For a long time, thermal imaging cameras were considered rather expensive devices that were usually only used by experts. This has changed in recent years as thermal imaging cameras have become more compact and affordable. A good recent example is the HIKMICRO MiniE, which can be conveniently controlled using a smartphone. Simply connect it via USB-C and connect the manufacturer’s own app – and the MiniE is ready for use. It would therefore be particularly suitable for use in the home because of its convenience. Be it for simple electronics checks, leak tests or building diagnostics. In principle, it could even be used to explore the surroundings in the dark.
The test shows how the HIKMICRO MiniE performs in practice and whether it can live up to the current Amazon ranking “Bestseller No. 1 in thermal imaging cameras”.
Technical data
| model | MiniE |
| IR resolution | 96 × 96 (9,216 px) |
| Frame rate | 25 Hz |
| Picture modes | Thermal, PIP |
| NETD | < 50 mK |
| Detector distance | 12 μm |
| Spectral range | 7.5 to 14 μm |
| Field of view (FOV) | 50° × 50° |
| Min. focus distance | 0,1 m |
| Power consumption | 310 mW |
| Degree of protection | IP40 |
| weight | approx. 20 g |
| Dimensions | 41.56 × 34.03 × 10.79 mm |
| Price | € 129.00 * |
Scope of delivery
- Includes, among other things, adapter for USB-C and Lightning
- Extension cable for extended measurement options
- Additional carrying case for safe transportation
In addition to the thermal imaging camera itself, the HIKMICRO MiniE comes with two adapters, one for USB-C and one for the Apple equivalent Lightning. The package also includes a USB-C extension cable and a carrying case. The scope of delivery is rounded off by the usual operating instructions with a German section including a warranty card.
Appearance & workmanship
- Compact, sleek design with dust-protected lens
- Handy and lightweight for easy storage
- Robust housing with solid workmanship
Visually, the HIKMICRO MiniE is housed in a small housing with a very simple design. The compact thermal imaging camera is mostly covered in gray, while the lens and the manufacturer’s imprint are located on the front. There are only small textures on the back, which obviously serve to dissipate heat and at the same time give the housing a little more grip. In addition, there are the usual markings such as the CE mark and the product identification, both shown at the bottom right.
In terms of workmanship, the quality is solid throughout. In our opinion, the housing appears robust and cleanly finished despite weighing only 20 grams. In addition, the lens is well protected and neatly enclosed so that no dust can penetrate. Moving or loose components are nowhere to be found here. The small dimensions, which make the thermal imaging camera very handy, are also a positive feature. This means that the HIKMICRO MiniE can be stowed away in a toolbox or quickly slipped into a trouser pocket.
Features
- Energy consumption via smartphone connection with economical operation
- Resolution of 96×96 pixels and IP40 protection class
- Temperature measuring range from -20 °C to 400 °C
The HIKMICRO MiniE does not require an additional battery and draws its power exclusively from the smartphone’s charging port. At approx. 0.31 watts, this is extremely economical, so that it is hardly a battery guzzler during operation. If you prefer, you can plug the MiniE directly into your smartphone or alternatively use the extension cable to transport the thermal imaging camera to hard-to-reach places.
As far as the lens of the HIKMICRO MiniE is concerned, it has an internal resolution of 96×96 pixels. In combination with the basic protection class IP40, the thermal imaging camera should be able to cover most applications. Temperatures can therefore be measured in a range from -20 °C to 400 °C, with deviations of just ± 2 °C or ± 2 %. HIKMICRO also uses SuperIR technology in the MiniE to improve image quality, while the refresh rate is 25 hertz.
Operation
- Compatible with Android and iOS, but manufacturer app required
- App offers device overview, camera features, firmware updates and media storage
- HIKMICRO Analyzer for detailed analysis on the PC
The HIKMICRO MiniE is compatible with both Android and iOS. As the thermal imaging camera cannot otherwise be easily controlled, the use of the app is mandatory. After the first start, there is a brief introduction to the app and the most important functions are summarized.
