Thermal imaging cameras

IR resolution is the number of temperature-measuring pixels on the detector. Spatial resolution is the size of each pixel on the target. Together they set the smallest thing you can measure from a given distance.

IR resolution

IR resolution is the pixel count of the native detector. The cameras on this page are 120 × 90, 256 × 192, 384 × 288 or 640 × 480. More pixels give a sharper image and let you measure smaller targets from further away.

The fuse holder in the image above shows the difference. At 160 × 120 the hot connection is a soft glow. Each pixel averages it with the cooler metal around it, so the camera reads about 11 degrees lower than at 384 × 288. Compare IR resolution first, before any enhanced image figure.

Spatial resolution (IFOV)

Spatial resolution combines the detector with the lens. It's quoted as the instantaneous field of view (IFOV) in milliradians (mrad). Multiply the IFOV by the distance in metres to get the width one pixel covers in millimetres.

At 5 m, one pixel on a HIKMICRO B20S (3.3 mrad) covers about 17 mm. On a Fluke Ti480U with its standard lens (0.68 mrad) it covers about 3.4 mm. Cameras with the same pixel count can still differ. The HIKMICRO Mini2Plus V2 and Pocket2 are both 256 × 192, but the Mini2Plus V2 has a narrower lens and resolves finer detail at a distance.

Distance-to-spot ratios

Some manufacturers also quote a distance-to-spot ratio (D:S). HIKMICRO and Fluke calculate it differently, and HIKMICRO's figures are noticeably more conservative than a single pixel. That makes IFOV the fairer way to compare the two brands.

Wide and narrow lenses

A wide lens takes in more of a room from close up, but each pixel covers more of the target at a distance. A narrow lens does the opposite. Because its 25° standard lens is narrower, the Fluke Ti U series has finer spatial resolution than the HIKMICRO M60 at the same 640 × 480. Fluke also offers wide-angle and telephoto lenses for the Ti U series.

Thermal sensitivity is the smallest temperature difference a camera can distinguish from its own electronic noise. It's quoted as the noise-equivalent temperature difference (NETD) in millikelvin (mK). Lower is better.

Every HIKMICRO camera on this page is under 40 mK, and the M31, M60 and M31T are under 35 mK. At these figures, small differences such as damp patches, insulation voids and early-stage faults show clearly and the image looks clean.

The Fluke cameras here range from 50 mK to 75 mK. The TC01 series and Ti480U are 50 mK, the PTi120 and TiS20+ MAX are 60 mK, and the Ti300U, Ti401U and TiX501 are 75 mK. Their images look noisier when temperature differences are small. This shows most in building work.

Electrical and mechanical faults are often several degrees, or tens of degrees, hotter than the parts around them. For that work, spatial resolution matters much more than sensitivity. Damp and insulation faults may differ by only a degree or two, so sensitivity matters a great deal.

Temperature range is the span of temperatures a camera can measure. Accuracy is how close a reading is to the true value under stated conditions.

Range

A range up to 150 °C covers building work and most electrical and HVAC checks. A range of 400–650 °C covers motors, exhausts, most industrial plant and solar equipment. The Fluke Ti480U measures up to 1,200 °C for furnaces, kilns and other high-temperature processes.

Cameras with wide ranges usually split them into bands. The B20S, for example, has a −20–150 °C band and a 100–550 °C band. The lower band gives better detail at everyday temperatures.

Accuracy

Almost every camera on this page is specified at ±2 °C or ±2 % of reading, whichever is greater, under stated ambient conditions. That's enough for finding faults, because fault finding relies on temperature differences. It does mean a single reading shouldn't be treated as a calibrated measurement. The HIKMICRO M31T is the exception. It reaches ±0.5 °C by limiting its range to 5–40 °C.

Some cameras display readings below the temperature they're calibrated to. The Fluke TiS20+ MAX, PTi120 and TiX501 read down to −20 °C, but Fluke specifies them as calibrated only from −10 °C.

Focus

Focus matters more on a thermal camera than on an ordinary camera. A blurred image spreads a small hot spot into its cooler surroundings, so the reading comes out low.

• Fixed focus (Pocket2, B20S, BX20, TC01, PTi120, TiS20+ MAX). The image is sharp beyond a minimum distance, usually 0.3–0.5 m. There's nothing to adjust, which suits quick point-and-shoot checks.
• Manual focus (Mini2Plus V2, M31, M60, M31T). These focus closer, down to 10 cm on the Mini2Plus V2 and M31, and give a sharper image at a distance. You have to turn the focus ring for each new distance.
• Autofocus (Fluke Ti300U, Ti401U and Ti480U with UltraFocus, and the TiX501 with LaserSharp). The camera focuses itself at any distance, so readings stay accurate as you move. Manual focus is still available.

