The 10 Best Industrial Thermal Camera & Imagers {For Temperature Monitoring in 2022}

Written By Kim Goodwin

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Infrared cameras are also known as thermal imaging cameras which allow you to detect the crucial information that is not visible for the naked eye.

These cameras are widely used for commercial purposes and industries for detecting electrical panels or leakage problems.

You can use it for home inspections due to its accuracy and ability to work efficiently in all weather conditions.

Thermal imaging cameras are mostly used to detect temperature behind walls or other solid objects; it also finds missing insulation, HVAC, and water leaks. 

Best Overall Thermal Camera

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Main Features

  • HD Resolution
  • Automatic Adjustments
  • One handed Operation
  • User-friendly 
  • Precise Measurements

Infrared scanning allows to check the insulation in a building’s construction, thermographic inspections measures the surface temperature by using cameras and infrared video.   

We’ve spent over 30 hours for researching the best industrial thermal cameras in the market and found 10 imagers that detect the faults and potential damages easily. 

Table: 10 BEST Industrial Thermal Cameras 

RankProductProduct NameOur Rating
1FLIR E8 Thermal Camera (5 / 5)
2FLIR E6 Thermal Camera (4.9 / 5)
3FLIR E4 Thermal Camera (4.9 / 5)
4FLIR E75-24 Thermal Camera (4.8 / 5)
5FLIR TG167 Thermal Camera (4.7 / 5)
6FLIR TG56 Thermal Camera (4.5 / 5)
7FLIR ONE Pro (4.5 / 5)
8Seek Thermal Revealpro (4.4 / 5)
9Fluke VT04A Infrared Imager (4.3 / 5)
10FLIR DM284 Imager (4.3 / 5)

1. FLIR E8- Best Overall

The FLIR systems manufacture and produce the advanced thermal imaging cameras in that case FLIR E8 is a high-end handheld camera which is intended for professional use in day-to-day life.

The FLIR E8 has a 320 x 240 thermal sensor which easily translates into 76,800 pixels; it also has a high-performance microbolometer this is very important for thermal imaging.

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Main Features

  • Temperature : -20 to 250 degrees
  • Display: 3.0 inch Color LCD
  • Thermal Detector: 76,800
  • IR Resolutions: 320 x 240
  • Battery: 4 hours of runtime

Design

The E8 weighs only 1.27 pounds which is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to carry.

This handheld design doesn’t make you feel too heavy to keep it in your hands; it also comes with a hard transport case, so it is well protected.

Each thermal imager includes a 3.0 inch LCD screen with a frame rate of 9 Hz; it also offers a picture-in-picture viewing option which comes very handy.


If you’re looking for a modern thermal imager camera, then this FLIR E8 would be an excellent option. This is a unique combination of image quality and low price as it makes it more attractive for the users. 

IR Resolutions

The FLIR E8 industrial thermal camera is designed with a high number of pixels which creates more data points; so you can get more information for accurate thermal interpretation.

This feature is beneficial for plumbers and building inspectors because the temperature measurement will be valid even if they work from a great distance. With this resolution, you can identify the weak points and avoid potential dangers.

One Button Operation

This industrial thermal camera comes with a focus-free lens and a single button which makes FLIR E8 navigation remarkably smoother.

The button is larger, so it is easily accessible and can also be operated with a gloved hand.

With this option, you can access all on-screen settings, imaging modes, and other saved files using one button.

STRENGTHS

  • Rugged and Lightweight
  • Superior IR Resolution 
  • Sharp industrial design 

LIMITATIONS

  • The USB Port is not stiff

Check this FLIR E8 Review for more information.

2. FLIR E6- Best Budget

FLIR E6 is one of the best compact thermal imaging cameras which offers a higher resolution of 160 x 120; it effectively splits the difference between the infrared cameras and the cheapest ones.

Its resolution exceeds the RESNET resolution standard, which is very important to home energy auditors.

This industrial thermal camera is sensitive enough to spot heat loss or water damage, thus making it useful for home inspections.

