A thermal imaging tour of Portland with Flir's smartphone camera

Thermal imaging cameras, once the exclusive domain of soldiers and police, are making their way to consumers.

Wilsonville-based Flir Systems, one of Oregon's biggest companies, has begun marketing thermal imaging cameras so small they fit on your cell phones. Flir wants to diversify beyond its declining defense business and is pitching its thermal cameras to contractors, hunters, hobbyists – anyone looking to see the world in a different way.

The dongles for iPhones and Androids cost $250 – a higher-end, standalone version costs $700.

So what can you see with these cameras? We took them on a thermal imaging tour of Portland to find out.

Flir also lists some of the camera's common uses on its website.

I took a couple photos at home to see if the camera could spot any heat leaks. According to the photos, my attic needs some work. 

The cool, blue colors on the walls indicate that my attic office isn't well insulated. This picture was taken with Flir's thermal imaging camera for smartphones.  Mike Rogoway / Staff  This room is better insulated. The warm red, orange and yellow colors contrast with the cool, blue window.  Mike Rogoway / Staff 

-- Mike Rogoway

mrogoway@oregonian.com503-294-7699@rogoway

Source: A thermal imaging tour of Portland with Flir's smartphone camera