Top 10 Best Thermal Imagers
for June 2023

Thermal imagers have their roots in military technology developed during World War II. At the time, the military was seeking a way to detect enemy troops and vehicles in complete darkness. Consequently, researchers developed thermal imaging technology based on infrared radiation.

The first thermal imaging systems were bulky and expensive. They consisted of cryogenic cooling systems, such as liquid nitrogen to cool the sensors, and vacuum chambers to prevent the unwanted termination of organic chemical elements. Originally, these systems were exclusively used as military equipment for reconnaissance missions and as a tool for missile tracking.

In the 1960s, thermal imagers began to be used in industry. They were used in manufacturing plants and foundries, to detect defects in metals by measuring the temperature of the materials. Furthermore, firefighters began to use them to detect hot spots in buildings during rescue operations.

In the 1970s, thermal imaging technology began to evolve rapidly. Miniaturization of the components and integration of electronics enabled the development of handheld units, for the first time. These handheld units were initially too expensive for commercial use, but by the 1990s, unit costs began to drop and commercial use was becoming more popular.

As the demand for thermal imagers grew, competition within the industry increased. This led to further innovation and development in terms of accuracy, resolution of images, and size of the devices. This led to the adoption of micro-bolometers, which are sensors that can detect specific temperature ranges that allow for greater sensitivity and a more accurate image. As technology improved, thermal imagers became smaller, more affordable, and easier to use.

Today, thermal imagers are used in a range of industries, such as construction, electrical engineering, environmental monitoring, law enforcement, and medicine. They have become an essential tool in diagnosing and identifying problems that may not be visible to the human eye.

In conclusion, thermal imagers have come a long way since their military origins. They have since evolved to become easier to use, more accurate, and more affordable. The advancements made in the industry have made them an essential tool in numerous fields, and their growth is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Key Decision-Making Factors:

1. Memory Capacity - The 4 GB SD Card integrated into the thermal camera is a critical decision-making factor. The memory size allows for the storage of multiple images in JPG format, which can easily be transferred via the provided USB cable. Having a significant memory capacity enables the user to capture and store thermal images for future reference, analysis, and comparison. This feature is especially useful in industries like construction, electrical, and mechanical engineering, where a visual history of temperature changes is essential to identify potential equipment malfunctions or structural issues.

2. Accuracy and Precision - The thermal camera's accuracy and precision are vital when measuring temperature. The device ensures an accuracy of +/- 2.5% or +/- 2.5C, including emissivity and reflected temperature values to make sure that the readings are precise, regardless of the application. The accuracy and precision of the thermal camera are critical in industries like food processing, heating and air conditioning, and inspecting electrical systems, where precise temperature readings can indicate maintenance requirements or quality control issues.

3. Image Resolution - The pixel resolution of the thermal camera's images is a key performance factor. The device has 76,800 pixels and a full-color TFT screen that displays thermal or visible light views. High-resolution images enable the user to capture detailed thermal images, making it easier to identify temperature variations in different parts of the object being inspected. This feature is especially vital in industries like building diagnostics and preventive maintenance of mechanical equipment, where high-resolution images can help prevent costly breakdowns or equipment failures.

4. User-Friendly Interface - The thermal camera's user interface is a crucial performance factor, making it easy for the user to capture and analyze images accurately. This feature is especially important in industries that involve non-technical personnel, such as fire department inspections and home inspections. The thermal camera's user-friendly interface should be easy to operate, with clear instructions and intuitive controls.

5. Durability and Reliability - The durability and reliability of the thermal camera are essential factors since it needs to withstand harsh environmental conditions in different industries. The device should be built to withstand falls, shocks, moisture, as well as exposure to dust and other environmental factors. The thermal camera's reliability is of utmost importance in industries like aerospace, mining, construction, and oil and gas, where any equipment failure can have severe consequences.

In summary, decision-making factors in purchasing a thermal camera include memory capacity, accuracy, and precision of temperature, image resolution, user-friendly interface, and durability and reliability. Understanding these key performance factors helps users make informed decisions to purchase the right thermal camera for their specific industry and application requirements.

FAQ About thermal imagers

1. Whether FLIR is better than night vision depends on your purpose. FLIR thermal imaging detects heat signatures and provides a clear picture of the temperature differences in a scene, regardless of lighting conditions. On the other hand, night vision amplifies the available light visible to the human eye to enhance vision in low-light situations. FLIR is superior when it comes to detecting hidden or concealed objects or seeing through smoke, fog, or haze, while night vision is better in low-light conditions where there is some ambient light. So, it's not about one being better than the other but about which technology is most suited for your specific application.

2. The best thermal camera for moisture detection is the one that has a high-resolution infrared detector capable of accurately picking up heat patterns and differences in thermal imaging. Some of the popular thermal cameras used for moisture detection are FLIR E6, FLIR C5, FLIR E8, FLIR TG267, etc. These cameras not only detect moisture but also display the exact location where repairs are required.

3. The FLIR C5 thermal camera has a thermal sensitivity of <70 mK (NETD) and a temperature range of -20°C to +400°C (-4°F to 752°F). It has a field of view of 54° × 42°, making it ideal for close-up inspection and measuring small targets. The C5 thermal camera can detect thermal changes as small as 0.1°C and has a distance-to-spot ratio of 8:1, allowing you to measure temperatures from a safe distance. The camera can spot issues up to 100 meters (328 feet) away, depending on the temperature of the object.

4. Thermal imaging is a powerful technology in many areas, but it's not always the best solution for every situation. Some alternatives to thermal imaging include:

- Fog vision and smoke vision technologies, which can help see through smoke, dust, and fog that may obscure a vision.

- UV imaging, which is useful for inspecting electronic components, finding oil leaks in engines, or inspecting airborne particles in a cleanroom.

- Magnetic field imaging can help detect hidden magnets or magnetic patterns.

- Radar imaging, which can detect objects or changes in a scene by bouncing electromagnetic waves off the targets and analyzing their return signals.

Ultimately, the best imaging technology depends on the application, the environment, and the information required.

And more, if you're in the market for a thermal camera, you can't go wrong with one that has a 4 GB SD card and provides accurate and precise readings. And with high-resolution images of up to 76,800 pixels and a 3.2 full-color TFT screen, you can expect crisp and clear thermal images in either thermal or visible light view. Need more options? Check out our comprehensive review of the 13 best thermal cameras available in 2023, linked here 13 Best Thermal Cameras Reviewed in 2023 (For Home & ..., and our top 10 picks for thermal imaging cameras, linked here 10 Best Thermal Imaging Cameras Right Now.