What is the field of view?
The field of view of a thermal imaging device (often abbreviated FoV) describes the size of the visible angle when looking through the device. In most cases, the field of view is expressed in meters per 100 meters. The larger the field of view, the wider the image, but the smaller the details. Conversely, the smaller the field of view, the narrower the image, but the greater the magnification of the details. As such, the field of view also determines the thermal imaging camera’s ideal use case – devices with a larger FOV provide a perfect overview when hunting in forested areas or while searching for previously downed game. A smaller FOV offers more range and is ideal for hunting in the open field, as it allows game to be reliably identified over longer distances. Our range of thermal imaging products includes devices with both large and small fields of view.
What level of zoom makes sense?
In the case of digital zoom, unlike zoom via the focal length, the image is enlarged by multiplying the pixels. The larger the sensor, the more detailed the image, and the better the zoom. This means that it all depends on the relationship between the resolution and the sensor. The DTI 3, for example, has four zoom levels that are perfectly matched to the resolution and the 17-micron pixel pitch sensor to deliver detailed images. With its higher resolution of 640 x 480 and a pixel pitch of 12 microns, the DTI 6 even offers a 10-step digital zoom that makes specific details visible even at the highest level of magnification.
What does frame rate mean?
The frame rate is indicated in Hertz (Hz) and describes how often the thermal imaging camera processes, optimizes, and updates an image per second. The higher the frame rate, the better the image when viewed in motion. To ensure a smooth image, the frame rate shouldn’t be lower than 25 Hz. All of our thermal imaging devices feature a frame rate of 50 Hz, delivering a high-contrast, wobble-free, optimal image with no lag for reliable game identification during night hunting
What is NETD?
The detector sensitivity, also referred to as noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD), describes the temperature sensitivity of a thermal imaging camera. It is expressed in millikelvin (mK) and represents the smallest temperature difference that a thermal imaging device can detect. The lower the NETD value, the higher the sensitivity. The following scale can be used to classify NETD values:
<40 mK (Excellent)
<50 mK (Good)
<60 mK (Acceptable)
<80 mK (Satisfactory)
The ZEISS thermal imaging devices all have a NETD value <40mK and can therefore be rated as excellent. However, for the overall evaluation of the imaging performance of a thermal imaging device, the interaction of all components is crucial. At ZEISS, this is ensured by the ZSIP, which guarantees a particularly detailed image. While the NETD value is thus an important value when it comes to evaluating the quality of a thermal imaging device, it shouldn’t be viewed as a sole and isolated criterion when selecting a thermal imaging camera.
What is the aperture?
The aperture value or f-number indicates the ratio of the focal length to the diameter of a thermal imaging camera’s entrance pupil. The smaller this number, the larger the diameter of the lens, the more infrared radiation enters the device, and the higher the contrast and sharpness of the image
Thermal imaging camera to locate a target after a shot
A thermal imaging camera obviously can’t replace a bloodhound, but it can usually be used to detect the still warm body of a downed target extremely well, even if the animal slipped into a thicket. In this way, you can search large areas for the game you’ve downed in the shortest possible time. In some cases, a thermal imaging camera even detects the still-warm sweat marks directly after the shot, making it easier to find the direction of escape.
Thermal imaging camera for fawn rescue
The first mowing of the meadows puts many fawns and young hares at risk of dying from being mowed over. With the help of thermal imaging devices, large areas can be scanned for heat sources in a very short time. In this context, even the slightest gaps in the tall grass are enough to spot the game. The most effective way of searching is from the air using a thermal imaging camera attached to a drone.
Thermal imaging devices for game monitoring
Due to being disturbed by humans during daytime, many game species shift their activities to the evening or night hours. When using a thermal imaging camera for the first time, hunters are often surprised at how much game is actually in their hunting ground. With the help of thermal imaging cameras, it is possible to gather valuable information about the respective game species, for example when counting hares.
