ProductFeature 1Feature 2Feature 3
FLIR C5 Compact Thermal CameraHigh IR resolution Waterproof and dustproofWide temperature range 
CEM T-10 Thermal Imaging Camera (Type C)USB-C and Micro USB connector types are availableAutomatic hot and cold marker Connects to any Android phone 
FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera with Image StorageHigh visual camera resolutionWide angle view High visual camera resolution
Thermal Imager, 1.8inch Screen DisplayClear image Easy to carry User-friendly
Thermal Camera, Temperature Detection SensorUSB micro interface Lightweight Convenient for outdoor detection 

Best overall product

The best thermal camera to buy among the aforementioned thermal cameras is the FLIR C5 Compact Thermal Camera. The FLIR C5 Compact Thermal Camera promises to provide diagnostic data that is more precise and minimises maintenance costs and time. Multi-spectral dynamic imaging, a visual camera with a 5-megapixel sensor, and a 19,200-pixel imager are all included (MSX). It is easily available on Amazon.

Best value for money

Thermal Imager, 1.8 inch Screen Display is the best thermal camera according to price. This common LCD module has a 1.8-inch diagonal, 128x160-pixel resolution, internal controller, and SPI port for communication.

How to find the perfect thermal camera?

The two most important considerations when purchasing a thermal camera, in addition to price and quality, are Detector Resolution and Thermal Sensitivity. The maximum number of pixels the detector can fill in a frame is known as the detector resolution. More pixels means that the image will be more detailed.640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels, and 160 x 120 pixels are the common resolutions. The number of pixels in a resolution of 160 by 120 is 19,200, whereas that of 640 by 480 is 307,200. Your photographs will be sharper and more detailed if you choose a greater pixel density.

The thermal imaging camera's thermal sensitivity refers to the slightest temperature change it can detect.

At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

Top 5 thermal cameras to not miss

 No, a thermal imaging camera cannot measure the temperature of an object on the other side of a wall since it cannot see through a wall or any concrete surface. These screening cameras can only detect the body temperature of an object, person, or surface that comes directly under the sight of their lens. The reason is that a thermal imaging camera can detect heat radiated outward from a surface or item that can not be seen through a shield placed between the target and the camera.

No, thermal imaging cameras cannot see through cloth; they can only measure its temperature. The thermal camera, however, will display the heat signature on the cloth if a person is carrying something that is warming or cooling the cloth that covers it.

No, the thermal imager does not release any radiation. It's a sensor that transforms, captures, and infrared radiation for human use.

Due to the lower ambient temperature at night, thermal imaging cameras provide better photos and videos. Thermal image results are not affected by the amount of light. Due to the absence of sunlight at night, other ecosystem components are often colder, which makes it easier for thermal imaging cameras to identify hot areas and surfaces. During the night, warm things are shown on thermal pictures with sharper contrast, giving responders a better view to make wise decisions.

The target needs to be within the camera's temperature detection range. For instance, Ambicam thermal cameras can precisely read body temperature at a distance of 0.5 m. However, a lot depends on where the camera is placed. For example, an accurate temperature reading can be taken with a telescopic camera lens if a thermal imaging camera cannot be placed close to the guests.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

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