IPI Infrared Cameras – Thermal Imaging, Infrared Training, Thermography & Support

What Kind of Camera Should I Use?

What Kind of Camera Should I Use?

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Infrared Measurement is an ideal and simple solution for many demanding temperature measurement applications. The most difficult challenge people face is choosing the appropriate equipment and knowing how to use it properly. Selecting the Right Equipment	For thermal imaging systems, one of the most critical specifications to be considered is resolution and spot measurement size. Spot size is a specification that pertains primarily to quantitative thermography. If you intend to present temperature measurement in your reporting and analysis, your camera’s resolution and resulting spot size is of ultimate importance. Resolution and Spot Size	Thermal Sensitivity is an often overlooked objective specification. The number is small, and seemingly insignificant, but has major implications to image quality and measurement capabilities. Thermal Sensitivity	Low Voltage Distribution presents us with target sizes as small as 2.5mm (think about the smallest target you will need to measure). As such we need to plan our measurement capabilities on the lowest common denominator, and our spot size needs to be less than 2.5mm. Recommended Resolutions
The lens size or angle will have a great impact on your equipment's measurement capabilities. The angle of a lens will determine the cameras the Field of View (FOV), and this is extremely important in determining a camera's resolution. Lenses	The temperature range and span of each range can vary considerably between models. While some imagers can measure up to 2000°C, most entry level models will only measure up to 250°C. Most professional cameras will measure in the range of -20 to 600°C or higher. Many cameras designed for building sciences or veterinary work, may only measure as high as 100°C, therefore making them unsuitable for electrical and mechanical applications. Temperature Range	There are many applications which will have special needs with respect to the operation of a camera. The following are examples where the physical characteristics of a camera are important. Special Requirements	Software should be one of the most important selection criteria for any infrared thermography system, yet most times it is overlooked or at best, an afterthought. The report (output) is the most important part of any infrared survey, and the software is the primary means of generating that report. Software