Tech

What to Consider When Buying an Infrared Camera

There are several essential things to consider when buying an infrared camera. These factors include thermal sensitivity, interchangeable lenses, Flash / LED illumination, and price. Here are some of the most important things to consider when buying an infrared camera. Keep reading to learn more about the different features and types. 

Interchangeable lenses

Before buying an infrared camera, you should know the importance of interchangeable lenses. Most lenses were designed for visible light photography and will have different characteristics when used for infrared light. The reason for this is that different lenses will focus light differently and will give different results. Not all conversion companies will calibrate lenses for infrared photography. As a result, you will likely have to settle for a lens that does not have a hot spot.

Infrared cameras with interchangeable lenses are helpful for a variety of reasons. Having interchangeable lenses will make it possible to change lenses easily and adapt them to different distances or targets. These lenses will also save you a lot of time because you do not need to return the camera to the factory. And if you’re planning on using them outdoors, it will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Flash / LED illumination

When choosing an infrared camera, check its IR wavelength range. Some are sensitive to only one wavelength, while others work with both. For example, the ME4 Outdoor IR Dome sensor and lens package is designed to capture 850nm wavelengths. When purchasing an infrared camera, look for a camera with LED illumination.

While LEDs can detect infrared light, they don’t have the same wavelength as visible light. It means that IR LEDs can appear red in photographs and videos, which may attract unwanted attention or cause distress to animals. You can easily avoid this issue by purchasing a camera with LED illumination and switching off the LEDs before using them. Another option is to cover the camera with black tape to make the IR LED glow invisible.

If you need to use the camera indoors, consider one with a dynamic smart IR feature. It allows the camera to function in low-light conditions. In addition to indoor and outdoor use, IR cameras are perfect for stadiums and parking lots. To enhance the image quality, look for cameras with an IR beam that can illuminate objects as far away as 150 feet. This technology is not for everyone, but it’s worth the money.

Another essential factor to consider when buying an infrared camera is the light source. LEDs can either be natural daylight or artificial light. While natural sunlight is the best source of infrared light, artificial lighting can produce enough infrared light to illuminate your subject. You can also use halogen or incandescent lighting indoors. However, remember that both types of illumination have different wavelengths, so you may need to adjust your WB setting accordingly.

Thermal sensitivity

When choosing an IR camera, pay close attention to its temperature range. This range shows the minimum and maximum temperatures it can measure. In general, these temperatures are sufficient for most building applications. Most cameras can measure a temperature range between -40 and 150 degrees Celsius (-4 to 302 degrees Fahrenheit), which is wide enough for many applications. When selecting an infrared camera, the temperature range should be high enough to measure the entire temperature range inside the building.

Another vital consideration is thermal resolution. Thermal resolution refers to how well the camera can discern two objects with similar temperatures. The higher the resolution, the more precise the measurements can be. The higher thermal sensitivity is necessary for professional use, such as identifying water intrusion and weatherization inspections. If you need a high resolution, check for 640×512 px resolution. Otherwise, the quality of the image will be less than optimal.

Price

The price of an infrared camera depends on the model you choose and the use for which you plan to use it. For example, an energy auditor may need a thermal imaging camera with high thermal sensitivity and high resolution and a wireless connection to transmit images to a mobile device. You may check the FLIR E8-XT review to learn more about buying an infrared camera.

Prices vary; thermal imagers range from inexpensive point-and-shoot models to high-quality HD-level science and research cameras. Choosing the right one can be challenging, but there are several things to consider before making a final decision. First and foremost, determine your needs before making a purchase. Consider the applications you will use your camera for, and research the different features.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button