Thermal imaging devices to combat ASF and damage caused by game
Due to the increasing wild boar population, the agricultural landscape is struggling to deal with massive amounts of damage caused by game. The monthly full moon phases are no longer sufficient to contain the population and the damage. In addition, the spread of African swine fever (ASF) requires the increased management of the wild boar population in the event of an epidemic. This is where thermal imaging cameras can help hunters hunt more effectively regardless of the time of day, as the game can be quickly located and reliably identified.
Thermal imagers cooled and uncooled
Cooled thermal imagers are high-performance devices that operate within a vacuum-sealed case and are cryogenically cooled. This cooling enhances their sensitivity, allowing them to detect temperature differences as tiny as 0.02°C. While these imagers offer superior performance, they are expensive and typically reserved for specialized applications like scientific research and military operations.
Uncooled thermal imagers, on the other hand, operate at ambient temperature and are significantly more affordable than their cooled counterparts. They are engineered to detect temperature differences as small as 0.2°C and are robust enough for everyday use. From routine industrial inspections to security surveillance, uncooled thermal imagers are the go-to choice for a wide variety of applications.
What is Thermal Imaging Used For?
Thermal imaging, a technology that translates thermal energy (heat) into visible light, is used to analyze a particular object or scene. Using a thermal camera or infrared camera, this technique captures the temperature profile of an area, displaying it as a thermal image, which is essentially a heat map.
The applications of thermal imaging are vast and diverse. In the industrial sector, thermal imaging cameras are used for preventive maintenance. By detecting overheating in machinery or electrical circuits, these cameras can help prevent costly equipment failures and enhance safety.
In the building industry, thermal imaging is used to detect heat loss, poor insulation, and water leaks, making it a vital tool in energy audits and building inspections. In the medical field, thermal imaging cameras can detect changes in body temperature, aiding in the early detection of conditions like breast cancer.
Thermal imaging also plays an essential role in security and surveillance. A thermal imager or infrared imager can detect heat signatures, making it possible to identify people or animals in low light or dark conditions.
What is Thermography? Thermal Energy, Emissivity, Passive vs. Active
Thermography, often associated with thermal imaging, is a technique that uses infrared technology to detect and visualize variations in temperature. This method relies on the principle that all objects emit thermal energy, which can be captured and represented as a thermal image.
Thermal energy refers to the infrared radiation emitted by objects based on their temperature. The amount of this energy that an object emits is determined by its emissivity, which varies according to the material’s properties.
Thermography can be classified as either passive or active. Passive thermography involves observing an object’s naturally emitted thermal energy. It’s commonly used in applications like surveillance or monitoring electrical systems. Active thermography, on the other hand, involves applying a heat source to the object being inspected. This method is particularly useful in detecting subsurface defects in materials.
Selecting the right thermal camera or thermal imager depends largely on your specific needs and applications. Here are a few factors to consider:
Resolution: Higher resolution cameras provide clearer, more detailed thermal images. A thermal imaging camera with a high resolution can detect small temperature differences, making it ideal for tasks that require a high level of accuracy.
Sensitivity: The sensitivity of a thermal camera is its ability to detect minimal differences in temperature. If you need to capture subtle thermal variations, choose a camera with high thermal sensitivity.
Field of View (FOV): The FOV determines the area that the thermal camera can capture at any given time. A wide FOV is beneficial for scanning large areas quickly, while a narrow FOV is better suited for focusing on small, specific areas.
Functionality: Consider what additional features might be useful, such as the ability to record video, capture multiple images simultaneously, or connect to other devices for data sharing.
By understanding these key concepts and factors, Whether for industrial inspections, building diagnostics, or research purposes, the right thermal imaging tool can offer invaluable insights and contribute significantly to your operational efficiency.
Thermal imagers provide far more detail and sophistication—at a price. A single image can provide hundreds or thousands of individual temperature readings, one for every pixel in view. These pixels display a “heat map” that makes for rapid identification of hot spot problems. Some imagers make it possible to blend thermal and visible light images, making it easier to locate a problem.
In some industry segments, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, the cost have prevented many from adding a thermal imager to their portfolio.
Thermal imaging is based on the microbolometer, which requires vacuum sealing and very precise manufacturing that makes it too expensive for this type of application.
