Overview

The FLIR C3 and FLIR E4 are powerful troubleshooting tools for building inspections, facilities maintenance, HVAC, or electrical repair. Each camera comes complete with powerful FLIR features which make these jobs easier. While both cameras will help you get your job done faster and easier, there are some big differences between the two.

The main difference should be easy to spot – these cameras have very different form factors. The C3 is about the size of a smartphone and easily fits in your pocket. This lightweight, slim camera is one of the most easily portable on the market. It features a 3-inch touchscreen and no physical buttons - all your settings are accessible via the touchscreen. The E4 is a more traditional “gun style” IR camera with a large handle and trigger button to release the shutter. It also has a 3-inch screen but without touch capability – on this camera, you must navigate menus and settings using external buttons.

Sample Images from the E4 w/ MSX:

 

From there, the differences continue. The C3 includes non-radiometric IR video streaming via FLIR Tools so you can show issues to clients and management in real-time via an external screen – this feature is absent on the E4. The E4 does feature longer 4-hour battery life compared to only 2-hour life on the C3 – this makes the E4 more suited to long days at the plant, while the C3 might be better for a home inspector, taking images occasionally at each job site. The E4 also has a larger temperature range, covering -4°F to 482°F, while the C3 covers only 14°F to 302°F. Thermal sensitivity on the C3 is actually better at 100mK, compared to 150mK on the E4. The C3 also has a slightly wider 41°x31° field of view, compared to 45°x34° on the E4.

Other than these differences, the FLIR E4 and C3 infrared cameras are actually quite similar. Both cameras feature 80x60 infrared resolution and FLIR’s unique MSX image enhancement technology. MSX eliminates the need for a reference image by embossing visible light details onto thermal images – the resulting IR images have clearly visible details including numbers, labels, and structural elements. This means that each of these cameras will provide detailed, descriptive thermal pictures.

Sample Images from the C3 w/ MSX:

 

Both cameras also feature a 9Hz frame rate, adjustable emissivity, area box measurement, picture-in-picture mode, and WiFi connectivity. WiFi connectivity on these cameras is a powerful time-saving feature – with it, you can transfer images to mobile devices via the FLIR Tools Mobile App. You can then use the App to quickly analyze images, make adjustments, and create and send professional reports.

Conclusion

Overall, each camera has similar IR specifications – the main differences lie in the form factor and special features. Because of its slim profile, portability, IR video streaming, and shorter battery life, the C3 is more suited to home and environmental inspection applications. The E4 is more at home in industrial environments where rigorous daily inspections are needed thanks to its longer battery life, IP54 rating, and more ergonomic design. Your specific application will dictate which is best for you.

Want to know more? Check out the tables below or give us a call at 877-571-7901. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.