This article will not only cover the FLIR E60 infrared camera, but also the entire FLIR Exx series. We explain the differences between all the models so you can make the right decision for your needs. These are expensive tools engineered for professionals where critical decisions need to be made on a daily basis.
After looking at all the data it’s easy to see why the FLIR E60 and the entire Exx series are some of the best infrared thermal imaging cameras on the market today. And if you don’t know that already, you’ll soon know why
Table of Contents...
Why Invest in an Infrared Camera? | FLIR E60
When you use a thermal imaging camera you really do feel like Superman. They give you the ability to see things no human can see with the naked eye, but more importantly they’ll let you do your job more effectively. There is only one big problem electricians, plant maintenance workers, structural inspectors, and people in dozens of other professions are making right now.
To do the job properly you need to use the right tool, which means choosing a model like the FLIR E60 or other cameras in the Exx Series. In a while we’ll touch on why you want a great thermal imaging camera and the key things you should be looking for, but first something needs to be addressed. Some people aren’t even using the right tool in the first place.
VIDEO | FLIR E60 | Overview
Unique features of the FLIR E60:
- Resolution: 76,800 pixels (320 × 240)
- Thermal Sensitivity : <0.05 degrees Celsius
- Zoom: 4x Continuous Digital
- Includes Charger And Spare Battery
Common Features (Models: E40, E50 & E60):
*We discuss all of the models later in the article.
- FLIR Tools Mobile Communication – Connect an E-Series camera to smartphones and tablets with our Wi-Fi app. Stream live video so others can watch along. Import radiometric JPEGs, adjust levels, add measurement tools, then send images off in simple reports via email to expedite repair decisions.
- Superior Thermal Imaging – Up to 76,800 pixels (320 × 240) for better long-range accuracy and the highest level of point & shoot camera IR resolution.
- MSX Thermal Image Enhancement – See numbers, labels and other key visual details not normally apparent in a regular thermal image with an all-in-one thermal picture that instantly orients you to right where heat issues are.
- Onboard Digital Camera – 3.1MP resolution provides clear visible light reference pictures; includes built-in LED lamp that doubles as a flashlight plus a laser pointer to mark locations.
- Large Touchscreen with Auto-Orientation – The E-Series touchscreen provides an intuitive interface that takes full advantage of the entire 3.5” display for easy access to diagnostics tools, and measurement and other data overlays stay upright no matter how you hold the camera.
- Picture-in-Picture – Overlay thermal images onto digital scenes for extra location documentation.
- Multiple Measurements – Add up to 3 box areas and 3 moveable spots using the touchscreen to gather more detailed temperature information.
- MeterLink – Measure more than temperature. Send diagnostics data by Bluetooth from compatible clamp and moisture meters directly to E-Series cameras to embed extra information into thermal images as you capture them that further supports findings.
- Interchangeable Lenses and Manual Focus– Optional wide-angle and telephoto optics let you capture more of a scene in one shot or get in closer to measure smaller, distant targets. Full focus control help you dial in the sharpest clarity and accuracy.
- Higher Temperature Range & Sensitivity – Measure hotter-running equipment with higher 650°C (1,202°F) detection, and see subtler temperature patterns and detail with E-Series’ greater sensitivity.
Documents for the FLIR E60 / Exxx Series
- View or download the MANUAL
- View or download the DATA SHEET
- View or download the BROCHURE – FLIR Thermography
You Don’t Want To Use An IR Thermometer
It’s possible you’re reading this because you are sick and tired of your IR thermometer. If you’re looking to upgrade to a digital imaging camera, don’t be tempted into buying another temperature gun because of the price. They’re absolutely terrible for a couple of different reasons:
Far Too Slow
A temperature gun is missing a camera, which is quite ironic considering it’s basically a point and shoot. You aim the IR thermometer at a certain area and it will give you a temperature reading. We could list a hundred reasons why thermal imaging cameras like the FLIR E60 would blast this technology out of the water, but we only need to focus on one.
Due to the fact you don’t have a camera you can only point and shoot at one spot to acquire a temperature. You will have to do it one at a time until you find what you’re looking for. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel. Can you imagine the time it would take you to work through boxes of electrical panels versus doing it instantaneously using the FLIR E60?
Terribly Inaccurate
Even if you’re prepared to spend all day messing around with an IR thermometer you’ll never really know if you’re hitting the mark. That is because you never really know what you’re aiming at. The only way you could overcome this would be to get as close to your target as possible, which everyone knows is not always an option.
