What Are Thermal Cameras Used For

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Thermal cameras can assist detect potential problems in your home, such as a termite nest in the wall or a leak from a pipe. These devices find and measure a heat signature, which is the infrared energy given off by most objects. The thermal photographic camera converts this oestrus signature data into an electronic image for you lot to view on a digital display.

Often used past electricians, building inspectors, exterminators, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, many of today'south thermal cameras are designed to be easy for nonprofessionals to operate. Take a expect at some of the best thermal cameras beneath to get an idea of which product suits your needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: Hti-Xintai Higher Resolution Infrared Thermal Camera
2. Best VALUE: FLIR TG267 Thermal Camera
3. All-time WITH WIFI: FLIR C5 Thermal Imaging Handheld Photographic camera with WiFi
4. BEST FOR Electric CHECKS:Hti-Xintai 220 x 160 IR Infrared Thermal Imager
5. All-time FOR LEAK DETECTION: Seek Thermal Revealpro Imaging Camera
6. Best FOR Apple/IOS USERS: FLIR ONE PRO LT iOS Pro-Grade Thermal Camera
7. All-time FOR ANDROID USERS: FLIR 1 Gen 3 Android Thermal Camera

Photograph: amazon.com

Types of Thermal Cameras

Thermal cameras are categorized into 3 chief types based on how they are used. The types are handheld thermal cameras, smartphone thermal camera attachments, and thermal drones.

Handheld Thermal Cameras

Handheld thermal cameras are commonly used for household inspections and for many industrial applications. This type of thermal photographic camera can have a pocket-sized body the size of a smartphone, or it tin can be large enough that information technology's helpful to hold it with a camera grip for proper focus.

For the majority of thermal camera applications where you lot will be looking inside a dwelling'south walls, floors, or other spaces, a handheld thermal photographic camera is suitable. While these cameras are larger and more expensive than a smartphone zipper, they too may have thermal camera-specific screen resolutions and a wide range of features, including contactless body-temperature readings, a built-in laser guide, or a visual light camera.

Smartphone Attachments

A smartphone thermal camera attachment allows y'all to use your smartphone to see the heat signatures of infestations and your electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. The zipper plugs into the base of operations of your device so that you can just command the camera through your touchscreen and upload the collected pictures or scans directly into your telephone.

This type of device is cheap and easy to utilize, making it a great option for infrequent or DIY dwelling house inspections, but information technology is non recommended for professional use. This is because smartphone thermal camera attachments lack the high epitome quality and precise measuring accessories that handheld thermal cameras will normally have. They also may bleed your smartphone bombardment very quickly, which ways that y'all would likely be limited to about an hour of continuous viewing.

Thermal Drones

The idea of thermal drones may seem a bit foreign for a home inspection, only there are many issues that cannot be detected from inside the house. Unless you are willing to go upward on a ladder, a thermal drone is a great way to observe out if you have any subconscious problems.

Possible problems that a thermal drone tin can help detect include nesting insects or other animals, blockages in your drainage arrangement, and areas in your roof or outside walls where rut is escaping, indicating the demand to repair a hole. These devices combine the flight capability of a drone with the thermal detection abilities of a thermal photographic camera. However, they are ordinarily quite expensive and are usually improve suited for those with a professional person covering or home inspection concern.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Thermal Photographic camera

The best thermal camera for you can depend on several factors, including the size, temperature range, resolution, image enhancement capabilities, and task-specific accessories, like wall probes for leak detection. Here are a few things to consider earlier selecting a thermal photographic camera.

Size, Weight, and Grip

The size and weight of a thermal camera is a necessary consideration for anyone who is planning on using it for an extended menstruation of time. Whether a thermal camera will help reduce hand fatigue is collectively determined past the size, weight, and grip.

Modest thermal camera smartphone attachments are easy to acquit, just they don't take the same kind of stable grip as thermal cameras. Smartphone attachments are groovy for travel and quick inspections, only they are not suited for long periods of use.

Handheld thermal cameras can range in size, but those best suited for condolement typically come with a padded photographic camera grip that is easy and comfortable to hold. Thermal drones can range in size, just weight isn't as much of a factor considering they can wing. However, a drone controller that fits comfortably in your manus can make operating the drone easier and more precise for the entire flight time.

Temperature Range

When you are looking for a thermal camera you will observe that the manufacturer typically states the minimum and maximum temperatures that the camera is capable of accurately reading. Smartphone attachments usually accept moderate thermal sensitivity from -4 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit, while handheld thermal cameras may extend the temperature range to between -13 to 716 degrees Fahrenheit.