Field of view and lenses

A wide view of around 50° suits rooms, ceilings and switchboards at close range. A narrow view of around 25° suits distant targets, but you need to stand further back to fit a whole wall in. The Fluke Ti300U, Ti401U and Ti480U take 2× and 4× telephoto lenses and a wide-angle lens, and the camera recognises each one automatically. The TiX501 takes Fluke Smart Lenses, including a 25-micron macro. HIKMICRO offers clip-on macro lenses for the Pocket2, B20S and M series.

Frame rate

Frame rate is how many times per second the image refreshes. At 25–30 Hz the image stays smooth when you pan across a wall or watch machinery. The TiX501 runs at 60 Hz, which suits fast-moving targets. The PTi120 and TiS20+ MAX run at 9 Hz. That looks jerky when the camera moves, but it's fine for still targets. Many cameras are sold in 9 Hz versions mainly because of export rules on faster thermal cameras.

SuperIR and SuperResolution

HIKMICRO SuperIR and Fluke SuperResolution are image processing that produces a higher-resolution image from the native detector. The B20S produces 640 × 480 from its 256 × 192 detector, and the HIKMICRO M60 and Fluke Ti480U produce 1280 × 960 from 640 × 480.

The enhanced images look clearer and make reports easier to read. The detector still has the same number of pixels, so compare native resolution first. Some cameras apply SuperIR to the live view as well as to saved images. Others apply it to saved images only.

Screens and visible cameras

A bigger, higher-resolution screen makes small anomalies easier to see in the field. Screens range from 3.2 inches on the B series to 5.7 inches on the TiX501. Visible cameras range from 2 MP on the B series to 13 MP on the Fluke Ti U series. Phone cameras use the phone's screen. The Mini2Plus V2 also uses the phone's camera for picture-in-picture.

Durability

IP54 means the camera is protected against dust and splashing water. Most of the site cameras on this page are IP54. The BX20 is IP64, and the TC01B and TC01C are IP56. The Fluke Ti U series is IP52 and the Mini2Plus V2 is IP40, so take more care with them in wet or dusty conditions. Drop ratings range from 1 m to 2 m.

Battery

Battery life ranges from about two hours on the Fluke PTi120 to about six hours on the HIKMICRO B20S and BX20. With a field-replaceable battery, you can carry a spare and work all day. The HIKMICRO M series, Fluke TiS20+ MAX, Ti U series and TiX501 all have field-replaceable batteries, and the M series, Ti U series and TiX501 come with two. Phone cameras run off the phone's battery.

Every camera on this page comes with free software for viewing, analysing and reporting on its images. The cameras differ in how much analysis you can do on the camera and how much is done on a computer afterwards.

HIKMICRO Viewer and Analyzer

The HIKMICRO Viewer app for iOS and Android transfers images over Wi-Fi. You can adjust measurements and build quick reports in the field. HIKMICRO Analyzer for Windows analyses radiometric images and video with points, lines, rectangles, circles and polygons, and produces reports. The Pocket2 and Mini2Plus V2 can also stream live video into Analyzer.

Fluke Connect, iSee and SmartView IR

The TC01 phone cameras run on the Fluke iSee app. The PTi120, TiS20+ MAX and TiX501 work with Fluke Connect. It can upload images automatically over Wi-Fi, and file them against a piece of equipment when you scan the QR code on it. The Ti300U, Ti401U and Ti480U use Fluke SmartView IR on a PC for analysis and reports. The Ti480U and Ti300U can also record radiometric video for analysis in SmartView IR.

On-camera measurement tools

Entry-level cameras show the centre, hottest and coldest points. The HIKMICRO M series adds up to 10 spots, a line, 5 boxes and 5 circles, with voice, text and sketch annotations. The Fluke Ti U series has the most tools, with up to 16 spots, 8 lines and 12 areas, area alarms and a temperature-rise function. These tools matter most if you make decisions on site. If you write your reports on a computer, they matter less.

For a longer comparison of thermal imaging software, see the Laserman knowledge base.

SuperScene sets up a HIKMICRO camera for a specific type of inspection. A less experienced user starts with suitable settings instead of having to adjust the image themselves. There are two parts to it: the SuperScene modes and Smart SuperScene.

