Your Browser is OutdatedA Thermal Imaging device creates images by translating infrared radiation into visible light. Unlike a traditional photograph, a thermal image reveals different temperature ranges. By highlighting contrasting heat levels, you can see during day and night hours as well as during difficult conditions like bad weather, fire, or thick vegetation. Thermal technology often comes in the form of an infrared camera, monocular, or thermal scope.
What Can a Thermal Imaging Device See?
Looking through a Thermal Imaging device, you'll see contrasting heat levels of the objects in the camera's field of view. The temperature differences are identified by colors and shades. A standard thermal image, or thermograph, uses shades of yellow, red, green, and blue, but many prefer grayscale.
In the image, you'll see the heat signatures of whatever is in view. High temperatures will appear as hotspots, and cooler temperatures will appear dark. You'll use the hotspots and other reference points, like the object's shape and other objects in view, to determine what you're looking at. However, the level of detail will vary depending on the quality of the camera. Infrared cameras with higher resolution or megapixels will show greater detail.
Unlike night vision, a Thermal Imaging device needs no light to operate. That's because a thermal image sensor picks up on infrared wavelengths, or heat, which is invisible to the naked human eye.
Also, what you see depends on what you're looking for. Thermal Imaging cameras help various professionals conduct temperature screenings in real-time. This might mean conducting an energy audit of a building, finding a faulty HVAC system, automotive repair, firefighting, or law enforcement looking for a missing hiker during a search and rescue mission.
Thermal Imaging vs. Night Vision
Thermal imaging detects heat signatures emitted by people, animals, and objects, allowing you to spot targets in complete darkness, through light fog, smoke, and some vegetation. Night vision amplifies available ambient light to produce a detailed image, making it better for identification and navigation when some light is present. In short, thermal excels at detection, while night vision is generally better for recognition and detail. However, night vision is only suitable in dark environments, while thermal optics can be used 24/7 to detect heat signatures.
For more information, check out our Thermal Imaging Guides for a more in-depth look at night vision vs. thermal devices and for tips on how to buy the best thermal optic for your needs.
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We carry a range of high-performance thermal cameras, scopes, and monoculars from Pulsar, FLIR, AGM, and other best-rated brands. Plus, learn more about thermography, thermal sensors, and camera systems by reading through our library of How-To Guides online or on our top-rated mobile app. Gear up at OpticsPlanet today and get Free Shipping on most orders over $49.
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