Which Cx-Series Camera Is Right for You?

The FLIR Cx-Series compact thermal cameras are pocket-portable inspection tools for building, facilities maintenance, HVAC/R, electrical repair, and other troubleshooting applications. FLIR recently released three new upgrades to the popular Cx-Series: the FLIR C3-X, FLIR C5, and FLIR Cx5 with built-in FLIR Ignite™ cloud connectivity that allows direct data transfer, storage, and backup, so images are always available on all your devices. All three cameras also feature FLIR MSX® (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging), which extracts scene details from the built-in visual camera and embosses them onto the full thermal image.

This video is unavailable due to your cookie settings.

---

Any camera is a handy thermal imager to have on the job, but which one is right for your needs?

FLIR C3-X

The FLIR C3-X is a 3-in-1 tool featuring a thermal camera, digital camera, and flashlight. The 128 × 96 (12,288 pixel) resolution thermal imager has an expanded temperature range of -20 to 300°C (-4 to 572°F), a significant upgrade to the original FLIR C2. It’s the entry-level Cx-Series camera offered by FLIR, but still provides powerful features like FLIR Ignite and MSX, and professional reporting capabilities for documenting problems and repairs with images using FLIR Thermal Studio. 

BUY NOW

FLIR C5

The FLIR C5 has the same features as the C3-X, but includes a more powerful 160 x 120 (19,200 pixel) resolution thermal imager. The higher resolution gives you more detail, enabling the camera to spot smaller temperature differences and making it easier to get an accurate temperature measurement. On top of that, the C5 has zoom capabilities, features 1-Touch Level/Span for improved scene contrast, and has an even better temperature range of -20 to 400°C (-4 to 752°F).

BUY NOW

FLIR Cx5

The FLIR Cx5 is the same 160 x 120 (19,200 pixel) resolution thermal imager as the C5, but is certified for use in many explosive environments, eliminating the need to acquire hot work permits due to gas, vapor, and dust, while making T-Class surveys quick and easy. The FLIR Cx5 is an affordable thermography tool for most industries with explosive atmospheres including chemical, oil and gas, and wastewater treatment facilities.

Buy Now

Overall

The C3-X is a great camera for professionals who need a convenient, portable thermal imager for identifying and troubleshooting problems. However, the higher resolution of the C5 will give the user greater detail of the scene and pick up more subtle temperature differences. The Cx5 is suitable for those working in  hazardous, industrial environments who need high resolution images.

If you don’t rely too heavily on thermal imaging for inspections, but still value thermal as a useful tool, the affordable FLIR C3-X is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more robust imager for detecting potential issues on a regular basis, the C5 camera will better suit your needs and still come in at under $1000. If you perform T-class surveys, work in explosive environments, or regularly require hot work permits, then the Cx5 is your camera.