The larger temperature ranges allow you to detect issues with the ignition of your HVAC arrangement, hot water tank, or your vehicle. Thermal drones typically have a similar range as handheld thermal cameras, with the added bonus of flight. When shopping for a camera, go on in mind the highest and lowest possible temperatures that yous would normally detect during your inspection.

Resolution

The thermal resolution of your thermal camera is designed to assist you find any potential issues. Not beingness able to pinpoint an issue may require cutting more holes or larger holes to gear up an unclear problem.

For example, a low-resolution camera may nowadays a broad spectrum image of your plumbing organisation that vaguely shows an increase in temperature that extends outside of the pipe. While it helps to determine that there is a hot water leak, it does not testify the exact location of the leak. With a higher resolution photographic camera, yous can place the menses of water and open up a hole just wide plenty to end the leak.

For this purpose, y'all need a loftier plenty thermal resolution to be able to accurately determine what you are seeing through the thermal photographic camera screen. This helps prevent doubt regarding a potential abnormality that needs to exist addressed. Thermal resolution quality is measured in pixels and tin can range from 60 by 60 pixel resolutions more commonly seen on smartphone attachments to as high every bit 320 by 240 pixels. The higher resolution may be necessary for professions that require precise thermal imaging tools.

Accuracy and Repeatability

The accuracy of thermal cameras is measured in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit, and it is used to help determine if there is a trouble or if the readings are normal for your dwelling house's systems. For example, the Occupational Condom and Wellness Administration suggests that your hot water heater heats water to a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the spread of certain diseases.

With your thermal photographic camera you can verify that your hot h2o heater is performing to the appropriate standard or if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Typical thermal cameras have a range of plus or minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit, though there are more accurate thermal imaging cameras.

The plus or minus range that is offered as a general accurateness rating takes into account several factors that tin can affect how the infrared energy is beingness read. These can include ambient temperature, camera response, emissivity, transmittance, calibrator temperature accurateness, and atmospheric temperature. The more than repeatable a result is, regardless of these intervening factors, the more accurate a camera will be.

Thermal Image Enhancement

Along with a high-definition thermal resolution, yous may want a camera that can enhance the thermal image by using overlays of nonthermal video. This feature allows y'all to run across low-dissimilarity objects even in areas with very broad temperature ranges, allowing you to differentiate between two similar targets.

The result is a detailed thermal image produced past the thermal camera with overlays of precipitous corners and edges from the visual camera to give the thermal prototype some identifiable structure. This feature can help place studs in a wall, plastic pipes, and even article of furniture in a night room. It too is typically used by firefighters to quickly identify their surroundings so that they tin can take appropriate actions to put out the fire and help anyone nearby.

Visible Light Image Enhancement

Thermal cameras practise non typically demand visual light in gild to view a thermal depiction of an object or objects it is directed toward. All the same, information technology is easier to identify possible problems and anomalies in electric, plumbing, HVAC, or even your vehicle engine if there is a structure for our optics to run across and place.

To this end, some thermal cameras have a visual lite enhancement characteristic that adds calorie-free to low-light video to better illuminate the outline and structure of the objects you are scanning. With this feature, you may as well exist able to alter the visual tone and appearance on the screen so that you can find a visual output, which is like a photo filter, that gives you the best view of the trouble.

File Formats and Data Output

Thermal cameras can be used to view and identify possible problems inside a wall. You too can take a moving picture or video to send to your repair technicians so that they are better informed before showing up to help fix information technology.

Home inspectors and many other industry professionals utilise thermal cameras regularly and need to exist able to take photos, shop them, and even send them wirelessly to others. Thermal cameras may accept BMP or JPEG file formats; BMPs are problematic to convert into a readable form, while JPEGs tin can be read by nigh devices.

Data tin exist saved on the camera or it tin can exist saved on your computer or another device. This usually requires a USB cord, but some cameras can connect to Wi-Fi. Smartphone thermal camera attachments connect straight to your smartphone so the information can be used on your phone the aforementioned style as y'all would utilize it on a reckoner.

Companion Tools

Thermal cameras can be used for many different purposes and typically practice well as an individual tool. Withal, many thermal cameras may come with an accompaniment that is designed to help detect a specific problem, such every bit using wet meter probing bars to meliorate notice plumbing leaks. Another frequent companion tool is a voltage detector that tin alert you to the presence of electrical voltage with vibration, lights, or sound alarms.

Depending on your purpose, y'all may exist able to choose from a variety of useful companion tools including clamp meters, wet pens, voltage detectors, moisture detectors, and fifty-fifty thermoprobe connectors that allow you to take infrared measurements through narrow gaps. This tin can be a neat add-on if you need to scan HVAC systems for blockages.

