Update: FLIR honored their warranty by swapping for a new one. They were quick, responsive, and courteous. The replacement was fully charged within a half hour of being unboxed, and worked instantly and consistently. This is the thermal camera I had hoped I was getting. If your experience is anything like the one I wrote about earlier, don't resign yourself to tolerating a dodgy product. FLIR can and will do better.
I've been wanting the FLIR ONE since running across it at Home Depot months ago. It looked awesome. It is anything but.
A neighbor's missing kitten prompted me to spring for same day shipping (Depot doesn't carry it anymore) to put the FLIR to good use. The promo material shows wildlife clearer than day, and a scared kitten generally won't go far. Late this afternoon the product arrived (after FLIR support hours). No documentation to speak of, beyond a warranty card. I found a manual online and followed the minimal instructions: charge by the micro-USB cable until the green light stops flashing, which they say should take about an hour. This is where things took a turn.
After 3 hours the light was still flashing but I finally tried to use it with my iPhone 5 via the lightning connector anyway. The FLIR would not turn on (yes, I am pressing the power button). Assuming that there was still not enough charge I tried plugging in the microUSB again and using it on the phone while plugged in. No joy. App continues to say I need to attach a FLIR and turn it on.
Maybe I had to use a different charging block. The device cost $250 and still doesn't come with a charger, but maybe that doesn't mean the battery is as agnostic as that would imply. If a USB wall outlet didn't work, maybe the power block for an Android phone would. Several hours later, the green light was still blinking and a repeat of the process still didn't work. A few more hours with an iPhone charger did no better. Since 7:30 I've been trying to get the FLIR to charge. It's now almost 2AM.
The not-included user guide says the device should be charged via the microUSB cable, with no further clarification at all. Same with support pages and most of their site. However, the feature overview does mention a 1A wall charger. Could I have screwed up the battery by using standard phone chargers to charge a phone accessory? Where do I find a USB charger that is exactly 1A? I'll have to find out tomorrow. For tonight, there's still a 7-week old kitten outside with the cars, coyotes and bobcats. And a well-meaning, really pissed off technophile who just spent a whole lot of money on a poorly documented block of plastic.
UPDATE: I just gave it two more stars, for a total of 3. After an additional 8 hours on a 1A charger (from an iPhone) and a whole lot of trial-and-error I was able to get the device to work. It ran for about 45 minutes, only dying out once. Restarting it was similarly tricky. I've since recharged and reused it twice. The power button is more like an enigmatic suggestion box, with unexplained flashing green, amber, and red signals from its center (not the flashing green diode by the charging port). But once I managed to get the device to power up AND get the iPhone to recognize it, it was pretty absorbing. Powering off is similarly difficult - the button needs a lot of coaxing.
Assume the FLIR ONE is like a very expensive, high-maintenance girlfriend. You will spend a whole lot of time and effort to get her to show up, you never know what will kill the mood, and she won't stay interested anywhere near as long as you'd like, but it'll be fun while it lasts, and you'll have some nice grainy pictures by which to remember the experience.
The neighbor found their kitten, by the way. Under a cabinet in the kitchen. So there's that.
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From the manufacturer
FLIR ONE Thermal Imaging Camera for iOS Devices
Now anyone can be a superhero with FLIR ONE's Thermal Imaging Device for Apple phones and tablets. At home, at work, and at play, the FLIR ONE helps you save the day with its advanced, two-camera MSX Technology that extracts and merges both thermal and visible images. The enhanced pictures and videos go beyond average thermal images, and reveal what the naked eye can't see.
With the power of thermal vision, you’ll explore the world around you in ways you never thought possible – with no additional cords, cases, devices, screens, or superpowers necessary. Simply attach FLIR ONE to your smartphone or tablet, and take your sidekick with you wherever you go.
Compatible with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s, iPad Air and iPad Air 2, iPad Mini and iPad Mini 3, and iPad (4th generation).
- Non contact spot temperature measurement.
- Patented MSX Technology for superior image quality.
- Built-in battery means no reduction in handset battery life.
- Features automatic shuttering Lepton thermal camera module.
