How to Find the Best Infrared Thermal Camera for Your Requirements

Infrared security cameras typically feature infrared illuminators placed around the outer side of the lens of the camera. These illuminators enable the camera to provide a good-quality image even in poor visibility conditions. People often confuse infrared cameras with night-vision cameras because both devices can provide high-quality images even at night. However, both cameras use different wavelengths of light for producing their images. Infrared cameras typically use an invisible light for highlighting the object. But, when you view this image on a monitor, you’ll be able to see the object as if a spotlight were highlighting it. In contrast, night-vision cameras use a green colour for making objects visible.

When you want to purchase an infrared camera, ensure that you:

Purchase a camera that can handle conditions with poor or low visibility to produce high-quality images even in the dark
Pick a camera that has a lower lux, which indicates that the camera can produce better quality images in the dark
oFor instance, an infrared camera with a 0.03 lux will offer better images in low visibility conditions than an infrared camera with a 0,5 lux
Ascertain the number of infrared LEDs installed in the camera
oIdeally, the greater the number of LEDs in the infrared camera, the farther it will be able to capture images from
oIn many cases, infrared cameras typically capture images at up to 25 feet
Select a weatherproof camera that will work in all-weather conditions without degrading because of exposure to the elements
Pick a camera that offers black-and-white or coloured images according to your requirements
Pick a model that is designed to work in the conditions where you plan to use it i.e. indoors, outdoors etc.
oIt is worth highlighting that outdoor models typically offer higher levels of durability than those used indoors
Select a model that has fixed or adjustable zoom lenses, based on your requirements
Select a camera that offers the image resolution you’re looking for ranging from 160x120 to 640x480 pixels or more and,
Pick a model that meets various other requirements that you might have such  as:
oA built-in infrared fusion
oResolution detectors
oA manual focus feature and,
oThermal sensitivity i.e. the smallest temperature difference that the camera can detect

Of all the thermal cameras sold in Australia, the cameras supplied by Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) are among the best. FLIR has been in the thermal imaging sector for more than 30 years. They offer cameras for an assortment of applications including law enforcement, military and marine purposes.