Thermal cameras and infrared cameras are often thought of interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same—each serves a different purpose and works in slightly different ways. All thermal cameras can be classified as a type of infrared camera, but not all infrared cameras capture thermal images.
In short, thermal cameras are specialized infrared cameras that focus on detecting heat radiation, making them more suitable for measuring temperature differences. Infrared cameras, on the other hand, are broader in application and can capture images based on infrared light.
Infrared Cameras
Infrared cameras visualize infrared radiation, which is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is not visible to the human eye. Infrared cameras use sensors to detect infrared radiation and convert it into an image, often in grayscale or false-color palettes to show contrast. These are good for applications like night vision and security surveillance. Infrared cameras can be used for detecting heat sources, but they typically capture a broader range of infrared wavelengths.
Thermal Cameras
Thermal cameras are a specialized infrared camera that detect heat specifically, focusing on long-wave infrared radiation (where most heat emissions occur). They’re designed to measure temperature differences and produce images displaying the temperature variations. Thermal cameras are used in building inspections, firefighting, medical imaging, and other temperature-related purposes. They can produce images where colors represent different temperatures; i.e., hotter objects appear in warmer colors (such as red or yellow), while cooler objects appear in cooler colors (such as blue or purple).
Thermal Cameras
Pros:
- Temperature Detection: Can detect and visualize temperature differences with great accuracy.
- Night Vision: Excellent for dark conditions as they rely on heat signatures, not visible light.
- Wide Application Range: Useful in electrical inspections, firefighting, building diagnostics, medical imaging, and surveillance.
Cons:
- Cost: Generally more expensive than standard infrared cameras.
- Resolution: Typically have lower image resolution compared to standard cameras.
- Specific Use: Primarily designed for detecting heat, so not as versatile for general imaging.
Infrared Cameras
Pros:
- Versatile: Used for a wide range of applications, from security and wildlife observation to art restoration and astronomy.
- Resolution: Often have better image resolution compared to thermal cameras.
- Light Sensitivity: Can capture images in low light conditions by detecting infrared light.
Cons:
- Temperature Limitation: Do not measure temperature differences, so less useful for applications requiring precise temperature readings.
- Dependency on Environment: Performance can be affected by weather conditions like fog or rain.
- Range: May have limited detection range compared to thermal cameras.
In summary, if you need a versatile camera for general infrared imaging in various conditions, then an infrared camera might be the better choice. Also, infrared cameras typically cost less than thermal cameras. But if your focus is on detecting and visualizing temperature differences, a thermal camera is the way to go. You can even get a thermal camera that works with your smartphone, which is what we have.
Thermal Camera for Android Phone
This Thermal Master camera, which is the one that we have, works great for identifying temperature differences in objects and environments. It helps you see beyond the visual spectrum to reveal a world based on heat energy, not visible light. The camera itself is tiny! It’s the size of a USB dongle, and plugs directly into your phone charging port or attaches via a short cable. Plug the camera into your Android phone, tablet, or laptop and it shows the thermal image on your screen. You can view the images in color or black and white, zoom in and out, display the temperature measurements, save and share photos and videos. It lets you see heat sources in dark places (like creatures at night), or identify where heat is being lost from your house to save on energy bills. The camera stores inside a small sturdy case with a keyring attachment.
This Thermal Master camera has some negative reviews, but we haven’t had any trouble with it since getting past the initial app download. You do need to use caution when downloading the app. There are two ways to download the app for this camera: via the QR code in the manual or going to the website. Be forewarned: there is something wrong with the QR code link, it wants to download an app that has danger written all over it! The download link on the website is a good one, though. It works on my Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. This isn’t a simple plug-and-play device; you will have to take some time to study the manual and practice with all of the different settings and options. On a professional jobsite you would probably want a more rugged pistol-grip thermal imaging camera. But for occasional use, this one is a convenient diagnostic tool (such as for HVAC or automotive repairs). It’s also fun just for curiosity’s sake to look at temperature variations around your home, yard, or on your body!
Applications
Hunting
Hunters use thermal scopes and monoculars to locate animals by their body heat. While infrared cameras can amplify available light for tracking game in low-light conditions, they usually require at least some ambient light (such as moonlight), and don’t detect heat like thermal imaging does. Thermal devices detect heat signatures emitted by animals and their surroundings. They work in complete darkness, fog, and even in dense vegetation, making them perfect for spotting game at night or in challenging conditions. So thermal imaging is the more commonly used technology in hunting.
Smart Doorbells
Most smart doorbells with cameras use infrared imaging. Infrared cameras amplify available light (such as moonlight or street lights), or use active infrared illumination to provide visibility in darkness. Thermal imaging is rarely used in doorbells because it’s more expensive and unnecessary for typical home monitoring purposes. But thermal imaging does offer unique advantages that can enhance a home security system, such as seeing in complete darkness and through obscurants like smoke and fog for all-weather security. Or if you live in an area prone to wildlife activity, thermal imaging can help you spot animals (like bears) before they cause any damage or pose a threat.
Night Vision
Both infrared imaging and thermal imaging can be used for night vision. Thermal imaging devices can see in complete darkness and are often used in military, rescue, and hunting applications. Infrared imaging works well in low-light conditions where some ambient light (like starlight or moonlight) is available. Some Infrared (IR) Night Vision devices use active infrared illumination (infrared light emitted by the device itself) to create an image. This is common in security cameras and night-vision goggles.
Are you considering a project that involves either of these imaging technologies? Which one do you think would be better suited for your situation and specific needs?
