Market guide
Resolve the target before buying pixels
Choose resolution, focus and lens from target geometryA detector count becomes useful only when enough pixels cover the target from a safe working position. Start with the smallest target and distance, then choose the field of view and focus system.
01
Geometry
Calculate the target in the image
Use detector resolution and IFOV to estimate how much surface one pixel represents at distance, then require several pixels across the target for the intended method.
- Distance
- Use the real safe working distance, not a close demonstration.
- Field of view
- Wide lenses cover rooms while telephoto lenses place more pixels on a distant target; neither is universally better.
02
Focus
Attach every measurement to focus quality
Fixed focus is fast for broad nearby work. Manual and autofocus systems can resolve different distances but still require a sharp target and stable technique.
- Minimum distance
- Check minimum focus and close-up or macro needs before inspecting small components.
- Artifacts
- Visible-light overlays add location context but do not increase native thermal measurement pixels.
03
Contrast
Separate sensitivity from accuracy
NETD describes detectable thermal contrast under a stated condition. Accuracy describes a different measurement bound, and both remain conditional on setup and environment.
- Method
- Choose sensitivity for the expected contrast and procedure rather than buying the lowest number alone.
- Proof
- Test a representative target, surface and distance with the exact camera and lens.
Evidence used
First-party sources behind this guide
- 01Current handheld thermal camerasFlir · checked August 16, 2026Open source
- 02Thermographic measurement techniquesFlir · checked August 16, 2026Open source
- 03Infrared thermography training frameworkASNT · checked August 16, 2026Open source
- 04Electrical inspection work practicesOSHA · checked August 16, 2026Open source