At the end of the day, you’re paid to get the correct readings. If you want to get the correct temperature readings you wouldn’t use a tool known to be terribly inaccurate. It’s almost as crazy as going into war with a weapon you know doesn’t fire in a straight line. When you’re looking at an image you’ll never get an inaccurate reading again.
Why You Want The Best Thermal Imaging Camera
Quality always comes at a cost, but I’m not referring to the price you’ll pay upfront for thermal imaging cameras like the FLIR E60. I’m more concerned with how much it will ultimately cost your business if you’re using sub-par equipment. Let’s look at a few crucial things you’ll be able to avoid that will save you lots of money when you’re using the right tool for the job:
- Preventing Equipment From Breaking
- Keeping Production Ticking Over
- Saving Lots Of Energy
- Finishing Your Job Much Quicker
- Keeping Everyone At Work Safe
Preventing Equipment From Breaking
Predictive maintenance is one of the main benefits you’ll get from using a thermal imaging camera. How easy would it be to discover overheating bearings before they had a chance to suffer a massive failure? It would be worse if there was a bigger problem you didn’t see until it was too late.
Some machines in plants are worth a staggering amount of money. If something was to go catastrophically wrong it’s impossible to predict how much it would cost to get fixed. Perhaps you’d need to buy a new machine, so it’s ideal having a tool that will never let problems get that far.
Keeping Production Ticking Over
We’ve just looked at a mechanical problem, so let’s focus on a tiny electrical one now. You could have a loose fuse connection and it’s eventually going to cause everything to shut down. Once a machine shuts down you might have to spend hours searching for the problem before you can fix it.
During the time when your machine is down your output will come to a complete stop. The loose fuse connection will be costing you a huge amount of money. We’ve not even factored in the wages of the staff who will have to down tools until everything is back up and running.
Saving Lots Of Energy
Let’s say there is missing insulation on your ducting somewhere inside your building. You won’t be able to see it because you don’t have X-ray vision, but the FLIR E60 will be able to see the heat escaping. You’ll be able to locate the area straight away before you waste any more money.
There is also another side to this which doesn’t have anything to do with money, but you might like it depending on your feelings about global warming. If it’s possible you can waste as little energy as possible you’ll be doing your part to help the environment.
Finishing Your Job Much Quicker
This might not matter as much to those working for a company unless they want to stand out, but it’s definitely great for contractors and those running their own business. If you can finish a job twice as fast, in theory you should make double the amount of money.
It might sound unbelievable to some but you’ll be able to locate problems in a fraction of the time. This also applies to those who’ve used less than optimal thermal imaging cameras, which has to do with some additional features in professional models we’ll look at later on.
Keeping Everyone At Work Safe
All of the things we’ve talked about so far have fallen under the money umbrella, so let’s start there first. If someone gets injured at work because a machine malfunctions it could cost you money in lawsuits. It’s definitely going to cost you cash when they take time off work.
Now we’ll take money out of the equation and look at it as a standalone benefit. You should be doing everything within your power to keep everyone underneath you safe. You’ll need to worry about your own safety too. Finding problems before they become a danger will let you do it.
Please Note: If you’re not a professional in need of an infrared camera on a daily basis, please check out the section about FLIR bx cameras to see why they’ll still save you a ton of cash.
8 Things To Look For In A Thermal Imaging Camera
When you’re looking for a thermal imaging camera it’s not easy because there are so many options available. That being said, there are still a couple of things you should remember if you don’t want to regret your purchase. Here are a few of the obvious features everyone should be looking for:
- A High IR Resolution
- It Should Have A Camera
- Consistency Is Key
- Getting Extra Information
- Working With Others
- The Temperature Range
- Low Thermal Sensitivity
- Creating Instant Reports
A High IR Resolution
Don’t be fooled into thinking you’ve picked up a great deal because your LCD screen has a good resolution. The IR resolution is always going to be lower, but that is the thing you’ll need most. The image quality will be much greater if the IR resolution is high enough.
It will help tremendously when you’re looking for problems because your results will be a lot more accurate. Clearer images also come in handy when you need to explain things to supervisors or clients. You should ideally look for a thermal imaging camera with the highest IR resolution possible.
It Should Have A Camera
Unless you buy one of the cheaper infrared cameras on the market it’s going to have a digital camera too. We just mentioned showing things to supervisors and clients, and being able to produce a normal image helps out so much too. Particularly if the camera has things like a zoom lens.
Some of the more advanced models like the FLIR E60 will go one step further. They’ll offer things like LED flashlights and laser pointers to focus in on your target even more precisely. The quality of the photos are usually as good as ones you’d take with a normal point and shoot camera.
