Top 15 Best Thermal Imaging Cameras To Buy in 2020

The heat or cold energy is reflected by different materials and is not visible to the naked eye but is visible using specialized equipment. Here I introduce to you the best thermal imaging camera which can capture the invisible infrared spectrum.

These cameras have various applications and were developed primarily for military use, but it is now used in various other fields also. They produce the heat map of any cold or hot bodies and display it in multiple colors depicting their temperature, allowing us to see the factors otherwise not known.

They come in a range of low-end models to high-end models, which be of the simple use of detecting temperature or can have complex settings. The thermal imaging cameras can have multiple selectable color pallets and other advanced features for better perception.

Are there leaks that you have been trying to detect and could not? Well! Then it’s time to own a thermal imaging camera. You will find it fascinating as you discover hundreds of uses, and some are even fun.

Benefits Of Thermal Imaging Cameras

These best thermal imaging cameras are useful for seeing unseen images with normal eyes. They can be used in darkness and for other reasons such as forensics for analyzing a crime scene. Below is the list of many benefits using thermal imaging cameras

• See-through the smoke for finding people and also to detect the hotspots of fires
• Used in surveillances, investigation of crime scenes and search and rescue operations
• Locate overheating powerline joints and parts
• Detect heat leaks of faulty thermal insulation
• Detect fever and monitoring of warm-blooded animals

Thermal Imaging Camera Comparison Chart 2020

Thermographic imaging using the best thermal imaging camera makes a lot of difference to the work you are doing using it. When you have the right equipment, you become more efficient at performing your task. Let us check the suitable camera for your needs using this comparison chart.

Which Are The Best Thermal Imaging Cameras?

Selecting the best thermal imaging camera can be easy when you look at the below classification. It directs you to the best possible category, and you might find it apt for your idea.

• Best Overall: FLIR Compact E8 Thermal Imaging Camera
  “Wi-Fi connectivity to mobile via the app, Transfer of images using USB or on Wi-Fi, MSX, Fully automatic and focus-free, Simple button navigation and on-screen settings.”
• Best Budget: PerfectPrime IR0280 Thermal Imaging Camera
  “Thermal sensor of 32 x 32 resolution, Camera and video recording, 9 types of color pallets, Humidity sensor, CMOS sensor, 6-hour battery life, 1 GD memory, 16 GB SD card included.”
• Best Under $500: FLIR TG267 Thermal Imaging Camera
  “Built-in LED light of 100 lumens, class 1 laser for depicting area for temperature measurement activated by a button, 160 x 120 IR resolution, Drop test for 2 m.”
• Best for Plumbers: Hti-Xintai 220 x 160 Thermal Imaging Camera
  “Rechargeable battery with a life of 2-3 hours on a full charge, LED light, 2.8-inch color display screen, Accuracy is ±2°C or 2%.”
• Best for Professionals: Seek Thermal Revealpro Thermal Imaging Camera
  “Refresh rate 15 Hz, Fixed focus and field of view is 32°, Emissivity adjustable from 0.3 to 0.97, digital zoom of up to 4x, Built-in flash memory of 2GB.”
• Best for Electrical Inspections: PerfectPrime IR0018 Thermal Imaging Camera
  “Emissivity adjustable from 0.1 to 10.0, JPG image format, Field angle/shortest focus length 27° x 35°/0.5m, visible image resolution 0.3 million pixel.”
• Best for Water Leaks: PerfectPrime IR0005 Thermal Imaging Camera
  “Built-in chargeable battery, Auto power off, Full infrared and full vision Visible image with 25% step length, Display intensity setting of 3 levels.”
• Best for Moisture Detection: FLIR C2 Thermal Imaging Camera and FLIR MR40 Moisture Pen
  “Ergonomically designed camera buttons, lanyard, MSX enhanced, Double-shot keycap, Splashproof rated flashlight, LCD with on-off buttons Moisture pen.”
• Best for Leak Detection: PerfectPrime IR0002 Thermal Imaging
  “Display screen of 2.4 full-angle high resolution, thermal sensitivity of 15°C, field angle/shortest focus length 20° x 20°/0.5m, Fixed focus mode.”
• Best Thermal Drone Camera: Parrot Drone Thermal Camera
  “An outstanding 3x zoom, true 25 minute flight time, essential GPS position hold and smart RTH, half-dozen special flight modes, upward tilt of the gimbal (180°), 4k HDR 21 MP Camera.”
• Best for Android: Seek Thermal CompactPRO Thermal Imaging Camera
  “No battery or charging required, 320 x 240 thermal Sensor, Android micro USB, hard shell, soft inside carrying box, assembly snaps together perfectly.”
• Best Portable Thermal Camera: Seek Shot All-Purpose Thermal Imaging Camera
  “Ability to mix normal and thermal images on real-time, Wi-fi streaming, Large and color touch display, Lock and adjust temperature span.”
• Best for Home Inspection: FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Imaging Camera
  “Class 2 laser product, 2 years product warranty, and 10 years Thermal Imaging Detector warranty, Tripod mounting: 1/4 – 20 on handle bottom.”
• Best for Heating Engineers: Fluke TIS20 9HZ Thermal Imaging Camera
  “Simply point and shoot, automatically calibrate the temperature range, 120 x 90 resolution.”
• Best Under $1000: FLIR E4 Compact Thermal Imaging Camera
  “Low weight, No need to focus lens, Captures, and stores both visual and thermal images with a single click, 4 hours of battery life.”