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Main Features

  • IR Resolution: 160 x 120
  • Screen: 320 x 240 LCD
  • Weight: 1.2 lbs
  • Battery time: 4 hours
  • Detection Range:-20 to 250 degree

Construction

This handheld thermal imaging camera has a compact and ergonomic design which makes one-handed operation easy.

Portability is the major factor which is important to be considered, it weighs just 1.2 lbs and has a rugged construction so you can use it even in harsh environments.


FLIR E6 is the high-quality affordable camera available in the market today, it is built for extended usage, this thermal camera is comfortable to use so you can use for long time.

Built-in Camera

The FLIR E6 comes with a built-in optical camera that allows you to capture optical images and IR images simultaneously; if this feature is not present then you’ve to hold your regular camera next to the IR camera while taking pictures.

The FLIR E6 has a 45-degree x 34-degree field of view, which is capable of scanning large areas at one time.

MSX Technology

The major purpose of this feature is, it naturally blends all the high-contrast lines from the images captured with the actual camera into the IR image.

This technology transfers visible light into the thermal images, so you can easily view what you’re looking for, the camera has an accurate rating of +2% or 2 degrees C. The FLIR has an MSX resolution of 320 x 240.

STRENGTHS

  • Great value for money
  • Has user-friendly interface
  • Easy to operate

Cons

  • Low resloution for complex objects 

Check this FLIR E6 Review for more information.

3. FLIR E4

The FLIR E4 industrial thermal camera is one of the best thermal cameras which are high in quality that offers precise readings.

This camera is designed with 80 x 60 infrared resolutions which provide a highly cost-effective means of solving potential problems of electrical, mechanical, and industrial environments.

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Main Features

  • IR Resolution: 80 x 60
  • Screen: 3-inch Display
  • Temperature: -4 to 482 degrees F
  • Thermal Sensitivity: 15 C
  • Refresh Rate: 9 Hz

Resolution

This device incorporates 640 x480 digital cameras which store the infrared, visual, and MSX images. As a result, it boasts 2% accuracy with the temperature range of -4 to 482 degrees Fahrenheit.

It has a 3-inch color LCD screen which enables quick and convenient access to data overlays. Thermal sensitivity is less than 15 degree Celsius for this product.


FLIR E4 is the best camera under $1000 in our list, this compact thermal camera can be used for identification of energy loss, overheating, intrusion by moisture, overheating as well as structural issues. 

LCD Screen

The FLIR E4 has an onboard flashlight and laser pointer, and the LCD touchscreen is capable of showing its higher precision and resolution.

This industrial thermal camera is designed to be tough; it can withstand up to six feet.

The temperature ranges from 20 degrees to 650 degrees Celsius so it is sensitive to temperature changes if you need to shoot the video the device can do without radiometric information.

Radiometric JPG’s

One of the main features that stand out from the other models is the radiometric JPG’s which allow you to share pictures without any software.

MSX technology makes FLIR E4 as the most high-quality thermal imaging camera; this system reveals numbers, text, characters, and all other data. You can compare thermal and digital images to identify leakages or other problems.

STRENGTHS

  • Professional quality camera
  • Radiometric JPEG files
  • Accurate readings

LIMITATIONS

  • Short battery life 

4. FLIR E75-24

The FLIR E75 is the best professional-grade thermal imaging camera; it offers an interchangeable lens with a higher thermal detection range of up to 1830 degree F, there is a bright visual IPS display with 160-degree viewing angle.

This professional camera allows you to make voice notes, and automatically tag GPS location on the images and store all details in folders.

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Main Features

  • IR Resolution: 320 x 240
  • Digital Zoom: 1-4x
  • Calibration : 300 C to 1000 C
  • Digital Camera: 5 MP
  • Refresh Rate: 30 Hz

Thermal Resolution

The FLIR E75 Thermal Imaging Camera has an IR Resolution of 320 x 240 pixels which offer more than 76,000 temperature measurement points.

It combines with MSX technology and produces crystal clear images, thus allowing you to identify the potential issues.

The 30Hz refresh rate keeps the image blur to a low level while moving the camera from target to target. The touch screen is user-friendly so that you can navigate through all menus quickly and easily.

