Pyrometer or Thermal Imaging Camera?

With the cost of thermal imaging cameras falling almost monthly, there is a temptation to use a camera instead of a spot pyrometer for measuring temperature.
But, Buyer Beware! At best a thermal imaging camera has an accuracy of +/- 2. Whereas a spot pyrometer can have an accuracy of +/-0.5% or better.
So if actual temperature is the real requirement, don't ditch the pyrometer just yet.

As temperatures increase the inaccuracies of the thermal imaging cameras also increase. The specification of standard cameras are somewhat hazy at high temperature and few suppliers actually state the full specification in the higher ranges.

If you want to use a thermal imaging camera at high temperatures then the same principles when selecting a pyrometer apply. Select the shortest wavelength possible to minimise the effects of variable emissivity.
The better known companies can supply selected waveband thermal imaging cameras that will do the job much better than a long wavelength camera.

However you won't be able to buy a camera for £3,000!

In this business you really do get what you pay for!