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What Is The Best Thermal Imaging Camera On The UK Market?

Thermal imaging devices can be unfamiliar to many people since they are mainly used by militaries or resourceful spies in movies. But latest advancements have paved the way for this technology to reach average consumers over the last decade. Though they are not exactly cheap, commercial thermal imaging cameras are increasingly becoming a standard unit for job site and home inspection, and would be seen in the toolbox of electrical or plumbing professionals, as well as thorough homeowners.

Just like any other devices, there is a variety of manufacturers with different models and versions. These devices can vary a lot in terms of resolution, temperature range, sensitivity, and more. To help you narrow down your list and make an informed decision, we’ve done a lot of research and testing to compile this list of top 5 best thermal imaging cameras. Keep reading to choose the right option for your needs.

Why Would You Need To Buy A Thermal Imaging Camera?

Thermal imaging cameras were initially created for the military during the Korean War. A few decades later, these devices have been adapted to meet a variety of other professional and commercial uses. In most cases, people use them to measure temperatures of solid objects or behind the walls; or check breaker boxes to ensure circuits aren’t overloaded. Also, they can be used for detecting HVAC leaks, water leaks, and missing insulation.

From a commercial perspective, thermal imaging cameras are often used to examine the operating temperatures of electronics and machines to find out possible malfunctions or issues. Detecting major temperature spikes as well as seeing through the walls can be helpful for homeowners to save a lot of money and effort in repairs. That’s why these units can be used by many people, such as auto mechanics, contractors, electricians, inspectors, and homeowners.

What To Look For When Buying A Thermal Imaging Camera?

Are you trying to figure out which thermal imaging camera is suitable for you? Here are some important features that you need to consider when choosing:

1) Resolution

This is perhaps the most important feature that determines the quality of a thermal imaging camera. Basically, models with higher resolutions will allow for more precise measurements and better image quality, especially with small details. Keep in mind that resolution and display are totally different. Perhaps the display of a camera has more pixels than the detector, but its actual image detail will be limited by the detector resolution.

2) Temperature range

For simple applications and home use, a temperature range from -10°C to 150°C is basically enough to spot HVAC problems, possible water leaks, or unsealed windows. If you are looking for a thermal imaging camera to use in professional inspections or factories, then you might need a higher range, at least from -40°C to 300°C, to examine any heat spot on active equipment which often operates at high temperatures.

3) Analytical software

Professional-grade thermal imaging cameras often come with advanced analytical software which can provide you with accurate measurements when connected to a computer. This feature will be especially helpful for professional use in a variety of industries. It helps you collect essential heat analysis data for further reporting. However, it would make a device cost more, so make sure to consider your needs before deciding to choose models.

4) Repeatability and accuracy

In most cases, a thermal imaging camera is not only used to detect but also to measure the differences in the temperature. Therefore, it is important to choose a model which can provide the most accurate readings repeatedly. Most high-quality units on the market often come with a 2% accuracy, more or less.

Main Brands of Thermal Imaging Camera

a) Bosch

Bosch is a world leading electronics and engineering company based in Stuttgart, Germany. With more than 130 years of operating, their products are wildly used in most countries. Thus, it is no surprise that their thermal imaging cameras are also popular with advanced features and affordable prices.

b) Seek Thermal

Seek Thermal was founded 40 years ago by industry pioneers. They design, engineer, and manufacture high-quality thermal imaging devices for commercial and consumer applications. Also, the brand is devoted to applying professional-grade thermal advancements to develop breakthrough serious for different consumers.

c) Flir

Flir is one of the most popular brands in the thermal camera industry. They provide a diversified portfolio which serves a variety of applications. With innovation sensing solutions, their products are used widely in thermal imaging, video analytics, visible-light imaging, or advanced detection systems.

Top 5 Best Thermal Imaging Cameras

1. Flir 72001-0101 Compact Thermal Imaging Camera Review

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  • Temperature range: –10°C to 150°C
  • Display: 3-inch touch screens
  • Dimensions: 12.4 x 7.9 x 2.5 centimeters
  • Weight: 408 grams

The Flir 72001-0101 is a pocket-sized, full-featured thermal imaging camera which is specially designed for building industry contractors and experts. It features a wild viewing field, high sensitivity, real-time image enhancement, and radiometric imagery to show you clearly the issues. Its FOV is 45 degrees, which is generous enough to frames more scenes. Also, the highly sensitive detector can capture the subtlest thermal patterns and temperature differences to help you find out any structural deficiencies and leaks. The unique MSX enhancement adds more key details to create undiluted, all-in-one images.