SuperScene modes

The modes are presets. Water Leak, Insulation, Insulation Pro, Condensation, Floor Heating, Electrical Faults, Solar Panel and Macro each set up the camera's display and alarms for that kind of job. The Pocket2 and B20S have all eight. The Mini2Plus V2 has Water Leak, Insulation, Floor Heating, Electrical Faults and Solar Panel.

Smart SuperScene

Smart SuperScene uses AI trained on thermal images of real defects. As you scan, it marks suspected water leaks, insulation faults and floor-heating faults on the screen. It's available on the Pocket2, B20S and Mini2Plus V2.

Confirming what it finds

HIKMICRO has said that early versions could miss faults or flag false ones, so treat a marked area as something to check. Use a moisture meter for damp and electrical test equipment for a hot connection. SuperScene is most useful to builders, plumbers, home inspectors and property managers who use thermal imaging occasionally. Experienced thermographers tend to use the presets to save time and make their own assessment of the image.

SuperScene+ on the M series

The M31 and M60 have a different set of presets called SuperScene+. It includes Electrical Panel and PCB Inspection. HIKMICRO doesn't list SuperScene for the intrinsically safe BX20.

The Mini2Plus V2 is a matchbox-sized 256 × 192 thermal camera. It plugs into a phone and uses the phone as its screen.

It weighs 24 g and has no battery, drawing a small amount of power from the phone. It has a USB-C connector and comes with a Lightning adapter, so it works with Android phones and with older and newer iPhones. Check the phone against HIKMICRO's compatibility list before you buy.

It has a narrow 25° × 18.8° lens, narrower than other phone cameras, with manual focus from 10 cm to 50 m. This gives finer detail at a distance than the resolution alone suggests. It can also focus closely on small components, and with a desk stand it resolves features as small as 340 microns. Because the view is narrow, you see less of a wall at once in a small room.

Resolution

256 × 192, SuperIR on live view and images

Sensitivity

< 40 mK

Range

−20 to 400 °C, ±2 °C or ±2 %

Lens

25° × 18.8°, manual focus 0.1–50 m

Frame rate

25 Hz

Tools

Centre, hot, cold, 3 spots, 3 boxes, 1 line

SuperScene

5 modes plus Smart SuperScene

Build

24 g, IP40, 1 m drop, 3-year warranty

The Pocket2 has about the footprint of a phone and weighs 218 g. It's a standalone camera with its own 3.5-inch 640 × 480 touchscreen and an 8 MP visible camera.

It has the same 256 × 192 detector and under 40 mK sensitivity as the B20S. The wide 50° × 37.2° fixed-focus lens takes in a whole wall or switchboard from close range. Image modes are thermal, visual, fusion, picture-in-picture and blending. Tap the screen and the camera narrows the colour range around that point (one-tap level and span), which makes small temperature differences easier to see.

It stores about 80,000 images on 64 GB of built-in memory and records MP4 and radiometric video. It connects over Wi-Fi to the HIKMICRO Viewer app, and can stream live into HIKMICRO Analyzer on a Windows PC. It has all eight SuperScene modes plus Smart SuperScene, along with text and QR-code annotation, time-lapse capture and an LED light. For circuit board work, an optional clip-on macro lens and desk stand resolve detail down to 100 microns.

Resolution

256 × 192, SuperIR on live view and images

Sensitivity

< 40 mK

Range

−20 to 400 °C, ±2 °C or ±2 %

Lens

50° × 37.2°, fixed focus from 0.3 m

Screen

3.5 in 640 × 480 touchscreen

Visible camera

8 MP

Battery

About 4 hours, built in

Build

218 g, IP54, 2 m drop

The B series are pistol-grip cameras with a 256 × 192 detector and under 40 mK sensitivity. They have a fixed-focus lens, run at 25 Hz and measure from −20 to 550 °C. They use buttons instead of a touchscreen, which many tradespeople prefer when wearing gloves.

HIKMICRO B20S

The B20S is a general-purpose camera for building, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and automotive work. It has a 3.2-inch 640 × 480 screen and a 2 MP visible camera. Image modes are thermal, visual, fusion and picture-in-picture. SuperIR works on the live view and on saved images. The camera has all eight SuperScene modes plus Smart SuperScene.

It stores about 140,000 images on 64 GB, records MP4 and radiometric video, and connects over Wi-Fi. The battery lasts about six hours. The camera weighs 380 g and has a tripod thread and an LED light. When a reading crosses a set threshold, it flashes and sounds an alarm. An optional clip-on macro lens resolves detail down to 500 microns.

