With the same high-level technology utilized by expert sailors and militaries throughout the world, eliminate all boundaries and experience the unique freedom of cruising, fishing, exploring the ocean or sailing.
Here are some Thermal Imaging Cameras specifically designed for marine purposes, known as Marine Thermal Cameras that are best suited for people who consume a lot of time in the water. Nowadays these cameras are built with unique features so that you can enjoy a more comfortable experience with visual navigation data and overcome the shortcomings of poor visibility with high vision.
These cameras help to show off the thermal energy emitted from countless potential dangers, even in low clarity and stormy conditions when you’re on the sea. Because of this feature, you will avoid risks and go one step further towards achieving your goal. Marine Thermal Night Vision Cameras are also available on the market, giving you great benefits for your sea voyage at night.
Our expert team has researched a lot of thermal cameras for you as a consumer, and finally found 12 of the best marine thermal camera and surprisingly all of the 12 come under the renowned brand FLIR.
Table: Top 12 Best Marine Thermal Cameras
RANK | PRODUCT | PRODUCT NAME | OUR RATING |
---|---|---|---|
1 | FLIR MD625 Marine Thermal Camera | (5 / 5) | |
2 | FLIR M500 Marine Thermal Camera | (4.9 / 5) | |
3 | FLIR MD625 Marine Thermal Camera | (4.9 / 5) | |
4 | FLIR M400XR Marine Thermal Camera | (4.8 / 5) | |
5 | FLIR M400 Marine Thermal Camera | (4.7 / 5) | |
6 | FLIR M617CS Marine Thermal Camera | (4.5 / 5) | |
7 | FLIR M625CS Marine Thermal Camera | (4.5 / 5) | |
8 | FLIR M324CS Marine Thermal Camera | (4.4 / 5) | |
9 | FLIR M625S Marine Thermal Camera | (4.3 / 5) | |
10 | FLIR M324S Marine Thermal Camera | (4.3 / 5) | |
11 | FLIR MD324 Marine Thermal Camera | (4.1 / 5) | |
12 | FLIR M132 Marine Thermal Camera | (4 / 5) |
12 Best Mounted Marine Thermal Cameras
1. FLIR MD625 Marine Thermal Camera
Main Features
- E-Zoom: 2X and 4X
- Refresh Rate: 30 Hz
- Resolution: 320 X 240
- Field of View: 24° X 18°
- Detection Range: 2700 ft
The FLIR MD-625 is capable of withstanding winds of up to 115 1/2 mph speed; the camera has been tested in order to protect the power of electronics parts fitted on your boat and facing powerful winds and various risks.
The MD is designed with a Vox microbolometer to afford greater clarity of vision at low light or night and has an adaptable tilt, which provides optimal positioning when you are moving in the water.
When the boat or any other non-water thing arrives on your display, you will be alerted by in-built Clear Cruise Intelligent Thermal Analytics.
The 25mm lens of this camera has an automatic window defrost at power-up and is built with rated IPX6 for water resistance. This camera features a 2X and 4X digital zoom for magnifying long-distant targets and a 30 Hz refresh rate for smoother, clearer images.
It has the certificate from MIL-STD-810E and IEC 60945 standards for withstanding vibration, sand, dust and salt mist.
Strenghts
- Compact design
- User interface options
- Night vision availability
Limitations
- Improvement is required in night operations
2. FLIR M232 Marine Thermal Camera
Main Features
- E-Zoom: 2X and 4X
- Refresh Rate: 9 Hz
- Resolution: 320 X 240
- Field of View: 24° X 18°
- Detection Range: 1500 ft
FLIR M232 9Hz Marine Thermal Camera is the most inadequate and economical pan/tilt camera that comes with the night vision feature. Built with M232 320X240 thermal resolutions that are a perfect estimation for the horizon to horizon vision.
When consolidating the M232 with the Raymarine Axiom MFT, the FLIR Clear Cruise Intelligent Thermal Analysis Technology contributes a completely distinct level of awareness and protection for competitors. This is due to the quality of the mechanism supporting this function and its connection to the adjustment of the border.
The M232 utilizes IP video recording technology and makes it easy to set up by removing additional video signal wires.
To make travel safer, the M232 enhances boating and security by helping bridges, docks, floats, and other containers see day and night.
It has visual and audible alerts, which will protect you from any interruption in your voyage as it alerts you to non-water content or obstacles in your path. It features a 4X digital zoom option and renders quality recording using the most advanced Gen Boson Thermal Core.
