A thermal imaging camera – who needs it? The technology of using a camera that picks up infrared, or invisible – to humans – radiant energy waves, or more simply, heat, was first developed for military use in the Korean War. It since has found not only military, but medical, law enforcement, firefighting, and industrial uses. And more recently, thermal imaging cameras are used by electricians, plumbers, home inspectors, and – and I’m not making this up – Cricket umpires!
Some months ago, we reviewed the Seek Thermal Reveal Camera, an under $400 self-contained device to that produces pictures of heat or lack thereof. Flir Systems, Inc., which develops and sells many imaging systems, has what it thinks is a better prosumer product, the Flir One, a thermal imaging camera that you can attach to your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet to see and record heat images using their app.
The rechargeable camera attachment is small, about 2-1/2 inches long, and inch or so wide, and half-an-inch deep. It plugs into your phone or tablet using either an Android micro-USB port, or an iOS Lightning connector. Download and run the Flir One app, and you’re all set.
With other modestly priced thermal imaging cameras, you see only the thermal image, everything else is not visible to them. But the Flir One has two cameras, one for the thermal image, the other for the visible image, which it overlays on the thermal, making all things visible.
The Flir One app has a few other tricks, including the ability to take panoramic photos, time-lapse shots, and videos. You can also choose how to display the image – the “usual” red, yellow, green, blue for hottest to coolest – or one of several other “palettes” including black and white. The Flir One comes with a charging cable and a holder with a lanyard, so you won’t lose the little camera when it’s detached from your device.
Because your images can be saved on your phone or tablet, you can also easily share them with co-workers, family, friends or on social media (don’t all your Facebook friends want to see the hotspots on your significant other’s face?).
There are, of course, serious uses for thermal imaging, such as detecting heat or water leaks around your home, spotting pests and wildlife, finding mold behind walls, and making night hikes in the woods safer.
Check out Flir’s “humorous” promotional video:
If you can find a use for it, the Flir One thermal imaging camera attachment is available for under $250 on Amazon, or direct from Flir.
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