The HSFTOOLS HF96V is a dedicated thermal camera and unlike other cameras that I’ve tested, it doesn’t require a phone to connect to. I tried the HSFTOOLS Finder S1 and quite liked it; The only problem is that it isn’t compatible with my iPhone. The HF96V positions itself as an affordable yet powerful tool, I tested it out to see if it is better than my previous cameras.
Disclosure: We received the camera as a courtesy for review purposes. However, the review is intended to provide honest, unbiased insights about the product, based on personal experiences and observations.
Ease of Use
The HF96V has a user-friendly design and requires no setup. You just need to turn it on and it is ready to use; There is no need to install an app on your phone. With its ergonomic handheld structure, it can be operated easily with one hand. The built-in laser pointer simplifies locating objects in dim environments or tight spaces, while the straightforward four-button navigation minimizes the learning curve.
You can capture an image by pulling the trigger, and the camera simultaneously records visual and thermal data. Then you can transfer data to your computer via the provided USB-C cable.
The device is powered by a 3350 mAh built-in battery and it could last for hours of continuous usage. According to the manufacturer, the battery runtime could reach 8 hours.
Temperature Range and Precision
The HF96V boasts a temperature detection range of -4°F to 1022°F, making it versatile for tasks ranging from spotting insulation gaps in homes to inspecting automotive components. Its advanced VOx detector enables the detection of temperature differences as small as 0.05°C, with an accuracy margin of ±2%. Users can also adjust the device’s emissivity settings based on the material being inspected, enhancing measurement accuracy on surfaces like cement or bricks.
The HF96V’s 50-degree field of view ensures broad coverage during scans. The temperature exceedance alarm is a handy feature that alerts users to anomalies, ensuring no critical detail is overlooked.
The display on the HSFTOOLS HF96V shows important details such as the temperature range, pinpointing the lowest and highest temperatures in the scanned area, and constantly tracking the center temperature. This real-time data makes it easier to interpret thermal images during inspections.
Image Quality
The camera uses a dual-camera system including a 96×96 infrared sensor and a 640×480 visible light camera, so it can provide 3 imaging modes: Fusion, Thermal, and Visual. I like using the Fusion mode as it uses both sensors and overlays thermal image with real-world visuals, making everything look clearer.
It has the base resolution of 96×96 pixels and its Super Resolution image enhancement algorithm can increase the resolution to 240×240. Combined with a thermal sensitivity of below 50mk and a high refresh rate of 25Hz, the HF96V offers smooth and detailed thermal imaging. The resolution is good enough for homeowners but professionals might need to look for higher-end models. I have no problem using the camera to detect leaks around larger areas such as doors, windows, or insulation within walls, where temperature differences are more pronounced and easier to spot. However, it struggles to identify leaks in smaller, confined areas like power outlets or electrical boxes, where the heat signatures can be more subtle and less distinct.
Conclusion
The HSFTOOLS HF96V delivers impressive performance at a competitive price. It costs just around $160 on Amazon at this time. This is almost the most affordable dedicated thermal camera on the market. It is way more convenient and easier to use than phone-connected thermal cameras, therefore, we highly recommend it to homeowners.
Buy HSFTOOLS HF96V on Amazon
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