The Mini256 is a portable, rugged thermal imaging camera and for most professionals, and of course all home DIYers, there is no need to buy a more expensive alternative. Its composite images are crisp, measurements are accurate enough for most applications, and Wi-Fi image transfer is convenient and easy to use.
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the one that’s right for you. Learn more about how we test.
Mini256 is a leading manufacturer of thermal imaging cameras(opens in new tab) with a wide range of products to suit almost any application. Their method takes relatively low resolution data from thermal imaging cameras and combines it with contrast data from aligned optical cameras to put them in that position.
It also takes thermal imaging out of a niche professional and military category and into “for all of us” territory for any tradesman or reasonable home tinkerer.
The rugged and compact Mini series embodies this; there’s a Mini256 with a 256 x 192 pixel thermal sensor, and the Mini384 we’re reviewing here bumps that resolution up to 384 x 288.
Thermal resolution: 256 x 192 Temperature range: -20°C to 400°C (-4°F to 752°F)
The device feels great right out of the box, with a solid design, somewhere between a traditional small camera (pre-cell phone era, you know) and a phone with a thick rubber case protecting the protruding lens. This provides IP54 protection and, dare we say, a good level of drop protection.
The cameras are fixed focus and work at any distance from 30 cm (11.8 inches), which means they are easy to use and there are no compromises at this resolution.
The MINI produces standard JPEG images (about 5000 built-in files) and is a very useful device. The temperature sensor can measure ranges up to 400°C (572°F) – good enough to detect thermal problems – and has an accuracy of ±3°C (0 to 100°C) and ±3% (higher temperatures), ideal for everyday use. . The device works most accurately in a typical working environment (ambient temperature between 15 and 35°C, as you would expect).
We found the simple measurement functions to be convenient and easy to read; point readings or select boxes with minimum and maximum readings stored directly on the image may not look very pretty, but they serve the purpose.
The MINI256 Compact Thermal Imaging Camera(opens in new tab) is an excellent thermal imaging device that does exactly what it says on the box, and its results are easy to use in reports. Whether you’re preparing a boiler report or checking wiring or insulation, fused images are easy to get and, perhaps more importantly, easy to understand. Anyone who does not understand thermal imaging (except for the well-worn “Predator”) will immediately understand the conclusion.
The MINI tool helps make this easier as it’s easy to set up and offers 1 GB images at no charge.
These are minor issues and will not affect most users. With energy prices rising, it’s easy to imagine that this pays off, as it can spot insulation problems just as easily as faulty electronics.
Adam has over 20 years experience as a technology journalist and has extensive knowledge across a wide range of product categories including time lapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photobooks, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners. borescopes, radar detectors. ..and most importantly drones.
Adam is our staunch expert on all aspects of drone photography and drone photography, from buying guides offering the best options for aerial photography of all skill levels to the latest rules and regulations for flying drones.
He is the author of several books, including The Complete Guide to Drones (opens in a new tab), The Smart Home Guide (opens in a new tab), 101 Tips for DSLR Video (opens in a new tab), and “Drones”. Pilot’s Handbook(opens in a new tab).
Digital Camera World is part of Future US Inc, an international media conglomerate and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate website(opens in a new tab).
Post time: Feb-24-2023
