The Best Thermal Imaging Cameras for 2021
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Best Thermal Imaging Camera
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best thermal imaging cameras currently available.
UPDATED: May 19, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the FLIR TG165 because it features an intuitive interface that shows hot spots in real-time and by simply pulling the trigger it quickly captures images.
Infrared cameras are powerful and extremely cost-effective, easy-to-use troubleshooting tools for building, electrical, and mechanical applications.
Clearly reveal problems from sources of energy loss, moisture intrusion, and structural issues to overheating electrical and mechanical equipment.
RELATED:
The 10 Best Moisture Meters
The Best Stud Finders
The following thermal imaging cameras use the latest innovative components to meet your needs and help to ensure you do your best work.
So here is my list of The Best Thermal Imaging Cameras for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Imaging Camera
The FLIR TG165 features FLIR’s exclusive Lepton micro thermal sensor.
Lepton IR Imaging Engine allows for the ability to quickly see what’s hot by simply pointing it at an object.
Features a 24:1 spot size ratio that allows for the measurement of hot spots up to 716° F (380°C) while keeping a safe distance.
Instantly capture images and measurements with the pull of a trigger.
Offers the ability to store images and data with an SD Card.
Here is an unboxing and demonstration video of the FLIR TG165:
Best for Smartphones: FLIR ONE Pro Gen 3 - iOS Thermal Imaging Camera
The FLIR ONE Pro Gen 3 - iOS converts an iPhone or iPad into a thermal imaging camera by simply attaching it to the lightning port.
Note: an Android version is also available.
Offers the ability to measure temperatures up to 120°C and down to -20°C.
Equipped with a thermal Sensitivity (MRDT) of 150 mK.
Features a visual resolution of 1440x1080.
Lasts approximately one hour on a single charge and takes around 40 minutes to fully charge the battery with the USB-C cable.
Check out this brief video overview and demonstration:
Best for Professionals: FLIR E4: Compact Thermal Imaging Camera
The FLIR E4 features intuitive menus to quickly get thermal data.
Features ergonomic buttons that allow for easy one-handed operation.
Offers the ability to simply take images by pulling the trigger.
Includes include center spot and area box measurement modes.
Features radiometric JPEG’s that retain all temperature data.
Quick-release li-ion rechargeable battery.
Features a three-inch color LCD screen.
Best Compact: FLIR C2 Thermal Imaging Camera
The FLIR C2 features a wide 45° field of view to capture more data in one image.
Features an ability to add detail to the infrared image from the built-in traditional camera in real-time.
Includes FLIR Tools software to process and analyze images.
Saved images store 4,800 individual thermal measurements.
Allows for the streaming of real-time video over USB to a separate screen.
Offers the ability to take both thermal and traditional images for analysis.
Seek Thermal iOS-Apple Thermal Imaging Camera
The Seek CompactXR connects directly to a smartphone.
Note: the Apple lightning connector model is shown, also available in MicroUSB for Android.
Offers a temperature range from –40 to 626 degrees Fahrenheit.
Features a chalcogenide lens with a 20° field of view.
Includes a 206 x 156 thermal sensor.
Features a detection distance of up to 1800 feet away.
Includes a pocket-sized, waterproof carrying case.
Hti-Xintai HT-18 Thermal Imaging Camera
The Hti-Xintai HT-18 features 220 x 160 IR resolution.
Features a simple to use button interface.
Offers the ability to transfer saved images to a computer via a USB cable.
Equipped with a recessed sensor to reduce the risk of damage.
Powered by a lithium-ion battery that is recharged via a USB cable.
Includes a carrying case for transport and storage.
FLIR C3 Pocket Thermal Imaging Camera
The FLIR C3 features a compact design that can easily fit in a pocket.
Includes a “spotmeter” to indentify hot and cold spots quickly.
Features real-time image enhancement with the visible camera.
Features the ability to look at images on the LCD screen or stream video over USB.
Offers the ability to connect with mobile devices for analysis.
Seek Thermal Reveal Thermal Imaging Camera
The Seek Thermal Reveal offers the ability to detect specific sources of heat-and heat loss-up at a distance of up to 500 feet.
Features a 36-degree field-of-view for increased analysis area.
Includes a 206 x 156 thermal sensor to accurately identify areas of heat loss and gain.
Measures temperature differences from -40 degrees Celsius to 626 degrees Fahrenheit.
Features intuitive controls for one-handed operation.
Includes an SD card for saving the thermal images.
Includes a 300 lumen LED light.
Perfect-Prime IR0002 Thermal Imaging Camera
The Perfect-Prime IR0002 features an image resolution of 3600 pixels.
Features a MicroSD card method of storage for image files.
Offers analysis temperature range from -20 to 300 °C.
Features a 2.4” display to easily identify potential hot or cold problems.
Includes a thermal sensitivity of 0.15°C.
FLIR TG56 Spot Thermal Imaging Camera
The FLIR TG56 features an easy-to-use menu interface with a color display.
Provides quick readings with the intuitive design.
Includes an IR sensor that allows measurements to be taken without contact.
Features a 30:1 distance-to-spot ratio.
Ratio allows for the measurement of objects at a safe distance.
Offers the ability to current reading and last two temperature readings simultaneously.
I hope this list of the best thermal imaging cameras was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
