Thermal Imaging Camera Suppliers

There are 2 types of thermal imaging camera based on:

• Handheld thermal imaging cameras or portable infrared cameras are one of the most popular types of infrared cameras, which are used in a number of different applications including building inspection, maintenance, fire fighting, pest control, energy audits and so on. 
• Fixed mount infrared cameras are popular in the industrial processes where the camera can be mounted in a fixed position.

Thermal Camera Resolution: The resolution of the thermal camera is the number of pixels you have on the image. The popular resolutions are 160 x 120, 320 x 240 and 640 x 480 pixels. A higher resolution camera means that each image contains more information: more pixels, more detail. Hence, that means you can find significant problems that could be missed with a lower resolution camera.

Thermal Imaging Field of View: The field of view is the angle of vision at which a camera operates. To achieve an accurate temperature reading, the targeted objects being shot should completely fill the field of view of the camera.

Thermal Sensitivity: Thermal sensitivity or Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) defines the minimum temperature difference you can see with the camera. If the targets measured have large temperature differences, thermal sensitivity is less important. However, for applications like detecting moisture issues, it is necessary.

Temperature Range: The temperature range tells you what the minimum and maximum temperatures a thermal camera is calibrated to and capable of measuring. Knowing the temperature range of your applications to choose a suitable thermal camera.

Knowing your application to choose the right thermal imager, there are two most important factors which are the resolution and the thermal sensitivity. Besides that, there are also other factors to be aware of when selecting a thermal imager. 

• Handheld thermal imaging cameras: weight, design, battery, accessories.
• Fixed mount infrared cameras: environmental conditions (heat/cold/humidity), monitoring stations, power stations.

Electrical applications: detect overheated components, underfloor heating, hot or loose electrical connectors, etc. The suitable resolution is 240 × 180.

Construction applications: detect the source of a water leak, find gaps in all kinds of insulation materials, detect air leakage, waste heat from equipment, etc. The suitable resolution is 320 × 240.

Inspection of mechanical systems: check heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, detect overheating pumps, motors, bearings, and conveyor belts, see how temperature varies across and along the weld, identify potential failure points within hydraulic systems, identify blockages and leaks in ventilation systems and pipework, etc. The suitable resolution is 320 × 240.

Safety applications: show up hot stumps and other issues that may reignite a bushfire and reduce the risk of fire, search victims through the smoke, and detect fevers through body temperature.

Find wildlife & pests, and detect termites. The suitable resolution is 320 × 240.

Healthcare & veterinary applications: detect variations in skin temperature. etc.

No training is required to operate a thermal camera to get results. However, to ensure accuracy, people using the thermal imaging camera should be properly trained in Level 1 Thermography.

It is recommended that calibration is checked annually. Same as with other measurement equipment,  thermal imaging cameras can provide inaccurate data without proper calibration.

The biggest difference in cost typically depends on the resolution. The higher the resolution, the better the image clarity at a greater distance. Hence, if the target is close, the camera requires a lower resolution, which translates to a lower-cost camera.