Resolution

256 × 192, SuperIR on live view and images

Sensitivity

< 40 mK

Range

−20 to 550 °C, ±2 °C or ±2 %

Lens

50° × 37.2°, fixed focus from 0.3 m

Screen

3.2 in 640 × 480, buttons

Battery

About 6 hours

Build

380 g, IP54, 2 m drop

HIKMICRO BX20 intrinsically safe

The BX20 is the B-series camera certified for explosive atmospheres. It carries the ATEX markings II 3 G Ex ic IIC T6 Gc and II 3 D Ex ic IIIC T85 °C Dc, and the equivalent IECEx markings. These cover Zone 2 gas and Zone 22 dust areas. They don't cover Zone 0, 1, 20 or 21. HIKMICRO also holds the ATEX and IECEx quality assurance notifications required of hazardous-area equipment manufacturers.

The thermal performance is the same as the B20S, but some features are reduced for certification. The 3.2-inch screen is a lower-resolution 240 × 320. SuperIR applies to saved images only, and storage is 16 GB. Images transfer over USB-C (HIKMICRO doesn't list Wi-Fi), and there's no SuperScene. The BX20 is better sealed at IP64, and the battery lasts about six hours.

The BX20 is for oil and gas, fuel terminals, chemical plants, mining, grain handling and other sites where uncertified electronics aren't permitted in Zone 2 or Zone 22 areas. Outside those areas, the B20S does the same thermal work and has more features.

The M series are professional cameras with manual-focus lenses and a 3.5-inch 640 × 480 touchscreen. They have an 8 MP visible camera, a laser pointer and an LED light. Each comes with two interchangeable batteries and a dual charging base.

On-camera tools include up to 10 spots, a line, 5 boxes and 5 circles, with up to 8× digital zoom. Images can carry 60-second voice notes, and text, QR-code, picture and sketch annotations. The cameras record MP4 and radiometric video and stream over USB and Wi-Fi. They also connect by Bluetooth and save to a 64 GB microSD card. They're rated IP54 and drop-tested to 2 m. HIKMICRO's M-series warranty is three years on the camera, ten on the detector and two on the battery.

HIKMICRO M31

The M31 is a 384 × 288 camera for electrical, mechanical and industrial inspection. It has under 35 mK sensitivity and runs at 30 Hz. The 41.1° × 30.5° lens (1.87 mrad) focuses from 10 cm, and the range is −20 to 650 °C. SuperIR enhances saved images to 768 × 576. The M31 has the SuperScene+ Electrical Panel and PCB Inspection presets, and an optional macro lens is available.

HIKMICRO M60

The M60 is the 640 × 480 model in the M series. It's for electrical work at long distances, substations, solar arrays and detailed reports. It has under 35 mK sensitivity and runs at 30 Hz. The 41.9° × 33.3° lens (1.13 mrad) focuses from 0.3 m, and the range is −20 to 650 °C. SuperIR enhances images to 1280 × 960.

M31

384 × 288 · < 35 mK · 1.87 mrad · −20 to 650 °C · 720 g

M60

640 × 480 · < 35 mK · 1.13 mrad · −20 to 650 °C · 686 g

Both

Manual focus · 30 Hz · ±2 °C or ±2 % · about 4 h per battery

HIKMICRO M31T skin temperature

The M31T uses the M31 body and is calibrated for skin temperature on people and animals. Its range is limited to 5–40 °C, with ±0.5 °C accuracy, and it's designed to be used where the air temperature is 5–40 °C. It suits sports science, physiotherapy, equine and veterinary practice, and research. In this work, small differences between the left and right sides of the body are what you're looking for. The narrow range means it can't be used for electrical, building or mechanical work. If you plan to use it clinically, check its regulatory status first.

The TC01A, TC01B and TC01C are the same 256 × 192 thermal camera with different connectors. All three run on the Fluke iSee app.

Apart from the connector, the TC01A differs in two ways. It measures from −10 °C, where the other two measure from −20 °C, and its sealing is IP54 with the cover fitted.

All three have 50 mK sensitivity, a 25 Hz frame rate and a wide 56° × 42° fixed-focus lens, with accuracy of ±2 °C or ±2 %. The camera has an aluminium body, weighs 22 g and is drop-tested to 1 m. Fluke specifies measurement at distances between 0.25 m and 5 m. The Android and iOS versions of the app differ slightly.

The PTi120 and TiS20+ MAX share a 120 × 90 detector with 60 mK sensitivity, running at 9 Hz. They have the same 50° × 38° fixed-focus lens (7.6 mrad) and 3.5-inch 320 × 240 touchscreen. With Fluke IR-Fusion, you slide a finger across the screen to blend from a full infrared image to a full visible one.

