With a thermal imaging camera - also called an infrared camera or thermal camera - you do not get an image of what the camera literally sees, but you get an image of the heat of an object. This camera also measures the heat of the object or the radiation of what is being imaged and converts this into images. This gives you a much more accurate picture of what is really going on, because with a camera that responds to movement, the smallest movement can result in a detection. Consider the sensitivity of the sensor used to set the camera. Of course, you don't want the sensor to be activated with every bird that flies by and an alarm message to be sent to your phone.
The usefulness of a thermal imaging camera
With a camera that responds to radiation it is possible to see whether it is worthwhile to proceed to an alarm phase. If a cat walks across your property, the camera is able to recognize the cat's shape and it is not necessary to check the area. As soon as a person hovers in front of your entrance gate, you will be able to clearly recognize the shape of the person. In that case, you can go and see for yourself or send security or police. You do not have to install a thermal imaging camera in all cases.
When is a camera that detects radiation useful?
You can use the thermal imaging camera in two ways, namely for your own applications or for professional use. Your own application can be for fun, but also for something more serious such as the security camera. The camera can be very useful for people who spend a lot of time outside. Whether you like hunting, camping, sailing on your boat or another outdoor activity, with an infrared camera you can capture everything that happens outside on your property, around your tent or around the boat. This can be for fun, such as mapping wild animals on your property, or it can be for your safety, for example when the camera detects boats in your area and allows you to keep a safe distance.
A practical camera for the professional
However, you can also use a good-quality thermal imaging camera for inspection work. Consider detecting a leak in a water pipe. But heat differences in your insulation, walls or roofs can also be easily detected this way. Where the camera images show a cold spot, you know that you have detected a fault in the insulation and you can specifically address this defect with the precise location. Are you an electrician, plumber or another type of inspector? Then a thermal imaging camera can be a useful addition to your technical equipment.
Various types of thermal cameras
You can purchase a thermal imaging camera that you use separately as a handheld camera or connect it to your phone. But there are also thermal cameras that you need to have professionally installed, such as the night vision camera that you permanently mount on your boat. You can buy this night vision camera from around four thousand euros and not only gives you full insight into the goings-on around your boat, but also has a man-overboard detection. Even if the weather is very bad and visibility is difficult, it is possible to detect the body in the water through the thermal camera and bring the person back on board. These types of life-saving features make your investment in a decent thermal camera worthwhile. You never know when it will help you out.
Well-known brands of thermal imaging cameras
There are several brands that are well known for their extensive functionality and continuous image performance. Brands you'll want to consider are: Seek Thermal, Raymarine, and Caterpillar. The Caterpillar is an odd one out, because this is a phone that has a thermal camera function as standard. The Caterpillar is not only waterproof, you can even use the thermal imaging camera underwater for a longer period of time. Always pay attention to the depth, because not every outdoor camera can continue to function properly indefinitely.
The Seek Thermal cameras
Seek Thermal has a number of separate cameras that you can connect to your phone. This gives you the projection of the thermal imaging camera on the image of your phone. You can also order cameras from the same brand that have their own screen. These cameras function on their own and you do not need any other equipment. These cameras are often also equipped with an LED flashlight, so you can shine a targeted light if you detect something in the dark that you would like to take a closer look at.
Raymarine for the real water lover
Whether you stay in port for a longer period of time or go out on the water every weekend, with an efficient thermal imaging camera you are always well rested and safer on the road. Raymarine has a number of models that require permanent mounting, but you can also select a thermal camera for manual use. You can point this camera at the location you want to capture. This camera is also suitable, for example, if you are going on a trip with a number of smaller sailing boats or kayaks. For example, if you are the last person in the group, it is possible to keep everyone in front of you in view.
Registration obligation
There is a Raymarine camera that requires the user to log in upon purchase. The information that the image of the thermal camera records is so extensive, detailed and specific that this thermal camera should not be used without registration. By registering as the owner of the thermal imaging camera, Raymarine keeps a good overview of who is moving on land and water with their excellent quality camera.
Additional features
There are thermal imaging cameras that have additional options, such as being able to take a photo of the image that you think is worth capturing. If someone climbs over your entrance gate, this can be valuable evidence for insurance or the police. In addition, there are different types of connections such as the IP camera or the WiFi camera. In any case, we can assure you that you have come to the right place when purchasing a thermal imaging camera at Mediawinkel.eu.
