Resolution: Higher resolution cameras provide clearer, more detailed thermal images. A thermal imaging camera with a high resolution can detect small temperature differences, making it ideal for tasks that require a high level of accuracy.
Sensitivity: The sensitivity of a thermal camera is its ability to detect minimal differences in temperature. If you need to capture subtle thermal variations, choose a camera with high thermal sensitivity.
Field of View (FOV): The FOV determines the area that the thermal camera can capture at any given time. A wide FOV is beneficial for scanning large areas quickly, while a narrow FOV is better suited for focusing on small, specific areas.
Functionality: Consider what additional features might be useful, such as the ability to record video, capture multiple images simultaneously, or connect to other devices for data sharing.
By understanding these key concepts and factors, Whether for industrial inspections, building diagnostics, or research purposes, the right thermal imaging tool can offer invaluable insights and contribute significantly to your operational efficiency.
Thermal imagers provide far more detail and sophistication—at a price. A single image can provide hundreds or thousands of individual temperature readings, one for every pixel in view. These pixels display a “heat map” that makes for rapid identification of hot spot problems. Some imagers make it possible to blend thermal and visible light images, making it easier to locate a problem.
In some industry segments, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, the cost have prevented many from adding a thermal imager to their portfolio.
Thermal imaging is based on the microbolometer, which requires vacuum sealing and very precise manufacturing that makes it too expensive for this type of application.