The thermo detector GIS 1000 C Professional is the swift solution for precise reading and documentation of temperatures and relative humidity. While recording measurements, the device’s integrated camera conveniently captures images for instant display with the relevant values. While the FLIR C-Series produces useful images in good light via MSX, this camera can do so at any time, since it doesn’t rely on visual light to boost its resolution. For our money, that makes it the best thermal-imaging camera for night use today.

Both versions have a 3-inch touchscreen and can store around 500 images onboard to transfer via Micro USB. The ability to type notes via a touch keyboard can be handy, too. If you can stretch to it, the FLIR C5 model adds more analysis features and Wi-Fi so you can get images to your phone and to your software. The FLIR C3-X and FLIR C5 are good-looking compact thermal imagers that are well suited to DIYers and contractors.With a rugged body that’ll survive a bit of workplace rough-and-tumble, both have two cameras and a 5-megapixel optical lens. The IR maxes out at 160 x 120 on the pricier C5, allowing it to take advantage of Flir’s MSX technology. This patented method uses an edge-detection algorithm on the higher-resolution visual light image, overlaying this with the IR image to make the picture easier to comprehend. The smart GTC 400 C Professional is perfect for supporting a variety of specialists in every project phase: From customer consultations by exhibiting clear images of the situation to preparatory tasks such as inspecting where lines are installed, through project documentation and even follow-up work. Note: the older CAT S61, still available in places, had a lower resolution IR camera, but offered laser measuring, offering an alternative with even more flexibility.For the most part, the best thermal-imaging cameras work like regular ones, except that the image sensor detects invisible IR light and it is translated to a visual “thermogram”. This is what you see through the creature’s perspective views in The Predator and Prey. Thermal imaging works in the dark, or through smoke, but can be fooled by the reflectiveness (emissivity) of a surface. Because IR is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, like visible light, it also has similar properties when it encounters lenses or rain. For professional use, it pays to read up a bit on understanding thermograms, but you’ll understand the basics the moment you power on your thermal camera. Depending on the software, you can also take retrospective measurements from the thermal JPEGs. How we test thermal cameras

With adjustable focus, the lens can be set on subjects as far as 550m (1,800ft). That’s not only handy for outdoor pursuits but allows you to take full advantage of the relatively high resolution to get sharp thermal images at any distance. The GTC 400 C Professional and GTC 600 C Professional thermal imaging cameras offer you a precise overview of differences in temperature, which are presented in an easily understandable manner via a colour-coded representation. They are perfectly complemented by the free GTC Transfer Software, which allows you to edit and document thermal images in greater detail. See more – work more efficiently: When it comes to this, our thermal measuring tools are your perfect all-round assistants. In just a few simple steps, you can uncover energy losses or weak points on buildings – and rectify these issues in good time, or even prevent problems from occurring in the first place. No matter where you make use of the temperature measuring tools: The results are reliably documented and allow you to create practical before and after comparisons for your customers.It is nevertheless a noticeably higher resolution than the device’s immediate predecessor, the IR0102, which had a 32 x 32-pixel resolution. As a low-priced device, adding this to your toolkit is a lot less painful than some of the devices on this list, and with fuel prices on the rise, locating leaks (an ideal task for this adapter) could cover the cost surprisingly soon. How thermal imaging cameras work This thermal-imaging camera also connects to your phone but provides more resolution (320 x 240 pixels) as well as higher sensitivity (-40˚F to 626˚F) than the Flir One – even the Pro version. And while that pushes up the price, it does make it a great choice for contractors, engineers, inspectors, and others looking for more detailed images. It is ideal for inspecting insulation, heating systems, heat flow, and for finding overheated parts. Additional Information But now anyone can access thermal imaging, whether you want to spot heat sources in dark places – ideal for wildlife spotting – or identify where heat is being lost from your property. If you simply want to measure temperatures, you may prefer our guide to the best infrared thermometers, but for HVAC, electronics, and plumbing these are now essential. As an experienced vehicle mechanic, you'll no doubt be able to recognise a number of problems at first glance. For all other cases, our thermal measuring tools can help you find the answer. Regardless of whether it concerns electronics, heating functions, cooling systems or exhaust systems, most workshop tasks either involve verifying that things work as intended or establishing if and where faults are present.