REVIEW – I’ve been wanting a thermal imaging digicam for fairly a while. The TOPDON TC004 Mini Handheld Thermal Imaging Digital camera evaluation provide got here alongside, and I jumped on the probability to take a look at what it might do.
⬇︎ Bounce to abstract (execs/cons)
Worth: $199.00
The place to purchase: Amazon
What’s it?
The TOPDON TC004 Mini is a handheld thermal imaging digicam that may seize images and has a temperature vary of -4°F to 842°F (-20°C to 450°C).
What’s included?
- TC004 Mini Thermal Digital camera
- Hanging strap
- USB-A to USB-C Cable
- Fast Person Information

Tech specs
128×128 thermal imaging and improve to 240×240 decision with TISR know-how
2.4″ Display, 25Hz refresh fee
vast 40°x 30° discipline of view
captures images
optionally available warning ranges
512MB eMMC storage
5 completely different coloration palettes
As much as 15 hours of battery life
IP54 waterproof score
Design and options
The TOPDON TC004 Mini is a flexible handheld thermal imaging digicam that options 128×128 thermal imaging and the potential to reinforce to 240×240 decision with TISR know-how for higher particulars. The digicam has a large 40°x 30° discipline of view and includes a 2.4″ coloration display screen with a 25Hz refresh fee.
Once I first unboxed the TC004 Mini, I used to be hesitant, because it was packaged in a easy plastic packaging. Nevertheless, that rapidly modified after I opened it and dealt with it. It felt hefty and way more sturdy than I anticipated; it felt very top quality.
I seen that there was a 1/4-20 threaded mount on the underside for attaching it to a tripod. That was a characteristic that I wasn’t anticipating, but it surely makes whole sense. The extra I considered it, the extra I preferred it, as this is able to make for hands-free operation.
The general design is glossy and compact. The rounded corners present for a pocket-friendly design. I admire that the show is inset about 1/4″, which is able to assist shield the display screen. The TC004 Mini can also be rated to resist drops as much as 2 meters. The IP54 waterproof score is nice, particularly when you’re working exterior.
The ergonomic design is ideal. When holding the TC004 Mini, your thumb is within the excellent spot for the menu buttons, and your index finger is correct on the digicam button. It sounds easy, however I’ve usually discovered some units simply don’t get this proper.

The TC004 Mini options built-in 512MB eMMC storage. 512MB won’t sound like a lot, however the images are solely 240×240 in decision, and the TC004 Mini can retailer about 8,000 of them. Photos could be transferred to your laptop by way of the included USB cable.
There are fairly a couple of choices and settings, together with 5 show coloration palettes – White Scorching, Black Scorching, Iron, Rainbow, and Crimson Scorching. These could be helpful for various duties, whether or not you might be searching for chilly or scorching areas.

The settings additionally embody warning stage presets, which, when activated, will robotically show an on-screen warning and seize a photograph. Temperature readings could be modified between Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin.
With a temperature vary between -4°F to 842°F (-20°C to 450°C), the TC004 Mini can simply deal with any activity, resembling HVAC troubleshooting, dwelling inspection, water leak inspection, electrical inspection, car upkeep, industrial inspection, and common curiosity. I used to be really impressed with the sensitivity. I positioned my hand on a wall for two seconds, and the TC004 Mini confirmed the warmth from my hand for over a minute.

I found the handprint after I was measuring a light-weight swap. The TC004 Mini is delicate sufficient to detect which of the 2 mild switches was on. This was not one thing I used to be anticipating!


The show could be configured to indicate numerous temperatures, resembling lowest, highest, and heart temperatures. The size on the aspect of the display screen additionally indicated the assorted temperature colours.
The battery lifetime of the TC004 Mini is superb as properly. The two,900mAh battery can energy the unit for 15 hours and options computerized shut-off choices at 5, 10, and 20-minute intervals to increase battery life.
That is how one in all my 3D printers appears with the TC004 Mini. The heated mattress floor is clearly seen.

I additionally discovered that I might inform which circuits have been the warmest in my breaker field:


Last ideas
Total, I discovered the TOPDON TC004 Mini to be a really useful device that gives very exact thermal pictures. I’ve been discovering an increasing number of makes use of for it. I particularly like the flexibility to see which digital and electrical objects are producing warmth (utilizing energy). The sensitivity is superb, detecting hint quantities of warmth signatures.
What I like concerning the TOPON TC004 Mini thermal digicam
- Very delicate imaging sensor
- Standalone gadget, doesn’t require a smartphone
What must be improved?
- The USB-C port flap is difficult to open with no device
Worth: $199.00
The place to purchase: Amazon
Supply: The pattern of this product was supplied at no cost by Topdon. Topdon didn’t have a ultimate say on the evaluation and didn’t preview the evaluation earlier than it was revealed.


