IR Thermal Imagers Comparison Guide

Comparison Summary

The FLIR C3 and FLIR E5 thermal imaging cameras each provide excellent value considering their price points. That said, they have different specifications which make each more suited to different applications. Another major difference is the form factor – as you can see in the image above, the C3 is a very small smartphone-sized thermal camera which easily fits in a pocket, while the E5 is a more traditional “gun” style infrared camera with a large handle and trigger to release the shutter. Depending on your specific application, one form factor might be better suited than the other.

As for specifications, the FLIR E5 will provide better image quality thanks to its 120 x 90 pixel IR resolution – the FLIR C3 has a slightly lower thermal resolution of 80 x 60 pixels. Both cameras feature 100mK thermal sensitivity as well as FLIR’s powerful MSX image blending technology. MSX eliminates the need for a visible light reference image because it embosses visible light details onto thermal images – this will save you time during analysis.

Sample Images from the C3 w/ MSX:

 

The E5 has a slightly wider Field of View at 45° × 34°, compared to 41° x 31° on the C3. The E5 also wins out on temperature range with –4° F to 482°F, compared to 14 to 302°F on the C3. Both of these infrared cameras feature emissivity correction and spot meter measurement as well as area box measurement. Both thermal cameras have a 9 Hz frame rate.

Each thermal imaging camera has some unique features as well. The C3 features a 3-inch touchscreen display with auto orientation. The C3 will also allow for non-radiometric IR video streaming to the FLIR Tools Mobile App. In addition, the C3 is WiFi enabled so you can easily transfer images without a physical connection. This feature saves you time during reporting – quickly transfer images to the FLIR Tools App then analyze images and send reports all within the App.

Sample Images from the FLIR E5 w/ MSX:

 

The E5 also features a 3-inch screen but it is not a touchscreen. The latest version of the E5 also includes WiFi (at the same price as the non-WiFi version) which allows for more flexible image transfer and analysis. Using WiFi on the FLIR E5, you can also share images wirelessly to the FLIR Tools Mobile App, perform analyses, and send reports instantly from your smartphone or tablet.

Both cameras feature an impressive 10-year warranty on their thermal detectors as well as a 2-year warranty on parts and labor – no one in the industry can match FLIR on this warranty. The E5 also includes a 5-year warranty on its battery.