- Protective case included.
- FLIR ONE App includes features like thermal panoramas and thermal time-lapse.
Superhero Power. Now Pocket-Sized
FLIR ONE gives you the power of thermal vision. The advanced, patented MSX Technology merges and extracts detail from thermal images and visible images to create enhanced pictures and videos that reveal what the naked eye can't see. Clear, detailed infrared images are invaluable in any situation, from household diagnostics to fire safety in the outdoors.
When enabled, the Spot Meter estimates and displays temperatures in Fahrenheit or Celsius, making the FLIR ONE a valuable diagnostic and detection tool – at home, at work or at play. It has its own battery so it never drains your device, and a thin, lightweight design for easy carrying and connecting.
Key Features
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Advanced MSX Technology For Crisp, Clear Thermal ImagesTwo cameras are better than one - The FLIR ONE Thermal Imaging Device uses two cameras to create images that show exceptional detail. Images captured by the Lepton thermal sensor merge with those from the VGA visible camera. The end result? Clear, high-resolution images and videos that bring real physical detail to raw thermal readings. |
Sleek, Practical DesignAt a mere 2.75-ounces and dimensions of 2.8 x 1 x 0.7 inches, FLIR ONE is sleek, lightweight and compact, designed to be easy to carry and connect. A micro-USB connector for Android phones and a lightning connector for iOS devices provide one-step connection. |
Smart, Independent BatteryFLIR ONE has its own internal battery and automatically switches to low-power mode when inactive to conserve its battery life. It's self-powered so it never drains the device to which it's attached. The battery takes 2 to 4 hours to fully charge and has a Power/Status indicator that lets you know when you're fully charged -- or running low. |
Still Image and Video EffectsFLIR ONE can capture both still images and videos and offers a variety of options and effects for fun and optimization. Time-lapse videos, panoramic images, MSX blending, color palettes and easy-share functions are just some of the choices that the device and the FLIR ONE app provide. |
Multiple Use Device
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At HomeBe the Superhero of the household! The FLIR ONE is a valuable diagnostic and detection tool around the home. Detect potential household issues before they result in costly repairs by identifying and recording pipe blockages, overheated or overloaded circuits, ceiling joists, leaking pipes, wall studs and much more. Optimize your heating and cooling by finding hot and cold spots in the home that can be improved. Night-time noises and movement can be investigated without lights being turned on, allowing you to see if someone is there and what they're doing, adding a new dimension of safety and protection in the home. |
At WorkGive new meaning to the term Working Class Hero! Work faster, smarter and safer with the FLIR ONE. Whether you’re looking for water leaks, trying to find the source of something that smells hot, or locating heat dissipation through windows and insulation, the FLIR ONE helps provide on-the-spot information to make your job cost-effective and efficient. Capture images/video and instantly communicate issues to a remote client. See moisture build-up the naked eye can’t. From home inspection to plumbing to auto mechanics and electricians, FLIR ONE keeps you in-the-know and allows you to quickly evaluate hidden issues and cut down on diagnostic time – Saving you and your clients valuable time and money. |
At PlayThe great outdoors just got greater! The FLIR ONE is the perfect sidekick for all your outdoor adventures. Outdoor enthusiasts can observe birds and wildlife at any time of the day or night without intruding upon or interrupting their habitat and natural behavior. Campers can navigate in the darkness and use the thermal readings to check out any mysterious 'bumps in the night' without the use of a flashlight. Thermal readings of campfires allow you to verify that they're properly extinguished. If there are any emergencies away from home, you can scan the situation even in light fog and smoke and navigate yourself and loved ones to safety, even in the dark. |
Reviews with images
New perspective: don't settle for less
