See Beyond the Visible.

Thermal & Infrared Drone Cameras

Unlock powerful insights with thermal imaging technology. From detecting heat signatures to identifying anomalies invisible to the naked eye, thermal cameras empower commercial and enterprise drone users to operate with greater safety, efficiency, and precision. Whether you're inspecting critical infrastructure or supporting search and rescue efforts, thermal imaging delivers critical data to enhance decision-making.

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Thermal Cameras & Payloads

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DJI Zenmuse H30T sensor Top 3/4 viewDJI Zenmuse H30T sensor front view
DJI DJI Zenmuse H30T Five-Module Camera (Wide, Zoom, Rangefinder, Thermal, NIR Aux. Light)
From $9,460
DJI Zenmuse H20N Night Vision Camera
DJI DJI Zenmuse H20N Night Vision Camera
From $9,239
DJI Zenmuse H20T CameraDJI Zenmuse H20T Sample Thermal Image
DJI DJI Zenmuse H20T Quad-Sensor Camera (Zoom, Wide, Rangefinder, Thermal)
From $9,809
DJI Zenmuse H20 CameraDJI Zenmuse H20 Triple-Sensor Camera (Zoom, Wide, Rangefinder)
DJI DJI Zenmuse H20 Triple-Sensor Camera (Zoom, Wide, Rangefinder)
From $3,639
Save $2,341
Autel EVO II 640T (Radiometric) Thermal + 8K Gimbal/Camera OnlyAutel EVO II 640T (Radiometric) Thermal + 8K Gimbal/Camera Only
Autel Robotics Autel EVO II 640T (Radiometric) Thermal + 8K Gimbal/Camera Only
$3,359 $5,700
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Autel EVO Max 4T Gimbal/Camera OnlyAutel EVO Max 4T Gimbal/Camera Only
Autel Robotics Autel EVO Max 4T Gimbal/Camera Only
$4,099
Freefly LR1 Thermal Upgrade
Freefly Freefly LR1 Thermal Upgrade
DJI Zenmuse XT2 Dual 4K & FLIR Thermal CameraDJI Zenmuse XT2 Dual 4K & FLIR Thermal Camera
DJI DJI Zenmuse XT2 Dual 4K & FLIR Thermal Camera
$14,700

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What Is Thermal Imaging?

Thermal imaging measures the heat energy objects emit, translating it into a visual map of temperature variations against their background. Unlike conventional cameras that depend on visible light, thermal sensors detect infrared radiation—making it possible to perceive heat signatures in total darkness or through obstructions such as smoke, fog, or dense foliage.

When combined with the elevated perspective drones offer, thermal cameras unlock remarkable capabilities for a range of professional applications. Advanced UAV thermal imaging systems can pinpoint subtle heat anomalies, monitor temperature fluctuations, and uncover hidden issues.

Whether identifying electrical faults during utility inspections, finding individuals in disaster zones, or tracking suspects in concealed areas, drone-mounted thermal cameras deliver precise, actionable insights that boost safety, operational efficiency, and overall decision-making across numerous industries.

Top Thermal Drone Cameras & Payloads

Advexure’s top picks for thermal drone cameras pair advanced imaging technology with reliable drone platforms to meet the needs of key industries. The DJI Zenmuse H30T for the Matrice 350/300, combines a high-resolution 1280×1024 thermal sensor with a 40 MP zoom camera and laser rangefinder, offering unmatched precision for inspections and public safety missions. The Autel EVO Max 4T payload features a 640×512 thermal camera, 50 MP wide camera, and powerful 160x hybrid zoom, making it a top choice for search and rescue or security operations. For industrial tasks like energy inspections or surveillance, the Autel L35T, purpose-built for the Autel Alpha platform, offers dual thermal lenses, 35x optical zoom, and long-range accuracy.

Thermal Imaging Use Cases

A police officer flying an M30T in a rainstorm

Law Enforcement

Thermal cameras enable law enforcement teams to improve operational efficiency and safety, even in the most challenging scenarios.

  • Perimeter Monitoring: Survey large areas for unauthorized activity in low-light or obscured conditions.
  • Suspect Tracking: Use heat signatures to locate and follow individuals, even through foliage or darkness.
A firefighter in California flying a DJI Matrice 300 near a fire engine for firefighting thermal use case

Firefighting

Thermal sensors provide firefighters with critical data to identify risks and track fire behavior in real time.

  • Hotspot Detection: Spot smoldering hot spots inside walls or debris that are invisible to the naked eye.
  • Wildfire Containment: Monitor fire progression and intensity across wide areas to guide containment efforts.
A search and rescue team flying a DJI Matrice 30T to locate missing persons in a winter scenario

Search and Rescue

Thermal imaging technology saves lives by detecting heat signatures in environments where visibility is limited.

