New Line of FLIR “Game-Changing” Ex-Series Thermal Imagers

Infrared for Everyone! is the message behind FLIR’s new line of Ex-Series thermal imagers. It looks like the new Ex-Series point and shoot thermal imagers are replacing FLIR’s previous entry-level i-Series point and shoot thermal imaging cameras.

FLIR E4, E5, E6, E8 Thermal Infrared Camera Features

MSX Thermal Image Enhancement – the MSX (multi-spectral dynamic imaging technology) feature allows for visible light coming through the built-in camera to be added to the entire infrared image in real time. This allows for more detailed and recognizable images.

Previously, the MSX feature was only found on pricier thermal imagers and lower-priced models, although simply blended IR and visible light overlays were possible.

This detail-enhancing feature looks to be most advantageous on the lower resolution models.

Affordable Resolution Choices – pricing for the Ex-Series starts at $995, for the E4, which features an 80 x 60 pixel sensor. We previously showed what Dewalt’s sub-$1000 imaging thermometer resolution looks like, and Fluke’s $900 solution is likely similar.

Quick One-Button Controls – these models have focus-free lenses and simple one-button control that handles menu navigation, on-screen settings changes, imaging mode toggles, and access to measurement tools.

Rechargeable Li-ion Battery – All tools feature a quick-release tool-type Li-ion battery pack that can charge in-camera or with an optional charging station.

Multiple Imaging Modes – Ex-Series thermal imaging cameras can output thermal-only, thermal with MSX enhancement, or picture-in-picture (E6, E8 only) image files. If you’re not happy with the output images, you can analyze the stored visible light, thermal, and MSX images via FLIR’s free software tools.

Basic Specifications

• Temperature range of -4°F – 482°F (-20°C – 250°C)
• Thermal sensitivities vary from <0.15°C to <0.06°C, depending on model
• 45° x 34° field of view
• Focus-free lens
• 1.6 ft minimum focus distance
• 640 x 480 px built-in visible light digital camera
• Uncooled microbolometer IR detectors
• 3″ 320 x 240 px color LCD display
• 9Hz frame rate
• MSX available on all models
• ±2% or 2°C accuracy
• Emissivity correction from 0.1 to 1.0
• Iron, rainbow, gray color palettes
• Internal memory stores at least 500 image sets
• File format is standard JPEG with 14-bit measurement data included
• Image files are transferred to PCs or tablets via USB or Bluetooth
• ~4 hour runtime
• 2-meter drop impact rating
• Warranty: 10 years detector, 5 years battery, 2 years parts & labor

Models

• E4: 80 x 60 IR resolution, $995
• E5: 120 x 90 IR resolution, $1495
• E6: 160 x 120 IR resolution, $2495
• E8: 320 x 240 IR resolution, $5995

Following are sample images for resolution comparison, although the differences are not as spectacular as you can expect to see on-camera or in person. Perhaps these images are enhanced with the MSX feature, which helps the lower resolution images look more detailed.

With output images all scaled to the same size, try to focus your attention on the spot sizes, which correspond to the number of detector pixels. Then, inspect the finer features, such as the edges and corners of the square holes in the object shown in the left sample images.

E4, 80 x 60

At $995, this is the lowest priced “true” thermal imaging camera on the market.

Measurement modes: spot/center.

E5, 120 x 90

The E5 has better thermal sensitivity compared to the E4 (<0.10°C vs. <0.15°C), which helps highlight finer temperature differences. Image resolution is double that of the E4 thermal imaging camera (10,800 vs. 4800 infrared detector pixels).

Measurement modes: spot/center, area box (min/max).

E6, 160 x 120

The E6 provides several improvements over the E5, mainly higher resolution, better thermal sensitivity (<0.05°C), and several software enhancements – picture-in-picture and isotherm color alarms.

Measurement modes: spot/center, area box (min/max), isotherm (above/below).

E8, 320 x 240

This is the highest resolution model, with 4 times as many detector pixels as the E6 camera.

Measurement modes: spot/center, area box (min/max), isotherm (above/below).

Compared to i-Series

Compared to the i-Series thermal imaging cameras, these Ex-series cameras have a 46% larger LCD display, a larger field of view (45° vs. 25°), higher detector resolutions at comparable price points, and an MSX image enhancement feature.

Buy Now(via Amazon)
More Info(via FLIR)

First Impression

A “real” infrared thermal imaging camera for under $1000? Sounds good to me. Overall, it looks like FLIR did some nice things with these Ex-Series thermal imagers. The higher resolution is great, although the higher-end models do come with hefty pricing. Still, it’s nice to see a 320 x 240 px solution for the low price of $6000. I’m not being facetious here – $6K for that resolution in a handheld thermal imager is very good.

If stepping up from the Ex-Series to the Exx-Series IR thermal cameras, you lose the MSX enhancement feature but gain a plethora of other on-camera features, functions, and measuring tools. Image output should be comparable for similar-resolution Ex and Exx models, so the off-camera experiences shouldn’t be too different.