The app’s other functions are the same as those already familiar from smart home devices. The start screen provides an overview of the current devices. Any firmware updates can also be carried out directly here. However, our HIKMICRO MiniE was already up to date with the latest software ex works. There is also a media overview of the images and videos created. The device-specific settings of the thermal imaging camera can be made in a separate tab.
If you now switch to the live view, you will see the familiar camera perspective. The camera functions are clearly structured and range from activating SuperIR technology and automatic calibration to adding the smartphone camera as a second image layer. You can also navigate through a total of 15 predefined color palettes.
Once the measurement has been completed, the manufacturer’s own HIKMICRO Analyzer software can be used on the PC to analyze the recorded material in more detail. This analysis software should be of particular interest to professional users.
Practical test: How good is the thermal imaging camera?
- Quick commissioning and stable app connection
- Good detailed measurement, but video recordings show weaknesses
- SuperIR function improves image quality, automatic calibration sometimes annoying
General use
In practical use, the HIKMICRO MiniE proves to be a useful tool in the home. The small thermal imaging camera scores points above all for its quick start-up, which is particularly useful for quick and selective DIY work. As far as the app is concerned, it is ready for use in no time at all and the connection to the camera is established in just a few seconds. No connection interruptions or similar problems occurred during the test. The numerous palettes for image configuration are helpful for a wide range of applications. The detailed view, which can be used to measure a section or specific segments of the image, is also noteworthy. On the whole, operation via the app is therefore very sophisticated, only the German language still takes some getting used to.
Camera quality
However, the quality of the image material leaves a mixed impression. Although the details of the still images are quite sufficient, there are certain weaknesses in the video recordings in particular. Here, the image quality is sometimes blurred or tends to show visible artifacts if movements are visible. In the case of large temperature differences, such as when inspecting the engine compartment, this is noticeable. The reason for this is obviously the recording quality of 96×96 pixels, whereas professional thermal imaging cameras can already deliver a multiple of 240×240 pixels, for example.
Other functions & measurement tolerance
This can be remedied by switching on the SuperIR function, which improves the image quality. In our opinion, this function should always remain switched on. It then becomes more difficult with automatic calibration. This feature is basically good and contributes to measurement accuracy, but leads to brief image stuttering, as can be seen in the example video. There is also a certain temperature tolerance, which is best illustrated using your own hand. A person’s normal body temperature is usually between 36.5 and 37.4 °C. The 31.5 °C measured by the HIKMICRO MiniE therefore has a certain measurement tolerance of a few degrees Celsius.
HIKMICRO MiniE test: Conclusion
Overall, the HIKMICRO MiniE proves to be a reliable thermal imaging camera in a compact format. The control via smartphone works without any problems and the manufacturer’s own app also provides useful results for temperature measurement. However, a certain measurement tolerance in the single-digit Celsius range should not be ignored. One drawback is the camera’s limited resolution of 96×96 pixels, especially for video scenes. If you don’t need this, the HIKMICRO MiniE can easily take individual shots and measure individual areas.
Of course, the intended use must also be taken into account. In terms of functionality and convenience, the HIKMICRO MiniE is virtually exotic in this field. After all, not everyone wants to buy a professional thermal imaging camera that costs several hundred euros and is perhaps only used twice a year. For such cases, the HIKMICRO MiniE is perfectly adequate and provides reliable service in the price range up to 120 €. If, on the other hand, you value the highest possible image quality and a very low measurement tolerance, then you should dig a little deeper into your pocket.
- Compact size
- Simple operation
- Fast temperature measurement
- Mixed camera quality
- Certain measurement tolerance
- Limited range
HIKMICRO MiniE
Processing
Hardware
Performance
Ease of use
Price-performance ratio
89/100
The HIKMICRO MiniE is compact, easy to use and ideal for basic household tasks. In contrast to professional thermal imaging cameras, it scores above all with its price-performance ratio, albeit at the expense of camera quality.