  • Locating Missing Persons: Identify individuals lost in dense forests, mountainous terrain, or disaster zones.
  • Hazard Assessment: Survey dangerous areas like collapsed buildings without placing rescue teams at risk.
A DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise flying near power lines for a utility inspection

Utility Inspections

Thermal cameras streamline inspections by quickly identifying issues that could compromise infrastructure integrity.

  • Electrical Grid Assessments: Pinpoint overheating transformers, damaged power lines, or faulty connections
  • Pipeline Monitoring: Detect insulation failures or leaks in oil, gas, and water pipelines.

Top down aerial view of the roofs in an industrial/commercial complex

Roof Inspections

Thermal imaging improves roofing assessments by highlighting problem areas that standard cameras miss.

  • Energy Loss Analysis: Spot heat escape points caused by damaged insulation or poor sealing.
  • Water Damage Detection: Identify moisture trapped under roofing materials through temperature anomalies.
Thermal/infared view of a solar farm in Rainbow thermal palette.

Solar Panel Inspections

Thermal imaging makes it easy to assess solar panel health, ensuring optimal energy production.

  • Fault Detection: Identify malfunctioning panels or cells by spotting temperature discrepancies.
  • Performance Evaluation: Monitor and maximize the efficiency of large-scale solar installations.
A DJI Matrice 350 RTK flying above shipping containers at a shipyard for a private security use case

Private/Commercial Security

Thermal technology enhances property surveillance, providing superior visibility and rapid threat detection.

  • Large-Scale Monitoring: Track unauthorized activity across wide perimeters, even in complete darkness.
  • Intruder Tracking: Follow body heat signatures of potential intruders to aid security responses.
aerial drone view of livestock/cattle grazing on a large pasture

Cattle/Livestock Management

Thermal cameras help farmers and ranchers monitor herds and identify health concerns quickly.

  • Health Checks: Detect signs of illness or injury through abnormal heat patterns.
  • Herd Management: Locate, count, and track livestock across expansive grazing areas.

5 Key Benefits of Thermal Drone Cameras

Uncover Hidden Heat Variances

Thermal imaging enables swift identification of temperature variations, facilitating prompt responses to issues such as equipment malfunctions or structural defects.

Improve Safety in Hazardous Areas

Thermal imaging on drones allows users to assess dangerous environments from a safe distance, reducing risk to personnel.

Get Actionable Data

Thermal sensors generate precise temperature readings, enabling accurate assessments for inspections and diagnostics.

Succeed in Low Visibility Conditions

Equipped with advanced sensors, these drones capture detailed thermal data, supporting informed decision-making and predictive maintenance strategies.

Boost Operational Efficiency

Thermal imaging streamlines inspections and reduces manual labor, saving time and lowering operational costs.

Thermal Drone Cameras FAQ

What is the industry standard resolution for thermal drone cameras?

High-end thermal drone cameras typically feature a resolution of 640×512 pixels, providing detailed thermal imagery essential for precise inspections and analyses.

Are thermal cameras compatible across different drone manufacturers like DJI, FLIR, and Autel?

Thermal cameras are generally designed to be compatible with specific drone models from their respective manufacturers. For instance, DJI's Zenmuse series is tailored for DJI Matrice 300 series drones, while Autel's thermal cameras are intended for use with Autel drones. Cross-compatibility between brands is rare and often unsupported.

What are the common color palettes used in thermal imaging, and how do they affect image interpretation?

Thermal imaging utilizes various color palettes, such as White Hot, Black Hot, and Rainbow, to represent temperature differences visually. White Hot displays hotter objects as lighter, while Black Hot does the opposite. Rainbow uses a spectrum of colors to highlight subtle variations, aiding interpretation for specific operational needs.

How accurate are thermal spot measurements taken by drone cameras?

The accuracy of thermal spot measurements depends on factors such as the camera's resolution, sensitivity, calibration, and environmental conditions. High-resolution cameras with greater sensitivity provide precise temperature readings, but surface emissivity and reflectivity must also be considered.

Is specialized training required to operate thermal drone cameras?

While not necessary for basic operation, understanding thermography principles is crucial for accurate data interpretation. Many professionals pursue thermography certification courses to gain proficiency in operating thermal cameras and analyzing thermal data, ensuring reliable results.

What factors influence the cost of thermal drone cameras?

The price of thermal drone cameras is influenced by resolution, sensitivity, and additional features like zoom capabilities and advanced image processing. Entry-level models may start at a few thousand dollars.

Can thermal images captured by drones be analyzed using standard software tools?

Yes, thermal images can be analyzed using tools like DJI’s Thermal Analysis Tool, Autel’s IR PC Tool, or FLIR’s Thermal Studio Suite. These cameras typically produce R-JPEG or radiometric TIF files, which allow detailed temperature analysis and reporting across various software platforms.

What are the limitations of using thermal drone cameras?

Thermal drone cameras have limitations such as surface emissivity variations, environmental factors like rain or extreme temperatures, and obstructions that block the camera’s view. Understanding these factors is essential for effective deployment.