• Thermal Cameras Buyers Guide

    Posted in: Consumer Reviews

    In this video series I provide guidelines on buying thermal cameras.

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  • 1. Thermal Camera Test Results

    Click Image to buy from Amazon and support MJLorton.comMake and ModelActual percieved temperature sensitivity (at 0.3 m)Actual measured distance to spot ratioActual camera accuracy at 50°C (at 0.5 m)Actual camera accuracy at 120°C (at 0.5 m)Actual camera accuracy top end of quoted temperature range (at 0.5 m)

    		Opgal Therm-App TH0.2 °C23:143°C (-14% error)120°C (0% error)200°C (@ 200°C) (0% error)

    		HT Instruments THT450.2 °C68:151°C (+2% error)120°C (0% error)347°C (@ 350°C) (0.9% error)

    		Fluke TiS100.4 °C74:152°C (+4% error)123°C(+2.5% error)253°C (@ 250°C) (+1.2% error)

    		Fluke Ti900.3 °C65:150°C (0% error)121°C (+0.9% error)250°C (@ 250°C) (0% error)

    		Fluke VT040.5 °C~14:1**48°C (-4.2% error)117°C (-2.6% error)243°C (@ 250°C)* (-2.9% error)

    		Fluke VT02 (Discontinued)1 °C~8:1**44°C (-12% error)110°C (-9.1% error)223°C (@ 250°C)* (-10.8% error)

    		FLIR E40.4 °C34:148°C (-4.1% error)120°C (0% error)250°C (@ 250°C) (0% error)

    		FLIR TG1650.5 °C23:1**49°C (-2% error)118°C (-1.7% error)371°C (@ 380°C) (-2.4% error)


    		FLIR One (Android / iOS))0.4 °C37:150°C (0% error)120°C (0% error)120°C (0% error)

    		FLIR C20.4 °C42:151°C (+2% error)122°C (+1.6% error)152°C (@ 150°C) (+1.3% error)



    		Seek Compact (Android / iOS)0.4 °C~10:1**46°C (-8.7% error)114°C (-5.3% error)314°C (@ 330°C)* (-4.9% error)


    		Seek CompactXR (Android / iOS)Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested
    Seek Reveal0.4 °C16:147°C (- 6.4% error)120°C (0% error)314°C (@ 330°C)* (-4.9% error)

    2.1 Spec Comparisons 1

    Make and ModelPrice ($) (November 2015)ResolutionTotal PixelsSensitivity (NETD)Temperature Range (°C)
    Opgal Therm-App TH1,900384x288110592<0.07 °C0 to 200
    HT Instruments THT4599580x806400<0.1 °C-20 to 350
    Fluke TiS101,20080x604800≤0.15 °C (150 mK)-20 to 250
    Fluke Ti901,35080x604800≤0.15 °C (150 mK)-20 to 250
    Fluke VT0442031x31961Not Specified-10 to 250
    Fluke VT02 (Discontinued)500Not Specified - Less than VT04Not Specified - Less than VT04Not Specified-10 to 250
    FLIR E480080 × 604800≤0.15 °C (150 mK)-20 to 250
    FLIR TG16540080x604800≤0.15 °C (150 mK)-25 to 380
    FLIR One (Android / iOS))250160 × 12019200≤0.1 °C (100 mK)-20 to 120
    FLIR C270080x604800≤0.1 °C (100 mK)-10 to 150
    Seek Compact (Android / iOS)250 / 205206x15632136Not Specified-40 to 330
    Seek CompactXR (Android / iOS)290 / 226206x15632136-40 to 330
    Seek Reveal352206x156 ?32136?-40 to 330

