Top 10 Best Thermal Imaging Cameras in 2020

Thermal imaging devices or simply put, thermographic cameras have not been very popular in the general public. But they are now gaining traction. More and more people realize that it’s a must have at least if you are a little adventurous. When you venture out in the wild, say for camping, night fishing or just wildlife observation, optical cameras can no longer work. You need a thermal camera to get the job done. Now you are in the know, so why don’t you come with me as we explore the Top 10 Best Thermal Imaging Cameras in 2020?

10. Seek Thermal Reveal Xtra Range Camera

Seek Thermal Reveal Xtra Range Camera is a light duty camera. It is made for low range detection. This camera is perfect for small time adventure for your kids if you have adventurous ones like so people I know. Its field of view is narrow- only 20°. But it can quickly scan a distance of to 900 feet (275 meters).

It has a thermal sensor that is designed for high performance; at 206 x 156, it can locate heat signatures with precision. The Seek Thermal Reveal Xtra Range Camera detects the temperature within the ranges between (-40° to 330°C). It comes with a rechargeable battery.

On a single charge, you can run your imaging with Seek Thermal for up to 10 hours. The package includes a rubber casing to protect the thermal imager. The rubber casing also makes it easy to handle without slipping from the hands.

Pros

• Suitable for amateur scientists
• Affordable
• Well built

Cons

• Pictures look grainy
• Fuzzy display

9. FLIR ONE Thermal Imaging Camera for Android USB-C (Gen 3)

FLIR ONE Thermal Imaging Camera gives you the power to venture into your ordinary world in a whole new way. It is a powerful thermal imaging camera that allows users to see even in total darkness. FLIR ONE Thermal Imaging Camera operates with an application called FLIR ONE app.

The App will enable you to accurately take temperature measurements with precision from a safe distance. An additional feature called the MSX technology makes the camera a top choice. MSX creates a blend of thermal and visible spectrum-a feature that enhances image detail and resolution.

This 3rd generation thermal camera has eliminated the hassle of removing the casings while at work with its One Fit adjustable feature. This allows the user to adjust the length of the connector to enable the camera to attach to most phone cases. The FLIR ONE app has a feature which can take thermal selfies. Thanks to the USB-C version for Android phones.

Pros

• MSX enhanced images
• Thermal selfies possible
• One Fit Adjustable Connector

Cons

• Battery life is short
• Software issues

8. FLIR ONE Pro Thermal Imaging Camera for Android USB-C

FLIR ONE Pro Thermal Imaging Camera is a thermal imaging camera built for Android. That it can detect temperature differences of between 4 to 752 degrees, Fahrenheit is just amazing. With this device, you can now easily locate those energy leaks, circuit hitches, water pipe damages and other related problems.

FLIR ONE thermal camera comes with a free FLIR ONE app that does not require any registration. This application is loaded with several spot meters and professional tips for operation. It also aids users to document their findings with the automation. FLIR ONE thermal imager has MSX and VividIR which are enhancers of image processing and improve video capabilities too.

This camera has additional features such as radiometry which enable it to make accurate temperature measurements to help pinpoint leaks in systems where it is vital. Inbuilt in the FLIR ONE Pro is a Lepton micro camera which has four times better resolution than the standard 3rd Generation cameras. It also has an adjustable connector called OneFit which enables the user to adjust the connector’s height to fit any phone case.

Pros

• Comes with Free FLIR ONE app which has professional tips loaded
• MSX and VividIR enhance video capabilities and image processing
• One Fit adjustable connector allows it to fit any phone case
• Lepton Thermal micro-camera has high resolution

Cons

• Can break easily
• Drains battery fast

7. Fluke VT04 Infrared Imager with Soft Carrying Case

Fluke VT04 Infrared Imager is a premium thermographic device that works best in a field of view of 28° x 28° for tight spaces. It has features for both near and far imaging which helps to align light in the visible range from as close as 6 inches. Fluke VT04 Infrared Imager has an intelligent interface that does not require any training.

It also has alarms to warn of temperatures beyond the normal range. Fluke VT04 Infrared Imager has markers for hot and cold which help the user to detect the hottest and coolest points on the field of view. There is also an indicator for center point temperature.

Fluke VT04 Infrared Imager is a handy device that only measures 10.8 x 8.5 x 3.5 inches. It weighs 2.6 pounds. It is small enough to fit in any tool bag. Better yet it fits in a pocket device. Another premium feature of Fluke VT04 Infrared Imager is the SmartView® reporting software.

This enables the user to document their reports by creating customizations. When used to monitor movable parts, Fluke VT04 Infrared Imager employs an infrared heat map which helps the user to locate the precise position of the potential problem.

Pros

• Has an intuitive interface
• Hot and cold markers
• Fits into pockets
• SD card keeps up to 10000 images for every gigabyte

Cons

• Software issues

6. Seek Thermal Reveal Thermal Imaging Camera and LED Light, Blue

Seek Thermal Reveal Thermal Imaging Camera is another quality device from Seek. This is engineered with a top of the range technology to make is strong enough to stay in the toolbox. With an ergonomic grip made for easy handling, enabling the user to focus on what’s ahead of them.

There is a dozen of preferences in the Reveal’s customizable settings from which the user can choose from. These include power use, regulating light levels and image settings. Seek Thermal Reveal Imaging Camera enables the user to store images, transfer them to other storage devices and share them with friends too.

The device is light optional. As such you can use its absolute darkness. The Seek Thermal Reveal camera employs superior infrared technology. Also when you require it, a powerful 300-lumen LED light is available for use. Seek Thermal Reveal camera captures images in 7 different colors. Upon charging the battery can store power up to 10 hours.

