Thermal Camera Module Selection: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

LWIR thermal imaging cameras measure temperature by detecting infrared radiation emitted by objects without physical contact. This feature gives them a special advantage in high-temperature, dangerous, or hard-to-reach places. People often use them to inspect industrial equipment, electrical systems, and more.

Thermal Camera Module How Does It Work?

The thermal camera module captures infrared radiation emitted by objects through their optical systems. The camera’s detector material absorbs this radiation, converting it into electrical signals. The intensity of these signals directly correlates with the radiation’s strength.

These signals are amplified and processed by electronic parts. This creates a digital image that the user can see. This efficient process enables precise thermal imaging for various applications.

Key Takeaways

• Long-wave infrared cameras receive infrared radiation from objects through an optical system.
• Detector materials take in these radiations and change them into electrical signals. The strength of the signal relates to the intensity of the radiation.
• Electronic components amplify and process these electrical signals to form a digital image.
• The system presents the processed image to the user through an output device.

Top 6 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Thermal Camera Module

• Interface
• Resolution
• Function
• Lens
• NETD
• Digital Zoom

Interface

When selecting a camera, it's essential to choose the correct interface. You can opt for either the 70-Pin Output Trigger or an Extend Board interface. Choosing the 70-Pin Output Trigger eliminates the need for an Extend Board. Common interface options include USB3.0 Type-C, USB2.0 Type-C, USB2.0 4-Pin, and PAL-D.

Resolution

320x256

The most common resolutions are 320x256 and 640x512 pixels. Of course, Vision Datum has launched a higher resolution of 1280 x 1024! If you don't need to capture fine details, 320x256 can meet most thermal mode applications when the budget is not exceptionally sufficient!

640x512

A resolution of 640x512 or above is ideal for installation on a drone. You can consider embedding it in the drone. Ultra-light module weight < 5g, lightweight design.

Long-wave infrared cameras commonly use two pixel sizes: 12μm and 17μm. The 12μm pixel technology makes the detector chip smaller.

It also provides a 30% longer detection range than the 17μm version with the same lens. The 12μm wavelength works better for finding hotter objects. In contrast, the 17μm wavelength is better for cooler objects.

Function

Observation Version

This device is mainly used for real-time monitoring and capturing images. It focuses on providing clear thermal images. This makes it suitable for general visual observation needs.

Temperature measuring Version (Temp. Meas.)

Along with thermal imaging, it also measures temperature. It can analyze and monitor specific areas or points. This makes it suitable for applications that need accurate temperature data.

Lens

Fixed-focus lenses are ideal for fixed monitoring, offering high cost-effectiveness and stable long-term imaging. In contrast, zoom lenses are better for flexible monitoring applications, enabling remote observation and automated control. With Vision Datum’s long-wave infrared camera featuring 1.0-8.0x digital zoom paired with a zoom lens, users gain comprehensive observation capabilities, from wide-area coverage to detailed close-ups—making it highly effective for remote surveillance.

NETD

NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) measures an infrared detector’s sensitivity, indicating the smallest temperature difference it can detect, usually in millikelvin (mK). Lower NETD values mean higher sensitivity, enabling clearer detection of subtle thermal changes. When you measure with a temperature-controlled blackbody, factors like lens aperture, integration time, and background temperature influence NETD. A lower NETD improves image clarity in low-contrast conditions, such as cold or foggy environments.

Digital Zoom

Digital Zoom (1-8x) in LWIR cameras enables users to enlarge images through software, allowing finer detail inspection. This zoom range means the image can be scaled from its original size up to 8 times. With this feature, users can adjust the zoom level quickly to suit their needs, without changing lenses or hardware—ideal for various applications.

Thermal camera module how to use？

iVaster Micro LWIR Thermal Camera Module, now available for online purchase. This small module is made for versatility.

It has a USB Type-C interface and other connection options. This makes it great for use in different systems. Whether for industrial applications, R&D, or outdoor, the iVaster Micro Thermal Camera provides high-quality thermal imaging with flexible connectivity, streamlining setup and usage.

The following is how to use our Micro LWIR Thermal Camera Module, contact us for more details

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