    2.2 Spec Comparisons 2

    Make and ModelNon uniformity correction (NUC)Distance to spot ratio (D:S)Instantaneous field of view / spatial resolution (IFOV) milli RadiansIR spectrum (μm)Thermal camera field of view (angles)
    Opgal Therm-App THShutterless100:12.57.5 to 1455° x 41° (6.8mm lens)
    HT Instruments THT45ShutterNot Given3.788 to 1417° x 17° (9mm lens)
    Fluke TiS10Shutter128:17.87.5 to 1435.7 ° x 26.8 °
    Fluke Ti90ShutterNot Specified5.69 to 1519.5 ° x 26 °
    Fluke VT04Shutterless ?Not SpecifiedNot Specified6.5 to 1428° x 28°
    Fluke VT02 (Discontinued)Shutterless ?Not SpecifiedNot Specified6.5 to 1420° x 20°
    FLIR E4ShutterNot Specified10.37.5 to 1345° × 34°
    FLIR TG165Shutter ?24:1Not Specified8 to 1450° x 38.6°
    FLIR One (Android / iOS))ShutterNot SpecifiedNot SpecifiedNot SpecifiedNot Specified
    FLIR C2ShutterNot SpecifiedNot Specified7.5 to 1441° × 31°
    Seek Compact (Android / iOS)ShutterNot SpecifiedNot Specified7.2 to 1336°
    Seek CompactXR (Android / iOS)7.2 to 1320°
    Seek RevealShutterNot SpecifiedNot Specified7.2 to 13 ?36°

    2.3 Spec Comparisons 3

    Make and ModelThermal camera accuracy (degrees C)Minimum focal distanceFocus typeFrame rateActual camera frame rate performance test
    Opgal Therm-App TH+/- 2°C or 2% (at 25°C)0.2 mManual8.7 HzStills - Very Good, Video - Ok
    HT Instruments THT45+/- 2°C or 2% (at 25°C)0.5 mManual50 HzStills - Excellent, Video - Excellent
    Fluke TiS10+/- 2°C or 2% (at 25°C)0.45 m (1.5 ft)Fixed focus9 HzOk to Good
    Fluke Ti90+/- 2°C or 2% (at 25°C)0.46 m (18 in)Fixed focus9 HzVery Good
    Fluke VT04+/- 2°C or 2% (at 25°C)~23 cm (9 in)Focus free~9 Hz (Not Specified)Bad
    Fluke VT02 (Discontinued)+/- 2°C or 2% (at 25°C)~23 cm (9 in)Focus free~9 Hz (Not Specified)Very Bad
    FLIR E4+/- 2°C or 2% (at 25°C)0.5 m (1.6ft)Focus Free9 HzGood
    FLIR TG165+/- 1.5°C or 1.5% (at 25°C)Not SpecifiedFocus Free9 HzPoor
    FLIR One (Android / iOS))Not SpecifiedNot SpecifiedFocus Free~9 Hz (Not Specified)Stills - Poor, Video - Poor
    FLIR C2+/- 2°C or 2% (at 25°C)Thermal: 0.15 m (0.49 ft.) MSX: 1.0 m (3.3 ft.)Focus Free9 HzPoor
    Seek Compact (Android / iOS)Not SpecifiedNot SpecifiedManual<9 Hz (Not Specified)Stills - Poor, Video - Poor
    Seek CompactXR (Android / iOS)<9 Hz (Not Specified)Not Tested
    Seek RevealNot SpecifiedNot SpecifiedFocus Free< 9 HzPoor

    2.4 Spec Comparisons 4

    Make and ModelStorge Internal / ExternalBattery type / sizeBattery Run TimeCharge methodIR palette temperature span
    Opgal Therm-App THPhone memoryPhone batteryPhone batteryPhone ChargerAuto, Manual
    HT Instruments THT45External - Micro SD card 8GBRechargeable Li-ION, 3,7V 2000mAh4 hoursExternal adapter 100/240VAC (50/60Hz)/5VDCAuto, Lock
    Fluke TiS10Internal 4 GB / optional 4 GB micro SDRechargeable Li-ION4+ hoursExternal adapter 100/240VAC (50/60Hz)/15VDCAuto, Manual
    Fluke Ti90External - 4 Gb SD or 8 Gb wireless SDRechargeable Li-ION4+ hoursExternal adapter 100/240VAC (50/60Hz)/15VDCAuto, Manual
    Fluke VT04External - 4 GB micro SDRechargeable Li-ION8 hoursMicro USBAuto
    Fluke VT02 (Discontinued)External - 4 GB micro SD4 x AA cells8 hoursNAAuto
    FLIR E4Internal - 173 MBRechargeable Li-ION4 hoursMicro USBAuto, Lock
    FLIR TG165External - 8 GB micro SDRechargeable Li-ION, 3.7V, 2600mAh8 hoursMicro USBFixed
    FLIR One (Android / iOS))Phone memoryRechargeable Li-ION, 350 mAh1 HourMicro USBAuto, Lock
    FLIR C2Internal - 165 MBRechargeable Li-ION, 3.7V2 HourMicro USBAuto, Lock
    Seek Compact (Android / iOS)Phone memoryPhone batteryPhone dependantPhone ChargerNo
    Seek CompactXR (Android / iOS)No
    Seek RevealExternal - 512 MB micro SDRechargeable Li-ION11 Hours +Micro USBNo