The FLIR E75 is a bit expensive than other products because it is specially made for professionals, it is designed with a bright touch display which is 30% larger and 25% brighter than previous generation cameras. 

Ease of Use

It comes with a built-in microphone so that you’ll not miss any details while creating reports, for user’s convenience FLIR has included their easy to use report generation tools which allow you to prepare quickly and easily.

One of the main features of this camera is the laser distance finders which speeds up the autofocusing and shorten the time needed to capture images.

Interchangeable Lenses

This industrial thermal camera comes with a variety of lens options which starts from standard to telephoto to a combined standard and telephoto option to a higher cost.

It also offers Meterlink connectivity so you can connect FLIR multimeters, moisture detectors, and other FLIR measurement instruments.

STRENGTHS

  • Interchangeable lenses
  • High resolution
  • Bright Touch sensitive display 

STRENGTHS

  • Expensive 

Check this FLIR E75-24 Review for more information.

5. FLIR TG167

The FLIR TG167 camera is a sophisticated device which consists of a real-time thermometer and a thermal camera to cover the picture.

With this thermal camera, you can identify both cold and hot spots also it takes clear thermal images to detect the problems quickly.

The FLIR’s microthermal sensor allows you to see the heat so you exactly know where to target the measurement spot.

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Main Features

  • IR Resolution: 80 x 60 pixels
  • Display: 2.0 in TFT LCD
  • Detector: MicroBolometer
  • Viewing Angle: 25 x 19.6 degree
  • Focus Distance: 0.1 m

Laser Pointers

The TG167 camera uses dual laser pointers to project the image on the area you’re viewing. It can easily measure the temperature as close as 4 inches with a range of -13 degrees F to 716 degrees F.

It uses a Lepton IR imaging engine with an 80 x 60 pixels resolution. While using this engine, you can get powerful images with crisp and clear details quickly.

The two laser points are useful for treating complex objects like switches and circuit boxes. It’s an excellent thermal imager for firefighters


It has an excellent battery life as the device has a running time of five hours, TG167 spot works well within the temperature range of 14 to 113 degree so you can use it for both indoors and outdoors. 

Display

FLIR TG165 uses TFT color screen to display the thermal images, there are three color palettes that include grey, iron, and rainbow.

It is designed for harsh environments; the TG167 camera is durable enough to withstand a 2-meter drop for your toughest jobs.

Its ergonomic design allows you to use for a long time without any issues.

The device is rugged so you can use it even on hard floors if you need it’s possible to mount on a tripod for your convenience.

Field of view

This industrial thermal camera boasts a 50-degree field of view; if you need to cover a wide area just one scan is enough, and you can have a large image of that area.

It has a 9Hz refresh rate also this is focus free so there will be no messing with lens ring for focusing.

STRENGTHS

  • Compact and durable design
  • Excellent battery life 
  • Wide field of view 

LIMITATIONS

  • Low resolution

Check this FLIR TG167 Review for more information.

6. FLIR TG56

The FLIR TG56 Spot Thermal camera is the best industrial camera which can measure even smaller targets from the safer distance.

It has an industrial and rugged design which can easily withstand a 3-meter drop. It is constructed with a spot ratio of 30:1 for measuring the smaller targets.

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Main Features

  • Spot Ratio: 24:1 or 30:1 
  • Power Output: 39 mV
  • Temperature: -22 to 1202 degree 
  • Battery: 3 x AAA
  • Display: 1.45” TFT LCD

Display

The TG56 is designed with a color screen which makes you navigate and select the settings easily; it also adds visibility and efficiency to the feature set.

The bright work light helps you to see the target even in poor light conditions.

Its graphical menu structure allows easy access to the settings so that you can increase or decrease the alarm sounds.


With this TG56 spot thermal camera, you can measure the readings accurately, no matter where you use it because TG56 is best for indoors and outdoors. 

Built-in laser

This infrared thermometer provides non-contact surface temperature readings so you can take measurements in hard to reach spots, this is possible with the built-in laser as it targets accurately.

There are plenty of new mode options which gives you the control to view your current reading and the temperature readings simultaneously.

It provides a distance to spot ratio of 30:1 so it is easy to identify the measurement location; this is the best pocket-sized device for efficient temperature measurement.