The two cameras connect to Fluke Connect over Wi-Fi and can upload images automatically. They support Fluke Connect Asset Tagging. Scan the QR code on a piece of equipment, and every image you take afterwards is filed against it. Both save fully radiometric images.

At 120 × 90 and 7.6 mrad, one pixel covers about 38 mm at 5 m. These cameras suit close-range checks, such as a switchboard at arm's length, a motor or a radiator. They're less suited to small targets at a distance.

Fluke PTi120

The PTi120 is a pocket-sized camera weighing 233 g. It measures from −20 to 400 °C (calibrated from −10 °C) at ±2 °C or ±2 %. It has 2 GB of internal memory, is rated IP54 and is drop-tested to 1 m. The built-in battery lasts about two hours.

Fluke TiS20+ MAX

The TiS20+ MAX is the pistol-grip version, built to be tougher. It's rated IP54 and drop-tested to 2 m. The smart battery can be changed in the field and is rated for at least five hours without Wi-Fi. Storage is 4 GB of internal memory plus a microSD slot. It corrects for emissivity and reflected temperature. It measures from −20 to 400 °C (calibrated from −10 °C) at ±2 °C or ±2 %, and weighs 0.72 kg. There's no laser pointer or torch.

The Ti300U, Ti401U and Ti480U make up Fluke's Classic Ultra Series of professional cameras. All three use UltraFocus, which can autofocus in about a second using temperature differences in the scene. The cameras can also focus on whatever the laser points at, keep refocusing as you move, or be focused by hand.

All three have a 3.5-inch 640 × 480 screen and a 13 MP visible camera. They offer IR-Fusion blending and adjustable picture-in-picture. Each has a laser pointer and an LED torch. They come with two field-replaceable batteries, each lasting two to three hours, and a two-bay charger.

These cameras have the most on-camera analysis of any on this page. You can set up to 16 spots, 8 lines and 12 areas, with area alarms and a temperature-rise function. Measurements can be corrected for emissivity, reflected temperature, humidity, distance and IR windows. Images can be labelled by QR code and carry voice, text and label annotations. Storage is microSD, with a 32 GB card supplied and support for cards up to 128 GB. The cameras connect over Bluetooth and USB, can output to a monitor or projector by mini HDMI, and work with Fluke SmartView IR.

The standard 25° × 19° lens is narrower than most handheld cameras, which gives fine detail at a distance. Optional lenses are a 2× telephoto (12° × 9°), a 4× telephoto (7° × 5°) and a wide-angle (44° × 34°). The camera recognises each lens automatically.

Fluke lists no video recording for the Ti401U, and no remote display or control from the PC software. The Ti480U's range of up to 1,200 °C is the widest on this page. Laserman carries the 30 Hz versions of all three models.

The TiX501 is part of Fluke's Expert Series, the level above the Professional Series that includes the Ti U cameras. It's aimed at people who do thermal inspection as a regular part of their work, often on equipment that's hard to reach.

Rotating lens and large screen

The lens rotates 240° against the body. You can point it overhead, around a corner or under equipment and still hold the 5.7-inch touchscreen at a comfortable angle. Outdoors, you can turn the screen away from the sun to reduce glare.

Focus and lenses

LaserSharp autofocus uses a built-in laser distance meter. The camera focuses on the spot the laser points at and shows the distance on the screen. Manual focus is also available. The standard 34° × 24° lens (0.93 mrad) focuses from 15 cm. Fluke Smart Lenses fit without recalibrating the camera. They include 2× and 4× telephoto lenses, a wide-angle lens and a 25-micron macro lens. The version Laserman carries runs at 60 Hz.

Recording and reporting

The TiX501 has a 5 MP visible camera with IR-Fusion, 2× digital zoom, a laser pointer and a torch, and it records radiometric video. Images can carry 60-second voice annotations and text annotations. IR-PhotoNotes lets you attach photos of nameplates or asset tags to a thermal image. The camera connects over Wi-Fi to the Fluke Connect app and cloud. Images save to microSD, internal memory or a USB drive, and there's an HDMI output.

On the camera, you can measure the centre, hottest and coldest points, two spots and a box. Detailed analysis and reports are done in Fluke Connect desktop software.

Resolution

640 × 480

Sensitivity

75 mK

Range

−20 to 650 °C (calibrated from −10 °C), ±2 °C or ±2 %

Lens

34° × 24°, 0.93 mrad, focus from 15 cm

Frame rate

60 Hz

Screen

5.7 in 640 × 480 touchscreen

Build

IP54, drop-tested to 1 m, 1.54 kg

In the box

Two batteries (2–3 hours each) and an IP67 hard case