HTI HT-18 Thermal Imaging Camera Review 

Thermal imagery is one of technology’s greatest achievements. Being able to see heat signatures not only has a variety of practical uses in multiple careers but is also very useful for home owners who want to do their own inspections or find out if their widows are sealing correctly. As a result, having your own thermal imaging camera on hand can be highly beneficial.

The only issue is that most thermal imagery devices are too expensive for home owners or small business owners. That’s why HTI introduced the HT-18. This affordable device is as accurate and feature packed as some of the more expensive models. This brings high quality thermal imaging into the reach of home owners and technicians that need to buy their own tools. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re inspecting your electrical outlets or looking for leaks in an HVAC system. The HT-18 is has many uses and is affordable. Do you want to learn more about this helpful device?

About the Manufacturer:

HTI sells a variety of thermal imaging devices that can be used in multiple everyday settings. Whether you work in medicine, public security or even archaeology, one of HTI’s devices is bound to have application in your life.

The company is known for its high quality infrared thermal imagery devices which are reliable and have clear displays so you can use them with ease. The company’s goal is to take innovative designs from the prototype stage to the mass market. With stellar quality control and a focus on customers, it provides some of the best technology that’s still affordable. 

HT-18:

The HT-18 is one of the top selling thermal imaging cameras on the market. This thermal camera produces high quality images (220x160 thermal resolution) which are vital for accurate inspections and diagnosing of problems. This level of thermal resolution is typically only found in thermal cameras costing well over $1,000. It can be used for private use or in a variety of professional settings from manufacturing goods to automotive testing and many more.

On top of this, the HT-18 is lauded for its accuracy. Few thermal imaging devices in this price range are as precise. With this product, you’ll get quick results using some of the best technology. It even includes a 4GB SD card so you can store your images and you can spend more time analyzing them once you’re done with the task.

The HT-18 is also highly affordable. Unlike some thermal imaging devices that can cost more than $15,000 you can get this product for less than $500 and it still guarantees top dollar quality.

Design:

The HT-18 is built with a 3.2” full color display screen that displays thermal images at 220 x 160 thermal resolution (same as on HTI HT-04). The HT-18 also has a .3 megapixel visible light camera which helps add clarity to the thermal images. This guarantees that your images will be visibly clear and detailed. As a result, you see a full range of infrared imagery allowing you to get the most out of your device.

On top of this, the device has five color palettes so that you can select the best one for your job or pick the one that gives you the best visibility.

The HT-18 is lightweight and has a comfortable grip allowing you to use it for long periods of time. The HT-18 is also easy to transport thanks to its small size. The pistol grip design is common for this type of thermal camera and HTI has done a good job incorporating functionality and comfort into the design. 

Overall, it’s a sturdy device that can be used in different environments that can be used daily. Anyone who needs a thermal imaging device for their job and is on a budget should consider this one.

While the refresh rate is only 9Hz it is comparable to many other thermal cameras even ones that are much more expensive.

Specifications:

Here are a few notable features of the HTI HT-18:

• Display: 3.2” high resolution TFT color screen
• Automatic focus
• Infrared image resolution: 220 x 160
• Visible light resolution: .3 megapixels
• Temperature Detection Range: -4°F - 572°F
• Thermal sensitivity: +/- 2.5°F
• Field angle / shortest focal length: 27° x 35°/0,5m
• Measuring accuracy: ±2.5℃ or ±2.5%
• Refresh rate: 9HZ
• Wavelength range: 8-14μm
• Color palette: Rainbow, iron oxide red, cold color, black & white, white & black

Best Used For:

The HT-18 can be used in a variety of settings. These uses include:

This is a limited list of all the potential uses of the HT-18. There are many more practical uses that this device can have in multiple lines of work that require thermal imagery.

Warranty:

If you’re not satisfied with your product HTI offers hassle free after sale service as well as a 60 day money back guarantee. On top of this, you get a 24 month warranty and lifetime technical support. The company wants to give you the best possible service so that you’re satisfied, you don’t waste money & you get a product that does what you need it to do.

FAQ

Q: Can it detect animals or people at night?

A: Yes, it can at short distances although it’s not meant to be used as a thermal monocular. You might need to buy an additional device for this purpose.

Q: What is the difference between HT-18 and HT-19?

A: The HTI HT-19 is more expensive than the HT-18 but does have a higher resolution. Its thermal resolution is 320 x 240.

Q: Can it blend images? (thermal and visual)

A: Yes, it can. Many thermal camera's on the market such as FLIR thermal cameras have their patented MSX technology which blends the thermal image with the visible image; this helps produce a clearer image. HTI's proprietary system holds it own and in many cases produces superior thermal images although a large part of this is due to the higher thermal resolution.

Q: Can it record videos?

A: No, it can only take photographs and store images.

Final Thoughts

If you need a budget thermal camera for your line of work, look no further than the HTI HT-18. This device is highly affordable but gives you top quality images. Whether you need it for professional use or you simply want a thermal camera for home projects the HT-18 is a great choice.

While new to the market HTI has proven that they can bring an advanced thermal camera to market that is suitable for almost any thermal imaging need and affordable.