# How to Choose a Thermal Camera Module (Spec Guide)

A practical sourcing guide for equipment builders: application, field of view, interfaces, power, mechanical fit and sample configuration.

Source: https://thermal.torsuntech.com/resources/thermal-module-selection-guide/

[Resources](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/resources/) / Selection guide

Selection guide

# How to specify a thermal imaging module

A practical sourcing guide for equipment builders: application, field of view, interfaces, power, mechanical fit and sample configuration.

TORSUN TECH · Sourcing notes · Updated 2026-09-24

01

## Define the job before the model

Describe the target, working distance, operating environment and the decision your equipment must support. An observation image and calibrated temperature data are different requirements. Put the required output in the brief before comparing modules.

02

## Discuss the lens and the detector together

Resolution, field of view and working distance belong in the same conversation. Share the scene width you need to cover and the details you need to see. Request the field of view for the selected detector and lens combination rather than treating focal length alone as the answer.

03

## Check the conditions behind performance figures

Keep the stated conditions with figures such as NETD. Compare specifications with the relevant lens and operating conditions in view. For the MINI 640-2, the product overview preserves the stated conditions next to the listed figure. Ask the supplier to confirm the final specification for your configuration.

04

## Follow the signal into your equipment

List what the host accepts, including video format, control connection, supply voltage and connector details. Confirm the selected pinout and any interface board, cable or conversion hardware. A list of interface names is not a substitute for the integration drawing.

05

## Check the complete assembly

The core, lens, flange, boards, connectors and cable space all need to fit. Use the complete assembly drawing for your design review. In the MINI 640-2 overview, the core dimensions and weight explicitly exclude the lens; the lens configuration has its own supply-scope note.

06

## Put the agreed configuration on record

Before ordering the sample, record the model, lens, interfaces, included items and documents. Define what your team will evaluate and ask for confirmation of anything still open. TORSUN coordinates that discussion with the supplier and follows up on the next step.

### Further technical reading

For background on field of view and thermal sensitivity, see [FLIR’s explanation of thermal camera specifications](https://www.flir.com/discover/professional-tools/thermal-camera-specs-you-should-know-before-buying/) . For the effect of lens aperture on sensitivity, see [FLIR OEM’s lens f-number note](https://flir.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3088/~/flir-oem---lens-f-number%2C-camera-performance%2C-and-how-this-translates-to-nedt) . These explain general principles; they do not validate the specifications of TORSUN’s listed products.

IN THIS GUIDE

- Define the job before the model

- Discuss the lens and the detector together

- Check the conditions behind performance figures

- Follow the signal into your equipment

- Check the complete assembly

- Put the agreed configuration on record

### Have a configuration to discuss?

Send the model or application and the requirements you know.

[Contact TORSUN](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/contact/)

Prepare the next step

## Order a sample

Tell us the application, lens, output and quantity. We confirm the sample configuration and price before you order.

[Request documents](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/contact/?request=documents&from=%2Fresources%2Fthermal-module-selection-guide%2F&product=MINI+640-2) [Order a sample](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/contact/?request=sample&from=%2Fresources%2Fthermal-module-selection-guide%2F&product=MINI+640-2)

ENGINEERING & PROCUREMENT

## Related engineering & purchasing notes

INTEGRATION NOTES

### [MINI 640-2 integration notes](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/resources/mini-640-2-integration-notes/)

For the MINI 640-2 imaging version: check the video interfaces, power conditions, lens assembly and engineering documents before evaluating a sample.

[Read integration notes](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/resources/mini-640-2-integration-notes/)

MODULE SELECTION

### [Thermal or visible: choosing an imaging module](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/resources/thermal-vs-visible-imaging/)

Compare the MINI 640-2 LWIR module and DL-W5010 visible camera by output, optics, power and integration requirements.

[View comparison](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/resources/thermal-vs-visible-imaging/)

PURCHASING QUESTIONS

### [Buying imaging modules from TORSUN](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/resources/thermal-module-procurement/)

Understand TORSUN’s trading role, sample enquiries, quotation scope, documentation and order confirmation for imaging components.

[Read purchasing questions](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/resources/thermal-module-procurement/)

PRODUCT DOCUMENTS

## Continue with a listed configuration.

### MINI 640-2

Thermal imaging module · Product overview · PDF · R2

[Download PDF](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/downloads/TORSUN-MINI-640-2-Product-Overview-R2.pdf)

### DL-W5010

Visible-light camera module · Product overview · PDF · R2

[Download PDF](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/downloads/TORSUN-DL-W5010-Product-Overview-R2.pdf)

### 9.1 mm F0.8

LWIR lens configuration · Product overview · PDF · R2

[Download PDF](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/downloads/TORSUN-9-1mm-F08-Lens-Overview-R2.pdf)

### MINI 384-2

Thermal imaging module · Product overview · PDF · R2

[Download PDF](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/downloads/TORSUN-MINI-384-2-Product-Overview-R2.pdf)

### MINI 256-2

Thermal imaging module · Product overview · PDF · R2

[Download PDF](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/downloads/TORSUN-MINI-256-2-Product-Overview-R2.pdf)

### FPV Thermal 256 / 384 / 640

FPV thermal camera · Product overview · PDF · R2

[Download PDF](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/downloads/TORSUN-FPV-Thermal-Camera-Product-Overview-R2.pdf)

### 1.2MP CVBS Camera

Visible-light camera module · Product overview · PDF · R2

[Download PDF](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/downloads/TORSUN-1-2MP-CVBS-Camera-Product-Overview-R2.pdf)

## Tell us what you are building

Start with the application, configuration and quantity you have in mind.

[Discuss your requirements](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/contact/)

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TORSUN TECH · CATC Building 2, Shipai Town, Dongguan, Guangdong, China · info@torsuntech.com · Tel / WeChat / WhatsApp +86 180 2518 5996 · Enquiry: https://thermal.torsuntech.com/contact/
