This Thermal Camera Gives Your iPhone a Cool Superpower and It’s $60 Off for Amazon Prime Day

What is the deal?

This Topdon TC002 Thermal Imaging Camera is one of my favorite toys, I mean tools. And right now you can buy it for $60.

Why this trade is recommended by ZDNET

I have quite a few Android smartphones that have built-in thermal cameras (such as Blackview BV8900 Phone or Ulefone Power Armor 18T), and I find them really useful. But my daily driver is the iPhone, and while Apple will never add a thermal camera to its flagship smartphone, you can do the same thing yourself.

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One of the best ways to do this is with Topdon TC002 Thermal Imaging Camera.

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Topdon TC002 Specifications

• Ultra high resolution 256 x 192
• 25Hz refresh rate
• Enhanced test range from -4°F to 1022°F (-20°C to 550°C) with high accuracy of 0.1°F/0.1°C
• Maximum error ±2°C or 2%
• Measures 2.8 x 1.65 x 0.55 inches and weighs one ounce
• Comes with case, cleaning cloth, user manual and 20 inch Lightning extension cable

In the kit, you’ll get the thermal camera, a carrying case, a cleaning cloth, and a 20-inch Lightning extension cable — meaning you don’t have to plug the camera directly into your iPhone, giving you more flexibility.

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The Lightning extension cable is a great gadget and is especially useful if your iPhone is in a case that is too thick to fit the camera.

In terms of thermal camera usability, the TC002 is great for stills and video. It’s so accurate that you can see the heat reflection of your fingerprints on the surface.

The software is very smooth and easy to use. Plus, it doesn’t lag — an issue I see with some software required for thermal cameras.

The video recording is also great: Check out the detail in this fire (converted from a video file to a GIF).

Why do you need a thermal imaging camera? I could list dozens of good reasons, but here are a few uses I’ve recently come across:

• Look for electrical components that are overheating. (Faulty components tend to run hotter.)
• Diagnose all types of HVAC problems, from heat leaking windows, to radiators not heating properly, to air conditioners not cooling.
• Detect dangerous overheating rechargeable battery.
• Find the radiator hose under the floor.
• Detect cooling system problems on desktop and laptop computers.
• Brake lock in place on car.

The Topdon TC002 is a solid thermal imaging camera. It has a good temperature range, is very accurate, the image is smooth thanks to the 25Hz refresh rate, and the software doesn’t lag or crash.

Also: Are thermal cameras on smartphones sensitive enough to detect PIN codes?

This is an industrial-grade thermal camera. At $229 with this Amazon coupon promotion, you can get it for a fraction of the price of a dedicated thermal camera. This is a great addition to any repair kit.