ThermalMaster P2 – World’s 2nd Smallest Thermal Camera Review
Introduction
If you’re into cool gadgets, especially the unique and exclusive ones then the ThermalMaster P2 might catch your interest. The company behind this small and compact thermal camera markets it as the world’s 2nd smallest thermal camera, and it’s very impressive considering how much technology they’ve implemented into a tiny device. This is a tiny but very powerful device that processes advanced thermal imaging technology into a sleek, pocket-sized design, making it very portable and easy to use. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a DIY homeowner, or a professional in need of a reliable thermal camera on the go, the P2 has something to offer. It has some very unique features that are kind of unheard of considering factors like 15 x zoom, color bar, adjustable emissivity, 12 color pallets, and much more, all these features only consume 0.3W of power.
Design and Size
The first thing that stands out about the ThermalMaster P2 is its size. It is very small, and that is what makes it unique. If you’re used to big, clunky thermal cameras, this one will surprise you. It’s so compact that it can fit in your pocket easily. It’s portability makes it a great option for professionals such as electrical engineers and home inspectors as well as for anyone looking to check for heat leaks at home or locate pipes and ductwork behind walls. If you need to carry around a thermal camera but don’t want the hassle of carrying around a big device.
The build quality is premium. Despite its small size, it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The material used is aluminum, which gives it a premium quality to the users; this is a positive point. The camera has a sleek design with a USB Type C male connector that is firmly secured, and it’s clear that the makers put some thought into making it look good while still being functional.
Features and Performance
So, what does the ThermalMaster P2 do? Like any other thermal camera, it detects heat signatures from any place. This means you can see things based on their temperature rather than just how they look in regular light. You can use this feature in different situations, like heat leaking in your house, checking for electrical issues, or detecting wild animals at night.
One of the main features of the P2 is its high-resolution (256×192) thermal imaging. Even though it’s small, it doesn’t skimp on image quality. The images are very clear and detailed. This is the most important thing when you’re trying to figure out what you’re looking for. It’s got a decent refresh rate, too, so the images update smoothly without much lag.
The camera also has a lot of modes. By using those modes you can customize how you view the thermal data. You can switch between different color palettes (12), adjust the sensitivity, and even overlay the thermal image onto a regular image. This last feature is pretty cool because it gives you more context about what you’re looking at. It gives you 200% more clarity than the other thermal camera. It is 250% more sensitive than the others.
The camera offers different color palettes (12) for thermal imaging. So that you can customize the displayed heat signatures. You can identify and analyze different thermal patterns with this feature. It has an overlay mode by using it, you can convert thermal images into regular images, which provides more context and detail. So you can understand what you are looking at. You can adjust the Emissivity of the camera to detect even the slightest temperature differences. This is very useful for exact thermal reading tasks.
Compared to other cameras, it has a temperature monitoring range of -4°F~1022°F (-20°C to 550°C). This wide temp. range makes it suitable for different applications, whether they are cold spots or high-temperature spots. The weight of the P2 is only 10g. The light weight of this device is very useful, especially for those who can effortlessly carry it.
The Camera has a 15x thermal imager zoom and 1.5℃ PCB accuracy. You can magnify the thermal image to get a closer look at some specific areas. You can measure different temperatures with high accuracy; for exact thermal readings, this is a very crucial thing.
Apart from these features, the P2 has an adjustable DYE color bar. You can highlight the target area with a two-finger swipe or you can manually set the temperature. It has free secondary Data Analysis, so you can also perform point, line, and surface secondary analysis, annotate infrared images, and share them anytime, anywhere.
Ease of Use
Using the ThermalMaster P2 is pretty straightforward. It connects to your smartphone as the screen and control center for the camera. The app is easy to operate, and you do not need too much knowledge to use it. Once you plug the camera into your phone, it automatically launches the app, and you’re good to go. You can save images and videos using the TharmalMAster app. So that you can then review those later or share them with others. The app is very user-friendly because you can use it with Smartphones, Tablets, Computers, and even Drones.
If you’re using the thermal camera for professional uses, like HVAC inspections, House inspections, Solar panel inspections, Engine maintenance, Tire maintenance, Pipe inspections, Power inspections or troubleshooting, as you can keep a record of what you’ve found.
Battery Life
One thing that could be a downside for some people is the battery life. Because it’s so small, the battery isn’t huge, and that means it won’t last as long as some bigger thermal cameras. If you’re using it for quick tasks, it’s fine, but if you need to use it for extended periods, you might find yourself needing to recharge it more often than you’d like. Even so, it will give you 5-7 hours of battery backup, depending on the usage and settings. That said, charging it is pretty quick, so you won’t be out of commission for too long. It uses a standard USB-C port, which is great because you probably already have a charger that’ll work with it. This ensures faster recharging time, so if having a low battery you won’t have to wait for too long to use it again. This TharmalMaster P2 model is so small (0.3W) its battery is not as large as the other bigger thermal cameras. So it is great for portable use and quick inspections but ideal for long and continuous uses.