Strenghts
- Optimized viewing
- H264 IP Video stream
- Microbolometer detector
Limitations
- No waterproof assessment
3. FLIR M500 Marine Thermal Camera
Main Features
- E-Zoom: 2X and 4X
- Refresh Rate: 25 Hz
- Resolution: 1920 X 1080
- Field of View: 28° X 2°
- Detection Range: 1500 ft
The M500 is an ultra-heavy performance multi-sensor Marine camera that is one of the best cameras in the most exceptional M-series in the Flir version, built on the strong marine gimbal system.
This Flir M500 marine thermal camera is built with conventional Gyro Stabilization Technology and superior FLIR Thermal Technology, assuring crystal clear images at all times, even in turbulent seas and low light environments.
This pan and tilt camera performs great even in ultra-long-range target detection and classification. It comes with a cool mid-wave, high-resolution thermal cam with a perfect view through continuous optical zoom.
It features a spot-beam LED target illumination system and a built-in HD Color Visible camera system. It is included with radar integration with video surveillance technology. This radar integration permits you to automatically follow radar targets selected by this thermal camera.
This thermal camera’s cooled thermal core technology facilitates the detection of long-range ships or travel aids.
Strenghts
- Enhanced target awareness
- Superior short/long range vision
- High performance camera payloads
Limitations
- Uncooled Boson microbolometer
4. FLIR M400XR Marine Thermal Camera
Main Features
- E-Zoom: 2X and 4X
- Spotlight Lumens: 580
- Resolution: 640 X 480
- Field of View: 18° X 6°
- Focal Lenght: 35mm – 150mm
The FLIR M400XR is an advanced version of the M400 that delivers clear video images (thermal) in pitch darkness and low light environments. The M400XR Pan/Tilt marine thermal camera provides high performance, designed for close and long-range object identification.
It is constructed with a built-in HD color visible camera and a tight beam LED spotlight to expand the object identifier for added security. Its firefighting mode provides improved alertness with target meter and isotherm images.
This marine thermal camera has two latest features: InstAlert mode and IceAlert mode. The InstAlert mode represents the hot object easily in red and orange shades, and the IceAlert mode helps to identify floating ice rocks in blue and green shades.
This M400XR camera is designed with an effective gyro-tech system, just like the M500 is designed to be powerful. It guarantees a consistent image, optional video surveillance, and radar surveillance features, made for viewing dangerous targets at all times.
The FLIR M400XR highlights a continuous optical zoom lens up to 4X that allows operators to view other ships and targets over long distances.
Strenghts
- Radar integration
- InstAlert and IceAlert
- Continuous variable zoom
Limitations
- Expensive
5. FLIR M400 Marine Thermal Camera
Main Features
- E-Zoom: 2X and 4X
- Spotlight Lumens: 580
- Resolution: 640 X 480
- Field of View: 18° X 6°
- Focal Lenght: 4.3mm – 129mm
The M400 multi-sensor thermal camera from the Flir brand offers you more performance and features. The FLIR M400 night vision camera is very reputable among the public as this high-performance marine camera system offers the possibility to tilt pan in almost every direction.
The camera’s heat payloads and visible light are consolidated to recognize heat and identify major objects inside and outside the water.
From 18° to 6°degrees of vision, showing everything hidden from natural eyes, the high-resolution thermal sensor guarantees that boats navigate assuredly with high cloud coverage, even on dark nights.
The hard, water-resistant gimbal envelope provides the user with a 360° view of what’s going on around him, even at night. It is built at a 90° angle with an up/down and tilt feature. The gyro-stabilization characteristic from this M400 blocks deviation from the stormy wind and wavy water.
Short and long-distance detection options can easily scan other vessels in the water using the clear 640 LCD. The thermal sensor with optical zoom (up to 3X) is great for making this camera perform better. Know the additional details about this FLIR M400 Multi-Sensor Thermal Night Vision FLIR System from Youtube.
Strenghts
- High resolution sensor
- Automatic window heaters
- Broadcast-quality video output
Limitations
- Poor visibility
6. FLIR M617CS Marine Thermal Camera
Main Features
- E-Zoom: 2X and 4X
- Refresh Rate: 9 Hz
- Resolution: 640 X 512
- Field of View: 17° X 20°
- Detection Range: 4900 ft
FLIR’s another version of M617CS thermal and visible camera is configured with a combined gyro-stabilization aspect. And this marine thermal camera has a 640×512 pixel thermal imager for providing better results and high resolution for a night or day detection, detect hazards, navigation aids, other vessels, and more.
The M617CS is equipped with long-range and latest-generation optics plus FLIR’s new Tau 2 thermal core, giving the user exceptional sensitivity and details.