Top 15 Best Thermal Imaging Camera Reviews in 2020

Here are the best thermal imaging camera list to help you sort out the technology to match your needs. If you need some more help with information, I got you, you can read the description. Below given are the reviews of 15 products with all the information you will ever need.

1. FLIR Compact E8 Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best Overall)

FLIR is the leading brand in makers of thermal imaging cameras and the FLIR E8 is the compact model presented by them. It has a crisp 320 x 240 IR Resolution, MSX, and Wi-Fi features. It can measure area box, center spot, auto cold, or auto hot spots.

It can capture and store visual, thermal, and MSX enhanced images and retain temperature data in radiometric images.The Li-ion battery is rechargeable and is easily releasable. You can have overlays of a digital photo and a thermal photo to check the problem locations.

Key Features:

• 3 detection measurement modes
• Features 3 color palettes
• Automatic min/max markers
• Patented MSX Technology

Product Specification:

See how FLIR Compact E8 Thermal Imaging Camera works in this video:

2. PerfectPrime IR0280 Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best Budget)

This cost-effective model of infrared thermal imaging by PerfectPrime is built on Android, enabling smooth operation. Video recording mode provided with this thermal imager saves time while checking for problems in your house. Its large screen allows a good view for comparison.

The overlay feature allows you to align the visible image with the thermal image to have a clear overall view of issues. Intermittent heat abnormalities can be recorded on video. Updating firmware is easy, as it is Android. It surpasses its competitors while comparing its features and price to the other thermal imaging cameras available on the market.

Key Features:

• Visible Light Camera/video recording
• Temperature Range from -22 to 1832°F
• 1024-pixel resolution
• Android-based firmware
• Temperature Accuracy:+/- 2 % or +/- 2 °C

Product Specification:

Watch PerfectPrime IR0280 Thermal Imaging Camera comprehensive review:

3. FLIR TG267 Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best Under $500)

This another FLIR thermal imaging camera is useful for professionals and amateurs equally. It identifies the hot and cold zones effectively and helps in repairs like roofing issues. You can analyze the data of the images using free reporting software and generate detailed reports.

You can easily spot the warm air loss from a house using this thermal camera as it will show us the temperature difference.You can also see animals up to 70 yards of distance in total darkness. Check your automobile for shorted transistors, capacitors, resistors, and any heated damaged part.

