Everything You Should Know Before Buying an Infrared Camera

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An infrared camera is a great tool for expanding your basic home inspections or for conducting stand-alone thermal scans.

Understanding their specific features and specifications can assist you in getting the right tool for the job.

What types of infrared cameras are there?

Infrared (IR) cameras are mainly classified into three main types, each with its own maintenance and usage. The best type for building science are long-wavelength cameras: With this type of IR camera, you can detect wavelengths on a focal range of 7-12 microns. They provide sharp differences across large and small temperature ranges.

What should you consider before buying an infrared camera?

When shopping for an infrared camera you’ll need a device that captures accurate images and offers optimum value in return. Costs aside, you also need to consider the specific features to ensure that they match your individual needs. Here’s a breakdown of what you should examine before settling on a specific infrared camera:

• Accuracy/Sensitivity: The higher up the thermal food chain the camera is, the more sensitive it is, meaning it can detect fractions of a degree in temperature difference. Using Flir as an example, the E6-XT has a sensitivity of <0.06 c and the E76 has a sensitivity of <0.04 c.

• High image resolution: The more the pixels on your infrared camera on Android software, the sharper the image produced. Before purchasing any IR camera, ensure that it possesses a high detector resolution. Using the Flir example, the E6 with a resolution of 240 X 180 is fine for residential building science. However if you want to do any commercial work, an E8-xt or E76 have resolutions of 320 X 240 which is required for that type of work, allowing you to cross over to condition monitoring or large commercial jobs.

•JPEG format: This feature equips your IR camera to deliver radiometric JPEG images and ensure faster email transmissions.

No conversions are necessary: the image is taken as a JPEG and saved as a PDF on the software.

•Software upgrade capacity: This feature allows your infrared camera app to analyze images and data collected for swift software updates to achieve optimal performance.

•Wi-Fi option: The WI-FI option in a camera is a huge advantage allowing you to send images directly from the site and even do small reports if desired. As an example, the Flir cameras above connect using the Flir Tools Mobile app.

•Lenses: In commercial inspections you may need to work on large buildings over three stories, so a telephoto lens may be needed. You may also need a wide angle (for larger jobs) or a narrow 24-degree lens if looking at electrical panels. With Flir, the E53 and the models above have lens options. All cameras below that have a set ‘point and shoot’ lens.

What other user-friendly features do infrared cameras offer?

•High temperature alarm setting: This feature allows you to identify extreme temperature rises and make urgent response to neutralize the threat.

• High luminance on the TFTLCD screen: The high luminance on the touch screen allows the viewer to access an up-close view of an object based on the thermal data and to ascertain the threat level.

• Full-screen radiometric capability: This feature allows the camera to capture all the temperature data as at the time the image was taken, making analysis simple. NOTE: The IR image (or Infrared Guidance Measurement) on a meter or IR Temperature laser are NON-Radiometric.

Remember that all thermal cameras will need calibration from time to time and depending on usage. If you use your camera regularly or for expert witness work, ensure that the camera is calibrated every 18 months (Flir devices).

There is a proper camera for every job. For home inspection, you should consider RESNET compliancy. With Flir the E6-xt and above are RESNET compliant.

Training is highly recommended as it will enhance your ability to diagnose what you are looking at. It teaches you the science behind what you are doing so can easily determine the difference between water, air and missing insulation. (all of which present as the same colour). The designation of Certified Level I Thermography creates a huge credibility factor.

There are a variety of cameras and price points available so do your research, buy the right camera, get training and start scanning.

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The information above is the opinion of the authors and is offered for general purposes only.

Andrew Dixon, RHI, Level One Thermographer, Flir B-200 Owner/User

Trish Peden of Safety Express -Aramsco is a National Thermal Imaging Specialist & Trainer, Certified Level III Thermographer, and a UAV Pilot