Power output

It has a power output of 39Mw; the measurable temperature range of -30 degrees C to 650 degrees C also has a simple emissivity selection by custom adjustment and predetermined levels.

The IR sensor is responsible for non-contact temperature measurements, so it is possible to calculate the readings at a safe distance.

STRENGTHS

  • Rugged design
  • Stunning visual high and low alarms
  • Standard Picatinny 30mm rings

LIMITATIONS

  • Short battery life 

7. FLIR ONE Pro

FLIR One Pro is one of the most affordable and popular thermal imaging cameras; it is designed with the VividIR image processing technology so you can see the target with full distance even for long-distance.

This industrial camera produces sharp images that make it a reliable tool for a lot of professionals.

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Main Features

  • Visual Resolution: 1440 x 1080 pixels
  • Thermal sensitivity: 150 mK
  • Resolution: 160 x 120
  • Temperature: -4 to 752 degree
  • Accuracy: +5%

Image Clarity

The FLIR One Pro uses MSX technology which is excellent for enhancing the image details; it is rugged and durable enough to work under harsh environments.

The VividLR image processing gives excellent clarity with small components that are far away.

It produces sharp images which are helpful for all the technicians.

It is the powerful thermal imaging camera which precisely identifies hidden problems with electrical, automotive, HVAC, energy efficiency, or any other moisture issues. 

Temperature Range

The FLIR One Pro measure the expanded temperature between -4 and 752 degree Fahrenheit, also it offers up to 6 temperature regions with 3 spot temperature meters which adds to the image analysis for a detailed report on your findings.

FLIR One Pro can withstand a drop of about 5.9 inches and comes with tough build quality as well as a protective case.

Battery

FLIR One Pro runs on its own batteries so there is no worry about draining your Smartphone’s battery, also the app is compatible with most of the android phones as well as IOS devices.

The camera and the app work seamlessly, it has an intuitive menu with a lot of tools also this works great for recording videos, images, as well as time-lapse sequences.

It produces sharp images to point out the heat signatures.

STRENGTHS

  • Rugged industrial design
  • Has a powerful camera
  • Excellent image clarity

LIMITATIONS

  • Not compatible with all android phones 

8. Seek Thermal RevealPro

Seek Thermal camera is a versatile tool which is mostly used by the professionals who work in the construction and building inspection industry, with this camera you can see the objects clearly even during the night.

It uses infrared technology that allows you to see the objects instantly; it’s a versatile entry-level thermal camera.

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Main Features

  • Resolution: 206 x 156
  • Field of view: 36 degree
  • Refresh Rate: 9 Hz
  • Battery: 10 hours
  • Viewing Distance: 500 ft

Thermal Sensor

The Reveal has 206 x 156 pixels also it has a high-temperature range of -40 degree to 626 F with these tremendous detection ranges it can be used in a variety of inspection types and environments.

You can be able to check leakages in the HVAC system or can detect electrical faults that may be overheating due to wiring.


If you want to track or spot animals at night or scan your backyard at night for intruders, then this seek camera will be the great choice. 

LED light

You can use this thermal camera’s 300-lumen LED light to find yourself in dark places or to find the precise spot to scan with a thermal imager.

In low-light conditions, you’ll know where to look during inspections; this tool is beneficial in those situations.

The Reveal is specially designed for outdoor use and generally in harsh working environments.

Ergonomic Design

The Reveal Pro thermal camera can work in rough condition, and it can stand up to all scrapes and bumps.

Also, the rubberized surface provides more protection to the camera.

It comes with an ergonomic grip, and the head is angled, so it’s easy to point at your target.

There are two modes: auto-detection and auto emissivity function, which provides accurate temperature measurements.

STRENGTHS

  • Powerful LED light
  • Ergonomic design 
  • High-resolution thermal sensor

LIMITATIONS

  • Not durable

9. Fluke VT04A Infrared Imager

Fluke VT04A is a lightweight IR thermal imaging camera which is specially used in detecting flaws and other problems in industrial work.