Pros

• Thermal sensor-206 x 156
• Intuitive controls
• Powerful 300-lumen LED light

Cons

• Durability issues have been reported

5. FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera

FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera is a Class II laser product. It has a power output of 1mW. It can process images at a frequency of 9 Hz. When you purchase FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera, you get to benefit from the Lepton Infrared Imaging. This imaging engine has a resolution of 80×60, sensitivity of 150mK and image processing of 9Hz.

You can save your images and documents in the 8GB micro SD card which is included in the documentation. FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera also comes with a USB which allows users to transfer images to other devices. With a spot size ratio of 24:1, TG165 enables users to measure hot spots up to716° F (380°C).

This device features a sturdy construction which makes it compact enough to fit in any tool bag. It is strong enough not to break when it falls from a height of 2 meters.

Pros

• Spot size ratio of 24:1-captures images at safe distance
• Intuitive operation-doesn’t require special training
• Strong-can withstand 2 meters fall

Cons

• Low resolution

4. FLIR C2 Compact Thermal Imaging System

FLIR C2 Compact Thermal Imaging System is a lightweight camera with a slim profile. This enables it to fit right in the pockets given that it is small. It only measures 2.7 x 0.6 x 1.4 inches. FLIR C2 Compact Thermal Imaging System has Built-in LED spotlight. This feature can be used as a spotlight for illuminating your photos.

This capability enables users to capture radiometric images. Inclusive in the package is a professional tool reporting software. The essence of this is to help manipulate the images. This is the standard operating procedure in the industry of imaging. FLIR C2 Compact Thermal Imaging System still has an MSX image enhancement which ensures quality images.

It comes with a Brilliant 3″ touchscreen. Radiometric images are good, and one can see clearly where the problems a have occurred in the system so that one can verify errors.

Pros

• Brilliant 3″ touch screen
• Portable-fits in the pockets
• Fully radiometric camera
• MSX image enhancers included

Cons

• Short battery life
• Works only with internet

3. Solomark Night Vision Monocular

-Blue-infrared Illuminator Allows Viewing in the Dark-records Images and Video

Solomark Night Vision Monocular, Blue-infrared Illuminator is a super device. It comes with objective lenses which are made of glass and are multi-coated. The thermal imager has an LCD screen with an integrated color display. It also has an Infrared LED illuminator (level 7).

Thanks to these features Solomark can take images at very high resolution even in absolute darkness. It also has super high sensitivity. You can use Solomark on a tripod stand; it is easy to mount. Solomark is suitable for those escapades that are done in dark environments like cave exploration and night time fishing or boating.

It’s the best choice for observing wildlife after sunset and night time surveillance too. Solomark takes photos and videos as well. You can link your Solomark to binoculars for even better adventure in the night. Take images and videos which you can transfer to a computer and share the fun with friends and family.

Solomark works with 4 AA batteries. It comes with a 4GB micro SD card for storing your images and videos. It has non slip design because it is rubber coated making it easy to grip.

Pros

• Takes videos and photos
• Can be connected to binoculars for better viewing
• Nonslip design
• Mountable on tripod stand

Cons

• Sensor cap is not properly secured to the unit well
• Camera mode is quite useless

2. FLIR ONE Thermal Imager for iOS

If you want to see the word from a thermal perspective you’re your iOS phone here is what you need- FLIR ONE Thermal Imager for iOS. It converts your phone into a thermal camera just like that. Once you connect it to your phone, this lightweight accessory allows you to capture and share thermal images and videos with your loved one.

FLIR ONE also can measure variances in temperature. The MSX technology that comes with the FLIR ONE turns your phone or iOS device into a thermal infrared camera with no less capable than the conventional thermographic cameras. FLIR ONE Thermal Imager for iOS comes with an inbuilt battery for itself.

This helps to preserve your handset battery life because the imager does not eat into your phone’s battery. Features like thermal panorama and thermal time lapse are also included in the FLIR ONE App. The Lepton thermal camera module is also included.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Has a built-in rechargeable battery-no extra batteries needed
• Thermal panorama capability

Cons

• Battery is non-replaceable
• Overpriced for its quality

1. Seek Thermal Compact Imager for Android1069

Seek Thermal Compact Imager is made for android phones. It is a compact and small enough; measures only1.6 x 0.8 x 0.6 inches and weighs 7.8 ounces. This is to enable the thermal imaging camera to connect to your phone. What sets Seek Thermal Compact Imager apart is the fact that it can generate optical images from the thermal energy and show the image on your phone.

The device is obviously portable and very versatile making it easy to use. You can use Seek Thermal Compact Imager both indoors and for close range indoor imaging thanks to its 36 degrees field of view. Seek Thermal Compact Imager can detect thermal energy from as far as 1000 feet.

So to what use can you put Seek Thermal Compact Imager? Since it can detect temperature ranges of between 40 to 626 degrees Fahrenheit, it can help to locate erratic insulations and overheated circuits. Seek Thermal Compact Imager can also give precise locations of energy loss. For a fine-tuned thermal imaging, put to use Seek Thermal Compact Imager’s focusable lens. Also, include with it is a free mobile app. The device can operate in total darkness.

Pros

• Free mobile app
• Can operate in total darkness
• Generates optical images from infrared light to be viewed on phone

Cons

• Doesn’t save thermal data with pictures

Conclusion

When sunset falls the reign of optical cameras is gone. From there on thermal imaging camera take over. With any of these, you can still take videos and images even in absolute darkness. Maybe you need a thermal imaging camera for surveillance around your house after dark. Maybe you just want one just for your adventure in the dark. Whatever your needs are we hope that you find an image for yourself among these.