The high-resolution core of this thermal can deliver advanced variation and clarity over long-range detection developed visual detail and solidified resolution models. The M617CS features dual composite video outputs for simple viewing on most televisions, marine monitors or multifunction displays.
The MIR-617CS possesses the FLIR JCU1 joystick controller system. This joystick supports you manage zoom tilt, and pan as well as permit you to modify shade palettes, working modes, and all the camera’s extensive features and abilities.
This marine camera has no difficulty with stormy seas, as it has typical 2-axis gyro-stabilization. Even when the distant target is fully magnified by the camera, the image remains stable and resistant to the effects of rough seas and ship movement.
Strengths
- Simple to install
- 2-axis gyro-stabilization
- Ball up/ball down mounting
Limitations
- Mounting hardware needs to be better
7. FLIR M625CS Marine Thermal Camera
Main Features
- E-Zoom: 12X
- Refresh Rate: 9 Hz
- Resolution: 640 X 512
- Field of View: 25° X 20°
- Focal Length: 25mm
The M-Series marine thermal cameras come from the reputable brand FLIR over 25 years of expertise in producing combat-proven airborne and thermal imagers for an army, government companies, and coast guard over the world.
FLIR M625CS enables you to display captured images or recorded video on any marine monitor or consolidate M-Series thermal imaging with data and radar on your marine multifunction display.
It not only comes with simple joystick control of zoom, tilt, and pan but also gives you a superior optional touch screen controller from select marine multifunction displays.
Screen color labels provide instant access to system status, configuration, and position. It also has a special feature of a new 4X constant electronic zoom that permits remote objects to be easily and accurately identified. The M625CS is equipped with twin composite video output, which affords added versatility when attaching your boat’s MFD or monitors while viewing.
Another payload of the M625CS features a high-resolution color camera with a powerful 36x optical zoom. It also renders the possibility to utilize a color camera during the day or at night for stunning views of objects at short or long distances.
This marine camera has no difficulty with stormy seas, as it has typical 2-axis gyro-stabilization. Even when the distant target is fully magnified by the camera, the image remains stable and resistant to the effects of rough seas and ship movement.
Strengths
- Joystick control unit
- Latest generation thermal detector
- Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE)
Limitations
- No major issues
8. FLIR M324CS Marine Thermal Camera
Main Features
- E-Zoom: 12X
- Refresh Rate: 30 Hz
- Resolution: 336 X 256
- Field of View: 24° X 18°
- Detection Range: 1500 ft
FLIR’s M324CS certified thermal camera is manufactured for day and night shipping and can be utilized for more than one use, such as recreational ships, industrial vessels, and yachts. The single-payload incorporated in the M324CS highlights a high-resolution thermal imager for specific images.
This version of the FLIR is built on the established M-Series gimble, the M324CS can be continuously tilted over +/- 90° and Pan 360° for unobstructed, border to border surveying at extended range.
This marine thermal camera combines a JCU (Joystick Control Unit). This JCU affords accurate system control and enables you to access all essential camera purposes from a handy push-button interface.
The joystick is fully shielded for backlit and IPX6 standards for nighttime use, so it can be installed in the on the deck or Pilothouse. You can attach supplementary JCUs to regulate the camera from various positions.
In expanding to the JCU, the M324CS can be observed and regulated by several leading MFDs. The M324CS highlights a suitable analog video output, making it easy to connect to any monitor, MFD, or display mixed analog input.
Strengths
- Composite video output
- Slew-to-Cue target tracking
- Simple Ethernet connectivity
Limitations
- Expensive
9. FLIR M625S Marine Thermal Camera
Main Features
- E-Zoom: 2X and 4X
- Refresh Rate: 30 Hz
- Resolution: 640 X 512
- Field of View: 25° X 20°
- Detection Range: 2700 ft
The M652S from FLIR is another portable marine thermal camera with high resolution with an effective pixel thermal imager for day and night object detection and inspecting of other vessels, obstacles, navigation aids and so on.
FLIR cameras turn small variations in temperature into easy-to-understand IR video images that enable you to view at night and travel in pitch darkness.
Even when the distant objects is completely zoomed in by this marine thermal imaging camera, the image is permanent and visible because it is constructed with standard gyro-stabilized technology, and is resistant to the influences of rough seas and ship movement.
The M625S can be directly observed and regulated by thermal camera apps on numerous leading multi-function displays from manufacturers such as Raymarine, Furuno, Garmin, and Simrad.
M625S comes with an ideal composite video output for simple seeing on most aquatic monitors, multi-function displays, and televisions. Most Garmin MFD assistance all FLIR combined with the software upgrade to version 10.0.