Key Features:

• 160 x 120 resolution
• Type-K thermocouple probe
• Thermocouple Probe Connector
• Multipoint laser pointer

Product Specification:

Advantages of FLIR TG267 Thermal Imaging Camera in detail can be found in this video:

4. Hti-Xintai 220 x 160 Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best for Plumbers)

The infrared camera quickly identifies the problematic areas and hidden issues, helping you save power. It also reduces expenses by finding the invisible problems in HVAC/R, electricals, and mechanical devices. Tasks like building diagnostics, facility management, energy auditing, home inspection, auto repair, and productive maintenance become easy.

Key Features:

• Real-time thermal imaging
• Handheld Infrared camera
• Image Resolution 220 x 160
• Temperature Measurement Range -20°C – 300°C
• Wrist lanyard accessory

Product Specification:

Watch the Hti-Xintai 220×160 Thermal Imaging Camera review with complete specifications:

5. Seek Thermal RevealPro Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best for Professionals)

RevealPro model of Seek Thermal branded thermal imaging camera has a thermal sensor of 320×240. It is of good quality and withstands hard conditions. It has an LED light of 300 lumens, and the rechargeable battery is long-lasting.

It helps you locate problem spots like electric heating, mechanical failures, water and heat leakage, energy loss, and all other heat-related issues. These issues are not detectible with the naked eye, and they can be fixed easily by viewing it with the thermal imaging camera. Professions such as contractors and engineers prefer using this imaging camera for its features.

Key Features:

• 320 x 240 thermal Sensor
• -40 to 626°F detection range
• 9 Color palettes, auto & span/level control
• 4 emissivity presets
• 9 Hz frame

Product Specification:

View here the complete review of Seek Thermal Revealpro Thermal Imaging Camera:

6. PerfectPrime IR0018 Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best for Electrical Inspections)

This innovative thermal imaging camera has advanced features like an integrated SD card. The high-resolution full-color screen displays crisp images, and it has a variety of color pallets along with visible view and thermal view. Thermal signatures of various surfaces can be detected well, allowing it to be useful for a wide range of applications.

Accurate emissivity and reflected temperature values give us precise readings. Supports live sensing of hot and cold spots using the spot function. The five-color pallets included give us the option to choose the colors which work best for the environment you are checking.

Key Features:

• IR Resolution 35,200 Pixels
• Temperature Range from -4 to 572°F
• 9 Hz Refresh Rate
• 220 x 160 Resolution
• 3. 2” full-color screen display

Product Specification:

View the amazing product PerfectPrime IR0018 Thermal Imaging Camera here:

7. PerfectPrime IR0005 Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best for Water Leaks)

Temperature readings with precise accuracy and large display screen are the advantages of this PrimePerfect Thermal Imaging camera. It is also budget-friendly since it offers higher resolution at its current price. It is convenient to carry or hold due to its compact shape.

The images taken using this thermal imaging camera are clear and accurate. You can find the hidden cameras and electronic devices as they have a thermal signature and are easy to detect using these images. Electrical shorts or overheated batteries are found quickly, and also you can detect animals in the dark.

Key Features:

• Temperature range -4 to 572°F (-20 to 300°C)
• 3.2″ TFT display screen
• 220×160 image resolution of IR
• Shortest focal length 35° × 26°/4 0mm
• 0.01 to 1.0 emissivity adjustment

Product Specification:

Watch the live diagnosis of a car using PerfectPrime IR0005 Thermal Imaging Camera:

8. FLIR C2 Thermal Imaging Camera and FLIR MR40 Moisture Pen

(Best for Moisture Detection)

The FLIR C2 model is easily portable as it of lightweight and is shaped like a mobile and easy to carry in your pockets. When you are looking for real estate, you should be carrying this device and the moisture pen to check the walls as well as wiring issues and plumbing issues.

The pen model FLIR MR40 accompanying it is two pin moisture meter and has a powerful flashlight integrated into it. It is easy to use, and the pins are also replaceable. The LCD shows you the moisture range, and it beeps as it measures.

