Drones with thermal cameras are a relatively new type of drone, and have been used for a variety of purposes. Drones with thermal cameras are able to capture images that traditional cameras cannot, making them a valuable tool for many industries. The main difference between a traditional camera and one that uses infrared technology is that the latter captures light from the infrared spectrum.

Thermal cameras can be used for a variety of purposes, including search and rescue missions and military operations. In addition to providing real-time information about what is happening around the drone, these devices can also be used to track individuals or objects over long distances.
Drones are very popular nowadays, and they have been used for a wide variety of purposes including aerial surveying, security surveillance and even firefighting. Drones equipped with thermal cameras are becoming increasingly popular, as they can be used for a variety of applications including search-and-rescue missions and wildlife observation.
Thermal cameras are extremely useful in situations where it’s difficult to see due to low light conditions. They can also be used in situations where it’s impossible to distinguish between objects due to poor visibility or high temperatures. Thermal cameras are well-suited for outdoor use because they don’t require any additional light source and can detect temperature variations as small as 1 degree Celsius (1°C).
Aerial photography and videography generally come to mind first when you think of drones. Drones can be used for a lot more than just taking pictures and videos, though. Drones have been employed in a wide range of applications, including agricultural, surveying, inspection, maintenance, and even search and rescue missions. The main reason drones may be utilized for a wide range of commercial purposes is that many of them are outfitted with top-notch cameras, including thermal and multispectral cameras in addition to RGB cameras.
Drones equipped with thermal cameras are employed for a variety of tasks and have proven particularly helpful in missions including public safety, agriculture, security & surveillance, inspection, and search & rescue.
The top drones with thermal cameras for 2022 will be covered in this post, along with how they’re used in the real world.
Benefits Of Drones With Thermal Cameras
The most popular commercial uses for drones equipped with thermal cameras are described below. These applications have many advantages.
- Inspection – Drones with thermal imaging capabilities can make all the difference, whether it’s a straightforward roof check or a more difficult industrial powerplant inspection. Regular inspections can pose a health risk, particularly if they call for workers to scale extremely tall structures or maneuver around hazardous areas like railroad tracks, electrical grids, and unstable structures. Drones offer a safer approach to check locations and buildings, and with the added advantage of thermal cameras, inspectors can gather much more information that will enable them to identify and report on problems that a regular RGB camera would have missed.
- Search & Rescue – Drones give search and rescue personnel a new tool to look for persons who have been reported missing or who are still missing after a tragedy. They are more affordable, quicker, and simpler to deploy than manned aircraft, which will be extremely helpful in time-sensitive situations. Since drones can maneuver through tight locations that helicopters cannot, SAR crews will have complete situational awareness of the operation thanks to the ability to stream HD video footage to a mobile device. As the camera can detect body heat and is not constrained by poor light, thermal cameras on drones have the extra advantage of enabling nocturnal search operations. As of the time this article was written, over 800 people had been saved in 39 different nations because to drone technology. DJI has an interactive web map that highlights rescue missions involving the usage of drones throughout the world.
- Security and surveillance – Protecting and keeping track of high-value assets is a difficult task for businesses and government organizations. They require frequent patrols, which can be costly and dangerous for the staff. They are also labor-intensive. Using drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras and night vision sensors would improve the security capabilities of sensitive and valuable locations. Every time there is a security breach, they are instantly activated, keep track of any subject, and transmit a live video stream to central command. Additionally, drones can be set up to patrol the area on a regular schedule. This will eliminate the need for manned patrols, lower the risk to security personnel, and improve the building’s or area’s overall security system.
- Agriculture – Using drones in agriculture has several purposes, including managing crop and soil health. The advantages of doing so are enormous. Drones are simple to install, allowing farmers, agronomists, and other interested parties to regularly collect crop and soil data. This will enable them to detect any health problems early on and offer them the opportunity to address the issue before it worsens. Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras are particularly useful since they may be used to see pests, diseases, and early warning signals of plant stress. Drones can also be used to locate misplaced cattle, and nighttime operations will benefit most from thermal camera drones. Drones in agriculture also help track crop growth, maximize fertilizer and pesticide use, increase irrigation efficiency, and cut expenses.
Drone technology is becoming more and more used in public safety activities. Drones have several advantages for public safety operations. They are simple for law enforcement to use to follow suspects covertly, and they aid in securing events like sporting events, concerts, and other public gatherings.
Drones For Disaster Response 2022
They can be used to swiftly map a catastrophe region so that first responders have a precise understanding of the situation and can decide how to continue with more knowledge.
Thermal cameras are an excellent tool for combating fires because they enable firemen to locate survivors and enable people to see through smoke. For firefighters, drones with infrared cameras will be even more useful, particularly in high-rise structures and forest fires.
Best Drone With Thermal Cameras
Thermal cameras are a very useful tool for hunters, fishermen and miners. They allow you to see animals or people in the dark, detect heat leaks in your house or home, and gather data about your surroundings.
Thermal cameras are also useful for search-and-rescue operations, firefighting and law enforcement. If you own a drone with a thermal camera, you can use it to find people who need help or track down criminals.
The following are some of the best drones with built-in thermal cameras:

DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo – Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Camera, 5.4K Video
Brand | DJI |
Model Name | DJIAIR2SFMCRB |
Color | Gray |
Control Type | Remote Control |
Video Capture Resolution | 5.4K HD |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Item Weight | 20.99 Ounces |
Video Output Resolution | 5.4K HD |
Remote Control Included? | Yes |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Polymer |

DJI Mavic Air 2 – Drone Quadcopter UAV with 48MP Camera 4K Video 8K Hyperlapse 1/2″ CMOS Sensor 3-Axis Gimbal 34min Flight Time ActiveTrack 3.0 Ocusync 2.0, Gray
Brand | DJI |
Model Name | DJI Mavic Air 2 |
Color | Gray |
Control Type | Remote Control |
Video Capture Resolution | 4K HD |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Item Weight | 20.11 Ounces |
Maximum Range | 18.5 Kilometers |
Video Output Resolution | 4K HD |
Remote Control Included? | Yes |

Parrot Bebop 2 FPV Pack – Skycontroller 2 and Cockpit Glasses
Brand | Parrot |
Color | Black |
Item Weight | 3.84 Pounds |
Platform | No Operating System |
Compatible Devices | Smartphone |
Field Of View | 90 Degrees |
Model Name | Parrot FPV Pack |
Conclusion
I think we’re on the cusp of a major revolution, whereby drones will be all the rage over the next five to ten years. But the next step, in my mind, should be thermal cameras. We already have thermal-capable drones on the market—but I hope they get cheaper and more commodified. Before long we’ll see all sorts of industries from agriculture to construction to entertainment adopting this technology.