This visual IR thermometer can be used in various applications such as smoke checks in fire-prone areas, identifying lose connections in the electrical field, detecting mechanical faults in the automotive industry, etc.

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Main Features

  • Thermal sensitivity: 250 mK
  • Detector size: 31 x 31 sensor
  • Field of view:28 x 28 degrees
  • Battery: 4 AA batteries
  • Temp Range: 482 F

Digital camera

The Fluke VT04A uses a built-in digital camera with thermal heat to precisely detect flaws on potentially dangerous areas.

There are five different blending modes (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and full thermal) to blend the heat with digital images; as a result, you can identify the exact location of defects.

There is a thermal heat map which allows the users to see the exact temperature.


It has a 2-inch display screen, so this camera produces four times sharper images than previous models, with this feature you can identify the potential flaws on the target. 

Alarm

Fluke VT04A has an auto-monitor alarm which allows you to capture images of the target area if the limit exceeds then the alarm will be triggered.

It’s possible to capture images automatically at custom set time intervals with in-built time-lapse image capture function that allows monitoring the temperature with time.

Applications

This thermal camera can be used in a variety of applications, for example in a mechanical field; the thermal imaging camera can be used for detecting the overheating motors, ball bearings, etc.

In electrical applications, it can be used for detecting overloaded circuit breakers, fuses, etc.

The Fluke VT04A can be used in the detection of moisture leaks and air in buildings or other construction.

STRENGTHS

  • Slim, pocket-sized 
  • Has an intuitive interface 
  • Automatic temperature monitoring

LIMITATIONS

  • Low resolution 

10. FLIR DM284

The FLIR DM284 camera has an excellent thermal sensor of 160 x 120 which works well to detect the faults and leakages.

It comes with an intuitive user interface which has a menu that can be navigated with ease.

FLIR DM84 has a high-quality test probe and a thermocouple input for measurements of electrical and thermal values.

It is one of the best all-in-one multimeters on our list.

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Main Features

  • IR resolution: 160 x 120
  • Thermal Sensitivity: <150 mK
  • Display: 2.8 inch
  • Frequency: 99.999 kHz
  • Focus: Fixed

Build Quality

FLIR multi-meter has an excellent build quality; the meter is covered by a rubberized material which makes it durable and non-slip grip. It is water and dust-resistant so you can use even outdoors.

There are multiple color palettes and a large 2.8-inch display that makes it easy to see the temperature patterns.

The laser pointer and LED lights work efficiently so that you can find the issues easily.


FLIR DM284 is the best thermal camera as it is leading the pack of imaging multi-meters; it solves the problem quickly and efficiently. Every professional technician must have this tool handy to detect the faults easily. 

Camera

This thermal camera stands far from other products because of its outstanding features; professionals must have FLIR DM284 for speeding up their troubleshooting process.

It has a resolution of 160 x 120 pixels so you can identify the precise location of the problem. It features Infrared Guided Measurements Technology which adds efficiency to this tool.

Multi-meter

This multi-meter has 18 different measurement functions also comes with the best high-quality probes.

It includes a set of FLIR TA72 and TA74 current probes which has a flexible oil clamp for measurement in hard to reach spots.

If you’re in a noisy area, then you can make use of a Variable Frequency Drive which provides accurate frequency, current, voltage.

With this package, you can also get thermocouple as it allows to view both thermal and electrical measurements. 

STRENGTHS

  • Durable build quality
  • Fast and reliable performance
  • Intuitive design

LIMITATIONS

  • Poor battery life

Final Words 

Thermal imagers are a valuable tool which is used in many industries to detect or inspect the equipment, to improve the efficiency and to ensure safety.

HVAC issues are easy to find and analyze, thus avoiding costly repairs or inspection failures.

Get this camera and clear all the issues before. 

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU PURCHASE ANY PRODUCTS IN THIS POST, WE MAY RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION. WE PROMOTE ONLY THE PRODUCTS WHICH WE TEST AND RECOMMEND. READ OUR AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER HERE.


About Kim Goodwin

Kim Goodwin holds a Master's in thermal engineering from the University of Rhode Island. At Thermo Gears, she reviews most equipment that uses thermal imaging technologies.

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