Camera is always a useful tool for us to capture our memories and events. But sometimes in critical situations like preventing an accident or damage we think if it can be done by cameras too. Therefore, the compact thermal cameras are the tool that can make those situations normal. In addition, it shows the invisible so that you can make yourself comfy.
There is a common question that whether a thermal camera is only for pros or not. Specifically, it is made for professionals like plumbers, hunters, engineers, builders etc. But it is quite convenient for daily uses too i.e. security purposes, maintenance etc. So, compact thermal cameras are made for all for use and its amazing features are ready for you.
How We Reviewed
After visiting 12+ trustworthy websites on thermal cameras we have the ending. To decide it, we have reviewed over 100+ products in those sites and worked over 35+ hours for two weeks to get into the best 10 cameras. In addition, we studied 50+ articles and analyzed more than hundred of public and critic reviews. We believe that our selected products that are finalized with deep analysis and research will make you facilitate out and out.
30 sec Quick Summary – Best Compact Thermal Camera
The Cost Cutter: Seek Thermal Compact.
“Now save some cherishing clicks with thermal cameras available with a restricted budget in the market”.
The Falcon: Parrot-Thermal Drone 4K
“ Wide your range and explore through the beauty of earth with this drone that captures like falcons.”
Professional’s Choice : FLIR One Pro.
“ Go viral and let the world know your skill and art with this handy one that leaves room for you to become a professional ”.
Editor’s Choice : FLIR C2 Pocket Thermal Camera.
“Its first impression by features is most efficient till now and has drawn the attention of editors”.
The Classic One: FLIR One Gen 3.
“ It comes with a standard outlook and confirms the real view whatever it captures ”.
All-Rounder: FLIR TG 165.
“This unbeatable one offers you with every option you need to make your day confirming the highest quality”.
The balanced One: HTI Infrared Thermal Imager.
“Sturdy body construction yet comes with a very light weight that allows you to make it your best company wherever you go.”
The Rising star: Seek Thermal RevealPRO.
“ A very recent addition nevertheless the connection and technology is really top notch that will make it reach the place it deserves”.
The Recent Charmer: PerfectPrime IR0005.
“Perfect combination of basic needs with decent performance provides beginners with cool and pro clicks”.
A Great Finisher: FLIR E4 Wi-Fi.
“This camera gives amazing thermal experience with accuracy featuring all the ultra technologies”.
Table of Content:
Here you can find the thermal cameras and its features with reviews. Just click on the name and you will find your search.
Comparison Chart:
How about finding the feature that you needed in a short time? Here are the key points of all the best thermal cameras for termite detection under one roof.
| Image | Product | Technical Spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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The Cost Cutter
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Seek Thermal Compact |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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The Falcon
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Parrot – Thermal Drone 4K |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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Professional’s Choice
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FLIR ONE Pro – iOS – Professional Grade Thermal Camera |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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Editor’s Choice
 |
FLIR Pocket Thermal Camera |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
The Classic One
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FLIR ONE Gen 3 – iOS |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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All-Rounder
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FLIR TG165 – Spot Thermal Camera |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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The balanced One
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220 x 160 IR Resolution HTI Infrared Thermal Imager |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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The Rising star
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Seek Thermal Revealpro |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
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The Recent Charmer
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PerfectPrime IR0005 Infrared (IR) Thermal Imager |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
A Great Finisher
 |
FLIR E4 Compact Thermal Imaging Camera |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
10 Best Compact Thermal Camera Reviews In 2022
As the need for thermal imaging is increasing, it has become more efficient to review thermal cameras and decide if it is worth to buy or not. Here, we recommend the best ones with in-depth review,
1. The Cost Cutter: Seek Thermal Compact
Specifically, Seek thermal compact cameras are one the best compact cameras for its configurations. This camera can convert your smartphones normal images into thermal images with its 206*156 sensor which can be used anywhere. Moreover, it attaches itself with your device through the charging port and supports in android & iOS devices.
Seek thermal compact cameras don’t need visual light, therefore, it’s useful in both day and night. Moreover, it provides the inferred waves of anything living not. Additionally, its Thermal mode makes you see the actual and thermal image together by sharing screen of smartphone at the same time even from 1000ft.