Our Pinnacle Picks

Considering price, quality, and some of the of import features described above, this guide recommends the following products for detecting bug behind your walls.

Photo: amazon.com

To ensure a articulate image of your housing arrangement or your vehicle'due south engine, a very high thermal resolution would exist beneficial. This handheld thermal camera has a high resolution of 320 by 240 pixels and a three.2-inch color display screen. A comfortable, lightweight grip makes information technology easy to use without paw fatigue.

Use this infrared photographic camera for home inspections, firefighting, or even archaeology, and save the pictures with the congenital-in 3GB memory card. You also tin connect the camera to your laptop, boob tube, or other compatible device using the micro USB cable to display your photos or transfer files between devices. The infrared camera has a -4 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit temperature range and measurement accuracy of 4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Product Specs

• Type: Handheld
• Temperature Range : -iv to 572 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution: 320 by 240 pixels
• Weight: one pound

Pros

• 3.2-inch colour display screen
• Gripped handle
• Congenital-in 3GM retention

Cons

• Cannot be mounted on a tripod
• USB cable does non project to big screens

Photo: amazon.com

The FLIR TG267 Thermal Camera has a range of uses, from typical household inspections to measuring body temperature without needing to brand contact. This contactless body temperature measurement ranges from 89.6 to 108.five degrees Fahrenheit. Still, the total temperature range is from -13 to 716 degrees Fahrenheit.

This handheld thermal camera has an accurateness measurement of 4 degrees Fahrenheit, storage for up to 50,000 images, and Bluetooth connectivity for file transfers. The thermal resolution is 160 past 120 pixels. The camera has a thermocouple probe that tin extend the sensor into the ventilation ducts or backside the walls. A congenital-in light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation pointer displays a circle on the area you are measuring to identify where you are looking within the wall.

Production Specs

• Type: Handheld
• Temperature Range: -xiii to 716 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution:160 past 120 pixels
• Weight: 1.6 pounds

Pros

• Stores over 50,000 images
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Born laser pointer

Cons

• No carrying or storage instance included

Photo: amazon.com

Instead of relying on your handheld thermal sensor'south internal storage and transferring files through a USB or micro USB cord, this thermal camera can connect to Wi-Fi for automatic file backup on the cloud. This allows easier file transfer, file storage, and file sharing. The handheld thermal photographic camera has a thermal resolution of 160 by 120 pixels for a detailed thermal image on its LED display.

This visual inspection photographic camera has a visual lite image enhancement floodlight to help identify objects and present them in a combined view. The camera tin can measure temperatures from -4 to 752 degrees Fahrenheit with an accuracy rating of iv degrees Fahrenheit and has a 3.five-inch integrated touchscreen for simple, effective control.

Production Specs

• Blazon: Handheld
• Temperature Range : -four to 752 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution:160 past 120 pixels
• Weight: 6.7 ounces

Pros

• Compatible with a USB or micro USB cord
• Wi-Fi capability
• Built-in LED display

Cons

• FLIR Ignite account required for image sharing
• May not be suitable for circuit board use

Photo: amazon.com

The electrical system in your domicile tin be problematic if the wiring has many splices. Thermal imaging tin show bug where the electrical resistance traveling through the wires has begun to build up in the system. This buildup tin indicate a potential problem and can lead to a short in the wiring and dangerously hot electrical circuits.

This handheld thermal imager has a temperature range of -4 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit and a 220 by 160 pixel resolution. This high resolution is displayed on the 3.2-inch total-colour screen that has a pick among five color scales, including rainbow, iron red, cold color, black and white, or white and black to shift the color of the image.

This thermal imager has a measurement accuracy of 3 degrees Fahrenheit and a 3GB retentivity card to store up to twenty,000 images, which you can transfer with the included USB cablevision.

Product Specs

• Type: Handheld
• Temperature Range: -4 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution:220 by 160 pixels
• Weight: 13.3 ounces

Pros

• 3.ii-inch total-color screen
• 5 color scales included
• Stores upward to 20,000 thermal images
• Comes with carrying case

Cons

• Takes ii hours to fully charge

Photo: amazon.com

For the construction site, plumber, or home, a pocket-sized and light thermal photographic camera that fits in your pocket and tin can withstand habiliment and tear is platonic. Utilize the ample 320-by-240 thermal sensitivity to capture the thermal images that can help to identify problem areas within your walls. Though the LED screen is small, information technology requires less charging fourth dimension than typical thermal cameras and provides a 10-hour battery life.

