I’ve owned several FLIR thermal cameras over my home inspection career. I purchased the FLIR One Pro a couple of years back because I wanted an easier and faster way to get infrared photos into my inspection reports.
This a thermal imaging camera that can be used with smartphones running on the iOS or Android operating systems. It has a higher pixel resolution than the other versions of the FLIR One and can measure objects three times hotter than the other Flir One devices.
Its ability to measure much higher temperatures is a handy extra for some and essential for others. The wealth of information you can get with every shot, including multiple metering options for checking temperatures anywhere on the frame, is a significant boon over the center-spot-only meter of the Flir One. As such, it earns our choice as the best entry-level thermal camera available.
FLIR One Pro Features
Some of the features of the FLIR One Pro include:
- Mobile access to a powerful infrared camera that can be adjusted into one single connector allows you to identify hidden electrical problems, hot breakers inside electrical panels, HVAC problems, mechanical systems, energy loss, water damage, and other heat-related concerns.
- Take crisp, 19,200-pixel infrared pictures 4X clearer than the FLIR One Pro LT thermal camera at a temperature sensitivity of 70 mK.
- With this device, you can measure temperatures of up to 400 C compared to a maximum of only 120 C with the FLIR One Pro LT. You’ll have access to three spot temperature meters and six temperature regions of interest.
- Thermal imaging allows you to see potential issues early and solve them before they become big problems. With VividIR image processing technology, the camera provides unrivaled quality for a mobile infrared camera.
- The adjustable connector extends up to 4 mm, so you can secure it to your mobile device even when it’s still in its protective case.
FLIR One Pro Thermal Camera Review
The FLIR One Pro for iOS and Android is a compact thermal camera that attaches to your smartphone. It’s great for home inspections, energy audits, and DIY projects. It can help you find hidden leaks, troubleshoot electrical issues, and locate potential fire hazards. It’s also handy for seeing in the dark or taking pictures of animals at night. If you’re looking for a versatile thermal camera, the FLIR One Pro is a great option.
The resolution of thermal imaging cameras is extremely low. They can’t record a tiny percentage of the pixels on a low-cost regular camera sensor. FLIR, a major producer of thermal imaging equipment, has maintained consumer-level Flir One camera phone accessories with 80 by 60 resolution for years.
The FLIR One Pro has a higher thermal resolution than previous versions, with a 160 by 120 thermal resolution. It can also measure temperatures higher than the Flir One Pro LT.
The Improved Professional Design
The FLIR One Pro is a more professional-looking design than earlier models. It has a larger black casing about the same width (2.68 inches) and height (1.34 inches) as the earlier versions, but it is a bit deeper at 0.55 inches thick.
The power button and charging are on the bottom edge. The camera uses an internal battery, so it has to be charged. The FLIR One Pro can be fully charged in 40 minutes and perform for an hour.
The front of the Flir One Pro has two stacked cameras. The thermal core, a 160-by-120 resolution thermal sensor that uses infrared radiation to measure temperature, is the Pro’s most expensive and crucial component.
The second is a conventional 1,440-by-1,080 visual camera that works with the thermal core to produce images and movies of greater resolution than 160 by 120 using FLIR’s Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX) technology.
What’s Inside the FLIR One Pro App
The FLIR One Pro thermal imaging camera can be attached to Android or iOS devices. The live feed feature can be turned on by pressing the power button and connecting it to your desired device.
That is why FLIR combines the thermal image with a broader, more detailed view of the visual camera. MSX image processing may identify what you’re seeing by applying transparent lines to the thermal picture.
Auto/Manual Mode
The first option is to select between Automatic and Manual Mode. For most, Automatic Mode is sufficient.
Thermal Imaging Settings
The FLIR app can switch between thermal and visual views on the bottom of the screen. The menu includes nine different color palettes to choose from. These include:
- Arctic
- Coldest
- Contrast
- Gray
- Hottest
- Iron
- Lava
- Rainbow
- Color Wheel
If you are unsure what the colors represent, you can see the full-color gamut of your chosen palette in the IR Scale option in the pop-up menu. The maximum and minimal detected temperatures are labeled.
