4 Best Wifi Thermal Cameras

Let’s have a look at each product in particular.

FLIR C5

The Flir C5 is our first wifi thermal camera. Its wireless module is compatible with the 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n (2.4 and 5 GHz) standards. But that is not its only wireless option because it also has Bluetooth so you can tether it with your smartphone in that way too.

This infrared thermal imaging camera also makes use of that wireless network in a unique way, because it uses the wifi to connect to the Cloud and automatically upload the thermal images to the Flir Ignite platform. You just need to connect the camera to your wireless access point and it will sync automatically.

In terms of image storage, Flir systems provides 1GB of free storage on the Ignite platform for every C5 camera. Its internal storage can store more than 5000 JPG IR images together with all the 14-bit radiometric thermal data embedded for each pixel in the file format.

It is easy to use and the design is minimalistic with a 3.5″ touchscreen and very few buttons and the battery lasts for 4 hours of thermal vision.

Let’s have a look at the image quality: The camera comes with an infrared sensor that provides a 160 x 120 IR Resolution with a total of 19,200 thermal pixels. Along with that, there is also the 5 megapixel visual camera to provide MSX image enhancement.

So how good is this wi-fi thermal camera at temperature measurement? It has a wide thermal scope ranging from -4 to 752°F (-20 to 400°C), making it fully applicable in HVAC inspections, plumbing, electrical inspections, roofing and checking body temperature. A big plus is that it has a very low thermal sensitivity (Here lower is better) because it can react to a 0.05°C temperature difference.

The device itself is IP54 rated for being waterproof, dustproof and able to withstand a 1.5 meter drop and continue to function with the touch screen remaining intact.

The C5 comes with the standard warranty for Flir infrared cameras, 2 for the entire infrared camera and 10 years for the thermal imaging system itself, just remember to complete the product registration form within 60 days after you’ve bought it.

Flir C3-X

The Flir C3-X is another new wifi thermal camera that presents itself as a very good alternative to the C5. Not only does it cost 200$ less, but also offers most of its features.

It has both a infrared detection sensor and a visible light camera with a 5MP image resolution for MSX image enhancement.

It offers the same standard of wireless connectivity: 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n Wi-fi (2.4 and 5Ghz). In addition to the wlan connection it also has PAN Bluetooth for data transfer to your mobile phone.

The C3-X makes good use of the Wifi connection because like the C5, it also automatically uploads the thermal images to the Ignite Cloud. The C3-X and C5 are the only two thermal imaging cameras under 1000 USD that can do this at the moment.

This compact thermal imaging camera has an upgraded infrared sensor with a 128 x 96 thermal resolution. It captures thermal images in the same format as the C5, in JPG radiometric form. It can measure a temperature range between -4 to 572 Fahrenheit (-20 to 300 Celsius) with a sensitivity of 0.07 C, making it great for temperature screening or monitoring.

More good news with the improved 4-hour battery life and the fact that it is IP54 waterproof and dustproof. In terms of the software settings, it is very similar there too, it lets you switch between image modes, it shows the minimum and maximum temperature in the picture, lets you adjust emissivity, brightness and switch between color palettes.

Instead of purchasing a refurbished Flir C2 or Flir C3 compact thermal imaging camera, a much better decision would be to buy a C3-X as it provides much better value.

FLIR E5-XT

The Flir E5-XT is a thermal camera with wi-fi support that is part of their line of professional thermal cameras. It has a different form factor than the first two, it has a similar design to an IR thermometer.

It not only has a wifi connection but also Bluetooth and USB. While this device may not connect to the Cloud, it does tether with your smartphone via the wireless connection and the Flir Tools mobile app.

Its infrared sensor can output a 160 x 120 resolution and when you use it in MSX mode, the pictures look incredibly sharp and detailed. You can’t capture video with this infrared thermal camera however you can stream video via the USB Cable. Most Flir thermal infrared cameras can do this but it is not yet possible for them to stream via wi-fi, not even for the more expensive Flir EX Series camera modules.

It can measure temperatures in a thermal scope from 4°F to 752°F (-20°C to 400°C, with a +/-2°C accuracy and a 0.10°C sensitivity.

Its downside is that the internal memory can only hold 500 images, while most cameras on the market offer much more. However it does have a 4 hour battery life and an IP54 enclosure for being waterproof and dustproof.

The screen size is very large for a handheld thermal camera because it has a 3″ diagonal. When it comes to building inspections, electrical repair or a home inspection (Where you can pair it with a moisture meter), this wifi thermal camera will perform flawlessly. If the resolution is too low, then you should have a look at the Flir E6-XT or E8-XT.

FLIR E5 Compact

The E5 is basically the older version of the E5-XT wifi thermal camera. When we compare the Flir E5 vs E5-XT we notice that the E5 has a lower 120 x 90 thermal resolution because the camera cores are different, no Bluetooth connection and a narrower temperature range from -4°F to 482°F (-20°C to +250°C). But the E5 does have the same type of wi-fi connection as the XT model.

The Flir E5 doesn’t have an IP rating either, just like the Flir E4 so it is not waterproof. Given the small price difference on Amazon, the E5-XT provides much better value.