Are you in the market for the best thermal imaging camera for home use? If yes, you have come to the right place. We have put together this thermal imaging camera’s buying guide to help you find the best model for home use.
Over the last few years, thermal imaging devices have been evolving and thermal cameras have not been left behind. Today, these cameras have grown to be the go-to tools for home inspection work. They are simple to use and able to provide reliable performance in all lighting and weather conditions.
Additionally, thermal imaging cameras are optimized for durability. Their efficiency in identifying defects in the building has made them ideal for a ton of applications, from locating air leaks and inadequate insulation to detecting hot and cold spots in electrical circuits as well as moisture intrusion that causes mold and mildew growth.
What is a Thermal Imaging Camera?
A thermal imaging camera is a camera that detects the infrared radiation objects emit to form an image. Unlike night vision and standard cameras that depend on light to create an image, thermal cameras work even in complete darkness.
When an object gives off thermal heat, the camera produces an image based on that thermal heat. By being able to see the things that are invisible to the human eye, thermal imaging cameras are widely used for home inspection activities to find air leaks, water leaks, and damaged electrical circuits.
What Makes a Good Thermal Camera for Home Use?
For a thermal camera to be considered good for home use, it must have all the essential features one needs for home inspections. Firstly, the camera should have a good detector resolution of at least 320 x 240 pixels. The higher the pixel density the camera has, the clearer and more detailed the pictures will be.
Furthermore, the camera should have a thermal sensitivity that is broad enough to denote the cold and hot surfaces with different hues of color. On top of that, the range of the thermal camera should be large enough to match your scope of work.
Another feature that the best thermal camera for home use should have is a large display that is bright and easy to read in all lighting conditions. Also, make sure that the camera is built with quality materials to withstand rough use, accidental falls, and any other punishment it might be subjected to.
Best Thermal Imaging Cameras for Home Use
With so many thermal imaging cameras available on the market today, not all models are ideal for home use. Listed below are the best-performing thermal cameras that make a handy tool for home use. Let’s have a look.
1) Seek Thermal Compact – All-Purpose Thermal Imaging Camera
Seek Thermal Compact All-Purpose Thermal Imaging Camera is the best Thermal Imaging Camera for Home Use, this compact and multipurpose thermal imaging camera is perfect for DIY homeowners and professionals who are looking for an all-purpose thermal camera for use at home.
A defining feature of this camera is the 1,000ft detection range that optimizes its versatility. On top of that, the camera boasts a spacious field of view of 36° for scanning large areas quickly and a 206 x 156 thermal sensor that detects hot and cold spots instantly.
Complementing the high thermal sensitivity are 9 color palettes enhance the contrast between objects with different temperatures while giving you the flexibility to customize your views. Better yet, the camera comes with a focusable lens and three temperature readings in spot, Hi/Low, and threshold modes.
Broad thermal sensitivity is another feature that makes Seek Thermal Compact the best thermal imaging camera for home use. The camera can measure the temperature of objects ranging from -40°F to 626°F.
Features
- 206 x 156 thermal sensor
- -40F° to 626°F Detection Range
- 9 different color palettes
- Focusable lens
- 1000ft detection range
- 9Hz frame rate
- 36° Field of View
- Spot, Hi/Low, and Threshold modes
Pros
- Versatile
- Simple to use
- Long battery life
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- None
2) FLIR ONE Gen 3 – iOS- Thermal Camera
FLIR ONE Gen 3 iOS Thermal Camera is unbeatable when it comes to performance and durability. It pairs well with iPhones and captures high-quality images in all environments. Besides, it utilizes and exclusive MSX technology that blends thermal and visible spectrum to enhance resolution and ensure that the images generated are rich in detail.
The radiometric JPEG in this camera captures temperature data in every pixel during use. This way, you are able to shift the point of measurement even after you take the picture. Furthermore, the camera utilizes a VividIR image processor to increase image clarity.
Weighing a mere weight of 1.2 ounces only, this device is an ultra-light phone accessory that transforms any iPhone into a powerful thermal infrared camera. In addition to being lightweight, it features an Adjustable Connector that ensures hassle free connection to the iPhone.
