Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right FLIR Camera for Boats and Ships

Comparison of FLIR M-Series, Ocean Scout Pro and AX8 – find the right camera for safe navigation and surveillance

FLIR is a world leader in thermal imaging technology, offering solutions that improve visibility in darkness, fog and smoke. For marine environments, this means:

• Increased safety when running at night
• Quick detection of obstacles and people in the water
• Integration with navigation systems for full control

Fixed-mount cameras – M series

FLIR’s M series is designed to give boat owners and professional users a stable and reliable solution for night-time navigation and surveillance. The series ranges from entry-level models to advanced premium solutions.

M232

• Type: Thermal
• Resolution: 320×240
• Zoom: 4× digital
• Stabilisation: No
• Range: Person ~362 m, boat 30 ft ~2.96 km
• Suitable for: Smaller recreational boats, basic night vision

M300C

• Type: Colour camera
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Zoom: 12x digital, 30x optical
• Stabilisation: Yes
• Suitable for: Small to medium-sized boats that want a professional low-light camera

M332

• Type: Thermal
• Resolution: 320×256
• Zoom: 4× digital
• Stabilisation: Yes
• Range: Person ~362 m, boat 30 ft ~2.96 km
• Suitable for: Users who prioritise thermal performance without an additional colour camera

M364C

• Type: Thermal + colour camera
• Resolution: Thermal 640×512, colour camera 1920x1080
• Zoom: Thermal 4x digital, colour camera 12x digital and 30x optical
• Stabilisation: Yes
• Range: Person ~725 m, boat 30 ft ~5.92 km
• Suitable for: Medium-sized boats that want both thermal and high-quality visual images

M460 / M460-LRF

• Type: Thermal + colour camera
• Resolution: Thermal 640×512, colour camera 3840x2160
• Zoom: Thermal 4x digital and 5.4 optical, colour camera 12x digital and 25x optical
• Stabilisation: Yes
• Extra: Laser Range Finder (LRF) on the LRF model
• Range: Person ~2.97 km, boat 30 ft ~24.24 km
• Suitable for: Commercial vessels, high security

M560 / M560-LRF

• Type: Thermal MWIR + colour camera
• Resolution: Thermal 640×512, colour camera 3840x2160
• Zoom: Thermal 8x digital and 14.9 optical, colour camera 12x digital and 25x optical
• Stabilisation: Yes
• Extra: Laser Range Finder (LRF) on the LRF model
• Range: Person ~9.16 km, boat 30 ft ~74.75 km
• Suitable for: Offshore, military, ultra-long range

Handheld camera – Ocean Scout Pro

The Ocean Scout Pro is a portable thermal imaging camera that gives you instant night vision for inspections and emergencies. Easy to use, robust and with up to 6 hours of battery life – perfect for quick decisions at sea.

• Type: Thermal
• Resolution: 640×480
• Range: Person ~500 m
• Battery life: ~6 hours
• Suitable for: Quick inspections and emergencies

Fixed-mount surveillance – FLIR AX8

The FLIR AX8 combines thermal and visual imaging to provide constant temperature monitoring and early warning of overheating. Ideal for engine rooms, engines and electrical installations where operational reliability is critical.

• Type: Thermal + colour camera
• Resolution: Thermal 80×60, colour camera 640x480
• Function: Continuous temperature monitoring, alarm
• Suitable for: Engine rooms, engines, generators.

Quick comparison table

Tips when buying

• Define your needs: Is it for a leisure boat, commercial use or military use?
• Consider range and features: Stabilisation, zoom, integration with radar.
• Add a handheld camera: For emergencies and inspections.

Here you will find our complete range of FLIR products – click here to read more and find the right solution for your needs.