FLIR ONE FAQs
Selecting the right FLIR ONE® thermal camera for your application
Q: What is the FLIR ONE and is this series the right thermal camera for me?
A: The FLIR ONE is a pocket-portable smartphone attachment that is perfect for professionals who need to perform quick inspections of electrical/mechanical systems or all the aspects of a building envelope. Choosing the right thermal camera for your application requires considering factors such as temperature range, safe distance to target, and wireless accessibility through an app. Can you safely work within 10 feet (3 m) of your target? Do you expect to measure temperatures no higher than 752°F (400°C)? If you answer yes to both, the FLIR ONE Series can meet your needs and offers pricing that's easy on anyone's budget.
Q: How are people using FLIR ONE cameras?
A: Applications are only limited by your imagination. People use FLIR ONE Series cameras to identify the hottest or coldest spot in a scene and to locate anomalies through differences in apparent temperatures. Users can quickly find problems, share their findings with clients to get the go-ahead for the repair, and then use the thermal camera to verify that the repairs have been made—providing the customer with peace of mind. The FLIR ONE Series is often used in applications such as finding overheating or loose electrical connections, maintaining and installing HVAC/R systems, inspecting pumps and motors, finding and repairing vehicle mechanical problems, discovering the source and the extent of moisture-related issues, locating missing insulation and air leaks around windows and doors, and so much more.
Q: Which FLIR ONE should I get for my application?
A: The FLIR ONE Series of cameras provide features and price points which step up with each model. You will need to evaluate your situational needs but in very general terms:
FLIR ONE Pro versus FLIR ONE Pro LT
- If reporting of any type is required, then select the FLIR ONE Pro; it has the best thermal image resolution at 19,200 pixels with a thermal sensitivity of 70 mK and a maximum temperature measurement of 752°F (400°C).
- If professional applications are required that are not high temperature related or do not require the same level of resolution or image detail, select the FLIR ONE Pro LT
Both FLIR ONE Pro models provide access to professional features in the FLIR ONE app such as multiple measurement spots, automatic tracking of hottest/coldest point, view and adjust IR scale to better highlight problems
FLIR ONE (Gen 3)
Our entry-level FLIR ONE model, the Gen 3 is the perfect choice for users who need a thermal camera for applications that don't exceed 248°F (120°C).
Features, pricing, and availability
Q: What are the primary differences between the FLIR ONE, FLIR ONE Pro LT, and FLIR ONE Pro?
A: The main differences between these models are resolution, sensitivity, and temperature range. In addition, FLIR ONE Pro models offer advanced app features such as three movable measurement spots (the FLIR ONE Gen 3 offers only one center spot), hot and cold spots, and an IR scale view with adjustable limits for more efficient troubleshooting.
Q: What is the price point of FLIR ONE, FLIR ONE Pro LT, and FLIR ONE Pro?
A: FLIR ONE retails for $199.99, FLIR ONE Pro LT retails for $299.99, and FLIR ONE Pro retails for $399.99. (Prices may vary).
Q: How can I purchase a FLIR ONE or FLIR ONE Pro-Series camera?
A: In addition to purchasing through FLIR.com, FLIR ONE models are available worldwide from major retailers including Amazon and Apple.
FLIR ONE hardware
Q: Can I use my FLIR ONE or FLIR ONE Pro-Series with my smartphone's protective case?
A: Yes, the OneFit™ connector feature is available on all devices. The connector adjusts up to an additional .16 inches (4 mm). This increased length is compatible with most protective cases, so you don’t have to choose between thermal vision and safeguarding your device. Please note, the 4 mm extension will not complete a connection through the LifeProof® and OtterBox® Defender Series® cases.
Q: Do the FLIR ONE or FLIR ONE Pro-Series require frequent manual tuning of the shutter to ensure the best experience?
A: No. The second and third generation FLIR ONE and the FLIR ONE Pro-Series feature automatic tuning and thus will not require the user to periodically reset the thermal sensor.
Q: How long does the battery last under continuous operation?
A: The FLIR ONE, FLIR ONE Pro LT, and FLIR ONE Pro battery life will vary dependent upon usage. However, you should have between 45 minutes and an hour of continuous usage.
Q: Will the camera unit drain my tablet/smartphone battery?
A: No. The attachment includes an internal battery, ensuring that the FLIR ONE or FLIR ONE Pro-Series will not drain the attached device’s battery.
Q: Are there replacement batteries available for my device?
A: No, however you may charge the device while in use through an external power bank or between uses.
Q: What is the operating temperature for the FLIR ONE models?
A: The FLIR ONE and FLIR ONE Pro LT can be used in temperatures from 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C) and can detect temperatures from -4°F to 248°F (-20°C to 120°C).
The FLIR ONE Pro operates at 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C) and can detect temperatures from -4°F to 752°F (-20°C to 400°C).
Q: How far away can I see a hot spot?
A: Thermal cameras, like visible cameras, can see as far as your eye can see in most cases. Whether you will “see something” at a given distance depends on the size of the object and the contrast. In the thermal world, we are looking for objects that are hotter or cooler than their surroundings. How far you can see or detect a hot spot is a function of how hot the object is relative to its surroundings. The bigger the temperature difference, the easier it is to see. However, if you are looking for a more accurate temperature reading, you should be no more than 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 m) away from your target. If you need a greater distance than that in order to work safely, you should consider a thermal camera with a higher resolution.
FLIR ONE App privacy policy and SDK
Q: What is your privacy policy?
A: We respect your privacy. Please review our privacy policy.
Q: What additional apps will be available for FLIR ONE?
A: For a list of all approved FLIR ONE apps please visit our Apps Gallery here.
Q: What is the FLIR ONE/Mobile SDK and where can I get it?
A: The FLIR ONE/Mobile SDK is a software development kit that enables developers to create mobile platform applications for both iOS® and Android™ that utilize FLIR APIs to integrate thermal imaging and/or thermal sensing capabilities into their apps. Supported by a robust set of development tools including getting started guides, sample code, help files, online developer forums, and training videos, developers can create new innovative apps from scratch or add thermal imaging/sensing functionality into existing applications that will work with a broad range of FLIR thermography and test & measurement devices. It is available free of charge at developer.flir.com or email Heliel Morales at Heliel.Morales@flir.com.
Q: Can anyone develop a mobile app for the FLIR ONE cameras?
A: You will need a valid developer account for the supported platform development environment of your choice. We currently support Apple iOS and Google Android development. Register on developer.flir.com to get free access to the FLIR Mobile SDK, the associated FLIR APIs, the entire suite of FLIR Mobile development tools, and technical support for app development. Developers of apps that are intended to be released to the public are required under terms of the FLIR Mobile and FLIR One SDK license agreements to submit the apps to FLIR for review and approval prior to making them available publicly (including through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store).
Q: What type of mobile apps would be most popular?
A: FLIR ONE users are generally working in the professional trades like home inspectors, electricians, HVAC/R technicians, energy auditors, etc. Those users are most interested in apps that help them do their jobs more efficiently by creating inspection assets management and reporting tools.
Distribution partners
Q: I am a dealer/store owner and would like to sell FLIR ONE and FLIR ONE Pro-series thermal imaging cameras. Whom do I contact?
A: Please email Steve Chisholm at Steve.Chisholm@flir.com.
FLIR ONE mobile device compatibility
Q: Which mobile devices are compatible for use with the FLIR ONE Gen3 and the FLIR ONE Pro-Series cameras?
A: For a complete list check here, but in general the FLIR ONE Gen3, FLIR ONE Pro LT, and FLIR ONE Pro are compatible with Apple products that have a Lightning connector and many Android devices with a USB-C connector.