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In a world where security is a way of life and no longer a luxury, the importance of thermal imaging cameras has never been more obvious. Such cameras provide images based on the heat and not on visible light, whether it comes to people or vehicles. They can detect people in the dark and they work wonders when the lighting conditions are not that good.
Choosing a thermal security camera for your home or business can be tricky though, as lots of people are not used to the technology and have no clue what to look for.
Comparison Table
Here are the top-rated thermal security cameras, as well as their highlights.
It records in all weather conditions and comes with an app for push notifications.
It has a two way audio system and a great video resolution.
It has a solid weather resistant design and can record over a long distance.
It features push notifications and 4K ultra HD video footage.
It has instant motion sensors and a good video resolution.
It records in all weather conditions and comes with an app for push notifications.
It has a two way audio system and a great video resolution.
It has a solid weather resistant design and can record over a long distance.
It features push notifications and 4K ultra HD video footage.
It has instant motion sensors and a good video resolution.
Top 5 Thermal Security Cameras
#1. Swann Wired PIR Bullet Security Camera
Featuring full high definition footage, this camera can record in all weather conditions. It has a 90-degree viewing angle, 100 feet of vision in darkness and over 130 feet in ambient light. You can see license plates, faces and small details in 1080p full HD.
The camera can detect warm objects like cars or people. Match it to a DVR and you will also get notifications in order to react as quickly as possible. The manufacturer has a proprietary application that goes on your smartphone. You can see everything in real-time and even send voice commands.
Things we like:
- 1080p full HD footage
- Proprietary app for push notifications
- Can record in all weather conditions
- 90-degree viewing angle
Things we do not like:
- Wired design
#2. Swann PIR Bullet Security Camera & Spotlight
Swann’s thermal security camera works with sensors and will turn lights on as soon as it detects heat – be it a person or a car. It captures both audio and video and uses the proprietary app to send push notifications to your smartphone. Two-way audio allows talking to people and scaring off burglars.
The camera has a bunch of detection features – face, line crossing and so on. It features a durable and sturdy aluminum design, as well as IP66 weatherproof ratings. It is excellent for both indoor and outdoor uses. In total darkness, it will record up to 150 feet.
Things we like:
- Good night and ambient light recording distance
- Two-way audio system
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- 4K resolution
Things we do not like:
- Does not work through WiFi
#3. Tonton 5MP PoE IP Bullet Camera Outdoor
Tonton has brought in a top thermal security camera featuring a 5MP image sensor, audio capabilities and extreme weather resistance. It comes with a heavy duty metal body, so it can go pretty much anywhere.
The camera works with a Cat5e Ethernet cable and a compatible NVR. Once up and running, the thermal camera will identify warm objects like cars or people. You will get push notifications, so you can see what is going on in real-time – up to 130 feet at night.
Things we like:
- Great video quality
- Built-in microphone for audio
- Good recording distance at night
- Push notifications for real-time observations
Things we do not like:
- Heavier than other cameras in this range
#4. Swann Wired PIR Dome Security Camera
Swann’s best dome camera has thermal capabilities and provides access to 4K Ultra HD video. You can zoom in and see small details like faces or license plates. The camera will record up to 150 feet in total darkness and 200 feet in ambient light.
The viewing angle is set at 93 degrees. It has a built-in microphone and weather-resistant design. It has to be wired though. Once you install it, connect Swann’s application and you can get push notifications on your smartphone. The camera will also take voice commands through the smartphone.
Things we like:
- 4K Ultra HD videos for small details
- Built-in microphone to capture audio too
- Excellent range in both complete darkness and ambient light
- Push notifications on your smartphone through the app
Things we do not like:
- No color night vision
#5. Swann 5MP Bullet DVR Security Came
This camera can only work with Pro-Series HD DVRs from the same brand, so make sure you pay attention to its compatibility requirements. Once installed, you will get full thermal sensing security and 5MP (1920p) video footage. Small details will no longer represent a problem for you.
The range goes up to 100 feet at night. The 70-degree viewing angle is enough for most applications, while the motion sensors are flawless – pets, people, cars and other warm objects will be instantly captured.
Things we like:
- Crystal clear footage due to the 1920p resolution
- The 100-foot range at night
- Instant motion sensors
- 70-degree viewing angle
Things we do not like:
- Restrictive compatibility standards
What To Look For In A Thermal Security Camera
Choosing a thermal security camera involves paying attention to a few small details.
Range
Some cameras come with multiple ranges for more efficiency. Knowing the temperatures you are more likely to get can lead to a good decision. A high range is suitable in industrial applications – boilers, furnaces and so on. Other than that, the middle range is excellent for people, animals, and cars.
Field of view
The field of view is given by the lens. A camera with a 45-degree angle is great for closeups. If you need footage over a longer distance, a telephoto lens would be more appropriate – six or 12 degrees. Some cameras have more lenses for various applications.
Resolution
A high resolution will provide more details and extra clarity. Closeups do not necessarily require a big resolution, but measuring small targets from a long distance asks for a good resolution. Luckily, many cameras come with high-resolution standards.
Focus
Some cameras may have a fixed focus, while others allow you to change it manually. There are also automatic cameras that will focus when they see something. High-performance cameras come with automatic or manual focus.
Other factors to consider include:
- Thermal sensitivity
- Spectral range
- Distance
- Connectivity
- Compatibility
- Price
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Conclusion
As a short final conclusion, deciding on a thermal security camera is totally up to you. The above-mentioned cameras are suitable for commercial and residential applications, but not good enough for heavy-duty industrial work – make sure you find one that can match your needs and you are ready to go.
They can detect cars, pets, people and other heat-generating objects almost instantly. Other than that, using their applications will provide push notifications and real-time viewing over your smartphone, which allows you to react as the action happens.
The cameras are wired, so they will require an installation – nothing too complicated. Besides, most of them are weather resistant and can go into all kinds of weather conditions.
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FAQs:
Here are frequently asked questions and answers to know more about thermal security camera:
What is the best thermal camera?
There is no such thing as a general answer because what works for some people will not work for everyone else. It depends on the application. The above-mentioned cameras are excellent for homes and businesses, as they can detect animals, people, cars and other similar heat-generating objects.
What is the difference between the infrared camera and thermal camera?
A thermal camera will use the far-infrared radiation. On the other hand, an infrared camera will rely on light from the near-infrared region. Results are similar, but thermal cameras are a bit more efficient, so they inevitably cost more too.
Why are thermal cameras so expensive?
Thermal imaging relies on technology produced in a low volume – much lower than visible imagine. This means that components cost more, as they are not produced in such heavy amounts. At the same time, most lenses are made of germanium – a rare and expensive metal.
Glass is not that efficient, despite being inexpensive. The cooled sensors used in thermal security cameras will also add to the price. The main role of these cryogenic sensors is to improve sensitivity and quality standards. To keep it simple, the thermal security camera out there is made with quality materials. It is extremely efficient, so it will inevitably cost more than a basic camera.
What is the difference between cooled and uncooled thermal camera?
The secret is in the overall efficiency of the camera. A cooled camera will display most of the thermal elements captured. Uncooled cameras will only display partial elements. At the same time, a cooled camera will identify small temperature fluctuations and differences – and for a longer time – than an uncooled camera.