Pros and Cons
This compact thermal camera is very portable which allows for easy on-the-go use. The high-resolution thermal images offer exceptional clarity and detail, while the intuitive app makes it easy to set up and operate. With plenty of customizable options and settings, you can configure the thermal image according to your specific needs. The build quality feels solid and durable. However, battery life could be improved, especially for extended use. Though not the most budget-friendly option, it remains reasonably priced considering its features. It’s worth noting that its capabilities might be somewhat limited for professional or intensive applications.
Model P2 Thermal Imaging Camera Specifications
- IR Sensor: 256×192 @ 12μm
- Temperature Range: -10℃ ~ 600℃ (14℉ ~ 1112℉)
- Accuracy: ±2℃ or ±2%
- NETD: ≤ 40mK @ 25℃
- Frame Rate: 25Hz
- Battery Life: 300~480 minutes
- Palette: 12 options (White Hot, Black Hot, Iron Red, etc.)
- Temperature Features: Emissivity correction, Distance correction, Ambient temperature compensation
- Analysis Tools: Secondary point/line/plane data analysis
- Connectivity: Smartphone/Tablet/Computer via USB-C
- App: Android 6.0+ (supports online updates)
- Image/Video: Capture & storage
- Dimensions: 27mm x 18mm x 9.8mm
- Weight: 9.7g
Comparison
If you want to compare this product with other thermal cameras, here is a comparison table between ThermalMaster P2, TOPDON TC001, and InfiRay Xinfrared P2 using the key details for the three thermal imaging products.
Feature | ThermalMaster P2 | TOPDON TC001 | InfiRay Xinfrared P2 |
---|---|---|---|
Weight | 10g | 30g | Not specified (but ultra-small and lightweight) |
IR Resolution | 256x192 pixels | 256x192 pixels | Not specified |
Temperature Range | -4°F to 1022°F (-20°C to 550°C) | -4°F to 1022°F (-20°C to 550°C) | Not specified |
Accuracy | 1.5℃ (PCB Accuracy) | ±3.6ºF (2ºC) or 2% of max temp | Accurate temperature measurement, but not specified |
Zoom | 15X digital zoom | No zoom specified | No zoom specified |
Frame Rate | 25Hz | 25Hz | Not specified |
Color Palettes | 12 palettes (white hot, black hot, etc.) | 10 palettes | Not specified |
Power Consumption | Uses smartphone power, USB-C | 0.35W (powered by smartphone) | Low power consumption |
Focusing Mode | Athermalized Prime Lens | Fixed focus | Fixed focus |
Application Scenarios | Electrical, HVAC, pipeline, house, automotive | Home inspection, HVAC, automotive, farming | Safety at night, hidden camera detection, electronics, HVAC |
Compatible Devices | Android 6.0+ | Android 6.0+, Windows | Smartphone (direct connection) |
Storage | Photo and video saving function | Saves data via app | Not specified |
Size | 27mm × 18mm × 9.8mm | 71mm × 42mm × 14mm | Not specified (compact size) |
Operating Temperature | 5℉ to 131℉ (-15℃ to 55℃) | Not specified | 5℉ to 131℉ (-15℃ to 55℃) |
Special Features | RazorX Technology | Image enhancement, waveform graph, plug and play | Ultra-small, ASIC chip, plug-and-play |
Price | $199.00 | Not specified | $319.00 |
Sample Images
Final Thoughts
The ThermalMaster P2 is a simple little gadget that brings thermal imaging into a super portable form. It’s not perfect, but it is a good option if you need a thermal camera that you can carry anywhere. The image quality is fine, and it is very easy to use, so anyone can use it. However, if you need a thermal camera for more demanding tasks, you might find the P2’s battery life and limited power a bit restricting. It is especially useful for quick inspections, home use, or just for fun. Whether it’s worth the investment depends on what you plan to use it for, but it’s definitely worth considering if portability and ease of use are at the top of your list. Additionally, it’s compact and priced affordably.
When it comes to price, the ThermalMaster P2 isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s not crazy expensive either. The ThermalMaster P2 is a mid-range thermal camera priced at $199.00. It’s a good value for its size and features, making it ideal for those new to thermal imaging or needing occasional use. Professionals requiring heavy-duty use may need a more powerful option.
For more information and purchase options you can check the ThermalMaster Store page.
As a thermal imaging fan, I’m really impressed by the P2’s 512×384 resolution and 15x zoom! It’s pretty amazing to pack all that into such a tiny device. Could you talk a bit more about its low power consumption? How much does that impact the actual usage time?
This review covers the ThermalMaster P2 in great detail, especially the performance and price breakdown, which felt really honest. Super helpful review, thanks for sharing!