Thermal Camera Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Product (Handheld Thermal Camera, Helmet Mounted Thermal Camera), By Technology (Cooled, Uncooled), By Application (Security And Surveillance, Inspection And Monitoring, Wildlife Observation, Hunting, Navigation, Others), By End-Users (Aerospace And Defense, Automotive, Marine, Oil And Gas, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2024 To 2029

The thermal camera market will reach US$4.684 billion in 2029 at a CAGR of 7.26% from US$3.299 billion in 2024.

The thermal camera market is projected to show steady growth during the forecast period. A thermal camera, also known as an infrared camera, is a handy electronic device that discovers heat signatures and generates an image of the object. The discharge of infrared rays influences the image captured by these cameras. The specialized feature is hidden in its lens where the heat sensors are conjoined with a special lens that captures the heat signatures of the objects in its sight line. After capturing the object, the camera software converts it into an image called a thermal image or thermogram.

Thermal cameras are used in various industries and sectors due to their capability to detect heat images. Some examples include detecting an electric leakage in a building and capturing rare wildlife species. The growing prevalence of security, the expansion of automation in the industrial sector, and the growing demand for public safety and fire accidents are driving the thermal camera market growth.

Thermal Camera Market Drivers

• Growing prevalence of security boosts the thermal camera market growth

The major driving force behind the thermal camera market growth is rising tensions of national security across borders. With the increasing terrorist activities, a rapid security solution needs to be implemented for protection within the range of parameters. These thermal cameras provide comprehensive 24/7 coverage and are capable of operating in darkness by discovering the heat images, making them a good option for security surveillance.

The unique features of these cameras enable the perimeter to be a safe ground by enabling continuous surveillance and detection of threats, whether it be day or night, without constraints. The primary aim of this innovative camera is to detect heat images, and is not limited by constraints like smoke, fog, dust, etc. Because of these features, the camera is well-suited for security surveillance at the border.  

• The expansion of automation in the industrial sector propels the thermal camera market growth.

The increased adoption of automation in industries is driving the thermal camera market growth. These vivid functional instruments are revolutionizing routine works like the identification of objects, recording temperature variations, and management of ongoing work. Compared to traditional cameras, these cameras are built uniquely. The thermal camera lens is attached with heat sensors to capture the object and then turn it into an image. Unlike traditional lenses, these heat-generating lenses can work under circumstances like fog, dust, and moist environments.

Thermal cameras in industrial setups is used to monitor the variations in machine temperature to reduce further loss to the machine and the whole environment around the industry. However, these machineries cost a huge amount, and a single breakdown can cause unbearable loss of the whole process. These are some of the good features of thermal cameras that make them the best choice for industries.

• Growing demand for public safety and fire accidents drives the thermal camera market growth.

Thermal cameras are gaining popularity in the field of fire accidents as they are capable of finding the people inside the building with fire.  The lens of the camera works under unbearable conditions to feed the absolute data to save lives. Unlike any other device, these thermal capable lenses can find the object in darkness, foggy conditions, or in moist weather.

For instance, according to an article published by the Forest Survey of India, fire accidents are common in the region, especially in the summer seasons. 52,785 forest fires were discovered using the “Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectro- radiometer” sensor, and 3,45,989 forest fires detected in 2020-21 using the sensor called “Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite”. These data on fire accidents and the utilization of various sensors in detecting forest fires will enhance the market growth of thermal cameras.

Thermal Camera Market – Geographical Outlook

• The North American market is anticipated to grow significantly.

North America is projected to account for a significant share of the thermal camera market due to various factors. Growing security aspects are propelling investments in innovative security systems to oversee and safeguard the area. Thermal cameras are the best options for border security and surveillance purposes in vivid environmental conditions, as these security measures are crucial infrastructures in the region. The government is funding the amount to enhance security measures and devices to safeguard the region.

For instance, according to an article published by the Government of Canada in June 2023, The Department of National Defence targets to reduce its environmental impact on aquatic animals. The Marine Mammal Monitoring Program is initiated to use thermal cameras to drones to study the possible threats around the water to the mammals present in it.  

Thermal Camera Market Restraints  

• Reduced awareness about thermal cameras hinders market growth.

 Although these cameras are capable of capturing heat objects and have implacable properties, the knowledge about thermal cameras is still in process, and many people don’t have much information about them. These aspects slow down the wider adoption of thermal cameras.

• Increased prices curb the thermal camera market growth

Compared to traditional cameras, thermal cameras are expensive due to their high-end properties and benefits. The initial expenses may be challenging for some small enterprises to incorporate these thermal cameras.

Thermal Camera Key Industry Developments

• January 2024: Hanwa Visions launched AI-powered radiometric thermal cameras. These cameras are capable of detecting temperatures ranging (from -40 -  550) degrees Celsius. These are designed for power plants and factories for endless security purposes.
• January 2024: Valeo and Teledyne collaborated to produce thermal imaging for the automotive sector. The collaboration is aimed at thriving automotive safety systems by incorporating an ASIL B rating. This innovative technology will increase night visibility in vehicles and enhance road safety.

Thermal Camera Market Players and Products

• Bullards QXT: The product offered by Bullards, with the product name “QXT”, is a thermal imager particularly designed for firefighters. The features involved in the thermal imager include enhanced image quality in rough weather like smoke and sunlight. The product has 7+ hours of running time and is adaptable to all weather conditions.

Thermal Camera Market Scope:

The Thermal Camera market is segmented and analyzed as given below:

• By Product
  • Handheld Thermal Camera
  • Helmet Mounted Thermal Camera
• By Technology
  • Cooled
  • Uncooled
• By Application
  • Security and surveillance
  • Inspection and Monitoring
  • Wildlife observation
  • Hunting
  • Navigation
  • Others
• By End-Users
  • Aerospace and Defense
  • Automotive
  • Marine
  • Oil and Gas
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • United Kingdom
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Others