Update: FLIR honored their warranty by swapping for a new one. They were quick, responsive, and courteous. The replacement was fully charged within a half hour of being unboxed, and worked instantly and consistently. This is the thermal camera I had hoped I was getting. If your experience is anything like the one I wrote about earlier, don't resign yourself to tolerating a dodgy product. FLIR can and will do better.I've been wanting the FLIR ONE since running across it at Home Depot months ago. It looked awesome. It is anything but.A neighbor's missing kitten prompted me to spring for same day shipping (Depot doesn't carry it anymore) to put the FLIR to good use. The promo material shows wildlife clearer than day, and a scared kitten generally won't go far. Late this afternoon the product arrived (after FLIR support hours). No documentation to speak of, beyond a warranty card. I found a manual online and followed the minimal instructions: charge by the micro-USB cable until the green light stops flashing, which they say should take about an hour. This is where things took a turn.After 3 hours the light was still flashing but I finally tried to use it with my iPhone 5 via the lightning connector anyway. The FLIR would not turn on (yes, I am pressing the power button). Assuming that there was still not enough charge I tried plugging in the microUSB again and using it on the phone while plugged in. No joy. App continues to say I need to attach a FLIR and turn it on.Maybe I had to use a different charging block. The device cost $250 and still doesn't come with a charger, but maybe that doesn't mean the battery is as agnostic as that would imply. If a USB wall outlet didn't work, maybe the power block for an Android phone would. Several hours later, the green light was still blinking and a repeat of the process still didn't work. A few more hours with an iPhone charger did no better. Since 7:30 I've been trying to get the FLIR to charge. It's now almost 2AM.The not-included user guide says the device should be charged via the microUSB cable, with no further clarification at all. Same with support pages and most of their site. However, the feature overview does mention a 1A wall charger. Could I have screwed up the battery by using standard phone chargers to charge a phone accessory? Where do I find a USB charger that is exactly 1A? I'll have to find out tomorrow. For tonight, there's still a 7-week old kitten outside with the cars, coyotes and bobcats. And a well-meaning, really pissed off technophile who just spent a whole lot of money on a poorly documented block of plastic.UPDATE: I just gave it two more stars, for a total of 3. After an additional 8 hours on a 1A charger (from an iPhone) and a whole lot of trial-and-error I was able to get the device to work. It ran for about 45 minutes, only dying out once. Restarting it was similarly tricky. I've since recharged and reused it twice. The power button is more like an enigmatic suggestion box, with unexplained flashing green, amber, and red signals from its center (not the flashing green diode by the charging port). But once I managed to get the device to power up AND get the iPhone to recognize it, it was pretty absorbing. Powering off is similarly difficult - the button needs a lot of coaxing.Assume the FLIR ONE is like a very expensive, high-maintenance girlfriend. You will spend a whole lot of time and effort to get her to show up, you never know what will kill the mood, and she won't stay interested anywhere near as long as you'd like, but it'll be fun while it lasts, and you'll have some nice grainy pictures by which to remember the experience.The neighbor found their kitten, by the way. Under a cabinet in the kitchen. So there's that.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2016
Update: FLIR honored their warranty by swapping for a new one. They were quick, responsive, and courteous. The replacement was fully charged within a half hour of being unboxed, and worked instantly and consistently. This is the thermal camera I had hoped I was getting. If your experience is anything like the one I wrote about earlier, don't resign yourself to tolerating a dodgy product. FLIR can and will do better.
I've been wanting the FLIR ONE since running across it at Home Depot months ago. It looked awesome. It is anything but.
A neighbor's missing kitten prompted me to spring for same day shipping (Depot doesn't carry it anymore) to put the FLIR to good use. The promo material shows wildlife clearer than day, and a scared kitten generally won't go far. Late this afternoon the product arrived (after FLIR support hours). No documentation to speak of, beyond a warranty card. I found a manual online and followed the minimal instructions: charge by the micro-USB cable until the green light stops flashing, which they say should take about an hour. This is where things took a turn.
After 3 hours the light was still flashing but I finally tried to use it with my iPhone 5 via the lightning connector anyway. The FLIR would not turn on (yes, I am pressing the power button). Assuming that there was still not enough charge I tried plugging in the microUSB again and using it on the phone while plugged in. No joy. App continues to say I need to attach a FLIR and turn it on.