You can drag those extremes up and down to change which colors are displayed in what temperature ranges. The Pro adjusts the gamut automatically depending on the temperatures it currently senses, but you can lock it to whatever it is looking at with another tap.
Powerful Measurement Tools: Crosshair Options
The crosshair button at the top of the screen has three temperature meters. You can use these to measure the temperature depending on where you are looking. The middle of the frame is where the temperature is measured, but you can move it around with your finger to see what’s hot anywhere in the frame.
Remember that because distance and texture can influence how a thermal imager determines heat, this number won’t be as accurate as a thermometer; however, it will still give you an idea of how hot (or cold) something is.
The Infrared Mode
This is where you will set the Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX Mode), Infrared, or Digital Camera Mode.
Save Photos and Video to Your Phone
The FLIR app saves all recorded photographs, videos, and time-lapse recordings as MP4 or MOV files. The original thermal imaging data is also saved.
This allows you to view MSX, thermal, and visual renderings, a variety of color palettes, adjust temperature ranges for chosen palettes, and measure specific temperatures from within the software.
You can make changes to your picture while you are taking it. You can also make changes to the picture after you have taken it. This includes saving the picture as a JPEG and sharing it with anyone using any app or service on your phone.
Higher Resolution and Hotter Temperatures
The FLIR One Pro has a higher thermal resolution than the Flir One and Flir One Pro LT. This means it captures pictures and videos at the same resolution but with more thermal detail.
The FLIR One Pro is a far more accurate method to determine the temperature of objects. Between things that are hot and cold spots, it has sharper edges. This makes determining where things are at different temperatures much easier.
FLIR One Pro Vs. FLIR One Pro LT
The FLIR One Pro and FLIR One Pro LT thermal imaging cameras are perfect for people who want a good, affordable camera. The cameras attach to your smartphone and have great features. They are perfect for professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Both thermal camera attachments can be used with Android or Apple smartphones. The cameras need a smartphone to function, but they have some advantages- for example, each camera is extremely portable since it can be detached from your phone when not in use.
The FLIR One Pro can measure thermal cores at temperatures three times hotter than its earlier models. The default temperature range it can measure is -4 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit; however, in the app, you can switch to a higher temperature mode with a minimum of freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) and a maximum of 752 degrees.
Both add less than 1.5 inches to the length of your phone! Each device measures only 2.7in x 1.3in x 0.6in – meaning that it won’t take up too much extra space on your full device.
The FLIR One Pro is a more advanced model than other models in the FLIR One series. It has better thermal imaging characteristics, which include 160×120 infrared resolution, 70mK thermal sensitivity, 12µm thermal pixel size, and temperature measurement range of -4°F to 752°F (-20°C to 400°C).
The FLIR One Pro LT is a lower-end version of the FLIR One Pro that features reduced specs which include 80×60 infrared resolution, 100mK thermal sensitivity, 17µm thermal pixel size, and a measurement range of -4°F to 248°F (-20°C to 120 °C).
The FLIR One Pro and the FLIR One Pro LT have the same features, except for a few small differences in their thermal imaging specifications. They both have FLIR’s powerful MSX technology built-in. This state-of-the-art technology embosses visible light details onto thermal images.
So, with this, you can see exactly what you’re looking at – reference images are no longer needed. This means that even lower resolutions will still provide high levels of detail and clarity – making it easy to determine what you’re seeing.
The FLIR One Pro and FLIR One Pro LT are different in some ways but are also very similar. For example, each camera has an internal battery life of one hour.
It takes approximately 40 minutes to charge the camera’s battery again. Other features include an 8.7Hz frame rate, adjustable emissivity, ±3°C or ±5% thermal accuracy, and a fixed focus lens.
FLIR’s powerful mobile apps, like the FLIR One and Tools Apps, let you use your smartphone to connect to cameras. The FLIR One App lets you see thermal suggestions in real-time, share photos with other users, and get help from professionals worldwide. You can also use the FLIR Tools App to analyze and edit pictures before sending them for professional reports.
