New point-and-shoot cameras provide focus-free thermal imaging capture

Teledyne FLIR now offers the focus-free FLIR E5 Pro and FLIR E6 Pro cameras, providing a larger 3.5" touchscreen display together with access to FLIR Ignite Cloud connectivity within the same point-and-shoot, pistol-grip form factor as legacy Ex-Series thermal cameras. The versatile cameras are developed mainly for close-up, professional-grade mechanical, building, and electrical thermal inspection scenarios. These comprise detecting water intrusion, air leaks, electrical connections, temperature differentials between equipment, and impending equipment failure.

Through a built-in touchscreen, users can share captured images with colleagues, partners, and clients over Wi-Fi through the FLIR Ignite Cloud software. The company provides 1GB of free storage, with the option to purchase further annual storage subscriptions for heavy users. The FLIR Ignite Cloud can be accessed anywhere from various mobile devices, web browsers, or PC desktops, eradicating the need to carry extra USB flash drives, card storage, or cables. Images can be reviewed, edited, analysed, and shared as files or within quick reports. Files can be synchronised with FLIR Thermal Studio software for situations needing more advanced editing and reporting capabilities.

"Effective condition monitoring programs today require connected, cloud-enabled thermal imaging devices, such as the Ex Pro-Series, that empower inspectors to share and analyse data in real-time quickly and efficiently," said Rob Milner, global business development director, Teledyne FLIR. "Not only does this help inspectors gain a better understanding of and provide a more comprehensive view of potential equipment failure, but it also enables organisations to more accurately predict maintenance requirements grounded in easily accessible data and analysis through FLIR Ignite Cloud and FLIR Thermal Studio."

The series features improved 640 × 480 screen resolution, supplying greater visual detail when paired with the respective 240 × 180 thermal resolution of the FLIR E6 Pro and the 180 × 120 thermal resolution of the FLIR E5 Pro. The cameras also offer built-in 5MP digital cameras and LED lamps to help users better understand their inspection area and capture visual details in low light. With FLIR-patented Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX) capability, which overlays the edge detail of the visible camera upon the thermal image, users experience greater detail and contextual awareness, even in low light, without sacrificing any thermal data. Users can also use new on-screen annotations to highlight key findings.

To handle the rigours of outdoor and industrial environments, the complete camera line is drop-tested up to 2m (6'6"). The ruggedised form factor also includes an IP54 rating, 25G-shock, 2G vibration test ratings, and a built-in lens cap for added protection.

The cameras also offer four hours of continuous operation on one battery, which can be quickly swapped out and recharged for all-day use.

Each kit includes a removable and rechargeable battery, a hard-carrying case, a power supply, FLIR Thermal Studio starter software, and printed documentation.