The camera also boasts an improved app to let you access more features and new ways of using thermal imaging with your phone.
Features
- Exclusive MSX technology
- -20°C — 120°C (–4°F — 248°F object temperature range
- Highly sensitive thermal sensors
- OneFit adjustable connector
- 150mK thermal sensitivity
- 80 x 60 pixels IR resolution
- ±3°C or ±5% Accuracy
Pros
- Lightweight and compact size
- Easy to use
- High resolution and crisp picture quality
- Durable
Cons
- Short battery life(1hr)
- No VividIR Image Enhancement that is found on the Pro and Pro LT models
3) Klein Tools TI250 Rechargeable Thermal Imaging Camera
Next up, we have the Klein Tools TI250 Rechargeable Thermal Imaging Camera. Investing in this high-quality thermal camera gets you a quality and versatile tool for inspecting your home for air and water leaks as well as electrical faults.
Built with over 10,000 pixels for troubleshooting hot and cold spots, the camera detects a fault instantly and provides a clear view of it in any lighting or weather condition. Moreover, it comes with a large LCD display that is easy to use and read.
This thermal imaging camera is powered by a single lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable. During use, the emissivity can be adjusted from as low as 0.1 to 0.99 to suit the situation at hand. Other than that, it comes with three different color palettes and crosshairs that pinpoint specific temperatures of the object that is being inspected.
Above all, the camera has a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to use and carry around.
Features
- High and low-temperature user selectable alarms (-20 to 400-Degree Celsius)
- Over 10,000 pixels to troubleshoot hot and cold spots
- Adjustable emissivity (0.01 to 1.00)
- Rechargeable battery
-
50° +/- 3° Field of view
- Three color palettes (Ironbow, Rainbow, and Grayscale)
Pros
- Solid construction
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Photo capture
- Accurate (+/- 2° to +/- 3°)
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Low power consumption
Cons
- No Laser Sighting
4) FLIR TG165-X Thermal Camera
The FLIR TG165-X is another high-quality thermal camera that is optimized for home use. This handheld thermal camera offers outstanding performance and reliability no matter the activity you use it for. It is designed to work in all environments and in temperatures ranging from -25°C to 300°C
Ease of use is one of the features that make it the best thermal imaging camera for home use. During use, all you have to do it direct it on the area you are working on, pull the trigger and that’s all. The camera will capture all the information needed instantly and show clearly the size of the measured area.
Moreover, this camera has a large field of view and a bright 2.4” display that stays readable in all lighting conditions. It also boasts a compact size and a lightweight design that adds to the ease of use and makes it easy to carry around.
Features
- 320 x 240 display resolution
- Rechargeable battery
- <70 mK thermal sensitivity
- Bright LED work light
- Large 2.4” display
- 51° × 66° Field of view
- ±1.5°C to ±3°C accuracy
- 80 x 60 pixels IR resolution
- Class 1 laser
- CE/CB/EN61010/UL safety
Pros
- Accurate
- Simple to use
- Emissivity Correction
- Solid construction
- Bright LED display
Cons
- No Digital image enhancement
5) Hti-Xintai 320 x 240 IR Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera
If you are looking for a cost-effective handheld thermal camera for home use, look no further than the Hti-Xintai 320 x 240 IR Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera. This compact and lightweight camera has the features of high-end thermal cameras at a reasonably affordable price.
Built with a high 320 x 240 IR resolution, the camera captures crisp clear images that are also rich in detail. The screen is readable in all lighting conditions and offers 5 different color palettes to optimize the detail of the objects. The camera also has adjustable emissivity to guarantee accuracy in all environments.
Another highlight of this handheld thermal imaging camera is the lightweight, ergonomic design that provides a secure grip in all conditions. Other than that, the camera runs on a rechargeable battery and comes with a USB cable for charging and data transmission.
To top it all off, this camera comes with a 3GB built-in memory card for storing the images captured.