Package included:

  • 1 user’s manual
  • 1 lanyard
  • 1 charger/power supply for internal battery
  • 1 USB cable and USB memory stick
  • 1 thermal imaging camera

2. Flir TG165 IR Thermal Imaging Camera Review

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  • Temperature range: -10°C to 45°C
  • Display: 2.0-inch color TFT LCD
  • Dimensions: 18.5 x 5.6 x 9.4 centimeters
  • Weight: 816 grams

Equipped with the Lepton thermal sensor, the Flir TG165 allows you to keep track of invisible cold and hot spots for quick troubleshooting. Also, it comes with a generous storage memory for storing data and images and showing your customers later. The spot size ratio is 24:1, which allows you to measure any hot spot from a safe distance. Compared to other units, its range of temperature is quite narrow, from -10°C to 45°C. But this is enough for most applications at home. With an intuitive and simple design, you can operate the camera easily without special training.

Package included:

  • 1 thermal imaging camera
  • 1 8GB micro SD card
  • 1 lanyard
  • 1 USB power supply
  • 1 user’s manual

3. Bosch L-BOXX Professional Thermal Imaging Camera Review

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  • Temperature range: -10°C to 400°C
  • Display: 3.5-inch color display
  • Dimensions: 33.5 x 20.6 x 11 centimeters
  • Weight: 540 grams

The Bosch L-BOXX thermal imaging camera comes with an impressive temperature range from -10°C to 400°C so that you can use it for a variety of applications. With a large 3.5-inch colour display, you can easily see clear images in any conditions. More importantly, the unit also features a built-in Wi-Fi and a micro USB cable which allows for easy data transferring. Thanks to the advanced 160×120 infrared sensor, this camera can create detailed heat images even in total darkness. It has a fixed focus type to ensure ultimate accuracy. However, this can also be a minor challenge for novice users.

Package included:

  • 1 thermal imaging camera
  • 1 quick charger
  • 1 lithium-ion battery
  • 1 quick charger
  • 1 USB cable

4. Seek Thermal Enhanced Reveal Thermal Imaging Camera Review

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  • Temperature range: -40°C to 330°C
  • Display: angled
  • Dimensions: 12.2 x 6.1 x 3.3 centimeters
  • Weight: 399 grams

This thermal imaging camera by Seek Thermal is both shock-resistant and waterproof to be used in harsh conditions. Featuring enhanced technology, it allows you to capture and see clear thermal images in the darkest conditions. The integration of a powerful LED light also helps balance efficient power usage with high brightness. The unit offers a wide 36-degree field of view which is able to scan the whole area quickly. It features a 206×156 thermal sensor and a temperature range from -40°C to 330°C, which could precisely identify heat signatures. The package also includes a Li-ion battery that can operate up to 10 hours on a single charge.

Package included:

  • 1 charging cable
  • 1 thermal imaging camera
  • 1 lithium-ion battery

5. Martindale IRC327 Spot Thermal Imaging Camera Review

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  • Temperature range: -30°C to 650°C
  • Display: 4.5cm color TFT
  • Dimensions: 11.3 x 6.4 x 2.6 centimeters
  • Weight: 299 grams

The Martindale IRC327 is a great combination of spot infrared and real-time thermal imaging system, which is design with a rugged pistol construction to make it ideal for maintenance teams or electricians. The camera can show cold and hot spots accurately and quickly thanks to an advanced built-in sensor. With a 4.5cm colour display, you can see clear thermal images. It has an extended range of temperature from -30°C to 650°C so that you can use it for different situations. The captured images can be stored in an included SD card for reporting and evaluation. The point and shoot mechanism is simple to use, thus allowing you to operate without navigating complicated menus.

Package included:

  • 3 AA batteries
  • 1 thermal imaging camera

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