Key Features:

• Operating Temperature Range 10 to 50°C (14 to 122°F)
• Storage Temperature Range 40 to 70°C (40 to 158°F)
• Integrated flashlight in pen
• The LCD on the pen to show moisture level
• The auto power-off function of the pen

Product Specification:

Watch each of the devices in the combo of FLIR MR40 Moisture Pen here:

9. PerfectPrime IR0002Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best for Leak Detection)

Apart from the usual watching of electrical or mechanical heat, you can also check for the animals in the dark. You might be interested in playing detective or protecting your privacy by monitoring your surroundings for safety purposes. This device helps you check for spy cameras or if anybody used your bed during your absence.

Power saving can also be done by verifying the unused heat emitting devices that you did not know are consuming electricity, and unplugging them while not in use. Other features, such as the overlap of the visible image with infrared images, provide numerous uses. This device can be used both by professionals and DIY people.

Key Features:

• Visible Light Camera
• IR Resolution: 60 x 60, 3600 Pixels
• Temperature Range from -20 to 300 °C
• 6 Hz Refresh Rate
• Uses 4 X AA Alkaline battery 1.5 V

Product Specification:

A comprehensive review of PerfectPrime IR0002 Thermal Imaging Camera, watch here:

10. ParrotDrone Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best Thermal Drone Camera)

The thermal drone is lightweight and captures accurate thermal images with precision. It has two high precision cameras for this purpose and can click stable and clear pictures while in air. The specifications for the camera are insanely high for the price, and that too, it is a drone camera indicating it is a good bargain.

It has a maximum working altitude of 4,500m above sea level and is compatible with mobile devices of up to 10 inches screen size.

Key Features:

• Anafi Thermal
• Thermal Camera -14°F to 752°F
• 4K HDR Camera with 21MP Sony sensor
• 180° tilt, 3x zoom
• Wi-fi connection up to 2.5 mi

Product Specification:

Unboxing and working of Parrot Drone Thermal Imaging Camera can be viewed here:

11. Seek Thermal CompactPRO Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best for Android)

The mobile version of the thermal imaging camera is a small and compact device that can be attached to the android mobile phones using micro USB. The lens can be manually focused by rotating it, and it can focus up to 4 inches long. It makes a clicking noise and lets you know it is working.

You can use it by downloading the app, and it has many features like color display mode and the temperature spot. It is only small in size but works well, just like a normal thermal imaging camera.

Key Features:

• Resolution: 320 x 240
• Frame rate: 15 Hz
• Max temperature measure: 626°F
• Full-color manual
• Visible camera and IR camera mode

Product Specification:

Look at this cute little Seek Thermal CompactPRO Thermal Imaging Camera review here:

12. Seek Shot All-Purpose Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best Portable Thermal Camera)

Seek shot offers this pocket-friendly camera of high-resolution for multi-purpose. They also save time as the photos can be immediately analyzed, and the report can be made there itself. It is a handy tool for many professionals where quick issue detection is required.

It has a color touch screen that is large and also has wi-fi streaming capability. The battery is rechargeable and it has three customizable spot temperatures and also three customizable area boxes. The color pallet has as many as eight options, which are not available with many other options.

Key Features:

• 206 x 156 thermal Sensor
• 36° field-of-view lens
• < 9 Hz frame rate
• 8 Color palettes
• 4 emissivity presets
• Spectral Range of 7.5 – 14 Microns

Product Specification:

View the photo editing feature on Seek Shot All-Purpose Thermal Imaging Camera here:

13. FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best for Home Inspection)

Impressionable camera quality is the plus point of FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera. You can measure 10 inches of minimum measurement distance and also features a 24:1 Spot size ratio enabling a safe distance measure.

Its settings are user friendly, and even without checking the manual, you will be able to use it.

It is worth the price, and some say it is better than expected. It can have a variety of applications like home inspection, checking for insulation, and many other such uses. It can connect to a computer using a USB connector and has a laser target as well as LED light for illumination.