This model can also save thermal images to its MicroSD menu and information technology is capable of reading -xl to 626 degrees Fahrenheit from a 500-foot distance. It likewise comes with a 32-degree field of view which aids in seeing multiple pipes and fitting easily. Finally, this model comes with a USB cablevision and rubberized casing for chafe and damage resistance.

Product Specs

• Type: Handheld
• Temperature Range: -4 to 626 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution:320 by 240 pixels
• Weight: 0.xviii ounces

Pros

• High-resolution device
• Reads temperatures at a 500-pes distance
• 10-hour battery life
• 32-caste field of view

Cons

• Small screen

Photo: amazon.com

This smartphone thermal camera attachment is a lightweight alternative to a handheld thermal camera. It is touch resistant for drops up to half dozen anxiety. It has a helpful adjustable connector that extends out from the smartphone zipper so that you don't have to remove your phone case to apply this camera. The thermal photographic camera works only with iOS devices and has an approximate bombardment life of only one hr.

The thermal imager has an 80 by 60 pixel resolution, producing time-lapse videos, regular videos, and still images that are saved in JPEG format. While this photographic camera does not have the aforementioned range as a handheld thermal camera, information technology can mensurate temperatures between -4 and 248 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 degrees of accuracy. The camera as well can connect through the complimentary FLIR One app to share live video from the camera or access helpful tools through the costless FLIR Tools app.

Production Specs

• Blazon: Smartphone attachment
• Temperature Range: -4 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution:eighty past threescore pixels
• Weight: ane.28 ounces

Pros

• Sturdy, impact-resistant design
• Connects through the FLIR 1 app for video sharing
• Connector is adjustable

Cons

• Only compatible with Apple tree/iOS devices

Photograph: amazon.com

Unless y'all are regularly taking thermal epitome scans, you probably don't necessarily need a handheld thermal camera. Instead of elimination your wallet for a tool that yous will rarely utilize, you lot can become this inexpensive smartphone thermal camera attachment to capture thermal readings from -four to 248 degrees Fahrenheit. The attachment connects directly to the base of operations of your Android device, assuasive y'all to use your smartphone as a thermal camera.

The thermal photographic camera has an 80 by lx pixel thermal resolution. It comes with a secondary camera that captures visual details to help create a blend of thermal and visible images. This feature makes information technology easier to identify the object that you are viewing. The connection with your phone provides immediate access to Wi-Fi or your mobile network so that you can send photos or videos from the thermal photographic camera.

Product Specs

• Type: Smartphone attachment
• Temperature Range : -4 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution: 80 by sixty pixels
• Weight: 1.2 ounces

Pros

• Wi-Fi and mobile admission enable photo and video sharing
• Built-in secondary camera
• Comes with carrying instance and USB cord

Cons

• Only uniform with Android smartphones

Our Verdict

With and then many thermal imaging cameras on the market place, it may be difficult to find the right 1 for your intended apply. One of the best handheld options is the Hti-Xintai thermal camera, with a loftier resolution of 320 past 240 pixels, a large screen for visibility, and an extensive rut detection range. For a budget-friendly smartphone zipper, consider the FLIR I PRO for Apple/iOS devices or the FLIR Ane Gen three for Android users.

How We Chose the All-time Thermal Cameras

Finding a leak, electrical fault, or HVAC trouble can prevent disastrous problems easily with the right thermal camera. Selections for the best thermal camera depended upon temperature range, resolution, weight, screen size, and other special features included.

These picks vary between handheld and smartphone types for lightweight, portable, and versatile utilise. The to a higher place listing too prioritizes thermal sensitivity by detecting temperatures of -4 to 752 degrees Fahrenheit for observing electric, HVAC, mechanical, or plumbing systems. As for visibility while y'all are checking for high temperatures, the in a higher place thermal cameras take high resolutions of up to 320 by 240 pixels. Plus, large LED screens on select products allow for fifty-fifty more clarity.

If you need to share your readings and heat detections, USB and mini USB cables or Wi-Fi connectivity allows y'all to save thermal images or permit photo-sharing. Finally, some of these picks are made with long battery life, included memory cards, and/or built-in secondary cameras.

Our Top Thermal Camera Brands to Consider

HTI

Established in 2009, HTI specializes in creating some of the top thermal cameras on the marketplace with value and efficiency in mind. With engineers that have over 18 years of feel creating these devices, this brand has over 18 thermal imagers and cameras in their arsenal, from handheld models to mobile phone attachments.

Though their thermal cameras are some of the best available today, they are more than expensive than almost other thermal imaging companies. This is because their thermal imaging tools come equipped with WiFi connectivity, up to 6GB of memory, and various color palettes for visual imaging.

