Thermal Imaging Cameras (152 Products)

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About Thermal Imaging Cameras

What is a Thermal Camera?

Thermal cameras see the world very differently from how the human eye does. Our eyes rely on visible light passing into them to construct images using feedback from our brains in complex patterns, but thermal imaging devices use infrared (IR) light instead to create an image. IR light is completely invisible to the human eye; this type of light is outside the spectrum of light that our eyes can detect but is all around us daily.

IR light is often referred to as IR radiation, and it is this that a thermal camera picks upon to relay an image. Practically every object around us, whether it's a desk or an ice cube, gives off some kind of IR radiation, giving it some form of temperature. Human bodies are particularly noticeable for giving off a significant amount of IR radiation, leading to human heat maps looking particularly strong when looked at through a thermal camera.

Thermal camera use complex algorithms and thermal lenses to pick up on this heat distribution and relay what they see as a thermal image. This allows users to pinpoint exactly where hotspots and coldspots might be in whatever they are looking at and is a great tool for performing non-invasive measurements of a wide variety of applications without the need to perform complex testing procedures.

Thermal Imaging Camera Applications

Thermal Cameras for Electricians

When used in electrical applications, thermal surveying allows users to tell at a glance when electrical components are functioning incorrectly. This is usually shown as a component putting out extreme levels of heat compared to others in a system, and by carrying out this thermal survey ahead of time the person doing the surveying can take action against the steadily overheating component(s) before they become a more significant problem.

Police Force Thermal Imaging Cameras

Handheld thermal imaging systems are gradually starting to be adopted by policemen and security patrolmen as well. This is because the thermal camera can be used to effectively see through complete darkness (remember they don't use visible light - IR light is present even at night), through the foliage, and even through camouflage worn by criminals and those in areas where they shouldn't be. This aids police in particular with capturing hiding criminals - what might have otherwise gone unnoticed is easily detected because the officers can see the heat distribution of the person they are chasing.

FLIR, one of the world's premier thermal camera manufacturers, creates a wide range of different thermal imaging cameras suitable for use by security and in other law enforcement applications. The FLIR LS, BHS, and HS range are all made with this field in mind and allow servicemen to detect and track criminals while remaining unseen themselves. When combined with airborne thermal systems these cameras create a comprehensive field of view and improve overall efficiency out in the field.

Fire Fighting Thermal Cameras

The thermal camera is also becoming a widely popular tool with firefighters. Since they work in extremely challenging environments daily that are often filled with obscuring smoke and fire, firefighters can use thermal imaging systems to see through smoke and can detect other things such as fire distribution and the heat signatures of trapped people. This enables firefighters to react quickly to problems and can be an essential tool for ultimately saving lives. Some thermal cameras are also able to be mounted directly onto firefighting helmets and the image gained can be relayed wirelessly to a control point where a controller can advise firefighters currently in a building. There's also a range of handheld firefighting thermal devices that are perfect for quick and easy operation.

Thermal Cameras for Building Surveys

The use of thermal imaging cameras in building surveillance is also becoming increasingly common. A lot of problems with buildings are not easily detected by just taking a look - problems with insulation, the moisture content in the walls, and various other problems might otherwise go undetected unless they're seen with a thermal camera. For example imagine there was moisture under the surface of building materials, in the ceiling of a property. The moisture content might not be great enough to create a stain on the ceiling (yet!) but the water underneath the surface might be gradually building up as a result of a leak or water seeping in from outside. A thermal camera would be able to detect this moisture distribution under the surface of the material and the moisture patch would be easily identifiable because the water has cooled the area and will thus be in contrast to the area around it when viewed through the lens of a thermal imaging system.

Need Advice on Your Specific Thermal Application?

If you have any questions whatsoever please get in touch. Our team is on hand to assist with any products available in our thermal imaging camera range.

Thermal Imaging Cameras FAQ

Is it worth buying a thermal imaging camera?

Deciding whether to buy a thermal imaging camera depends on your specific needs and budget. For businesses, owning a thermal camera has many benefits. It can be used for energy audits, damp and mould surveys, fire detection, condition monitoring and predictive and preventative maintenance. The time-saving diagnostics it offers can reduce future costs of equipment failure and expenses associated with expensive energy losses.

Consider what you'll use it for – whether it's for work or personal projects. Thermal cameras can be expensive, so think about how often you'll use it and whether it's worth the investment. Look into the features of different cameras and how they match your requirements. Also, explore any potential cost savings or benefits it could bring in the long run.

Can I use my Iphone / Android smartphone as a thermal camera?

