# Thermal vs Visible Camera Module: Which to Choose

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

Source: https://thermal.torsuntech.com/resources/thermal-vs-visible-imaging/

[Resources](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/resources/) / MODULE SELECTION

MODULE SELECTION

# Thermal or visible: choosing an imaging module

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

Technical review: 24 September 2026

Choose the sensing method around the information your system needs. MINI 640-2 produces LWIR observation imagery; DL-W5010 captures visible scene detail. Their resolution and sensitivity figures describe different measurements and should not be ranked as if they were the same specification.

Thermal or visible: choosing an imaging module

| Integration checkpoint | MINI 640-2 | DL-W5010 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sensing method | LWIR, 8–14 μm; thermal contrast | Visible light; scene detail under illumination |
| Resolution basis | 640 × 512 detector pixels | 1500 TVL, analog resolution rating |
| Optical configuration | Listed 9.1 mm F0.8: 48.74° × 39.01° FOV | 3.0 mm lens; 125° FOV (axis unspecified) |
| Host video | CVBS + USB 2.0 | CVBS, PAL / NTSC |
| Electrical supply | 5 V ±5% | DC 5–20 V |
| Size reference | 21 × 21 × 10.3 mm, core without lens | 19 × 19 mm board footprint; depth not specified |

## Choose by the required image

For a thermal observation project, start with MINI 640-2 and confirm lens coverage and the host link. For wide-angle analog visible imaging, start with DL-W5010 and confirm lighting conditions and video format. A dual-channel system needs separate alignment, timing and integration work; these two modules are not sold here as a synchronized dual-sensor camera.

[MINI 640-2](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/products/mini-640-2/) [DL-W5010](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/products/dl-w5010/)

### Documentation basis

Source: MINI 640-2 Product Manual V1.0, dated 19 September 2025, PDF pages 5–6 (product selection and specifications).

Source: supplied DL-W5010 Product Manual, PDF pages 1–2. No revision or test conditions are stated for the minimum-illumination figure. Confirm the applicable document with your quotation.

Technical review: 24 September 2026

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-vs-visible-imaging%2F) [Order a sample](https://thermal.torsuntech.com/contact/?request=sample&from=%2Fresources%2Fthermal-vs-visible-imaging%2F)

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/)

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