Lastly, the camera can provide details or temperature between -40 degrees and 626 degrees which fits all thermal needs of yours. It only weighs 0.5 ounce, so it’s very comfortable to carry it with smartphones. The mobile app of Seek makes it perfect because you can see the images without attaching the camera with it.
For Whom Is This Product Designed:
As a thermal camera, Seek has a reputation in users for its features. Therefore, it is a handful tool for DIY and home management guys to solve the problems inside places like pipes or heat escaping places around windows or doors. Advanced cooks use it to identify which places are not heated. In addition, it is more useful for security of home from unwanted animals or humans through thermal imaging systems.
2. The Falcon: Parrot Anafi Thermal Drone 4k
Parrot is known for its compact thermal camera in the drone user community. Therefore, this Anafi thermal drone has so many lucrative features in it which is increasing users. It has a 4k HDR camera with a 21mp Sony sensor in it and FLIR Lepton thermal sensor to provide thermal image as well as RGB one. Moreover, it can make 3D images through thermal data.
The drone has 180degree Tilt Camera gimbal, so it can capture superior thermal shots with flexible angles. In addition, it has 3x zoom in visible image as well as thermal image which gives you more advantage to add details of the scene. Moreover, the cameraman mode adds automated shots with cineshots.
Lastly, the Freeflight 6 app has features like switching from RGB to Thermal or marge both on the screen. Through the app the sharing of photos and videos is easier than others because it takes fewer seconds to do it. Additionally, it has 25 minutes fight time with max 34mph fight speed for ease of the shoot.
For Whom Is This Product Designed:
All professionals who are mainly working outdoors like engineers, filmmakers, firemen etc. want a larger view of the sight to have a perfect view. So, Parrot Anafi Thermal Drone is efficient for all professionals with its features that grab a better view for them. Specifically, this drone is designed for professionals of industries like construction & civil security.
3. Professionals’ choice: FLIR One Pro
Flir One pro is most preferable for its image clarity and detail. It has 4800 pixel resolution as well as VividIR image processing which provides most details in the image for perfect detection. Moreover, it captures radiometric images with thermal measurement up to 500.
It has a dynamic range from -20°C to 400°C which allows it to capture the thermal images more efficiently. In addition, the MSX view in it gives nine different color palettes which enhances thermal capacity. Moreover, through the IR scale option you can customize the color from maximum to minimum.
In the end, its phone based thermal imager system with adjustable temperature range makes it a compact thermal camera. The app keeps you thermal data so that you can mix it with MSX and visual views. Moreover, you can easily save your captured image in any app or service on your phone.
For Whom Is This Product Designed:
Thermal cameras are more effective when you are looking for something in cars, panels or even water damage issues. You can do the professional stuffs with Flir One Pro by yourself. It operates with Micro USB android device, iOS and tables, so, it has its features for both Non-professional and professional as a compact thermal camera.
4. Editors’ choice: FLIR C2 Pocket Thermal Camera
The FLIR C2 is the first pocket sized thermal camera introduced to the world. Therefore, you can keep it with you anywhere you want. It has 3-inch screen with 320*240 pixel with a visual camera of 640*480 pixel which gives it a large screen as well as resolution. Moreover, it is a light-weighted camera with 4.54 ounces.
Specifically, the energy of the camera comes from the MSX dual-lens system as one lens provides thermal image and another one provides visual image. It produces more details in thermal imagery. Additionally, the IR sensor has 80*60 pixels with 45° view which maintains accuracy of image within 3.6F.
In the end, Flir C2 is priced efficiently and has an amazing runtime. It costs only $499 which has a two hours standby facility. Moreover, it takes 1.30hours to be fully charged. It also has a bigger image storage. It can store at least 500 jpeg images with touch-screen interface.
For Whom Is This Product Designed:
Sometimes it gets boring for professionals to work thermal cameras with phones. So, FLIR provided this FLIR c2 thermal camera to those professionals who want to do it in a short time as it doesn’t need any device to continue its process. It is very helpful for hunters, builders, contractors and security persons as a compact thermal camera.
