Got Infrared? Complete Guide to the Best IR Cameras

Whether you fly a drone as a hobby or have recently received your commercial drone license, you might be looking for additional accessories and gear to enhance your flying experience or expanding your money-making opportunities.

In our guide, we discuss what IR cameras do, how they work, which industries use the cameras, and review some of the best IR cameras available for drones.

What Is Infrared And How Do IR Cameras Work?

Infrared cameras are often also known as thermography, thermal imaging or thermal vision cameras. Infrared measures the heat that radiates from an object, which is not visible by the human eye.

Radiation is produced when atoms and molecules in an object move around. High temperatures have more active atoms and molecules and produce more infrared (which is visible with an IR camera). Every object that has a temperature over absolute zero will emit infrared.

Since infrared is a light that we cannot see, IR cameras are an easy way to collect information and accurately read and record infrared light from a variety of products from buildings to even terrain.

An IR camera is designed to detect infrared energy, converts it into an electronic signal, produces a thermal image, and performs temperature calculations. Many infrared cameras display colorful images, with red representing the hottest areas while some images are grayscale with white as the warmest temperature.

Not only are IR cameras relatively easy to use, but they are also able to operate efficiently and accurately in all types of weather, which includes fog and all types of environments, such as dust or smoke.

Industries That Use Infrared Cameras

Some hobbyists may use infrared cameras in activities such as hunting, but the use of IR cameras is most popular in a variety of industries.

As a drone operator, who has a commercial license or wants to earn a profit with your drone, you may want to consider using an IR camera and work in the following industries.

Public Safety

Thermal imaging is frequently used by various departments throughout public safety. Whether you are hired as a freelance drone operator or volunteer your time, your drone and infrared camera can greatly benefit public safety and your community.

Firefighters often use thermal imaging to take a closer (but safer) look at damaged buildings or structures that may be on fire. Check out this video to see a drone camera with infrared capabilities accurately display where a fire is burning underground.

Drone cameras with thermal imaging can also be an effective tool when searching for a missing person or if a fugitive is on the loose.

Inspections And Maintenance In HVAC And Construction

Maintenance and inspections in industries like construction or even in HVAC can be time-consuming, expensive, and even dangerous depending on the condition or height of the structure.

A drone with an IR camera can easily detect and record any issues in a short period while keeping workers at a safe distance. Since an infrared camera can spot temperatures that cannot be seen with the human eye, many mechanical and other maintenance issues can be accurately assessed.

Other Industries That Utilize IR Cameras On Drones

As the use of drones continues to be “in demand” in nearly every industry, more industries are likely to use thermal imaging to troubleshoot, increase safety, and gather information quickly and accurately. Some industries include, but are not limited to:

• Agriculture
• Parks and Recreation
• Wildlife Management
• Ranching

Becoming A Commercial Drone Pilot With An IR Camera

If you are interested in making a profit as a drone operator, you can specialize in thermal imaging and widen your field of employment opportunities.

Whether you build your own business as a drone pilot or join a company who wants an in-house drone pilot, it’s important that you have your commercial drone pilot license. Keep in mind that you may also need additional certifications or experience.

If you have limited experience with thermal imaging or using an IR camera, it’s a good idea to learn how the cameras work before you purchase one for your drone. As someone who plans on specializing thermography, you need to be confident and accurate in what you’re doing as much of your work is time-sensitive or life-threatening.

Consider taking a drone course, either online or in-person, that specifically focuses on operating infrared cameras with your drone.

It’s also important to note that if you’re serious about using thermal imaging with your drone, you want to invest in a high-quality IR camera.

There are dozens of drone cameras on the market that have minimal infrared capabilities. While these “budget-friendly” cameras may be suitable and fun for a hobbyist, they lack the finely tuned technology needed in a professional (and profitable) setting.

Top Five Picks For The Best IR Cameras For Drones

Now that we’ve given you a few things to think about before purchase an infrared camera for your drone let’s take a look at our top picks for the best IR cameras for drone use.