Tech

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


Topdon TC002

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

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.

Also: The most rugged phones of 2024

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

See on Amazon

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.

Topdon TC002 Set

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Also: This $10 Gadget Is My Favorite Repair Tool of All Time

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.

 The extension cable is a nice touch

The Lightning extension cable is a great touch

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

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.

Thermal reflection of fingerprints on the surface

Thermal reflection of fingerprints on the surface

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

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 software required to operate the TC002 is one of the best available today.

The software required to operate the TC002 is one of the best available today.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

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

Topdon TC002 has very good thermal video recording function.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

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.

Deals may go out of stock or expire at any time, although ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals so you can save the most. Our team of experts regularly reviews the deals we share to make sure they’re still valid and available to shop. We’re sorry if you missed this one, but don’t worry — we’re constantly looking for new opportunities to save and sharing them with you at ZDNET.com.

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