Thermal Master P1 Thermal Camera Review: An Effective Tool at an Affordable Price

TechRadar's Final Verdict

The Thermal Master P1 camera: may not offer the advanced image quality of the more expensive P3 model with its autofocus feature, but it remains an excellent and acceptable option for most thermal inspection tasks.

It clearly outperforms: most integrated thermal imaging solutions in smartphones and is also highly portable, making it ideal for fieldwork when needed. Priced at $129 USD on Amazon, the P1 offers exceptional value.

Strengths (Pros)

• Thermal Imaging Camera: Small and portable.
• Images: Good quality.
• Price: Affordable (reasonably priced).

Weaknesses (Cons)

• Outer Casing: Made of plastic.
• Relies solely on fixed focus: (No adjustable manual or autofocus).
• Some complexity or confusion: in the accompanying app.
• Limited support: for personal computers.

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Quick Navigation in the Article:

• Quick Review: in 30 seconds.
• Price and Availability.
• Technical Specifications.
• Design.
• User Experience.
• Final Verdict.
• Should I buy: Thermal Master P1?
• Other options: for thermal imaging cameras.

Thermal Master P1 Camera: 30-Second Quick Review

The Thermal Master P1 camera: is a compact and affordable option in the world of thermal imaging cameras, offering strong performance that aligns with its competitive price.

The camera relies: on a 160x120 pixel VOx microbolometer sensor, which uses Vanadium Oxide (VOx) technology as an absorbent material to measure minute thermal changes (Axiom Optics, Wikipedia). Thanks to enhanced Super IR resolution of up to 320x240 pixels via software interpolation, it delivers clear and detailed thermal images, making it ideal for basic diagnostics and various inspection tasks.

With a temperature measurement accuracy: of ±2°C and a wide range from -20°C to 600°C, the Thermal Master P1 camera can be used in a variety of applications, from home energy efficiency audits and insulation leak detection to electrical inspections for hot spots.

Close-up of overlapping blue puzzle pieces: symbolizing the fundamental components that come together to form a knowledge graph.

"Overlapping blue puzzle pieces": Source: Pixabay. License: Free to Use.

One of the standout advantages: is its instant compatibility with Android and iOS devices via a USB-C port, eliminating the need for complex app downloads or special adapters.

This lightweight design: and simple interface make it easy to use even for non-specialists, and its portability is perfectly suited for fieldwork environments where larger thermal cameras are impractical.

Many professions benefit: from this camera, including HVAC technicians, electricians, home inspectors, and DIY enthusiasts.

It is also a valuable tool: for automotive diagnostics and basic plumbing inspections, where quick detection of thermal anomalies can save a lot of time and effort.

However: the P1 camera is not the ideal choice for professionals whose tasks require very high thermal sensitivity or advanced features.

It lacks adjustable focus: macro imaging capabilities, and the robust construction found in more expensive professional models like the Thermal Master P3 (you can read my review here) or from competitors like Topdon TC001.

The plastic casing: of the device feels somewhat flimsy, and its refresh rate might be frustrating for users who need real-time precision.

From a value-for-money: perspective, the Thermal Master P1 far exceeds expectations for casual or semi-professional uses.

Priced at around $129 USD: it is significantly cheaper than many competing cameras, yet it offers respectable thermal clarity.

Nevertheless: users with more complex requirements might find better long-term value in investing a larger upfront sum for enhanced durability and accuracy.

Overall, the Thermal Master P1 camera is worth considering: for light thermal tasks, especially when cost and convenience are top priorities.

It is not the right tool: for every job, but for many, the P1 offers a practical and affordable entry into the world of advanced thermal imaging.

(Image source: Mark Piekavans)

Thermal Master P1: Price and Availability

What is the price of the Thermal Master P1 camera?: The Thermal Master P1 costs approximately $129 USD / £139 GBP.

When did the camera become available for purchase?: The product is currently available on the market.

Where can I buy the Thermal Master P1 camera?: The Thermal Master P1 camera can be obtained in most regions directly from the official Thermal Master website, or through authorized online retailers such as Amazon in the US and UK.

Image of a businessman standing in front of a whiteboard: displaying graphs and icons related to innovation and business, reflecting the potential benefits of using knowledge graphs in improving performance and decision-making.

"Businessman standing in front of a whiteboard": Source: Pixabay. License: Free to Use.

Currently, buyers can benefit: from the discount code THERMALBFRI for a 10% discount when purchasing from the Thermal Master store and an 8% discount when purchasing from Amazon.

Thermal Master products are well-available: as the P1 camera can be found in most regions either directly from the manufacturer or through reputable online retailers.

However: the price can vary significantly between regions, and surprisingly, Thermal Master displays all its prices in USD, even if you set your region to another part of the world, with local currency conversion upon purchase.