    2.5 Spec Comparisons 5

    Make and ModelTemperature Level of IR palette spanInterchangable lensLaser TargetingSize (mm)Weight
    Opgal Therm-App THAutoYesNo55 x 65 x 40 (2.16 x 2.55 x 1.57in)123 grams / 4.33 ounces
    HT Instruments THT45FixedNoYes224 x 77 x 96500 grams
    Fluke TiS10Auto, ManualNoNo267 x 101 x 145 (10.5 x 4.0 x 5.7 in)720 grams (1.6 lb)
    Fluke Ti90Auto, ManualNoNo284 x 86 x 130 (11.2 in x 3.4 in x 5.3 in)730 grams (1.6 lb)
    Fluke VT04AutoNoNo210 x 75 x 55 (8.3 in x 3 in x 2.2 in)344 grams
    Fluke VT02 (Discontinued)AutoNoNo210 x 75 x 55 (8.3 in x 3 in x 2.2 in)374 grams
    FLIR E4FixedNoNo244 × 95 × 140 (9.6×3.7×5.5in.)575 grams
    FLIR TG165FixedNoYes186 x 55 x 94 (7.3 x 2.2 x 3.7 in)313 grams (11 ounces)
    FLIR One (Android / iOS))AutoNoNo72 x 26 x 18 (2.8 in x 1 in x 0.7 in)78 grams (2.75 ounces)
    FLIR C2FixedNoNo125 × 80 × 24 (4.9 × 3.1 × 0.94 in.)130 grams (0.29 lb.)
    Seek Compact (Android / iOS)NoNoNo47 x 20 x 2312 grams (0.4 ounces)
    Seek CompactXR (Android / iOS)NoNoNo47 x 20 x 2312 grams (0.4 ounces)
    Seek RevealNoNoNo127 x 62 x 34183 grams (64. ounces)

    2.6 Spec Comparisons 6

    Make and ModelIP RatingComplete unit / Phone requiredDisplay resolutionVisible Camera ResolutionIR Fusion / IR Blending / MSX technology (Image Edging)
    Opgal Therm-App THIP54Android PhonePhone Screen ResolutionPhone CameraBlending, Edging in software
    HT Instruments THT45IP50Complete Unit - Industrial hand held320x2401.3 Mega PixelPicture in Picture Blending
    Fluke TiS10IP54Complete Unit - Industrial hand held320x2405 Mega PixelIR-Blending available in software
    Fluke Ti90IP54Complete Unit - Industrial hand heldNot Specified2 Mega PixelIR-Blending available in software
    Fluke VT04Not SpecifiedComplete Unit - Industrial hand heldNot SpecifiedNot SpecifiedIR- heat map blending
    Fluke VT02 (Discontinued)Not SpecifiedComplete Unit - Industrial hand heldNot SpecifiedNot SpecifiedIR- heat map blending
    FLIR E4Not SpecifiedComplete Unit - Industrial hand held320 × 2400.3 Mega PixelMSX, IR Blending
    FLIR TG165Not SpecifiedComplete Unit - Industrial hand held176 x 220NANA
    FLIR One (Android / iOS))Not SpecifiedUnit clipped to phone data portPhone Screen Resolution0.3 Mega PixelMSX
    FLIR C2Not SpecifiedPhone styled complete unit320 × 2400.3 Mega PixelMSX
    Seek Compact (Android / iOS)Not SpecifiedUnit clipped to phone data portPhone Screen ResolutionPhone Camera dependantSwip blending
    Seek CompactXR (Android / iOS)Not SpecifiedUnit clipped to phone data portPhone Screen ResolutionPhone Camera dependantSwip blending
    Seek RevealNot SpecifiedFlashlight styled complete unit240x320NoNo

