The Most Important Factors to Consider When Buying a Thermal Imaging Camera

A couple of years ago a very expensive and highly specialized technology, today affordable to everyone – thermal imaging cameras play a key role in identifying failures in electrical components and systems before they even occur. While the technology is pretty advanced, the concept of thermal imaging cameras is pretty straightforward. Since almost every device heats up before it fails, thermal imaging cameras are a valuable and cost-effective tool to detect potential problems.

However, with the wide availability of thermal imaging cameras Australia buyers are left with a lot of decisions on their hands. However, all the decisions you make regarding buying one should be based on your personal needs. If you’re a contractor who does thermal imaging for a living, then of course, you’ll need a high-end thermal imaging camera. However, if you’re just the average Joe who likes having such tools around the house to play with, then you don’t necessarily need an advanced and expensive model. With that said, some of the most important factors to consider when shopping for thermal imaging cameras Australia wide include the following.

Picture Quality

While most thermal imaging cameras have visual camera capabilities, the resolution of the images they capture is often inferior to the pictures that you can snap with a phone. Poor image quality can detract from report findings, which may result in necessary follow-up readings. With that said, the resolution of the thermal imaging camera is of utmost importance. Typically, thermal imaging cameras come in 120×120 and 140×140 resolutions, but there are some models that feature 180×180 resolutions. Deciding on the ideal one for you will ultimately depend on the seriousness of your job. An industrial plant manager, a building inspector or electrical contractor should have the best resolution camera available.

Ease of Use

Most thermal imaging cameras are quite straightforward. There are models that have simplified functionality by reducing the number of buttons, and instead, you need to go through multi-step routines and menu options. On the other hand, there are models with more buttons which give you direct access to the most frequently used functions. Some models go as far as including navigation pads to make them even easier to use.

Durability

Of course, you want your thermal imaging camera to last for as long as possible, especially if you’re making a living off of using it. With that said, if the camera is going to be used in a variety of industrial and harsh environments, durability plays a crucial role. The durability of the camera comes from its overall design, so look for a model with double-molded housing that has impact and dust-resistance. Worth knowing is that older designs are typically larger and heavier. Typically, their manufacturers claim that they’re built like a tank, while the reality of the matter is that most newer, smaller and lighter cameras are oftentimes more rugged and powerful.

Storage

And last but not least, the camera should be able to store files in a common format, like JPEg, and it should be able to store quite a few readings. With that said, look for a camera that has a capacity to store a large number of readings. Keep in mind that the higher the resolution of the readings is, the more space they take up. Some models have an external memory card, which can be useful for technicians who have to take a lot of images in small time frames.