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Directly from the Thermal Master website and Amazon.com, the P1 camera is available for $129 USD, which is presumably converted to local currencies upon purchase. It can also be found on Amazon UK for £139 GBP.

For comparison, a thermal camera alternative: with roughly the same resolution is the FLIR One Pro, which costs $429 USD, making the P1 seem like a winning deal.

FLIR also offers the less expensive ONE Gen 3 model: but most marketing campaigns avoid mentioning that it only has an 80 x 60 pixel sensor and costs $214 USD.

Another more economical option: is the TOPDON TC001, a thermal imaging camera with an IR resolution of 256 x 192 pixels, which can be purchased from Amazon.com for $209.99 USD.

It also has a smaller sibling model: the TC002C Duo, which features a dual lens and offers higher resolution for $249 USD.

Of course: other Thermal Master cameras with better performance are available, such as the P3, which sells for $279.20 USD, and the P2 at $179 USD.

These cameras offer more detailed and accurate thermal images: but come at a higher cost for these advanced features.

Based on its asking price, the Thermal Master P1 camera is an excellent deal: for anyone looking for reliable performance at a reasonable price.

(Image source: Mark Piekavans)

Value for Money Rating: 4/5

Thermal Master P1: Full Technical Specifications

Swipe to scroll horizontally: to view specifications

• Model: Thermal Master P1
• Infrared Sensor: VOx microbolometer 160×120 pixels @12µm
• Enhanced Infrared Resolution: X³IR 320×240 pixels (via software interpolation)
• Temperature Measurement Range: –20°C to 600°C
• Thermal Accuracy: ±2°C
• NETD (Thermal Sensitivity): Less than 50mK (meaning the camera can distinguish very small temperature differences for clearer images) moviTHERM
• Lens Focal Length: 2.1 mm
• Focus Type: Fixed focus
• Digital Zoom: 15x
• Frame Rate: 25 Hz
• Field of View (FOV): 52° (horizontal) × 39° (vertical)
• Image Enhancement: RazorX Ultra Clear algorithm
• Available Color Palettes: 11 options (e.g., White Hot, Iron Red, Rainbow)
• Compatibility: Android devices (USB-C), iOS devices (Lightning/USB-C)
• Companion App Availability: iOS App Store; Android App Store
• Outer Casing Material: Durable plastic housing
• Dimensions: 59 mm × 27 mm × 17.2 mm
• Net Weight: 17.6 grams
• Power Consumption: 0.32 W from connected phone
• Package Contents: P1 thermal camera, 50 cm USB-C extension cable, storage pouch, user manual
• Key Use Cases: HVAC systems, electrical diagnostics, home inspection, automotive applications

Thermal Master P1: Design and Key Features

• Thermal imaging camera: Small and compact.
• Outer casing: Made of lightweight plastic.
• No integrated tripod mount: currently available.

Whiteboard displaying a complex graph or diagram: symbolizing the organized representation of knowledge and its applications.

"Whiteboard displaying a graph": Source: Pixabay. License: Free to Use.

The design of the Thermal Master P1 camera: primarily focuses on portability and absolute simplicity. Weighing no more than 18 grams and similar in size to a USB drive, this camera is one of the most compact thermal imagers available on the market.

This feature: makes it the ideal choice for technicians or DIY enthusiasts who need a tool that can be easily slipped into a pocket or toolbox without hassle.

The plug-and-play interface: via USB-C or Lightning eliminates the need for internal batteries or charging, as the camera draws power directly from the connected device, contributing to its lightweight design and ease of use in the field.

However: the P1 faces the same challenge that previously appeared in the P2 Pro and P3 models. Although the camera can be connected directly to the phone, Thermal Master provides a 50 cm USB-C extension cable, which is a very practical solution, but the company did not include a dedicated mount.

I encountered this exact problem: with the P3 camera; detaching the camera from the phone makes sense, but it means having to hold the camera with one hand, use the phone app with the other, and hold the phone. Couldn't a small, simple tripod mount be designed to support the camera?

The minimalist design concept: also extends to the user interface; there are no physical buttons or controls on the device itself. All functions are managed through the companion app, keeping the device's design clean and uncluttered.

For quick diagnostics: or immediate inspections, this simplified approach works effectively.

(Image source: Mark Piekavans)

Despite these features: the P1's design has some limitations. The plastic casing, despite being lightweight, lacks the durability and strength found in alternatives with metal constructions, such as the Thermal Master P3 or Topdon TC001.

The camera appears more like a consumer tool: than a professional one, which can be a concern when used in harsh or industrial environments.

The fixed-focus lens: is another compromise; it's good for general use, but it limits its ability for precise close-up inspection or detailed thermal analysis of small objects.

