What is the best thermal camera for your phone?
I have wanted a thermal camera for over a decade now. They have always seemed a bit too pricey and a bit lacking in functionality until this year when I found the TOPDON TC001.
This is my review of the product, what I like, don’t like, and why I picked it over their competitors.
Disclosure: I purchased the TC001 for myself first. TOPDON is providing us with an additional unit to give away as a promotion.
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What can you do with a thermal camera?
Some common uses for thermal cameras are:
-Diagnostics
-Seeing at night
-Checking home and device efficiency
-Security
-Search and Rescue
My interest in a thermal camera is primarily to use during search and rescue missions with my local CERT team and to find areas I need to insulate better in my home.
Want to go straight to the facts? See our comparison summary in the chart below.
I’ll be comparing this to a couple of popular FLIR models that connect to your phone. FLIR has been about the only real name in thermal imaging for decades.
What does a thermal camera do?
Thermal cameras detect infrared energy and convert it into an image. This makes them great for finding objects (or people) that are a different temperature than the surroundings. They work even in complete darkness.
TCView TC001 features review
Price
The thermal camera comes in at a great price on their website ($230). Amazon has it listed higher. It is equal to or cheaper than all the FLIR models.
IR resolution
I am really impressed by the high resolution of the thermal camera. The TC001 resolution is over three times higher than the FLIR version in the same generation. Compared to FLIR, the images are sharp, and it’s easy to distinguish what you are looking at.
The base model FLIR just looks like a messy blob in comparison.
Device power
This was one of my biggest reasons for purchasing the device. FLIR thermal cameras have to be charged before use. Even then, they will only last for 45 minutes of continuous use before you have to detach them from your phone and charge them.
The TC001, however, is powered directly from your phone. It powers on instantly. My phone had no problems running it and it didn’t make a noticeable impact on my battery life.
Frame rate
Frame rates determine how smooth the motion in video is. Many thermal cameras have a frame rate of less than 9 Hz, resulting in rather choppy images.
The thermal camera from TOPDON has a refresh rate of 25 Hz and is a significant improvement over 9 Hz. It can track moving objects smoothly.
Note: There are several laws regulating the sale of thermal imaging (especially with high refresh rates) to countries outside of the US. You should thoroughly research applicable laws before traveling or selling this device.
Why is my thermal camera clicking?
Thermal cameras like the TC001 have a shutter in them to help the device recalibrate as the operating temperature inside the unit changes. The calibration makes a clicking noise and you may notice you see a few less frames when it clicks.
What thermal cameras work for Android/IOS/Windows?
The TOPDON TC001 has a USB C device that is compatible with Android and Windows.
The FLIR models are compatible with Android and IOS depending on the USB version you buy.
Phone cases and thermal cameras:
Because many thermal devices plug directly into your phone, your phone case may make it difficult to plug in the device.
TOPDON has included a cable in the carrying case. It works well and I honestly find it easier to just point the camera at what I want to see instead of pointing my whole phone at the object. It makes scanning without moving much easier.
Some of the FLIR models have a USB or lightning connection that you can raise or lower, allowing them to fit around different phone cases.
What does a goat look like on a thermal camera?
— Red Sky Ready (@RedSkyReady) January 16, 2023
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Which is better TC001, FLIR ONE Gen 3, or FLIR ONE Pro?
| Thermal Camera | TC001 | FLIR ONE Gen 3 | FLIR ONE Pro |
| Price (manufactures website) | 229.99 | 229.99 | 449.99 |
| IR resolution | 256×192 | 80×60 | 160 × 120 |
| Temp range | -4℉ to 1022℉ (-20℃ to 550℃) | –4°F — 248°F (-20°C — 120°C) | –4°F — 752°F (-20°C — 400°C) |
| Requires being charged separately | No (power by phone) | Yes (45 minute run time) | Yes (45 minute runtime) |
| Apps rating AndroidIOS | 3.8 – | 1.7 4.6 | 1.7 4.6 |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 2 years 10 for detector | 2 years 10 for detector |
| USB C | Android & Windows | Android | Android |
| lightning Adaptor | No | Yes | Yes |
| Spot meter | Up to 9 locations | One (centered) | Hottest, Coldest and 3 spot measurement |
| Frame rate | 25 Hz | 8.7 Hz | 8.7 Hz |
What have I used the TCView for so far?
I have used my TC001 around several homes now. It quickly revealed areas that needed more insulation, where studs are located, and where rain/moisture is leaking into the home.
I also used the thermal camera on a football field. I stood at one end zone and could easily identify individuals standing at the 50 and 100 yard line.
The thermal camera also does a great job picking up on warm circuits and electronic devices.
Who is the TC001 for?
I think most people will prefer the TC001 over the FLIR models. This is especially true for android and windows users. The functionality is excellent and specs blow the competition out of the water, even the models at two and three times its price point.
Professions such as electricians, HVAC workers, security, home inspectors and just curious hobbyists such as myself could all find them helpful in some applications.
Who is the TC001 not for?
iPhone users cannot use this device yet. They plan on releasing a version for the iPhone, eventually.
Professionals may find more refined software available for the FLIR devices.
TOPDON is making several revisions to their app and software. FLIR is also coming out with a new android app soon.
Things I’d like to see improved
The TC001 is a fantastic device. Adopting a normal name for it would make it feel a little more natural to discuss. Maybe “The Thermonator 2000” or “TC 007”? But that may be over-criticizing.
The screen may have a small amount of ghosting if it picks up the sun when you’re outside. It disappeared the next time I used the device. The likely solution is to just not point the device at the sun…
The settings menu should be on the home screen.
Currently settings, unit conversions, and the manual are in the tab called personal information. It can take you a moment to think to click that tab. By the way, there is no requirement to create an account or give them personal information. Hopefully, it stays that way!
The images are saved to a gallery in the app, not in your phone’s gallery. They plan on addressing this with a new update expected to come out in a couple of months. In the mean time you can use screen capture or screen recording to easily save to the gallery.
Conclusion
Rarely does a product come out that just absolutely blows the competition out of the water. This seems to be the case with TOPDON, though. If FLIR wants to keep their market dominance, then they are going to need to step up their development, as the TC001 is at least 2 generations ahead of them and has a much more competitive price.
The TC001 by TOPDON knocks it out of the park with their thermal camera. They beat out their nearest competitor on nearly all fronts.
If you’ve been in the market for an affordable thermal camera with faster frame rates, higher resolution, and no need to charge it before use, then look no further.
You can purchase it directly from TOPDON or Amazon
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