RISION, best known for its Magic range of thermal cameras that plug into a smartphone, has launched the RISION Torix, a fully standalone handheld thermal camera that does not rely on a phone at all. It is aimed at people who inspect often, from HVAC engineers and building surveyors to car specialists and serious DIYers, and who need a tool that is ready to go straight out of the pocket.
More detail at working distance
At the heart of the Torix is a native 160 x 120 infrared sensor, which RISION enhances to 320 x 240 using its QuadIR super-resolution processing. Thermal sensitivity is quoted at 40mK or better, and the 25Hz frame rate should keep scanning smooth. A 2.6mm fixed-focus lens gives more magnification than many rivals, so smaller components can be examined up close without needing to move nearer to hot equipment.
The measurement range runs from -20°C to 550°C, accurate to ±2°C or ±2%, which should cover everything from underfloor heating to electrical panels.
Images are shown on a built-in 2.8-inch screen with six colour palettes, and the camera starts instantly. A 2,750mAh battery gives 10 hours or more of continuous use and recharges in 60 minutes, while IP54 protection and 2m drop resistance mean it can be treated like any other tool in the bag.
For documentation, you can set high and low temperature limits that trigger a visual alert and automatically capture a full radiometric image, while interval capture runs down to every 10 seconds. JPEG images and MP4 video are saved to a replaceable SD card, and the free RISION Smart software for Windows adds measurement tools and report generation.
Our take
Thermal imaging continues to get cheaper and more capable, and a standalone camera with this feature set at under $200 makes it accessible to a much wider audience. For photographers it is also a fun creative tool, as well as a practical one for checking kit and studio electrics.
RISION Torix specifications
- Sensor: 160 x 120 native, enhanced to 320 x 240 with QuadIR
- Sensitivity: ≤40mK
- Frame rate: 25Hz
- Lens: 2.6mm fixed focus
- Measurement range: -20°C to 550°C
- Accuracy: ±2°C or ±2%
- Screen: 2.8-inch, six colour palettes
- Battery: 2,750mAh, 10+ hours, 60-minute recharge
- Protection: IP54, 2m drop resistance
- Storage: Replaceable SD card, JPEG and MP4
- Connectivity: USB-C
- Software: Free RISION Smart for Windows
RISION Torix price and availability
The RISION Torix is available to pre-order now from RISION at an early-bird price of $169, a $50 saving on the $219 MSRP. Open sales begin on 16 November on the RISION website and Amazon. UK pricing is to be confirmed.