Yes, you can use your IOS or Android phone as a thermal imaging camera with the help of some attachements and accessories or specialised apps.

Thermal Camera Attachments and bluetooth devices are offered by some thermal camera manufacturers. FLIR, Seek and Hikmicro all offer thermal camera attachments that connect to your smartphone and are used inconjuction with an App. These attachments typically include a thermal sensor and a compatible app that allows you to view and capture thermal images using your phone's screen. While these attachments can provide basic thermal imaging functionality, they may not offer the same level of performance or features as standalone thermal cameras. FLIR's new FLIR One Edge thermal camera uses your smartphone as a screen, it utilises bluetooth connectivity to allow it to be detached from your handset enabling you to view awkward areas and spaces.

Keep in mind that while using your phone as a thermal camera can be useful for certain applications, it may not provide the same level of accuracy, sensitivity, or features as dedicated thermal imaging cameras. Therefore, it's important to consider your specific needs and requirements before deciding on using your phone for thermal imaging purposes. If you would like to discuss your application and whether a Thermal Camera Phone attachement is suitable, please call the PASS technical sales team who will able to advise you further.

What do thermal imaging cameras detect?

Thermal imaging cameras detect infrared radiation emitted by objects and surfaces, which corresponds to their temperature. Here's how it works:

Infrared Radiation: All objects with a temperature above absolute zero (-273.15°C or -459.67°F) emit infrared radiation. This radiation is invisible to the human eye but can be detected by thermal imaging cameras.

Temperature Variation: Thermal imaging cameras detect the temperature variation across the scene they are pointed at. Warmer objects emit more infrared radiation, while cooler objects emit less. The camera captures this radiation and converts it into a visual representation, typically a thermal image where different temperatures are represented by different Colours or shades.

Colour Representation: In thermal images, warmer areas are often depicted in warmer colours (such as red, orange, or yellow), while cooler areas are depicted in cooler Colours (such as blue or purple). This Colour mapping allows users to quickly identify temperature differences in the image.

Applications: Thermal imaging cameras are used in various applications across industries such as building inspection, electrical maintenance, firefighting, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), condition monitoring, security surveillance, and search and rescue operations. They can identify hotspots, detect temperature anomalies, assess energy efficiency, locate people or objects in low visibility conditions, and more.

Overall, thermal imaging cameras provide valuable insights into temperature variations in the environment, enabling users to identify potential issues, improve safety, and make informed decisions in various fields.

What is the difference between night vision and thermal imaging?

Night vision and thermal imaging are two specific technologies. Night vision is used for seeing in low-light or no-light conditions. Where thermal imaging has multiple applications from seeing in low light no light conditions to looking at buildings and machinery for condition monitoring and fault diagnostics. Both have their own advantages and applications.

Night vision relies on amplifying existing ambient light or capturing visible light through image intensifier tubes to produce a visible image (like the human eye). This technology is effective for enhancing vision in dark environments and is commonly used in military operations, surveillance, and nocturnal activities like hunting.

In contrast, thermal imaging operates by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by objects based on their temperature. This allows thermal cameras to create images even in complete darkness or through smoke, fog, and dust. Thermal imaging is particularly useful for detecting heat signatures, identifying temperature anomalies, and locating objects or individuals regardless of lighting conditions.

While night vision is great in providing detailed visual clarity in low-light environments, thermal imaging offers unparalleled detection capabilities in total darkness and adverse weather conditions.

What is the difference between infrared imaging and thermal imaging?

The terms "infrared imaging" and "thermal imaging" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different technologies:

Infrared Imaging: Infrared imaging refers to the process of capturing and displaying images based on the detection of infrared radiation emitted or reflected by objects. It exists just beyond the visible spectrum of light and uses short wavelengths infrared light. Waves just longer than those visible by the human eye). Infrared imaging can include both thermal and non-thermal imaging techniques.

Thermal Imaging: Thermal imaging specifically refers to a type of infrared imaging that focuses on capturing the thermal or heat radiation emitted by objects based on their temperature. They use mid to long wavelength infrared energy. This technology allows thermal cameras to create images even in complete darkness or through smoke, fog, and dust. Thermal imaging is particularly useful for detecting heat signatures, identifying temperature anomalies, and locating objects or individuals regardless of lighting conditions.

In summary, while all thermal imaging is a form of infrared imaging, not all infrared imaging is thermal imaging. Thermal imaging specifically deals with capturing and visualizing temperature variations, whereas infrared imaging encompasses a broader range of techniques for detecting infrared radiation, including those that may not be related to temperature measurement.

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