Select and compare a thermal imaging camera: How to make a well-founded decision

You should not select a thermal imaging camera based on “pixel count” alone, but according to the measurability of your typical targets: object size and distance must match (IFOV), small temperature differences must be visible (NETD), measuring points must be sharp and reproducible (focus/optics), and results must be documentable (software/app/reporting). If you answer these criteria in a short checklist, the comparison between models becomes far more objective.

Compare Testo thermal imaging cameras

Which 5 questions lead to the right camera?

How big is my typical target object?
From what distance do I usually measure?
Is the scene rather low-contrast (buildings) or high-contrast (hotspots)?
Do I need tele/wide angle and a reproducible focus?
Do I need to report regularly and carry out comparative measurements?

These answers determine resolution/lens (IFOV), NETD, focus handling and workflow functions.

What is your target object – and how big is it?

Examples: terminal in a switch cabinet (very small), pipe/component (medium), facade area (large), PV module/connection (small to medium). The smaller the target, the more IFOV, focus and optics become a gate.

Decision guide: three typical profiles

Building/energy consulting

Typical: large surfaces, often low contrast, need for clean documentation. Priority: NETD + robust boundary conditions + reporting.

Electrical/industrial inspection

Typical: small targets, safety distances, trend inspections. Priority: IFOV/optics + focus + standardisation.

Preventive maintenance

Typical: screening of many components, recurring routes. Priority: workflow (image management/standards) + sufficient IFOV + efficient reports.

Comparison of Testo thermal imaging cameras

Main functions

		testo 860i	testo 862-1	testo 862-2	testo 868(s)	testo 871(s)	testo 872(s)	testo 883
Infrared resolution	Number of pixels: The more, the better	256 x 192 Pixel	160 x 120 Pixel	160 x 120 Pixel	160 x 120 Pixel	240 x 180 Pixel	320 x 240 Pixel	320 x 240 Pixel
testo SuperResolution	Quadrupled pixel count	➖	➖	320 x 240 Pixel	320 x 240 Pixel	480 x 360 Pixel	640 x 480 Pixel	640 x 480 Pixel
Thermal sensitivity (NETD)	Smallest detectable temperature difference: The smaller, the better	<0,05 °C (50 mK)	<0,10 °C (50 mK)	<0,08 °C (80 mK)	<0,08 °C (80 mK)	<0,08 °C (80 mK)	<0,05 °C (50 mK)	<0,04 °C (40 mK)
Measuring range		-20 … +150 °C 0 … +350 °C (automatic or manual measuring range switching)	-10 … +550 °C	-30 … +100 °C 0 … +650 °C (automatic or manual measuring range switching)	30 … +100 °C 0 … +650 °C (automatic or manual measuring range switching)	-30 … +100 °C 0 … +650 °C (automatic or manual measuring range switching)	-30 … +100 °C 0 … +650 °C (automatic or manual measuring range switching)	-30 … +100 °C 0 … +650 °C (automatic or manual measuring range switching)
Lens/field of view (FOV)	The larger this value, the larger the visible image section	48° x 36°	40° x 30°	56° x 42°	31° x 23°	35° x 26°	42° x 30°	Standard: 30° x 23° Wide angle: 42° x 32°
Focus	Focusing of the image	Fixed focus	Fixed focus	Fixed focus	Fixed focus	Fixed focus	Fixed focus	Manual
Connection to external measuring instruments	Connection to other Testo measuring instruments	Thermohygrometer testo 605i, clamp meter testo 770-3	Thermohygrometer testo 605i, clamp meter testo 770-3	Thermohygrometer testo 605i, clamp meter testo 770-3	➖	Thermohygrometer testo 605i, clamp meter testo 770-3	Thermohygrometer testo 605i, clamp meter testo 770-3	Thermohygrometer testo 605i, clamp meter testo 770-3
Connection to the free testo App	Fast and simple image analysis, creation and sending of short reports, remote control of the camera	testo Smart App	testo Smart App Expected to be available from 2027	testo Smart App Expected to be available from 2027	testo Thermography App	testo Thermography App	testo Thermography App	testo Thermography App
PC software testo IRSoft	Free, license-free software for detailed analysis and report creation	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅

Features

		testo 860i	testo 862-1	testo 862-2	testo 868(s)	testo 871(s)	testo 872(s)	testo 883
DeltaHeat	Determine the spread between flow/return temperature on heating systems & get optimisation suggestions \| Assistant for determining temperature differences	✅	✅	✅	➖	➖	➖	➖
Humidity mode	Assess mould risk using a traffic-light scale	✅	✅	✅	➖	✅	✅	✅
testo ScaleAssist	Automatic contrast setting for optimal assessment of the building envelope	➖	➖	➖	✅	✅	✅	✅
testo SiteRecognition	Automatic measuring location recognition and image management	➖	➖	➖	➖	➖	➖	✅
Integrated digital camera	Real image is saved together with the thermal image	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Laser marker	Shows the exact position of the laser and the corresponding temperature reading on the camera display	➖	➖	➖	➖	➖	✅	✅
Fusion		➖	✅	✅	➖	➖	➖	➖
Touchscreen		➖	✅	✅	➖	➖	➖	✅

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Next steps: product overview, category and consultation

First use the overviews, then check your target/distance with IFOV – and seek advice for complex setups.

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