If you're looking for a brand new thermal imaging camera, you might get overwhelmed by all the different models available, and since thermal imaging cameras aren't the most affordable pieces of equipment out there, buying the right model requires a lot of careful consideration. Although the prices of thermal imaging cameras have dropped dramatically over the past several years, they're still a big commitment. For many people, the deciding factor is going to be cost, while for others, the hardware and software features are going to play a more crucial role in the buying process.
From simple, affordable point-and-shoot thermal imaging cameras to highly specialised HD-level research and science cameras, finding the right model requires a lot of considering. Defining your needs and your budget are the two most important factors. If you're an HVAC contractor, or someone who's going to use the thermal imager for troubleshooting mechanical, electrical and power systems, for instance, is going to need something like the E53 FLIR, which is a more affordable version of the FLIR E8 and E75. The E53 FLIR boasts similar features to the more expensive models I just mentioned, and is ideal for building inspectors who are looking for moisture problems, perform insulation inspection and other building problems.
You don't have to settle for any of the FLIR models I just talked about, as I just used them as a point of reference. The general guidelines for buying a thermal imaging camera are to buy a model that has the best image quality/resolution for the money you can spend, and a camera that can deliver consistently accurate results. A high-resolution camera is capable of measuring smaller targets from a larger range, while also creating sharper images. Both these things add up to getting more reliable and precise measurements. However, you need to know that there's a difference between display and detector resolution. Some models have a high display resolution while having poor detector resolution, which actually matters more.
In order to get consistent results, you need a camera that measures differences in heat as small as 0.03 degrees Celsius. Further, the camera should allow you to input reflected temperature and emissivity values easily. Only by being able to input these parameters will you get the most accurate measurements. Some other helpful diagnostics you should consider include moveable spots and area boxes for annotating and isolating temperature measurements which can be saved as radiometric data, and later used into findings for your reports.
You don't have to settle for any of the FLIR models I just talked about, as I just used them as a point of reference. The general guidelines for buying a thermal imaging camera are to buy a model that has the best image quality/resolution for the money you can spend, and a camera that can deliver consistently accurate results. A high-resolution camera is capable of measuring smaller targets from a larger range, while also creating sharper images. Both these things add up to getting more reliable and precise measurements. However, you need to know that there's a difference between display and detector resolution. Some models have a high display resolution while having poor detector resolution, which actually matters more.
In order to get consistent results, you need a camera that measures differences in heat as small as 0.03 degrees Celsius. Further, the camera should allow you to input reflected temperature and emissivity values easily. Only by being able to input these parameters will you get the most accurate measurements. Some other helpful diagnostics you should consider include moveable spots and area boxes for annotating and isolating temperature measurements which can be saved as radiometric data, and later used into findings for your reports.