The FLIR One Pro Offers More Thermal Power
The FLIR One Pro is one of the market’s most powerful phone-based thermal imagers. It’s about $400, which may seem expensive compared to other models, but its increased thermal resolution is worth it. Furthermore, it can measure temperatures far higher than competing models, making it excellent for people needing more power.
Flir One Pro FAQs
How Accurate is the FLIR One Pro?
The FLIR One Pro is very accurate. It has a ±3°C or ±5% thermal accuracy. This means you can trust the camera to accurately read the temperature of whatever you’re looking at.
How Far Can FLIR One Pro See?
The FLIR One Pro can detect subtle temperature differences from 10-15 feet away. If the subject is very hot or cold, it can still detect the temperature from 50 feet away.
What is the FLIR One Pro Made of?
The FLIR One Pro is made of durable plastic and metal. The camera is lightweight at only .11 pounds (50 grams).
What Can You Do With a FLIR One Pro?
The FLIR One Pro is great for DIY projects, home improvement, energy audits, and more. You can use the camera to find hidden leaks, inspect electrical wiring, check for insulation problems, and much more. With its accurate readings and clear images, the FLIR One Pro is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their home or business.
Can FLIR One Pro See Through Walls?
No, FLIR One Pro cannot see through walls. The camera can only see objects that are emitting heat. So, if there’s a wall between you and the object you’re trying to see, the camera won’t be able to see it.
Can FLIR One Pro Detect Moisture?
Yes, the FLIR One Pro can visualize moisture you may not see. The camera detects temperature differences caused by moisture, like roof or plumbing leaks. So, if you’re trying to find a hidden leak, the FLIR One Pro can help you.
Can FLIR One Pro Record Video?
Yes, the FLIR One Pro can record video inside the FLIR App and saves it to your phone. You can then share the videos with anyone you want.
Will FLIR Pro One Work With an Otterbox on My iPhone?
I have an Otterbox. It doesn’t make a good connection, even when fully extended. When I use my FLIR One Pro, I have to take off my phone case.
Can FLIR ONE Pro Test Solar Panels?
The FLIR One Pro was created with close inspection in mind. If you have the opportunity to stand within 15 feet of the solar panel, this camera may be used. However, for applications like this, we recommend a thermal imaging camera with a higher resolution.
Can You Take Pictures of Animals and People Using Thermal Imaging?
You can take pictures of animals and people using the FLIR One Pro. The camera will detect their heat signature and take a picture. You will see general shapes but won’t be able to see identifiable details. However, we do not recommend using the camera to take pictures of people without their permission.
Can FLIR One Pro Find Hidden Wires or Pipes in Walls?
The FLIR One Pro camera can’t see through walls to find wires or pipes. It would detect the temperature of the wall surface. Wires or plumbing would need a stronger temperature signature that’s enough to influence the materials in the wall.
Can FLIR One Pro Visualize CO2 Emissions?
The FLIR One Pro can’t be used to visualize CO2 emissions. The camera can only detect objects that are emitting heat. CO2 is not a heat source, so the camera would not be able to detect it.
Can FLIR One Pro Locate Wall Studs Behind Drywall?
The FLIR One Pro can’t see through walls to find studs. It would detect the temperature of the wall surface. Studs would need a stronger temperature signature that’s enough to influence the materials in the wall.
Can FLIR One Pro Detect Underground Pipes and Septic Systems?
The FLIR One Pro can’t see underground pipes and septic systems. It would detect the temperature of the ground surface. Pipes and septic systems would need a temperature signature that’s strong enough to influence the ground temperature.
For example, if the pipes or septic tanks are not buried too deep, they may affect the ground surface temperature enough to create a heat signature.
Conclusion
Overall, the FLIR One Pro is a great option for anyone looking for a versatile, budget-friendly thermal camera. It’s packed with features ideal for home inspections, energy audits, DIY projects, and more. It’s also easy to use, thanks to the FLIR One App. There are even promising studies for using thermal cameras in burn treatments. If you’re looking for an entry-level thermal camera, the FLIR One Pro is a great option.
