FLIR Thermal Network Cameras Examined

FLIR has announced the availability of network thermal cameras starting as low as $3,495 USD MSRP. These cameras are additions to the F (fixed) and PT (pan tilt) series from FLIR. These new cameras have 160 x 120 resolution and offer 3 lens options - from 24 degrees Field of View (FoV) to 12 degrees FoV.

This announcement is especially interesting in contrast to Axis's January 2010 entry into the thermal camera market. Axis is now offering a single thermal option (with indoor and outdoor models at an MSRP respectively of $2,995 and $3,495).

Both companies are the largest supplier in their respective primary markets (Axis in IP cameras, FLIR in thermal cameras). Multiple low cost options and competition are likely to help grow the market and provide greater choice.

While Axis has advantages on the network side, FLIR has significant advantages on the breadth and sophistication of thermal camera offerings.