Furthermore: the P1 does not come standard with a lens cap or integrated case, which could leave the lens vulnerable to damage during transport if the included carrying pouch is not used.

Overall, the P1's design is practical and travel-friendly: but users working in challenging conditions or requiring high optical precision might find it lacking in durability and flexibility compared to more expensive options in the thermal imaging market.

(Image source: Mark Piekavans)

Design Rating: 4/5

Thermal Master P1: User Experience and Performance

• Compatible: with Android and iOS devices via USB-C.
• Provides thermal images: of good quality.
• Limited connectivity options: with personal computers.

The image shows a businessman pointing to charts on a whiteboard: expressing concepts of innovation, business, and information presentation, which are fundamental to building a "knowledge graph".

"Businessman pointing to charts": Source: Pixabay. License: Free to Use.

The Thermal Master P1 camera uses: a VOx microbolometer sensor with 160x120 pixel resolution. This sensor is well-suited for basic thermal imaging tasks, but it may not match the level of high-resolution, ultra-sensitive sensors found in professional models like the P2 Pro and P3.

For example, the P3 camera features: advanced optical technologies and superior image upscaling capabilities, making it more suitable for professional and complex thermal diagnostic applications.

While the P1 can be configured: to work with a computer, it is primarily designed as a mobile phone thermal camera.

However: this compatibility is limited to devices with a USB-C port. For instance, the P3 camera was supplied with a USB-C to Apple Lightning adapter, but the P1 only works with iOS devices equipped with a USB-C port (such as some newer tablets and phones).

When connected to a mobile device, the camera consumes low power: at 0.32 watts. It is difficult to determine the exact impact of this on your phone's battery life.

However, Thermal Master indicates an operating time: of up to 220 minutes on a Google Pixel 4, and 367 minutes on a Samsung Galaxy S23+. If you plan to use the camera for extended periods, having a phone that supports wireless charging might provide an additional advantage to ensure continuous operation.

The minimum requirements for effective use: of the camera are an Android phone with at least version 8.0, 3GB of RAM, and a USB OTG (On-The-Go) port. Naturally, the better your device's specifications, the smoother and more effective the user experience will be.

One aspect that is not favored in the Thermal Master system: is the application distribution method. Previously, the P3 app required manual (side) installation.

Fortunately, the P1 app is now available: in the official iOS and Android app stores, if the user can identify the correct app designated for this device among the multiple Thermal Master apps.

The P1 app is called "Temp Master": but it appears almost identical to the app used with the P3. Historically, when the P3 was reviewed, its app was called "Thermal Master P2" - which is rather perplexing.

There is no complete clarity: on why this confusion in app naming was allowed to happen, but it would certainly be more logical and practical for users, if not for the developers themselves, to provide a single, unified Thermal Master app that works with all their products.

The app user experience is virtually identical: to that of the P3 and P2 Pro cameras, where users can control how thermal data is displayed within the image and pinpoint specific locations to measure temperatures.

The app includes the same eleven color palettes: (color schemes) and all the options that were available in the other models, as far as we recall.

The fundamental difference: lies in the fact that images captured with the P1 camera have lower resolution; data is acquired at 160 x 120 pixels and then processed and interpolated by software to reach 320 x 240 pixels. While this improves image clarity, it does not match the true native resolution provided by the P2 Pro and P3 cameras.

(Image source: Mark Piekavans)

The absence of a focus dial: did not prove to be a major issue, mainly because the fixed focal length of the lens was very short, just 2.1 mm. Considering the low resolution of the sensor, an adjustable lens probably wouldn't have made much difference, so it was omitted.

However: the focus works well with relatively close objects, which is the typical problem I encountered with other thermal sensors.

The results: as seen in the images and examples, are acceptable and serve their purpose for many tasks, even if they are not the absolute best on the market.

For users involved in engine inspections: or plumbing systems, the P1 camera offers good and reliable performance.

This camera clearly outperforms: most integrated thermal sensors in smartphones, and the ability to quickly attach and remove it is a valuable added benefit for both professionals and hobbyists.

The lack of dedicated software tools: for Apple macOS or Linux systems is disappointing for users who rely on these platforms for their work. There is also no official app for ChromeOS, although it might be possible to run the Android app in this context.

Overall, the Thermal Master software needs standardization: across all its camera products, but it works well enough to meet the needs of many potential customers.

(Image source: Mark Piekavans)

User Experience Rating: 3.5/5

Thermal Master P1 Thermal Camera Sample Images

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(Image source: Mark Piekavans)

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(Image source: Mark Piekavans)

(Image source: Mark Piekavans)

Thermal Master P1: Final Verdict for the Thermal Camera

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