    2.7 Spec Comparisons 7

    Make and ModelVideo recordingImage typesImage with temperature informationImage with radiometric / meta dataAnalysis and reporting software
    Opgal Therm-App THYesJPEGYesYesYes - IRT Cronista
    HT Instruments THT45Yes - MP4, with Audio using included micJPEGNoYes - JPGTHTLink
    Fluke TiS10NoIS2YesYes - IS2SmartView®
    Fluke Ti90NoBMP, JPEG, IS2BMP, JPEGYes - IS2SmartView®
    Fluke VT04NoBMP, IS2BMPCenter measurement, Hot and Cold Markers - IS2SmartView®
    Fluke VT02 (Discontinued)NoIS2NoCenter measurement (Hot & Cold Markers in SW) - IS2SmartView®
    FLIR E4NoJPEGJPEGYes - JPEGFLIR Tools
    FLIR TG165NoBMPBMPNoFLIR Tools
    FLIR One (Android / iOS))Yes - MOVJPEGYes - JPEGYes - JPEGFLIR Tools
    FLIR C2No (Can stream video)JPEGJPEGYes - JPEGFLIR Tools
    Seek Compact (Android / iOS)Yes - MP4JPEGJPEGNoNo
    Seek CompactXR (Android / iOS)Yes - MP4JPEGJPEGNoNo
    Seek RevealNoPNGPNGNoNo

    2.8 Spec Comparisons 8

    Make and ModelZoomSharing and Collaboration From DeviceDisplay size (Inches)Tripod mount
    Opgal Therm-App THContinuous digital zoom using touchscreenEmail, Texting, Dropbox from phonePhone DisplayYes
    HT Instruments THT45Digital x1 - x32No2.8Yes
    Fluke TiS10NoFluke Connect wireless (integrated)3.5 (landscape)Yes (Non standard)
    Fluke Ti90NoFluke Connect wireless (SD Card)3.5 (portrait)Yes (Non standard)
    Fluke VT04NoNo2.25Yes
    Fluke VT02 (Discontinued)NoNo2.25Yes
    FLIR E4NoNo3No
    FLIR TG165NoNo2Yes
    FLIR One (Android / iOS))NoEasy sharing (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, e-mail, SMS, etc.)Phone Display SizeNo
    FLIR C2NoNo3No
    Seek Compact (Android / iOS)Yes - Digitalemail, SMS, etc from phonePhone Display SizeNo
    Seek CompactXR (Android / iOS)Yes - Digitalemail, SMS, etc from phonePhone Display SizeNo
    Seek RevealNoNo2.25Yes (Non standard)

    These are longer, more detailed videos to help the prospective
    buyer select the correct thermal camera for their needs.

    Be selective in the videos you need to watch with this guide:

    * Part 1 – Specifications and criteria on choosing a thermal camera:
    Overview and pricing of the 12 thermal cameras. Resolution, field of view, sensitivity, distance to spot ratio and accuracy, frame rate,
    analysis and reporting software, collaboration, focus, IR Blending, temperature measurement range and MSX technologies.

    * Part 2 – A demonstration and comparison of camera sensitivity and field of view. A more detailed overview of the 12 sample thermal cameras.

    * Part 3 – Thermal camera tests and the final comparative results.

    Thermal Cameras tested in this buyers guide:

    * How to buy a thermal imager
    * Thermal camera review
    * Thermal imager review

     

    • Related Images

  • Field of View Comparisons

  • Frame Rate Comparisons

  • Resolution Comparisons

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