Buying a thermal infrared camera is an expensive proposition. Below are some considerations you should make when evaluating cameras.
What is the camera resolution? How many pixels? Our TIR2 has 320 x 240 pixels or 76,800 total pixels. Every pixel represents a temperature measurement point on our camera - not just a visual pixel. A 160 x 120 camera only has 19,.200 pixels.
Does the camera actually measure temperatures or just display a Black & White or Color image? A camera that is just displaying a thermal image has much more limited use than a camera that can actually measure temperature. Our TIR2 takes 76,800 temperature measurements and displays them as an image. The camera will automatically display the highest temperature in the image as well as a user selectable spot designated by the center cross hairs. The TIR2 displays a color image. The user can select from a variety of predefined false color pallets or create their own false color pallets. For instance, you might want the entire image to be black and white except for anything over 150 degF to be shown in Red. This is simple to do on the TIR2. Or you may want hot items displayed as white, blue or pink while displaying cold as something else. The TIR2 is highly customizable for your needs.
Can camera save image or data to a file? Our TIR2 can save over 1,000 temperature arrays to an included memory card along with voice memos for the image. Instead of saving a picture, the TIR2 saves all 76,800 temperature measurements. Using included software, you can later retrieve image, make measurements, change false colors, etc.
Does camera have a video output? Our TIR2 has a standard NTSC composite video output. You can connect this output to a camcorder or VCR.
What are the temperature ranges for the camera? What is the temperature resolution? The TIR2 has two temperature ranges:
 | ±1˚C ±1% (-10˚C≤X≤110˚C) or ±1.8˚F ±2% (14˚F≤X≤230˚F) |
| ±2˚C ±2% (110˚C≤X≤300˚C) or ±3.6˚F ±2% (230˚F≤X≤572˚F) |
Does camera come with computer software to analyze images and temperature arrays? Our TIR2 comes with Infrared Imaging Analysis Windows software that allows a wide variety of sophisticated work. The software can:
| Measure temperature points, deltas, lines, temperatures within an area |
| Change false color pallets |
| Process through various filters such as sharpening, anti-noise, edge, grads, sobel and custom designed filters. |
| Play back voice annotations associated with images. |
| Export images to other graphic formats |
| Print, save and manipulate data files |
Does camera come as a complete kit? Our TIR2 camera ships in a water proof hard case, with two rechargeable batteries (Sony Camcorder batteries which are easily replaceable), worldwide 100 - 240 volt AC recharger, memory card, memory card reader, computer cables, analysis software, manual and everything you need to get started.
Is camera sophisticated enough for you? The TIR2 allows you to set things such as humidity, ambient air temperature, zone analysis, isotherm analysis, audio alarms and more. You don't necessarily have to use these features, but you may need them later. A cheap, basic thermal camera may display a thermal image in black and white and do nothing more! A sophisticated thermal camera like our TIR2 allows you much, much more.
