The Best Thermal Cameras
Thermal cameras are used in a wide variety of real-life applications nowadays. You’ve probably seen footage from thermal cameras all over newscasts, movie screens, and maybe while you’re out on the job. By utilizing thermal imaging technology, thermal cameras allow you to view the invisible world of heatwaves changing all around you. Industries like maintenance, law enforcement, and agriculture have been using these products for a while, but consumers are now getting in on the action too. Whether you want to keep your home safe from intruders, work out a piping or ventilation bug, or explore the fascinating hidden world of thermal imaging, our list of the best thermal cameras is here to be your guide.
Flir One Gen 3
Bring the heat
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your phone into a high-tech spy gadget, this pick should pique your interest. The Flir One Gen 3 plugs into your smartphone and converts your camera into a thermal imaging processor, allowing you to view HD heat surges and dips all from your phone. Thermal imaging only shows us color-coded heat signatures, but the Flir One can combine the visible spectrum of your phone’s camera with infrared images to produce a detailed accounting of the temperatures in your home. Since thermal imaging doesn’t require any light, you’ll be able to use the Flir One at any time of day. For anyone looking for a detailed peek into the world of infrared without breaking the bank, this one is right up your alley.
Pros:
- Plugs into your phone for maximum convenience
- Quite affordable, especially considering the quality
- Compatible with both iOS and Android
Cons:
- Not the most accurate reader, but its versatility and its features more than make up for it
Flir One Pro
A real professional knows that when it comes to the tools of your trade, you don’t want to skimp on quality. The Flir One Pro is a fantastic choice for anyone who frequently uses thermal cameras for work. Reliable, compact, and easy to use, there’s a reason this classic model is still high in demand. Yes, it’s a bit costly, but it’s an investment that’ll pay off spades.
Pros:
- Carry case and charger are included
- Extendable connector allows you to connect the unit to your phone without removing the case
- Proprietary image-enhancing technology
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
Seek Compact Thermal Camera
Thermal on the go
Seek Thermal’s compact infrared thermal camera gives you the means to read thermal images on your smartphone anywhere, anytime. If you’ve got a ventilation or piping problem down in the basement and can’t figure out the issue, plug is camera into your phone and a whole hidden world of possibilities will open up to you. This thermal camera is also a must-get item for hunters or outdoor types who need to know when animals are nearby in lowlight situations. Conveniently, it doesn’t require batteries or charging — just plug it into your phone and get your readings.
Pros:
- Affordable and convenient usage
- Ideal for campers, hikers, hunters, etc.
- Doesn’t need to be charged
Cons:
- Less accurate readings and lower resolution camera
Flir C3-X Compact Thermal Camera
Red-hot accuracy
This is the cream of the crop of thermal imaging processors. This beauty from Flir looks and feels a lot like a smartphone, but inside, it’s got the power to give you some of the clearest and most accurate heat readings available. The camera combines light from the visual spectrum and images from the infrared to provide more detailed and discernable thermal images. The C3-X can also connect to the cloud, so you can store your videos wirelessly in seconds. Perfect for home maintenance or for use on-site at a job, this little camera is durable and built to withstand wear and tear. This product does have a high asking price, but it’s a highly dependable and impressive camera that we’d recommend to anyone willing to shell out the extra money for it.
Pros:
- Clear picture and pinpoint accuracy
- Cloud-compatible
- Tough build that can withstand the rigors of job sites
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Flir’s included software can be hard to navigate
Flir TG165-X Thermal Camera
Handheld heat reader
If you’re in the market for something more accurate, this thermal camera from Flir is the pick you’ve been waiting for. Unlike many of its competitors, this thermal camera operates separately from your smartphone. It boasts a 2.4” display screen that gives you thermal image processing in real-time. You can also choose which color scale you’d like to view the heat signatures in. The 8GB included memory card gives you plenty of space for videos, and uploading to your laptop or tablet takes hardly any time at all. This thermal camera is highly accurate, but with accuracy comes a bigger price tag. Still, if you’re in the market for some serious thermal equipment for work, we can’t recommend this pick enough.
Pros:
- Highly accurate readings
- 8 GB memory card is included with your purchase
- Convenient handheld design
Cons:
- It would be close to perfect if the image resolution was higher
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really see through walls with thermal cameras?
While it may seem like thermal cameras are able to see through objects just like Superman can, this is not actually the case. Thermal cameras only detect the temperature of surfaces, so if a wall is thick enough to prevent heat from being detected from the other side, the thermal imaging will not catch it. Thinner partitions such as curtains might be thin enough to show a signature from what is hidden behind.
Do thermal cameras work in low light settings?
Thermal cameras don’t actually pick up light at all — they detect heat signatures instead. This means that they work just as well at night as they do during the day. For this reason, they double as useful night vision cameras for some.
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