Thermal cameras detect temperature through different levels of infrared light. This infrared light is invisible but can be felt as heat with high intensity. All objects emit infrared radiation, and it’s a way heat is transferred.
Recommended Best Thermal Cameras 2024-2025
| Recommendation | Product |
| Best Overall | FLIR TG267 Thermal Imaging Camera |
| Popular Choice | FLIR C5 Compact Thermal Imaging Camera with Wi-Fi |
| Best Value | TOPDON TC004 Thermal Imaging Camera |
| Best Budget | HTI Thermal Imager |
| Another Excellent Pick | HIKMICRO E1L Thermal Imaging Camera |
How Thermal Imaging Cameras Work
Thermal cameras detect infrared radiation from objects to create thermal images based on temperature changes.
FLIR cameras have a range from several feet to miles depending on the model.
Materials that Fool Thermal Cameras
Materials like glass and plastic can trick thermal vision cameras by not reflecting heat.
They will appear black on thermal camera imaging.
Using Thermal Cameras in Daylight
Thermal imaging works by capturing infrared light from objects, not affected by visible light.
Thermal cameras can be used in daylight without any issues.
Principle of Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging detects infrared energy emitted by objects based on their temperature.
This energy is invisible to the human eye but can be visualized through thermal imaging systems.
Thermal Camera Mechanism
Thermal cameras work differently than regular cameras.
They use a grid of radiative heat sensors known as microbolometers to detect infrared energy.
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