{"id":8532,"date":"2025-08-29T13:15:54","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T11:15:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yellotec.co.za\/?p=8532"},"modified":"2025-08-29T13:15:54","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T11:15:54","slug":"thermal-cameras-thermal-security-cameras-and-thermography-cameras-what-are-the-differences-and-which-one-do-i-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.yellotec.co.za\/?p=8532","title":{"rendered":"Infrared Cameras, Thermal Cameras, Thermal Security Cameras or Thermography Cameras \u2013 What Are the Differences and Which One Do I Need?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Thermal Cameras, Thermal Security Cameras and Thermography Cameras \u2013 What Are The Differences and Which One Do I Need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Tjaart Broodryk<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Broadly speaking there are really two main types of Infrared Cameras, and then a third although the third is not that important in the mainstream marketplace.  The three main types then are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. THERMAL IMAGING or THERMAL SECURITY Cameras<\/em><\/strong> – Cameras that are designed to output an infrared image only \u2013 these cameras cannot<\/em><\/strong> measure temperature<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. THERMOGRAPHY CAMERAS – <\/em><\/strong>Cameras that output a Radiometric<\/em> infrared image and can measure temperature<\/em><\/strong> or quantify electromagnetic radiation in several different units.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. SCIENTIFIC <\/em><\/strong>INFRARED CAMERAS<\/em><\/strong> that allow users an open framework camera, necessary for Advanced Radiometry<\/em><\/strong> and allows total access to the setup, calibration and outputs of the camera.<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Main uses of these cameras (there are off course more) in the mainstream are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. THERMAL IMAGING or THERMAL SECURITY Cameras<\/em><\/strong> that cannot measure<\/em><\/strong> are used for security \/ military <\/em><\/strong>purposes, or similar applications such as hunting \u2013 where detection is key and temperature measurement just does not matter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. THERMOGRAPHY CAMERAS <\/em><\/strong>that can measure<\/em><\/strong> are used for maintenance or condition monitoring<\/em><\/strong> purposes or similar where detection of heat radiation differences and the temperature are important.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. SCIENTIFIC <\/em><\/strong>INFRARED CAMERAS<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 for users mainly in Research and Development<\/em><\/strong> applications where radiometry<\/em><\/strong>, accuracy, frame rates or camera speed and synchronization requirements are key. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) detects gas leaks, a fairly recent development in thermography camera development, possibly a new category camera on its own and is not discussed further here. If you need any information on Optical Gas Imaging Cameras, please contact our team directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The internet, however, has become slightly confused, and mainly because the terminology to distinguish between these main types of infrared cameras have not been standardised \u2013 not between OEM\u2019s and not even internal to OEMs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"
      Entry level Thermography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \"Point
      Point and Shoot Thermography Camera<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"
      FLIR T-Series Professional Handheld Thermography Camera<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Not that this matters much to users looking for security or personal use Infrared cameras \u2013 where the bulk of the market sits today.  It does however matter a lot if you are looking for a camera that can measure temperature (accurately) and produce a report from captured data.  Searching the web when you need something other than a straightforward Thermal Imaging camera can be frustrating as terminologies are used incorrectly by suppliers that do not really know or care<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      There are few people \/ companies out there that know enough about Infrared Cameras to be able to explain the differences, and even fewer that can accurately match your needs to a specific model.  Infrared Camera prices will range from cheap to very high, buying wrong happens daily.  There are literally thousands of Infrared Camera models available, and even more OEMs and distributors arrive daily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The differences and the specifications between the main types \u2013 and then between the models of each type are not always clear. Save to say that there is a nice and confusing bunch of specifications that accompany all three types of cameras.  I will not go into the specifications here \u2013 that is saved in a future blog – and I am not an expert on the security type cameras, but when it comes to Thermography cameras, we know a lot. Which specifications matter? And why? Look for a future blog here or call us today if you need to know right now!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"
