Battle Of The Infrared Imaging Cameras
Infrared technology, especially the thermal imaging technology has come in ages. Thermal imaging is now used in cameras to locate weak spots in structures using the difference in the rate at which the surfaces of an object emit heat waves. The images formed using these cameras are red and blue; blue for cold surfaces and red for red-hot surfaces. A thermal imaging camera can be used professionally in different industries, from home or building inspectors, A/C or plumbing diagnostics, agriculture with crops, and many other applications.
After many years of evolution of the Infrared radiation imaging thermal devices have finally come to retail prices for the typical consumers by integrating the ability to see and measure infrared radiation using a Smartphone; an iPhone for now. Two favorite cameras that have the IF technology are FLIR and the Seek Thermal imaging which are compatible with the iPhone hardware. You can now use the infrared technology accessible on your phone camera to see around and distinguish between cold and hot objects by taking shots instead of feeling them with hands.
FLIR One and Seek Thermal Compact cameras are the modern state of the art technology of the infrared imaging technology. They both provide with Predator-like vision in Smartphones. They are similar to one another in many ways. Their features can detect faults in welded structure, cracks in metals and other solid object and even bringing to view objects the darkness.
The two thermal cameras are comparatively much the same. It is interesting to note that they both come with the same price of approximately $249.99. An interested buyer would, therefore, ask why they should buy FLIR One in place of Seek Thermal Compact or the other way round. After experiencing the two devices, the following are the comparisons in pros and cons.
FLIR ONE Camera
The FLIR ONE infrared camera is a product of the FLIR Systems Inc. It can identify heat differences and water leakages with a sense of temperature smaller than one ten of a degree in the range; -4 degrees Fahrenheit and 248 degrees Fahrenheit to be exact. It has a resolution in the powers of 640 by 480 of image capture. Its weight is less than three ounces and can plug into the bottom of a phone. Its power comes from an internal battery controlled by an on and off button on its side.
The FLIR app is very simple to operate and gives the operational options for a standard camera format. Images appear in finely analyzed detailed.
Pros On The FLIR ONE Camera
- The camera produces superior image qualities with finer details given its high sensitivity to a wide range of temperature.
- It has a significantly faster heat signature analysis. The detection, capture and imaging of the objects happen in microseconds using its dual lens.
- The FLIR camera looks sturdier in design that gives it an appealing look to have it around and in that it cannot easily smash by falling on the floor.
- The shooting modes are many, more than in the Seek counterpart ranging from the skeleton portrait, night portrait, auto mode, action portrait and much more.
Cons
- FLIR One thermal camera operates using its battery and does not function once its power source runs dead.
- The battery requires often charging when it runs out of power.
- The camera is heavier and bulkier in weight and may be inconvenient to carry around.
The Seek Thermal Compact Camera
The Seek Thermal Compact is an approximately excellent piece of hardware taking high the infrared technology. It is a close rival to the FLIR One for quick comparisons. The working principle is the thermal analysis of the objects in focus. However, this device does not need the charge and recharge like the FLIR One because it is power by the phone through a micro USB port. It is more compact as its name tells but served by a single camera on board.
The camera is slower in image analysis and gives fewer details of the object captured using it limited shooting modes. Every time a tremendous change in heat signature is detected the camera makes constant clicking sounds to adjust and readjust which can be annoying.
Pros Of The Seek Thermal Compact Camera.
- The camera comes in comparatively more compact size compared to the FLIR. It is easily carried around with more convenience.
- It does not have a camera of its own but uses the phone’s battery. It, therefore, does not need charge and recharge.
- The casing of the Seek camera is waterproof making it offer imaging service in places the FLIR camera can’t do.
Cons
- The camera does not give many details of the object put in focus.
- It analyses objects slower to produce compositions that are blotchy compared to its rival camera.
- Seek Thermal Compact lacks more variety of shooting mode, unlike FLIR One.