Features
- 5 color palettes
- Adjustable emissivity
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- 2” color full angle TFT display screen
- 320 x 240 IR resolution
Pros
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- Bright and easy-to-read screen
- Quality construction
- Versatile
Cons
- Slightly grainy pictures
6) UNI-T UTi89 Thermal Camera
Another best thermal imaging camera for home use on our list is the UNI-T UTi89 Thermal Camera. This handheld infrared camera is unbeatable in terms of durability, value, and versatility.
The camera boasts smart thermal sensors and processors which provide instant and accurate readings of objects being evaluated. Furthermore, it has a 4800 pixels IR resolution that yields detailed image views of objects and a high 320 x 240 display resolution that guarantee remarkable performance in all conditions.
Another impressive feature of this handheld thermal imager is its solid construction. It has a 2m drop resistance to maximize durability and an IP65 weather-resistant rating that makes it ideal for use in all weather conditions.
The other essential features included are 5 color palettes, adjustable emissivity, an image analysis function, and a compact design.
Features
- 2M drop durability
- 150mK thermal sensitivity
- 14°F ~ 752°F (-10°C ~ 400°C) temperature range
- 320 x 240 display resolution
- Waterproof and dustproof construction
- Adjustable emissivity
- 2.8” large LCD display
- USB data transfer
- 5 color palettes
- 4800 pixels IR resolution
Pros
- Compact design
- Fast and accurate
- Versatile and durable
- Decent price
Cons
- None
7) Seek Shot -All-Purpose Thermal Imaging Camera
Last but not least, we have the Seek Shot All-Purpose Thermal Imaging Camera. This is a pocket-sized thermal camera that is built with versatility in mind. It is appropriate for a wide range of home applications where it provides reliable performance in any situation.
The camera is built with a seek fusion technology that finds anomalies faster than other thermal cameras. Furthermore, the highly sensitive 206 x 156 pixels thermal sensor enhances precision, while the large field of view will help you find and fix the defects quickly.
To complement the large field of view, the camera has a large color screen that you can use to edit and analyze the photos captured. Other than that, the camera measures the temperature of objects ranging from -40 to 626°F. It is also designed to be operable in all weather conditions during the day and at night as well.
Features
- 206 x 156 pixels thermal sensor
- Large color touchscreen
- 36° field of view
- 8 Color palettes,
- 4 emissivity presets
- < 9 Hz frame
- SeekFusion technology
- On-device analysis
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Spectral Range:7.5 – 14 Microns
Pros
- Dual day and night function
- Rechargeable battery
- Compact and lightweight construction
- User-friendly design
- Accurate
- On-device analysis and Wi-Fi streaming
- Seekfusion technology
Cons
- None
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How to Choose a Thermal Imaging Camera for Home Use
Explained below are the important factors you should consider when buying the best thermal imaging camera for home use.
Resolution
Resolution is an important feature of thermal cameras. Generally, a camera with a high display and thermal resolution will yield crisp and detail-rich images than a counterpart with a lower resolution when used in similar conditions. So, ensure that you get a camera with a high resolution even if it costs you more.
Durability
Home inspections are often tough on equipment regardless of the magnitude of work that you are dealing with. It is therefore important that you get a thermal camera built with durability in mind. A thermal imaging camera that is crafted with high-quality materials will endure rough handling and give you many years of service.
Temperature Range
Next, consider the temperature range the camera is designed to work with. With thermal cameras, the temperature range varies widely from one product to the other. Ensure that you get a camera that comes with a broad temperature range. Such cameras are ideal for vast scopes of work and are hard to have you run into limits.
Display
The display is the other important thing to look at. Try and look for a thermal imaging camera that comes with a display that is large and bright. The best thermal imaging camera for home use also comes with a display that is intuitive and simple to read from any angle even while you are still working.
Final Thoughts
Thermal imaging cameras have revolutionized how people take care of their homes. By detecting faults when they are still small and easy to repair, thousands of homeowners have been able to save millions on home repairs. All the thermal imaging cameras we have listed above are portable, simple to use, and great for home use. No matter the model that you end up getting for your home, it is our hope that you have found this article to be of great help.