Flir

For those in demand of professional thermal cameras, outdoor imaging tools, or war machine-form technologies, Flir specializes in "innovative seeing solutions". From thermal cameras, security systems, measuring tools, threat detection, and fifty-fifty airborne tools, Flir integrates the best imaging technologies for abode, outdoor, and industrial apply.

With core values of fourth dimension and energy-efficiency, this make creates handheld and fixed thermal cameras and screening solutions for residential, commercial, and professional employ. These technologies are capable of detecting temperatures equally depression every bit -40 degrees, light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation-assisted autofocus, and automated paradigm uploading.

Seek

With affordability and user-friendliness in mind, Seek has a large inventory of thermal tools from mobile attachments and handheld devices for those that are new to using thermal imaging. As most Seek models are compact and lightweight, they are suitable for job sites and residential use every bit they provide loftier-resolution imaging with the touch of a button.

Though they are on the pricey side, some of these imaging devices come up equipped with flashlights, shock-resistant materials, and estrus detection at a 2,400 foursquare foot distance.

MSA Safe

Intended for use in emergency situations, MSA Rubber prioritizes reliability in their products. Established in 1914, this company is known for creating tools suitable for firefighters including caput detection, helmets, middle and face protection, and, of course, thermal imaging devices.

Made for durability and advanced image quality, MSA Safety's NFPA 1801-compliant thermal imagers are made with shock-proof construction while remaining lightweight and easy to utilise. Select picks come with laser pointers, range finders, integrated video and film capture, and WiFi connectivity for sharing readings and measurements.

Fluke

For those in industrial settings, Fluke's array of thermal camera options are made for a wide range of uses and are durable enough to be used every twenty-four hour period. With options for inspections, maintenance, prevention, and testing, these thermal cameras come up in handheld and mounted designs for portability.

For ease of use, many of these models come with touchscreens, smart batteries, lightweight constructions, loftier-resolution infrared imaging, and uniform software for assessment subsequently testing.

Tips for Using a Thermal Camera

Though most thermal cameras seem straight-forwards to use, there are a few things to go along in mind in guild to take accurate temperature readings while using these devices. Some of the most of import factors to proceed in heed is focussing the aim of the camera while in use and ensuring you accept the correct resolution and optics for the type of temperature measurement required.

Yous should likewise ensure that your field of view is suitable for the blazon of measurement y'all are taking. For example, if y'all are closely inspecting your home a wider field of view on your thermal camera is more effective. Alternatively, for things you lot are trying to run into at a distance, a narrow view may exist ideal. Here are a few more tips to consider earlier using a thermal camera:

• Ensure you empathize the colors produced on a thermal camera before use. Standard colors are cherry, orangish, and xanthous for heat and blueish and green for libation areas.
• Accommodate the focus and field of view on your camera before and during readings to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• If your thermal camera runs on battery power, ensure y'all bear a charger or extra battery with you while taking measurements.

FAQs

After learning most the features of thermal cameras, you may have some lingering questions. Before selecting a new thermal camera, these frequently asked questions and their answers below may help.

Q: What is the difference between an infrared camera and a thermal camera?

The difference between an infrared camera and a thermal photographic camera is that infrared cameras use short wavelength infrared light, while thermal cameras tend to utilise medium or long wavelengths of infrared energy. Due to this difference, thermal cameras exercise not selection upwards reflected light. This means that the image is non distorted by lights, smoke, haze, dust, or any other particulates in the air.

Q: Who uses thermal imaging?

Thermal cameras can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings equally well as in emergency situations and for security reasons. Its most common uses are to troubleshoot technical issues within residential buildings, assess mechanical problems, and detect high estrus.

Q: How does a thermal camera work?

Most objects requite off infrared energy that is known as a estrus signature. A thermal photographic camera detects and measures the infrared energy and converts the data into an electronic epitome, which displays the measured surface temperature of the object or objects.

Q: How accurate is a thermal camera?

Accurateness varies among individual products, but on average a thermal camera has an accuracy of plus or minus four degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What should I look for when buying a thermal imaging photographic camera?

Y'all should look for the type of thermal photographic camera that tin can view your dwelling's suspected issues. The size, weight, accuracy, resolution, and other features tin help y'all decide on a thermal imaging camera.

Q: Tin can thermal imaging see through walls or physical?

Most thermal imaging models are not capable of taking thermal readings through walls, concrete, and other hard surfaces as they are thick enough to block infrared radiation.

Q: Practise thermal cameras piece of work in daylight?

As daylight and other lite sources do not take an effect on infrared radiation, a thermal camera works but every bit well in daylight conditions as it would in total darkness.

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