5. The Classic One : FLIR One Gen 3
FLIR One Gen 3 is a low cost, light-weighted thermal camera that gives you better experience in hunting or finding hidden objects. Firstly, it has OneFit adjustable height connector which allows it with most phones with USB-C version for android. Moreover, it can capture video in 1440*1080 pixel.
Specifically, the MSX technology with fixed 15cm – infinity focus makes it more special than others in its price range. It has 80*60 thermal resolution with scene dynamic range from -20°C to 120°C which makes imagery adjustable and detailed. Moreover, it takes only 40 minutes to be fully charged.
Finally, it has nine different color pallets for thermal image processing. The pallets are adjustable and you can configure it as you like. The thermal images are good as per price with 150mK sensitivity. It also works efficiently at night whether it is indoor or outdoor.
For Whom Is This Product Designed:
For Field-workers like electricians, plumbers etc. who want the simplest best device in low price range, FLIR One Gen can be an ideal choice as a compact thermal camera. Anybody who wants a third generation thermal camera at the least expensive price can have it. Therefore, it is designed for both professionals and beginners for use.
6. The All Rounder: FLIR TG 165 spot thermal camera
FLIR TG 165 is specifically popular for its wide field of view. It has a 50° field view which can frame single imagery for building diagnostics. In addition, it provides a dual diverging laser which figures the temperature of a measured area within a flick. You can see hot and cold spots instantly without any kind of training.
It features instant capture and also port images to the computer via USB cable or SD card to develop detailed reports. It provides electrical and HVAC applications that can sort your areas which have electrical or damage problems without any professional help.
Lastly, it has a minimum focus of 4inch with measurement distance of 10 inch which makes the thermal impact more effective. Moreover, the temperature range for thermal images is huge in its price range which is from -25° to 380°C. Additionally It has a safe 24 by 1 ratio for distance measuring.
For Whom Is This Product Designed:
We often need thermal cameras in Home projects, Constructive maintenance, repairs etc. Therefore, FLIR TG 165 offers its amazing features to make the work easier. It is a useful tool for the people who are related to construction and repair industries.
7. The Balanced One: HTI Infrared Thermal imager
The main feature which attracts most is the high resolution imagery provided by the 3.2 inch full angle TFT display. Moreover, the infrared image resolution is 220*160 which makes the thermal image more perfect. In addition, its 56° field range covers a wide area for the shot with .07 thermal sensitivity.
It provides a variety of pallets for thermal imagery in ideal scale for your job like home inspection, traffic, temperature reading etc. Additionally, it controls emissivity from .01 to 1.0 which helps the imaging process to be more effective. The temperature range for thermal image is also efficient in its price range.
In the end, it only holds .83 pound which makes you feel more comfortable to carry it. Moreover, it takes only two hours to be fully charged with a best test distance of 20cm – 50cm. It also has a smooth grip in its gun shaped handle to move it.
For Whom Is This Product Designed:
Appliances which can be damaged but rarely visible like HVAC, machine, geometric, electric etc. need thermal cameras to be repaired or to be found. HTI infrared thermal imager is handy for these stuff. It is easy to use even for novices as well as professionals.
8. The Rising Star: Seek Thermal RevealPRO
Seek has been making compact thermal cameras for a long time. But RevealPRO has something better than others in its hut. It provides high resolution infrared camera with 320*240 thermal sensor which is very useful for professionals. Additionally, it has 300 lumen LED light to capture the image with more detail.
The pro is made for detecting a higher coverage area. It provides 800 feet detection and also a 32-degree field view with it. Moreover, it has a 4x zoom system through which you can capture and detect things which are not visible from distant with 4 hours battery life and a built-in storage.
In the end, the three imaging modes make it more perfect than others in its price range – Normal, Full frame & Span and level. It shows moving objects smoothly and provides temperature data and also adds filters for the image at the same time. In addition, it has four emissivity settings which smoothes your imagery system.
For Whom Is This Product Designed:
It is beneficial for hunters or security personnel to detect things with proper distance for safety. Therefore, Seek Thermal RevealPRO can be a good choice for them for its extended features. It is specifically designed for Hunting, Security or System interrogation.