Strengths
- Durable M-series JCU
- Easy to interpret IR images
- Single composite video output
Limitations
- Lagging visibility
10. FLIR M324S Marine Thermal Camera
Main Features
- E-Zoom: 2X
- Refresh Rate: 30 Hz
- Resolution: 336 X 356
- Field of View: 24° X 18°
- Detection Range: 1500 ft
The M-Series has been modernized with the most advanced FLIR thermal camera core technology for outstanding detail and accuracy. They come with sturdy gyro-stabilization technology that renders compatible vision when the camera is zoomed in on a target.
This camera’s thermal technology has a temperature scale from -40°F to +185°F, which enables you to utilize it anywhere on your boat, regardless of weather conditions.
The compressed M324S marine thermal camera is lightweight and effortless to fit on any marine vehicle such as commercial ships, recreational cruisers, sailboats, and yachts. This amet thermal camera affords superior security in daylight or low light environments.
This M324S’s gyro-stabilized technology generates thermal images with great detail, so you can observe more at night.
A custom lowlight TV camera included with this product also offers high-level navigation capabilities at nightfall. It appears with a JCU that provides you full manipulation of this marine thermal camera.
Strengths
- Superior clarity output
- Automatic window heater
- Color on-screen symbology
Limitations
- There were no major issues
11. FLIR MD324 Marine Thermal Camera
Main Features
- E-Zoom: 2X
- Refresh Rate: 30 Hz
- Resolution: 320 X 240
- Field of View: 24° X 18°
- Detection Range: 1500 ft
The MD series has been examined to endure the hazards to electronics situated on a boat. The MD-series produces remarkable detail and sharp visibility even in day and night, all of which are done by its sophisticated FLIR thermal imaging technology.
Versatile automated settings provide you the complete view no matter what you’re doing. Excerpt from Night Running, Rearview mode, Night Docking, Day Running and Man Overboard frames to guarantee you’re constantly viewing the sharpest portion.
It can manage 115 1/2 mph of wind and is satisfy IEC 60945 and MIL-STD-810E standards for resistance to dust, sand, vibration and salt mist.
To diminish the energy draw from your boat, this camera only needs a maximum of 12 1 / 2W to 5W. This system combines itself into your interface seamlessly with an Ethernet combination.
The power-up features from its lens provide computerized window removal option and are considered IPX6 for water resistance. This cheap thermal camera is respectively composed of inadequate space on your ship. It produces insignificant, unlimited mounting reverses or upright.
Strengths
- BNC-to-RCA adapter
- User interface control
- Ethernet for simple integration
Limitations
- Obstructions are a bit hard to see in the dark
12. FLIR M132 Marine Thermal Camera
Main Features
- E-Zoom: 2X and 4X
- Refresh Rate: 9 Hz
- Resolution: 320 X 240
- Field of View: 24° X 18°
- Detection Range: 1500 ft
The FLIR M132 is a tiny flexible inclined camera that is the most diminutive in the FLIR marine camera range. This adaptable slope of the FLIR implements the optimal position when you travel by water and saves your travel.
Created with their latest generation Boson thermal core, the M132 allows accurate viewing of boats at night, even at 320 x 240 thermal resolutions, and highlights a 2x digital zoom characteristic. It’s ultra-compact, lightweight housing is ideal for any ship.
Its setup plug-in is more accessible than we think, as it is made with certain functionality displays from leading manufacturers. In case of an emergency, using this M132 camera will help you find those in the water faster than using spotlights and radar alone.
FLIR’s ClearCruise intelligent thermal analysis technology provides a completely new level of alertness and protection to competitors when combining the M132 with a Raymarine Axis display. ClearCruise and provides audible and visual alerts when non-water objects are detected in the camera.
You’ll experience incredibly crisp, detailed images on your MFD at 720p high definition resolutions via standard video over IP.
Strenghts
- Optimized viewing
- Make navigation safer
- Raymarine Axiom MFD
Limitations
- No waterproof assessment
Verdict
Marine Thermal Cameras afford protection and detailed view for the user navigating on ships and render extra spatial experience via rivers and open water.
Of course, marine thermal cameras make your excursions on the water safer, and they afford better security even in challenging circumstances and provide you with quality footage. Marine thermal cameras not only operate under daylight but also perform well in low light environments.
FLIR thermal imaging cameras are the first of the brands to be well-received in the market due to their quality and variety of features. These are not only produced marine thermal cameras but also provides multiple cameras such as FLIR C2, FLIR E4, FLIR TG165, FLIR T420bx for distinct purposes. So pick one of the marine thermal cameras that we have listed for added safety and improve your boat experience.