Consistency Is Key
When talking about consistency the results your thermal imaging camera gives you has to be accurate. You obviously want it to tell you the correct temperature, but it’s not the only reason accuracy is so important. If you had a thermal image that wasn’t accurate you could still spot if something wasn’t right.
Once you get into the realm of measuring the difference in temperature between two places it will have a greater impact on your work. Any respectable thermal imager should have an accuracy rating within 2 degrees Celsius. It should also offer you the ability to adjust more advanced parameters.
Getting Extra Information
Anyone who has used thermal imaging cameras before will know they won’t be able to read everything. They only give you a thermal image on the screen based on the temperatures they’re picking up, which won’t necessarily assist you in assessing every possible problem.
What if you were an electrician and you wanted to know the voltage, amperage, or resistance of a circuit too? If you were dealing with a leakage you might want to know things like humidity levels. A good device should be able to link up with other devices in this connected world we live in.
Working With Others
We’ve only finished talking about connectivity, but we’re going to look at it again in a different context. There are times where you’re going to be working with other people and they can take on some of the load so you don’t have to multitask.
While you’re focusing on pointing the thermal imaging camera on the machines you don’t have to be looking at the screen. Your work colleagues will have the ability to study the footage for you if it’s capable of connecting to a smartphone or tablet through an app.
The Temperature Range
The temperature range might only be an important factor for a select group of people. Before you decide if you’re one of those people, let’s discuss what it actually means. Infrared cameras will have a minimum and maximum limit in the temperatures they’re able to pick up.
A top quality device might be able to detect temperatures a few degrees below zero up to temperatures over a thousand degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll perhaps only need to reach those numbers if you work in plants with really mean machinery, but a wider range is always better.
Low Thermal Sensitivity
Your thermal imaging camera could have the highest IR resolution in the world, but if the thermal sensitivity is terrible it’s going to change things big time. It relates to the device being able to tell the difference between two temperatures and you want the number to be as low as possible.
The industry standard is around <0.1 degrees Celsius, but models like the FLIR E60 can drop to <0.05 degrees Celsius. On your thermal image two points with a temperature difference of only <0.05 degrees between them will look different. A lower thermal sensitivity number will give you a much sharper image.
Creating Instant Reports
You can show people all the photos you want, but sometimes it’s not going to be enough. As an example, when you’re conducting surveys you will have to create a report after you’ve finished your job. In the past this has always been a pain due to how long it takes from start to finish.
Now all you’ll need to do is press a few buttons. Different infrared cameras come with various software installed and the more advanced ones will be able to create detailed reports instantly. There are also tailored software packages designed for people in a wide variety of industries.
FLIR Exx-Series Advanced Infrared Cameras
FLIR has been around for nearly 40 years and they’ve produced some amazing products, but roughly 15 years ago they set out to acquire a company developing wonderful thermal imaging products. They have now released the FLIR Exx Series, which are the best infrared cameras in their class. They’re so advanced no competitors can keep up with their ingenuity.
The champion in the series is the FLIR E60, so it’s the thermal imaging camera we’re going to focus on today. It has all the features you’ll ever need at work. Afterwords we’ll touch on the differences between each model in the series because there are a few you’ll want to know about. First of all, let’s see why professionals are desperate to own a FLIR E60 infrared camera.
FLIR E60 Thermal Imaging Camera
- MSX – Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging
- A Quality Onboard Digital Video Camera
- It Has Superb Thermal Imaging Quality
- The Handset Is Extremely Well-Designed
- It Will Keep Running All Day Long
- The Highest Temperature Range Available
- Advanced FLIR Tools Mobile Communication
- Send Diagnostic Data With MeterLink
MSX – Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging
When someone with less experience than you looks at a thermal image it will boggle their mind. Even you might have trouble remembering exactly where the fault was if you used a basic infrared camera. The FLIR E60 certainly isn’t basic and it’s because of the spectacular MSX technology the company created.
The easiest way to explain it would be to say it pulls an image from the digital camera and morphs it into a thermal image. In the end you’ll be left with your thermal image identifying the problem and all the numbers, labels, and other small details will be perfectly visible. You can even cross the spot where the damage is sitting.
Normal Thermal Image vs FLIR MSX Image
A Quality Onboard Digital Video Camera
The 3.1 MP resolution camera has the ability to shoot perfectly clear photos and videos. It even works when you’re using the 4x zoom camera in terrible lighting conditions because there is an LED light built in, which also doubles up as a flashlight. You will get a laser pointer and auto focus too, so you’ll never be able to miss what you’re aiming for.
