Dilwe Thermal Imager Infrared Camera

Published on Aug. 15, 2023, 7:27 p.m.

Thermal imaging technology is a crucial non-destructive testing technique that generates images by measuring the infrared radiation emitted by target objects, thereby visualizing temperature distribution. This technology finds wide applications in industries, construction, healthcare, and many other fields. With the continuous advancement of technology, the performance and application areas of thermal imagers are expanding, making them indispensable tools in many industries.

The Dilwe Thermal Imager Infrared Camera is a handheld device that allows you to see and measure surface temperatures from -40°C to 300°C. Its compact size and portability make it easy to use for a variety of applications. In this review, we will take a close look at the features, performance, and real-world usability of this thermal camera.

 Dilwe Thermal Imager Infrared Camera

Overview

  • Brand: Dilwe
  • Model: Dilwe50hg8i7dmf
  • Product Type: Thermal Imager Infrared Camera
  • Key Features: Temperature range -40°C to 300°C, 320x240 pixel resolution, 2.8” LCD display, 8Hz refresh rate, built-in storage for 100 images

Design and Build Quality

The Dilwe thermal camera has a durable plastic case to protect the internal components. It feels solidly built, though the plastic case is prone to scratches. The camera is lightweight and compact, measuring just 4.8 x 4.06 x 1.65 inches. Overall the design is straightforward and optimized for portability.
 Dilwe Thermal Imager Infrared Camera

Display and Image Quality

It has a 2.8” LCD display with 320x240 pixel resolution. The display is crisp and colors are accurately represented. The 8Hz refresh rate provides a smooth real-time image. The 55° x 35° field of view is decent for most applications. Image quality is good for the price point but lacks fine details compared to higher-end models.

Features and Performance

The temperature measurement range of -40°C to 300°C is wide enough for most non-specialized applications. Accuracy is rated at ±2°C which is pretty standard. The 8Hz refresh rate provides real-time thermal imaging. The built-in storage can save 100 images for later analysis. Overall the features and performance are very good considering the affordable price point.

Technical Parameter Analysis

Resolution

The resolution of a thermal imager refers to the minimum temperature difference its images can display. A higher resolution enables the clear visualization of subtle temperature changes in images, which is particularly important for some fine applications. The 320x240 pixel resolution of the Dilwe Thermal Imager Infrared Camera falls into the mid-range for its price segment, meeting the needs of most household and light industrial applications.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of a thermal imager refers to the smallest temperature difference it can detect. For applications requiring high-precision temperature measurements, such as medical diagnosis or industrial testing, higher sensitivity is crucial. The Dilwe Thermal Imager Infrared Camera performs well in sensitivity, accurately capturing subtle temperature changes, making it effective in various scenarios.

Temperature Range

The temperature range of a product determines the breadth of its applicable scenarios. The -40°C to 300°C temperature range of the Dilwe Thermal Imager Infrared Camera can meet the needs of most non-specialized applications, including home repairs, building inspections, and automotive diagnostics.

Battery Life

The 600 mAh lithium-ion battery lasts for about 4 hours of continuous use. This is decent but you may need supplemental batteries for extended use. Charging is via USB-C and takes around 4 hours. The camera can be used while charging which helps offset the shorter battery life.

Ease of Use

Operation is straightforward with just a few buttons to navigate the menu and capture images. The user manual provides clear instructions. Adjusting emissivity for different materials can be done right on the camera. The lack of wireless connectivity means you need to remove the SD card and use a card reader to transfer images.

Application Fields

Thermal imaging technology finds wide applications in various fields, including but not limited to:

  • Medical Diagnosis: Doctors can use thermal imaging technology to diagnose patients’ body temperature distribution, assisting in disease diagnosis and treatment.
  • Building Inspection: Engineers and architects can use thermal imagers to detect insulation issues, pipe leaks, and energy losses in buildings.
  • Industrial Testing: In industrial production, thermal imaging technology can be used to monitor equipment operation, predict equipment failures, and optimize energy utilization.
  • Firefighting: Firefighters can use thermal imagers to detect hidden fire sources and personnel positions at the fire scene, improving firefighting efficiency and personnel safety.
  • Military: The military can utilize thermal imaging technology for nighttime reconnaissance, target tracking, and concealed target discovery tasks.
  • Natural Science Research: Thermal imaging technology is also widely used in geological exploration, animal ecology research, and environmental monitoring.

 Dilwe Thermal Imager Infrared Camera

Use Cases:

  • Building inspection - find insulation issues, HVAC problems
  • Electrical maintenance - check for hotspots
  • Automotive diagnosis - find overheating components
  • Cooking - check food temperatures
  • Home maintenance - identify heat leaks

User Feedback:

Positive feedback focuses on affordability, ease of use, and versatility. Many users mention using it for finding insulation problems, automotive overheating issues, and monitoring food temperatures during cooking.

Negative feedback centers around lower resolution/image detail compared to more expensive models. Some users also wanted longer battery life.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Wide temperature range
  • Easy to operate
  • Good value

Cons:

  • Lower resolution detail
  • Short battery life
  • No wireless connectivity

Price and Value

The Dilwe thermal imager retails for $84 but is commonly available for $75, making it very competitively priced. The combination of portable size, decent image quality, easy operation and wide temperature range make this thermal camera an excellent value. It’s a great entry level option.

 Dilwe Thermal Imager Infrared Camera

Conclusion

For the price, the Dilwe thermal imager infrared camera is an impressive value. It provides accurate thermal images and temperature data for building diagnostics, equipment maintenance, cooking, and more. The simple operation and portable size make this a versatile starter thermal camera. While image detail and battery life are limited, overall it’s a great affordable option for both DIY and professional use.

Future Prospects

With the continuous advancement of science and technology, thermal imaging technology will usher in broader application prospects. On the one hand, with the continuous development of sensor technology and image processing algorithms, the resolution and sensitivity of thermal imagers will be further improved, making them more widely used in fields such as medicine, industry, and security. On the other hand, as production costs continue to decrease, the price of thermal imagers will further decrease, and their popularity will increase. In the future, we have reason to believe that thermal imaging technology will become an important tool in more industries and fields, making greater contributions to the development and progress of human society.

Specifications:

  • Temperature Range: -40°C to 300°C
  • Accuracy: ±2°C
  • Resolution: 32x24 far infrared array
  • Display Resolution: 320x240 pixels
  • Refresh Rate: 8Hz
  • Field of View: 55° x 35°
  • Emissivity: 0.95
  • Battery: 600mAh lithium-ion (4 hrs runtime)
  • Storage: Stores 100 images

What’s in the Box:

  • Dilwe Thermal Imager Camera
  • USB-C Charging Cable
  • Wiping Cloth
  • User Manual

Usage Instructions:

  1. Charge the battery fully before first use.
  2. Turn on the camera using the power button.
  3. Point the camera at the target surface and adjust emissivity as needed.
  4. Press the shutter button to capture thermal images.
  5. Transfer images to a computer using the USB cable and SD card.
  6. Analyze images and temperature data as needed for your application.