Maybe I had to use a different charging block. The device cost $250 and still doesn't come with a charger, but maybe that doesn't mean the battery is as agnostic as that would imply. If a USB wall outlet didn't work, maybe the power block for an Android phone would. Several hours later, the green light was still blinking and a repeat of the process still didn't work. A few more hours with an iPhone charger did no better. Since 7:30 I've been trying to get the FLIR to charge. It's now almost 2AM.
The not-included user guide says the device should be charged via the microUSB cable, with no further clarification at all. Same with support pages and most of their site. However, the feature overview does mention a 1A wall charger. Could I have screwed up the battery by using standard phone chargers to charge a phone accessory? Where do I find a USB charger that is exactly 1A? I'll have to find out tomorrow. For tonight, there's still a 7-week old kitten outside with the cars, coyotes and bobcats. And a well-meaning, really pissed off technophile who just spent a whole lot of money on a poorly documented block of plastic.
UPDATE: I just gave it two more stars, for a total of 3. After an additional 8 hours on a 1A charger (from an iPhone) and a whole lot of trial-and-error I was able to get the device to work. It ran for about 45 minutes, only dying out once. Restarting it was similarly tricky. I've since recharged and reused it twice. The power button is more like an enigmatic suggestion box, with unexplained flashing green, amber, and red signals from its center (not the flashing green diode by the charging port). But once I managed to get the device to power up AND get the iPhone to recognize it, it was pretty absorbing. Powering off is similarly difficult - the button needs a lot of coaxing.
Assume the FLIR ONE is like a very expensive, high-maintenance girlfriend. You will spend a whole lot of time and effort to get her to show up, you never know what will kill the mood, and she won't stay interested anywhere near as long as you'd like, but it'll be fun while it lasts, and you'll have some nice grainy pictures by which to remember the experience.
The neighbor found their kitten, by the way. Under a cabinet in the kitchen. So there's that.
I've been wanting the FLIR ONE since running across it at Home Depot months ago. It looked awesome. It is anything but.
A neighbor's missing kitten prompted me to spring for same day shipping (Depot doesn't carry it anymore) to put the FLIR to good use. The promo material shows wildlife clearer than day, and a scared kitten generally won't go far. Late this afternoon the product arrived (after FLIR support hours). No documentation to speak of, beyond a warranty card. I found a manual online and followed the minimal instructions: charge by the micro-USB cable until the green light stops flashing, which they say should take about an hour. This is where things took a turn.
After 3 hours the light was still flashing but I finally tried to use it with my iPhone 5 via the lightning connector anyway. The FLIR would not turn on (yes, I am pressing the power button). Assuming that there was still not enough charge I tried plugging in the microUSB again and using it on the phone while plugged in. No joy. App continues to say I need to attach a FLIR and turn it on.
Maybe I had to use a different charging block. The device cost $250 and still doesn't come with a charger, but maybe that doesn't mean the battery is as agnostic as that would imply. If a USB wall outlet didn't work, maybe the power block for an Android phone would. Several hours later, the green light was still blinking and a repeat of the process still didn't work. A few more hours with an iPhone charger did no better. Since 7:30 I've been trying to get the FLIR to charge. It's now almost 2AM.
The not-included user guide says the device should be charged via the microUSB cable, with no further clarification at all. Same with support pages and most of their site. However, the feature overview does mention a 1A wall charger. Could I have screwed up the battery by using standard phone chargers to charge a phone accessory? Where do I find a USB charger that is exactly 1A? I'll have to find out tomorrow. For tonight, there's still a 7-week old kitten outside with the cars, coyotes and bobcats. And a well-meaning, really pissed off technophile who just spent a whole lot of money on a poorly documented block of plastic.
UPDATE: I just gave it two more stars, for a total of 3. After an additional 8 hours on a 1A charger (from an iPhone) and a whole lot of trial-and-error I was able to get the device to work. It ran for about 45 minutes, only dying out once. Restarting it was similarly tricky. I've since recharged and reused it twice. The power button is more like an enigmatic suggestion box, with unexplained flashing green, amber, and red signals from its center (not the flashing green diode by the charging port). But once I managed to get the device to power up AND get the iPhone to recognize it, it was pretty absorbing. Powering off is similarly difficult - the button needs a lot of coaxing.
