FLIR E96 Advanced Thermal Imaging Camera
Published on Aug. 2, 2023, 6:54 p.m.
The FLIR E96 is an advanced thermal imaging camera designed for electrical and mechanical inspections. With 640x480 thermal resolution and a temperature range of -20°C to 1500°C, it provides ultra-sharp thermal images to quickly detect anomalies. Interchangeable lenses, onboard reporting features, and integration with FLIR software make the E96 a versatile tool to maximize efficiency and safety.
Key Features
- 640x480 thermal resolution with 307,200 temperature measurement points
- -20°C to 1500°C temperature range
- Interchangeable 14°, 24°, 42°, and macro lenses with auto-calibration
- Large 640x480 pixel LCD touchscreen with auto-rotate
- Onboard report generation with annotations
- FLIR Vision Processing including MSX, UltraMax, and adaptive filtering
- Integrates with FLIR Thermal Studio Pro and Inspection Route software
Design and Build Quality
The pistol-grip design of the E96 allows for safe, one-handed operation when inspecting hazardous electrical systems. It has an ergonomic grip and well-placed controls for easy operation. The camera housing is rugged and durable. The 5” touchscreen LCD is sharp and responsive. Overall, the E96 has a robust, professional build quality.
Image Quality
The 640x480 thermal resolution provides an extremely detailed thermal image with 4 times more pixels than 320x240 cameras. FLIR’s proprietary image processing technologies like UltraMax super-resolution further enhance clarity. The interchangeable lenses all feature FLIR’s AutoCal technology to maintain image accuracy.
Lenses
The interchangeable 14°, 24°, and 42° lenses are a major highlight of the E96. The telephoto lens allows safe inspection of dangerous electrical connections. The wide angle lens quickly surveys large areas. Auto-calibration ensures the lenses stay accurate over time.
Ease of Use
The large rotating LCD touchscreen interface makes navigating menus and adjusting settings intuitive. Features like onboard report generation, GPS image tagging, and integration with FLIR software maximize productivity on the job. Voice annotations allow hands-free notes.
Reporting & Connectivity
Onboard reporting tools like voice annotation, text, and sketching eliminate the need for notebook entries. FLIR Ignite offers direct image transfer to the cloud for storage and sharing. The E96 simplifies workflows and collaborating with teams.
Use Cases
The E96 is ideal for:
- Electrical inspections - safely scan high voltage equipment for hotspots
- Mechanical inspections - identify mechanical failures and maintenance needs
- Building diagnostics - check insulation, HVAC, moisture intrusion
- Research and development - analyze thermal performance
User Feedback
The E96 rates 4.8 out of 5 stars. Positive feedback cites the image clarity, intuitive touchscreen interface, and durability. Some users note the high cost.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Best-in-class thermal resolution and image quality
- Interchangeable lens flexibility
- Rugged and portable design
Cons
- High cost may deter some buyers
- Telephoto lens sold separately
Value
The FLIR E96 carries a premium price, but delivers premium performance and capabilities suited for advanced electrical and mechanical applications. For professionals that need top-tier image quality and robust reporting, the high cost brings strong return on investment.
Conclusion
With best-in-class image quality and features purpose-built for inspections, the E96 thermal camera streamlines workflows and provides rapid return on investment. For electrical and mechanical professionals, it is an essential tool to work safer, faster, and smarter.
About FLIR
FLIR Systems is a leading manufacturer of thermal imaging cameras and sensing equipment. Founded in 1978, FLIR has decades of experience building advanced infrared and thermal imaging systems for commercial, industrial, and government clients.
Specifications
Imaging Performance
- IR resolution: 640 x 480 pixels
- Thermal sensitivity: <40 mK
- Spatial resolution: 0.93 mrad
- Accuracy: ±2°C (±3.6°F) or ±2% of reading
Image Presentation
- Display: 4” LCD touchscreen, 640 x 480 pixels
- Image modes: Infrared, visual, MSX, picture-in-picture
- Color palettes: Iron, Rainbow, White Hot, Black Hot, Arctic
Measurement
- Temperature range: -20°C to 1500°C (-4°F to 2732°F)
- Measurement presets: No measurement, center spot, hot spot, cold spot, 2 user presets
- Spotmeters: 3 in live mode
Lenses
- Fields of view: 14° (telephoto), 24° (standard), 42° (wide angle)
- Focus: Continuous LDM, manual
- Macro lens option: 2x magnification
Camera & Video
- Built-in digital camera: 5MP
- Digital zoom: 1-8x continuous
- Radiometric IR video recording & streaming
Interfaces
- Image/video storage: Removable SD card
- Wired interfaces: USB 2.0, USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort
- Wireless: WiFi, Bluetooth
Power
- Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion
- Battery operating time: >2.5 hours at 25°C
What’s Included
The E96 comes with the camera, battery, charger, 8GB SD card, lanyards, printed documentation, USB-C cable, and 24° lens.