There is also a scalable picture-in-picture feature that is different from the MSX technology we’ve already mentioned. This simply allows you to lay your thermal images directly over the normal ones. It’s another way to easily document where any issues are to make sure everyone else understands the problem as well as you.
It Has Superb Thermal Imaging Quality
When we were talking about the qualities you should look for in an infrared camera this was at the top of the list. It was because a lot of companies try to fool you into thinking their digital camera specs are really the thermal imaging ones. FLIR don’t need to fool anyone because their thermal imaging quality is superb.
The IR resolution sits at 320 x 240 pixels, or 76,800 pixels if you prefer. It doesn’t just mean it will give you a very detailed thermal image on your LCD screen. The camera will be accurate even if you’re a long distance away from any problems. It has an accuracy of 2 degrees Celsius in either direction and the temperature will be displayed in the top corner.
The Handset Is Extremely Well-Designed
You can tell they’ll put a great deal of effort into designing the handset so it’s perfect for the workplace. If you have to carry it around all day it’s not going to tire you out because it weighs less than 2 pounds. You’ll be able to access the controls even if you’re wearing thick gloves in the heart of winter.
It has a large LCD touchscreen measuring in at 3.5 inches, which is more than enough to play around with the diagnostic tools you need. You can add 3 box areas and 3 movable spots too. The image on the screen can flip around so you can see it in portrait or landscape mode, but the readings will always stay upright.
It Will Keep Running All Day Long
One of the most annoying things about some thermal imaging cameras is the fact they only come with one battery. How are you supposed to do your job if you have to stop to charge it multiple times per day? FLIR has taken the stress out of your working day because they’ll provide you with two batteries when you buy the E60.
On top of that, you’ll also get a portable charger to stick the spare in while you’re using the camera. The Li-ion battery does last around 4 hours, which means you should hopefully only have to switch it out once per day. It’s simple to change in less than 10 seconds as the battery has a quick-release feature built in.
The Highest Temperature Range Available
The FLIR E60 has the highest temperature range in the entire series. If you need to measure a very low temperature it will give you an accurate reading down to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit. On the opposite end of the spectrum, it can measure temperatures as high as 1,202 degrees Fahrenheit.
It surely must be hard to get an accurate image at those kinds of temperatures on monstrous machines. Thankfully, it can still detect tremendously minute differences in temperature because of the low thermal sensitivity. It’s the second lowest in the Exx Series and sits at <0.05 degrees Celsius.
Advanced FLIR Tools Mobile Communication
You’ll be pleased to know the FLIR E60 does come with its very own app, so you’ll be able to send live video footage straight to smartphones and tablets. It will also allow you to do extra things like import JPEG images, add extra measurement tools, and adjust the color and contrast until it looks good.
Once you’ve gathered up the information you’ll be able to create a report, which you can send to the person on site who is in charge. When you’re able to relay information so quickly you won’t have to wait long for a response, so problems will be taken care of a lot quicker than ever before.
Send Diagnostic Data With MeterLink
This is the technology we were talking about earlier and the FLIR E60 can hook up with other devices. It’s done using MeterLink-enabled meters and Bluetooth. Sometimes you really do need extra information when you’re trying to solve a problem, and it’s useful when you are sending reports too.
It can handle everything like voltage, amperage, resistance, and humidity levels. Once the other devices have worked out these stats they will send them directly to your LCD screen. You’ll then be able to see everything at once, and when you send your reports all the data will be included in the images.
Major Differences In The Exx Series Infrared Cameras
To be honest, most of the infrared cameras in the Exx Series are the same. They’re not exactly the same, but all the advanced technology can be found in each one. What you’re interested in are the differences because you are trying to decide which one to buy. We’ll now look at the major differences you’re going to care about and these are the models we’re discussing:
Three Models : FLIR E40 / FLIR E50 / FLIR E60
IR Resolution
- FLIR E40 = 160 x 120 pixels (19,200 pixels)
- FLIR E50 = 240 x 180 pixels (43,200 pixels)
- FLIR E60 = 320 x 240 pixels (76,800 pixels)
Thermal Sensitivity
- FLIR E40 = <0.07 degrees Celsius
- FLIR E50 = <0.05 degrees Celsius
- FLIR E60 = <0.05 degrees Celsius
Digital Camera Zoom
- FLIR E40 = 2x Continuous Digital
- FLIR E50 = 4x Continuous Digital
- FLIR E60 = 4x Continuous Digital
Charger And Spare Battery
- FLIR E40 = Optional
- FLIR E50 = Included
- FLIR E60 = Included
Please Note : Every one of the cameras in the series comes with an optional 15 and 45 degree lens, tripod adapter, Bluetooth headset, cigarette lighter adaptor kit, sun shield, and lots of other extras. Unfortunately you’ll have to pay for each one separately, but you won’t need them all.