Key Features:

• 8 GB micro SD card
• Temperature Range: 30 to +55°C (22 to 131°F)
• USB with the included cable
• Accuracy ±1.5% or 1.5°C (2.7°F)
• Average battery life is 5 hours

Product Specification:

Unboxing and review of FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Imaging Camera:

14. Fluke TIS20 9HZ Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best for Heating Engineers)

It has a fantastic build quality, and the battery is removable and replaceable. Good screen quality with IR visual blending. You can connect it to Windows or Android/iOS devices and transfer pictures easily as they are offering 4GB memory and also provision for extension of memory.

Transferring images can be done either on Wi-fi or using the USB cable also the external SD card can be unmounted and accesses for image transfer. No manual focus adjustment is provided only fixed focus, which makes things easy. The temperature range it works with is useful for many applications.

Key Features:

• 3 IR-Fusion Blending Modes
• 120 x 90 Resolution
• 3.5 inch, 320 x 240 LCD
• Voice Annotations
• Fixed Focus

Product Specification:

Watch highlights and working of Fluke TIS20 9HZ Thermal Imaging Camera:

15. FLIR E4 Compact Thermal Imaging Camera

(Best Under $1000)

The sturdy Thermal Imaging camera built by FLIR is reliable and rugged. It is capable of clicking images and storing them both in visual and MSX formats. Picture in picture overlay helps to enhance the photo clarity and thus locating the problem area with ease.

A hard case that comes attached with a belt is a useful accessory to carry it effortlessly. The user manual and the FLIR software useful for reporting are included along with the thermal camera. Charger with four plugs, external charger, and USB cable are the other accessories that come with the camera.

Key Features:

• 80 x 60 IR Resolution
• Visual and MSX images
• 3 measurement modules
• Li-ion rechargeable battery
• 4 hours of battery life

Product Specification:

Live to work of FLIR E4 Compact Thermal Imaging Camera watch here:

Ultimate Buying Guide On Best Thermal Imaging Camera

Thermal imaging cameras, as discussed earlier, come in a variety of range and have sophistication in various regards. Let us see what they have to offer and how they contribute to the cameras working on selecting the best camera.

Resolution

These cameras come in various resolutions like 160 x 120, 320 x 240 and 640 x 480 pixels. Higher the resolution higher the quality of the picture since they are composed of more pixels as the resolution increases.

Thermal Sensitivity

The smallest temperature difference detectable by the camera is called its thermal sensitivity. This helps in easy differentiation of two surfaces with the slightest temperature difference. If the sensitivity is said to be 0.05 degrees, then it means it is capable of differentiating up to five-hundredths of a degree temperature difference.

Temperature Range

The typical range of a thermal imaging camera can range from -4°F to 2200°F, meaning the camera can capture only the images of objects within this range of temperature.

Color Pallets

Thermal imaging cameras feature multiple color pallets such as Black and white, iron, rainbow. Normal users usually use the iron pallet, details can be viewed using a black and white pallet, and rainbow pallet have the best thermal sensitivity.

Focus

Some high-end imaging cameras are equipped with a push-button focus. Focus enhances the clarity of the image. It can also be obtained by rotating the lens manually. It is comparable to the normal cameras and works similarly.

Emissivity

While adjusting emissivity, you can compare temperatures or measure the temperature of a surface.

Reflective Temperature

It is similar to emissivity adjustment, and it compensates for the temperature of surrounding objects reflecting on an object.

Thermal Tuning

The span of temperature which you desire to see can be adjusted using this setting, allowing us to see only the specific range. It is used to view temperature differences of the objects in question.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

My Top Pick

I covered every type of Thermal imaging camera ranging from drone camera to mobile latch able camera. I like the FLIR Compact E8 Thermal Imaging Camera, which is compact, and I like the high resolution it provides.

You did read this far since you are planning to own one, so go ahead, check the facts laid out clearly and be a proud owner of one. Do not forget to let me know what you liked in the comments.