      Latest Generation FLIR Handheld Security camera\u200b
      \u201cProfessional Thermal Monocular\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"
      Typical FLIR Personal Security Imagery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \"FLIR
      FLIR Long Range Perimeter Protection<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      This article aims to quickly give an overview of the three main types of cameras, the trick is that if you are going to use the camera for professional services \u2013 not so much personal \u2013 then buy from the supplier that has best knowledge, offers training and can support these cameras with spares and calibration services for at least the warranty term \u2013 which with FLIR Cameras is up to 10 years!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The difference between the three types of Infrared cameras lies mainly in their intended end-use, features<\/strong>, and application environments<\/strong>, even though all three sense and convert infrared radiation (heat) rather into a visible light image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"\"<\/figure>
      \n

      I am not going to elaborate on types of detectors, spectral ranges, temperature ranges, speed or optical specifications. This article is intended to highlight the basic differences only for users who need a quick guide around the type of Infrared Cameras available.  Below are a few tables intended to summarise this text and to give a little more information in bite size chunks.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need to explore our fascinating world of Infrared Cameras a little deeper.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      1. Purpose & Application<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
      THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
      Feature<\/strong><\/td>Thermography Cameras<\/strong><\/td>Thermal Security Cameras<\/strong><\/td>Scientific Infrared Cameras<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
      Primary Use<\/strong><\/td>Industrial inspections, fault finding, maintenance, diagnostics, process automation and firefighting.<\/td>Perimeter protection, surveillance, threat detection.  Vehicle night vision.<\/td>Research and Development, Scientific Work <\/td><\/tr>
      Typical Applications<\/strong><\/td>Electrical & Mechanical fault detection, Heat Loss, Moisture Ingress, Early Fire Detection, Process Control.<\/td>Intrusion detection, night surveillance, border control, Military Night vision.<\/td>Target signature analysis, Heat Flow, Materials Behaviour, Propulsion studies.<\/td><\/tr>
      Users<\/strong><\/td>Artisan, Engineers, Operations, Thermographers, Condition Monitors, Maintenance teams.<\/td>Security personnel, Military, Law enforcement.<\/td>Researchers and Scientists, Product Development Engineers.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      2. Design & Features<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
      THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
      Feature<\/strong><\/td>Thermography Cameras<\/strong><\/td>Thermal Security Cameras<\/strong><\/td>Scientific Infrared Cameras<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
      Form Factor<\/strong><\/td>Handheld or Fixed type \u2013 Subtype would be Point-and-Shoot (Pistol Grip) or Rotating Block for Handheld versions<\/td>Fixed-mounted, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) or PVS (Personal Vision Systems) i.e.: handheld Monocular\/ Binocular<\/td>Fixed or mounted design<\/td><\/tr>
      Detector Types<\/strong><\/td>Mostly Uncooled Microbolometers (Low price) Leak Detection (OGI) \u2013 mostly high performance cooled<\/td>Mostly Uncooled Microbolometers, for Long Range and Border control – High performance cooled<\/td>Mostly High-Performance Cooled Cameras. MCT, InSb, SLS.Uncooled Microbolometers for consumable or lower accuracy & slower tests.<\/td><\/tr>
      Thermal Sensitivity<\/strong><\/td>From Bad or Poor to Good or Excellent.  From bad @ 100mk to excellent @ 35mK – massive differences between models.<\/td>Uncooled good side from @50mK to excellent @20mk on the cooled versions<\/td>Highest Sensitivity @20mK and better. (Lower).<\/td><\/tr>
      Measurement Tools<\/strong><\/td>Temperature<\/em><\/strong> readings, basic and or advanced analysis tools, spot meters, area tools, isotherms etc.<\/td>Limited to colour pallets and contract alarms.<\/td>Complete radiometric measurement and analysis suite for advanced users. User calibrations permitted.<\/td><\/tr>
      Image Analysis<\/strong><\/td>Radiometric (temperature data per pixel)<\/td>Non-radiometric (shows heat differences or thermal contrast only)<\/td>Advanced Radiometric and time synchronisation <\/td><\/tr>
      Recording\/Alerting<\/strong><\/td>Manual recording, single images or radio metric or standard video radiometric, inspection logs and notations<\/td>Motion alerts, real-time alarms, video analytics (mostly through software, limited onboard functionality)<\/td>From a single FPS (frame per second) to thousands of FPS, with advanced triggering and various data streaming options. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      3. Technical Capabilities<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
      THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
      Feature<\/strong><\/td>Thermography Cameras<\/strong><\/td>Thermal Security Cameras<\/strong><\/td>Scientific Infrared Cameras<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
      Resolution<\/strong><\/td>Often higher (e.g., 320×240, 640×480, 1024×768 and shortly even higher!<\/td>Lower (e.g., 160×120, 320×240 & 640 x 480) \u2013 optimised for detection.<\/td>320 x 240, 640 x 480, 1024 x 768 and higher resolutions. <\/td><\/tr>
      Frame rates<\/strong><\/td>Typically, 9Hz to 30Hz, up to 60Hz and even 100Hz for special models.<\/td>Usually, 30Hz only or lower.<\/td>Programmable from 0.5Hz to 1000\u2019s Hz with windowing, largely application dependent.<\/td><\/tr>
      Integration<\/strong><\/td>Fixed type – Not typically integrated with CCTV.  Advanced VMS systems with plug-in Modules can be used, or specialised software<\/td>Integrated with video management systems (VMS)<\/td>User dependant \u2013 Full SDK available for integration into various Research Software\u2019s<\/td><\/tr>
      Connectivity<\/strong><\/td>Handheld units provide USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi for data export. Fixed versions – Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, versions may support protocols allowing integration into vision and control systems –model dependant! Smart Cameras allow various interfaces and outputs. SDK Supported.<\/em><\/td>Networked (IP, ONVIF compatible) for continuous feeds<\/td>Gigabit Ethernet (GigE Vision), CXP Dual Link<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      4. Summary<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
      THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
      Aspect<\/strong><\/td>Thermography Cameras<\/strong><\/td>Thermal Security<\/strong><\/td>Scientific Infrared Cameras<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
      You Need It If…<\/strong><\/td>You\u2019re diagnosing overheating equipment, building energy loss, or faults<\/td>You need to monitor an area for intrusion or unusual activity at night or in low visibility<\/td>Your developing new products and need to know more about the heat flow properties or thermal signatures of materials and components <\/td><\/tr>
      Main Value<\/strong><\/td>Precision temperature measurement & heat flow analysis, temperature trending.<\/td>Reliable detection of humans\/vehicles\/animals in total darkness<\/td>Accurate and reliable thermodynamic data for further analysis in FEM or Design platforms<\/td><\/tr>
      Examples<\/strong><\/td>FLIR E-series (E8 Pro, E96), FLIR T-Series (T865, T560), FLIR A series (A70, A700, A65)<\/td>FLIR Scout Pro, FLIR Elara Series, FLIR FH Series, FLIR PT Series<\/td>FLIR A6780 MWIR, FLIR X8580-HS\/SLS, FLIR RS8500<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \n
      View our Infrared\/Thermal Cameras Range<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>
      \n

      About the Author:<\/strong>
       
      Tjaart Broodryk has been a driving force at Yellotec for more than 17 years, serving as a director and helping shape the company into a leader in the field of Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance.
       
      Tjaart plays a key role in fostering a culture of excellence at Yellotec, with customer focus and technical expertise at the center of his work. Specialising in infrared thermography, he is widely respected in the industry for his dedication to advancing the field and supporting the evolving needs of Yellotec\u2019s clients.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Thermal Cameras, Thermal Security Cameras and Thermography Cameras \u2013 What Are The Differences and Which One Do I Need? By Tjaart Broodryk Broadly speaking there are really two main types of Infrared Cameras, and then a third although the third is not that important in the mainstream marketplace.  The three main types then are: Main uses […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":8599,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[33,34,49],"class_list":["post-8532","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","tag-handheld-thermal-camera","tag-infrared-thermography","tag-research-and-development"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.yellotec.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8532","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.yellotec.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.yellotec.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.yellotec.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.yellotec.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8532"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/staging.yellotec.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8532\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.yellotec.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.yellotec.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8532"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.yellotec.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8532"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.yellotec.co.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8532"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}