Thermal Master P1 camera ZDNET's key takeaways The Thermal Master P1 is available for $129 on Amazon.
It works with both iPhone and Android smartphones, and is small and lightweight.
It's plasticky build won't win any awards for durability. View now at Amazon
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I'm a big believer that every toolbox needs at least one thermal camera. They might seem gimmicky, but the ability to see hotspots in vehicles or electronics, or where heat is escaping your home (or drafts leaking in!) can be invaluable when diagnosing issues.
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The problem is, a lot of thermal cameras are expensive, and they are often specific to either iPhone or Android, so if you switch platforms, you'll need a different camera. The new Thermal Master P1 solves both these issues with an affordable thermal camera that works for both platforms.
The tech specs for this unit are strong: the camera has a native resolution of 160 × 120 pixels with a 25Hz refresh rate that's upscaled to 320 × 240 by Thermal Master's proprietary X³ algorithm to offer pin-sharp images. The camera has a range of -4°F to 1,112°F (-20°C to 600°C) and an accuracy of ±3.6°F, making it perfect for a wide range of applications, from insulation inspections and HVAC system diagnostics to automotive troubleshooting.
While the camera features a USB-C port, which allows it to work with Android smartphones and the latest iPhones, I've tested it on an older Lightning iPhone with an adapter, and it works fine.
The P1 comes with a cool protective case. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
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