Assume the FLIR ONE is like a very expensive, high-maintenance girlfriend. You will spend a whole lot of time and effort to get her to show up, you never know what will kill the mood, and she won't stay interested anywhere near as long as you'd like, but it'll be fun while it lasts, and you'll have some nice grainy pictures by which to remember the experience.
The neighbor found their kitten, by the way. Under a cabinet in the kitchen. So there's that.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2016
I've been waiting for something like this for a while. I feel like this is the first product of it's kind that actually works. I'm really enjoying it, it works very well considering this is a bleeding edge device. Here are some points to consider...
First, you shouldn't pay more than $250 for one of these. They're hard to buy because once they become available they sell out quickly and then only third party sellers have them in stock for much more $$. Check out camelcamelcamel.com. You can set an alert there and you will be notified when it is in stock on Amazon. This is a great site. No, I'm not affiliated with them.
Second, realize that the experience is a little buggy. The device re-calibrates itself often which results in a pause in the picture. It's not a big deal but it is annoying. Mine locks up quite a bit as well, but a quick power off/power on of the device will resolve it. Again, not a big deal, just annoying. The Flir One is powered by it's own internal battery and it will not charge through your phone. Having one more thing to charge is also a little annoying.
The iOS app is decent, but a little clunky. I really wish that I could specify the temperature range in the app. For example black could be 32 and below, white could be 100 and above, and the gradient should be for temperatures in between. Currently it dynamically switches depending on what you're shooting, which is fine, but it makes it hard to compare temperatures visually in two different photos. You can "lock" the exposure range, but it doesn't seem to persist after the device re-calibrates and you're still guessing at the dynamic range of the image.
When you're taking close up shots there can be a discrepancy between the visible light image and the infrared image. If you long press the screen you will be presented with a slider. You can use the slider to bring the two images into alignment. There is an example of this in the photos I've attached to this review. It took me a while to figure this out, reading the instructions would have helped.
If you're into geeky toys with a little bit of practical value and have $250 to blow on one, this is a really cool toy. I've really enjoyed it. I have yet to find a practical application for it that justifies the price. Don't buy it expecting it to pay for itself after you find all the leaks around your doors.
First, you shouldn't pay more than $250 for one of these. They're hard to buy because once they become available they sell out quickly and then only third party sellers have them in stock for much more $$. Check out camelcamelcamel.com. You can set an alert there and you will be notified when it is in stock on Amazon. This is a great site. No, I'm not affiliated with them.
Second, realize that the experience is a little buggy. The device re-calibrates itself often which results in a pause in the picture. It's not a big deal but it is annoying. Mine locks up quite a bit as well, but a quick power off/power on of the device will resolve it. Again, not a big deal, just annoying. The Flir One is powered by it's own internal battery and it will not charge through your phone. Having one more thing to charge is also a little annoying.
The iOS app is decent, but a little clunky. I really wish that I could specify the temperature range in the app. For example black could be 32 and below, white could be 100 and above, and the gradient should be for temperatures in between. Currently it dynamically switches depending on what you're shooting, which is fine, but it makes it hard to compare temperatures visually in two different photos. You can "lock" the exposure range, but it doesn't seem to persist after the device re-calibrates and you're still guessing at the dynamic range of the image.
When you're taking close up shots there can be a discrepancy between the visible light image and the infrared image. If you long press the screen you will be presented with a slider. You can use the slider to bring the two images into alignment. There is an example of this in the photos I've attached to this review. It took me a while to figure this out, reading the instructions would have helped.
If you're into geeky toys with a little bit of practical value and have $250 to blow on one, this is a really cool toy. I've really enjoyed it. I have yet to find a practical application for it that justifies the price. Don't buy it expecting it to pay for itself after you find all the leaks around your doors.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2016
Top reviews from other countries
Kevin O.
Great introduction to thermal imaging
Reviewed in Canada on January 8, 2017Nicola
PRODOTTO NON ALL'ALTEZZA DELLE ASPETTATIVE
Reviewed in Italy on November 22, 2016