9. The Recent charmer: PerfectPrime IR0005
The IR0005 has a bigger screen with 3.2 inch display which is efficient for providing crystal clear images. In addition, the sensitivity level of 0.7 with 35200 pixels gives it more detail for thermal imagery. Moreover, it provides 0°C-45° work temperature and -20°C- 60°C storage temperature.
Specifically, it has a better image adjustment with five color pallets for thermal and also visual blended images. It has operating range from -4®F to 572®F as well as shortest focal length of 35°*26° or 4.0mm.
Finally, This PerfectPrime thermal camera has a bigger coverage in its price range. It captures from 900 feet distance with ±2®accuracy. Moreover, it has a big battery life of 3 hours with built in storage.
For Whom Is This Product Designed:
Pocket thermal camera is a perfect tool for professionals as it doesn’t need additional devices and is portable in pocket. Therefore, people who repair water leakage behind the wall or hot and cold pipes found it really efficient. Therefore, PerfectPrime IR0005 is helpful for all professionals in the maintenance inspection industry.
10. A Great Finisher: FLIR E4 Wi-Fi
The main feature which attracted more attention is that it has only .575kg weight with rugged design which makes it reliable in hasty situations. Additionally, it provides 80*60 resolution with different measurement modes like Center spot, area box etc. Moreover, it has a 3.32inch color display along with 640*480 camera.
MSX technology keeps the image efficient whether it’s thermal or visual and IR is at an accuracy rate of 2% which gives it more thermal detail. In addition, it has a great battery backup with at least 4 hours standby time. The temperature range for thermal image is also decent which is from -20°C to 250°C.
Finally, it is easier to use as it provides simple button navigation that makes the radiometric images perfect. The versatile color pallets helps the thermal imagery to be efficient at work as well as keeps temperature data frequently.
For Whom Is This Product Designed:
FLIR has been introducing compact thermal cameras for a long time. Therefore, E4 is their latest model which gives all the good impressions to the professionals in restoration and build inspection. Moreover, its advanced MSX technology makes it usable for professionals in the maintenance sector.
Compact Thermal Imagery Camera Buyers Guide
There are certain issues we should think before we decide which camera is efficient and cost-worthy for usage. Here is the facts we should consider,
Firstly, Quality is the key factor that makes thermal cameras special. To judge quality, we must go through sensor resolution as well as its technology. The higher the resolution, the higher detail it will capture. So, the field of view must be high. After that, File format and data output must be considered.
Secondly, the operation of the camera is important. It is difficult when it comes to beginners to understand thermography. So, the digital camera and laser should have easier targeting and the process must be simple. Specifically, functions of the camera and the reporting software must be easily visible.
Thirdly, Cost and weight is one of the issues to make a decision for thermal cameras. Therefore, it must be compared with other cameras which are in its competitors. It’s often seen that big companies suggest the same features with big prices where it’s cheaper than others. Light weighted camera is preferable by all kinds of professionals.
Moreover, checking the additional features is also important. Because different profession needs different tools i.e. Builders need higher distance in feature as their work refers to it. So, features like image combining, companion tools etc. should be checked for perfection.
In the end, Technical support and training can be an issue that can be considered. Reputed companies try to provide better customer support to increase the customer value. So, in this aspect, you can list them first. Sometimes, beginners need training before using the compact thermal camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes thermal cameras different from any other standard camera?
Ans: Thermal cameras provide images which are not visible in our eyes. Moreover, it provides temperature details which aren’t available in standard one.
Is there a real thermal camera app?
Ans: Yes. The companies in which the camera belongs provide thermal apps for the quality or add more features.
Which Thermal Camera Has The Wide FOV?
Ans: Thermal Cameras are specially designed with some special features such as FOV ( FIELD OF VIEW) , PORTABILITY, MAX and so on. The best one for FOV in our list is the PARROT ANAFI THERMAL DRONE.
Conclusion
Thermal cameras are mainly made for professionals who are involved in construction, maintenance, hunting, security industries. But now, it is used for more purposes like finding hidden things etc. We have researched and reviewed 10 best compact thermal imaging cameras under certain aspects.
Specifically, we recommend the FLIR One Pro thermal camera from all of them. It is a light-weighted thermal camera with all the features like large FOV, max detection, range of temperature coverage etc. Therefore, it is compatible with professional & home projects.