FLIR Exx Series bx Models
When you’re browsing through the models you’ll also see these 3 thermal imaging cameras:
• FLIR E40bx
• FLIR E50bx
• FLIR E60bx
The bx is where the difference lies. Apart from that they’re exactly the same as the infrared cameras we’ve already discussed. The bx models can only record temperatures from minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit up to 248 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, due to their inability to take measurements at high temperatures their thermal sensitivity is lower than other models at <0.045 degrees Celsius.
Common Features:
- FLIR Tools Mobile Communication – Connect an E-Series bx camera to smartphones and tablets with our Wi-Fi app. Stream live video so customers can watch along. Import radiometric JPEGs, adjust levels and color, add measurement tools, then send images off in simple reports via email to get a faster yes for repairs.
- Superior Thermal Imaging – Up to 76,800 pixels (320 × 240) for better long-range accuracy and the highest level of point & shoot camera IR resolution.
- MSX Thermal Image Enhancement – See structural features, numbers, and other key visual details not normally apparent in a regular thermal image with an all-in-one thermal picture that instantly orients you to right where heat issues are.
- Onboard Digital Camera – 3.1MP resolution provides clear visible light reference pictures; includes built-in LED lamp that doubles as a flashlight plus a laser pointer to mark locations.
- Large Touchscreen with Auto-Orientation – The E-Series touchscreen provides an intuitive interface that takes full advantage of the entire 3.5” display for easy access to diagnostics tools – now with auto-orientation to keep measurement and other data overlays upright no matter how you hold the camera.
- Picture-in-Picture – Overlay thermal images onto digital scenes for extra location documentation.
- Multiple Measurements – Add up to 3 box areas and 3 moveable spots using the touchscreen to gather more detailed temperature information
- MeterLink – Measure more than temperature. Send diagnostics data by Bluetooth from compatible clamp and moisture meters directly to E-Series bx cameras to embed extra information into thermal images as you capture them that further supports findings.
- Interchangeable Lenses and Manual Focus – Optional wide-angle and telephoto optics let you capture more of a scene in one shot or get in closer to measure smaller, distant targets. Full focus control help you dial in the sharpest clarity and accuracy.
- Greater Temperature Sensitivity – See subtler temperature patterns and detail with <0.045°C sensitivity.
Overview | FLIR bx Series
Professionals are likely to go with the aforementioned models in case they do have to deal with wild temperatures one day, but it doesn’t mean the bx models are worthless. In fact, they’re an amazing tool if you run your own business even if you don’t have any idea what to do with electrical and mechanical faults. We’ll quickly discuss why they’ll save you money on a regular basis:
Pest Control – There could be all sorts of animals inside your walls as we speak. They’ll be trying to destroy everything in their path. Rodents could be up in your attic chewing through cables. Termites could be eating the wood in between your walls. If you’re able to notice them early enough you’ll be able to sort them out before they cause mayhem.
Air Infiltration – The majority of energy loss in buildings occurs because air is allowed to escape through the doors and windows. A simple solution would be to seal them up, but how do you know they’re leaking air in the first place? If you point a thermal imaging camera at windows and doors it will let you know straight away.
Mold Damage – Mold isn’t just annoying because it causes a huge amount of damage. If it’s black mold it’s dangerous too, but you’ll never know there is water damage inside your walls unless you get lucky. You need to deal with mold as soon as possible, so check your walls regularly with an infrared camera and you’ll see if there is any water gathering up inside.
Learn more by visiting the FLIR site.
Thermal Imaging Cameras Are An Amazing Investment
I hope you’ve learned a few things about thermal imaging cameras today. Firstly, they’re an excellent investment and they’ll save you a massive amount of money in the long run. Secondly, once you’ve got one in your toolkit you’ll find work is going to become a lot easier and more enjoyable overnight.
Lastly, after looking at the features of the FLIR E60 you should realize it’s the best infrared camera on the market at this moment in time if you don’t count the bigger FLIR models. You only have to read what fellow professionals are saying about it to know how happy they are after purchasing one.
![[Valid RSS]](https://www.chainsawjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/valid-rss-rogers.png "Validate my RSS feed")
