Thermal Imaging Camera's | Practical Tools or Expensive Toys? | TOPDON TC004 | Review, Test, Specs

Today I dive into the world of Infrared Radiation and explore views that our human eyes can't.
From mechanical maintenance to electrical resistance, searches and security, thermals camera's can achieve a lot and probably have more uses in the real world than most people think.
In today's episode I go into detail on the new TOPDON TC004 thermal imaging camera, talk about the specifications, costs, practical uses, its operation and limitation and conduct some cool experiments around camp.
*TC004 will be at special price of $496 between 20th April and 30th April 2023*
Where to buy -
TOPDON TC004 - ebay.us/2phRPn
Generic Infrared Thermometer - ebay.us/y8mrpu
I've sure leant a whole lot making this video and I hope that I've been able to pass some of that onto all of you. I hope that this video has provided some useful information to determine whether this tool will be added to your kit.
Thanks for watching and we'll see you in the next episode of XPLORING OZ.
00:00 - Introduction
01:35 - What is it & how does it work?
02:45 - Features and specifications
05:06 - TC004 operation
09:18 - Thermal camera limitations
12:16 - Practical uses
19:05 - Costs
19:32 - USB mode
20:29 - Conclusion
21:34 - Experiments
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Here is some of the camera and audio gear used to film and produce our videos:
Sony A6400: ebay.us/Vk6dD6
Sony 24-105mm G Lens: ebay.us/317T9c
K&F Concept Tripod: ebay.us/KnDMW9
GoPro Hero 8: ebay.us/RolXxy
GoPro Mic Adapter: ebay.us/TavATp
Rode Videomicro: ebay.us/ZIagAa
Rode Videomic Pro: ebay.us/T8jep7
Rode Videomic Pro Deadcat: ebay.us/WUeLy6
Rode Wireless Go: ebay.us/ptDtzi
Canon EOS 70D: ebay.us/7tb0pR
DJI Mavic 2 Pro: ebay.us/kPIchk
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting XploringOz.

[@rich9903]

Another highly informative video Nathan. I understand that you’re out on the road at the moment and that your channel is all about camping and touring (and of course product reviews) but needless to say, the camera would also have a multitude of uses around the home. For me, a big one would be early detection of termite activity in hidden places such as inside walls. For this very reason, thermal imaging cameras are used in the pest control industry when inspections are carried out by such service providers. Even at 500 odd bucks, I think the unit will very quickly pay for itself when used throughout the home and as you have detailed in your video. I’m sold … I just gotta convince the missus now 👍

[@VenidiciRobidici]

Great video mate! Definately a great toy/tool. One of the best opening lines ever, haha. Cheers for the laughs. It's a fantastic device for kids to enjoy learning about how things work. You're a great content provider and seeing happy kids shows you're a great dad, too 👌 (Edit: great parents, too. WD mum!)

[@XploringOz]

Ahh... another one I missed 🤦‍♂️ Thanks mate. I still haven't decided whether its a better toy or tool 😆 Sure has been great with the kids though, particularly William who is very interested in the mechanics and hands on learning method! Cheers

[@jimseviltwin1]

Best TC004 review on KZbin.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate it 👍

[@myckeee]

This is all I was lookin for in a review. Just bought one. I didn't even use the Hikmicro I got. It'll be returned. Looks like the tc004 is worth the extra price. You demonstrated using it in search conditions and that's what I valued for my use. Thank you for your ideas and creativity.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate the comment and glad this vid could be of help 👍

[@holgermuller2987]

Hi Nathan Thanks, that was a nice tech vid. Vey much different from a thermometer Hooked on it and instructed my tech guy to look for me to buy one for me Happy days and happy traveling Cheers

[@michaelhermans4753]

Very informative as usual Nathan Detection of high resistance in electric circuits very handy

[@XploringOz]

Thanks Michael, it sure does 👍

[@sattvrip]

Good review, good, you even can search hot spots on your solar pannels

[@greg174videos]

Thankyou so much Professor Nathan for your in-depth review of the thermal camera. It is almost as impressive as your new beard. 😉😂👍

[@XploringOz]

Haha, your welcome 😆 Hmm 🤔 Maybe some changes there again too 😧

[@lukehutchinson6754]

Great review Nathan, I am looking to get one for working in the house to try and fix insulation and stop drafts around the place. Cheers 🍺

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate, just another perfect application for these devices 👍

[@Telleout]

Love the kore 4x4 shirt 😊

[@alanpartington86]

Nice mate, they also work well for detecting water leaks. Can you also do us a favour and see if you can see the level of LPG in a gas bottle?

[@XploringOz]

This is true. I'll have another look into this mate. I did a quick try, but it wasn't very conclusive. I reckon it might work ok when the gas is being used. I'll do a little digging over the next couple of weeks and see what happens 👍

[@jebw]

I think if you pour water on the gas cylinder then use the IR camera on it you will see the gas level.

[@GR8Tmate]

Fascinating Nathan, thanks for sharing this. I’ve got a little problem at my place at the moment & this would certainly allow me to eliminate it 😂 or at least get it out of my garden & into the pot on top of the stove 🤣

[@XploringOz]

Haha 😆 Yes, it would certainly help with that

[@Beauty_of_life_._captured]

Great video. What is the range in terms of meters from the camera to effectively pick up images?

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate, so the specs say that accurate data will be maxed out at 4 meters, but this doesn't go to say you can't use this for detection as much longer distances. I can still pick up larger heat signatures from about 60m away, depending on the environment (other sources / change in temps etc)

[@johncar2129]

By any chance, do you know the following: Can you detect a car exhaust leak with this device?

[@XploringOz]

Hey mate, it’s unlikely it would be effective at this. It really can’t pickup gases. It would only detect the temperature on the solid metal of the pipe itself 👍

[@6tacos11]

I reckon that tshirt your wearing is pretty dam hot 🔥 😂

[@XploringOz]

Haha 😆 Thought you might like that one 👍