Cooled IR Camera Market Outlook - 2026
The global cooled IR camera market size was valued at $242.7 million in 2018, and is projected to reach $736.4 million by 2026, registering a CAGR of 13.5% from 2019 to 2026.
An infrared camera is a non-contact device that detects infrared energy and converts it into electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image on the monitor. The heat sensed by infrared cameras is precisely quantified and measured to monitor the thermal performance and to identify heat related problems. Recent innovations, particularly in the detector technology, and incorporation of built-in visual imaging, along with automatic functionality, and infrared software development, are expected to deliver more cost-effective thermal analysis solutions in the coming years.
A cooled IR camera system is mostly used for long-range imaging, as the camera employs highly sensitive FPA technology. A cooled thermal imaging camera consists of an imaging sensor that is integrated with a cryocooler, which lowers the sensor temperature to cryogenic temperatures. Cooled IR cameras are mostly contained in a vacuum-sealed case and cryogenically cooled. Cooling is one of the most important aspects of cooled IR cameras during the operation of semiconductor materials as they might get blinded by their radiation.
Cooled infrared cameras can provide superior image quality. Thermal imaging cameras with a cooled detector offer some advantages over thermal imaging cameras with an uncooled detector. However, the main restraining factors of cooled cameras are high maintenance costs more downtime for service, and relatively higher price as compared to uncooled IR cameras.
By Technology
Indium Antimonide technology generated the highest revenue in 2018
Due to high thermal sensitivity and favorable atmospheric transmission in the spectral zone, infrared cameras based on indium antimonide (InSb) sensors are being used in medium- to long-range surveillance, and for scientific and research requirements where detection of very small temperature differences or wavelength-specific imaging is beneficial. Various advancements in the production of InSb focal planes are leading toward the adoption of infrared cameras, which provide wide broadband spectra. Indium antimonide sensors require cryogenic cooling to become photoconductive.
Factors such as growth in the adoption of security and surveillance applications and an increase in the adoption of infrared cameras in quality control & inspection boost the growth of the global cooled IR camera market. However, high acquisition and maintenance costs hamper the market. Furthermore, the increase in popularity of cooled IR cameras in commercial applications, and the rise in usage of cooled IR cameras in short wave infrared range (SWIR) are expected to offer lucrative opportunities for cooled IR market growth globally.
By End Use
Commercial surveillance is anticipated to be the most lucrative segment
Segmentation Overview
The global cooled IR camera market is analyzed on the basis of technology, end-use, and region. By technology, the market is analyzed across indium antimonide and mercury cadmium telluride. By end use, the cooled IR camera market is divided into defense & military, industrial, commercial surveillance, automotive, and others. By country, it is analyzed across the U.S. and the rest of the world.
The key players profiled in the report include Leonardo DRS, Global Sensor Technology Co., ltd., Xenics, AIM Infrarot-Module GmbH, Lynred, FLIR System Inc., L3 Technologies, SemiConductor Devices, Boston Electronics Corporation, and Hamamatsu Photonics. These key players have adopted strategies, such as product portfolio expansion, mergers & acquisitions, agreements, geographical expansion, and collaborations, to enhance their market penetration.
These key players adopt several strategies such as new product launch and development, acquisition, partnership, collaboration, and business expansion to increase the cooled IR camera market share during the forecast period.
By Region
Rest of the World is expected to be the most lucrative segment
Top Impacting Factors
The factors such as growth in adoption in security and surveillance applications, increase in adoption of infrared cameras in quality control & inspection, high acquisition and maintenance cost and increase in popularity of cooled IR cameras in commercial applications, and rise in usage of cooled IR cameras in SWIR are expected to significantly affect the growth of the global cooled IR camera market size. These factors are anticipated to either drive or hamper the cooled IR camera market growth.
Increase in application of cooled IR cameras in security and surveillance
Public safety is of top priority in the world. Public safety agencies are investing in numerous new technologies to ensure efficiency. With the surge in crime rates, antisocial behavior, and terrorist attacks, the government has introduced new technologies and strategies to ensure public safety and security. It has become necessary to improve the system and responses to catastrophic attacks and to find safe, cost-effective, and feasible solutions. Various cooled IR cameras are being adopted for surveillance applications in defense, homeland security, perimeter surveillance, and enforcement fields. Enhanced features such as excellent performance, superior imaging capabilities, and high reliability in the fields are a major driving force. In addition, these cameras can also be integrated with pan and tilt positioning systems to create a complete surveillance system for various applications. Furthermore, cooled IR cameras offer long-range detection up to 50 km even in complete darkness. This feature adds traction to the market growth and offers lucrative opportunities for the cooled IR camera industry globally.
High initial acquisition and maintenance cost
Cooled IR cameras are quite expensive as to uncooled IR cameras and face significant obstacles to their adoption majorly in developing nations. Lack of adequate funding from the government in developing countries such as Qatar, South Korea, and others, for adoption of the security technologies in various applications hamper the growth of the market. The use of enhanced technology involves major investment, which acts as a barrier for the cooled IR camera market. Enhanced surveillance cameras for various applications are of various ranges depending on the features and the number of cameras and monitoring systems purchased. The installation and maintenance of these cooled IR cameras are usually high, which increases the cost of the technology. Thus, initial investment acts as a major threat to the developing regions or small enterprises and hampers the growth of the market.
Increase in popularity of cooled IR cameras in commercial applications
The commercial industry is facing a challenge to monitor theft and shoplifting. Owing to this, the industry is facing losses of billions every year. To reduce these losses, retailers have started investing in surveillance systems, providing security to assets and goods and several long-term benefits such as an increase in store profit, a reduction in insurance rates, and a decrease in several shoplifting cases. Cooled IR cameras are being adopted under various commercial applications for smart solutions. Cooled infrared cameras are used for outdoor sporting applications that involve high-speed tracking. The emerging usage of cooled IR cameras for hunting purposes is gaining traction in the global market. In addition, these infrared cameras are used for applications that require long-range performances for optimal situational awareness. In addition, companies are developing various enhanced product portfolios with intelligent solutions for various applications such as the detection, assessment, and tracking of targets. All these factors leading to the usage of cooled IR cameras in various commercial applications offer lucrative opportunities for its market growth globally.
Key Benefits for Stakeholders:
- This study includes the analytical depiction of the global cooled IR camera market forecast along with the current trends and future estimations to determine the imminent investment pockets.
- The report presents information regarding the key drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the cooled IR camera market.
- The cooled IR camera market growth is quantitatively analyzed from 2019 to 2026 to highlight the financial competency of the industry.
- Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of the buyers and suppliers in the industry.
Cooled IR Camera Market Report Highlights
| Aspects | Details |
 By Technology |
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 By End Use |
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 By Country |
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 Key Market Players | XENICS, AIM INFRARED MODULE GMBH, L3 TECHNOLOGIES, FLIR SYSTEM, GLOBAL SENSOR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, BOSTON ELECTRONICS, LEONARDO DRS, HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS, SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES., LYNRED |
Analyst Review
Cooled IR camera system is mostly used for long range imaging, as the camera employs highly sensitive FPA technology. A cooled thermal imaging camera consists of an imaging sensor that is integrated with a cryocooler, which lowers the sensor temperature to cryogenic temperatures. Cooled IR cameras are mostly contained in a vacuum-sealed case and cryogenically cooled. Cooling is one of the most important aspect of cooled IR cameras during the operation of semiconductor materials as they might get blinded by their own radiation.
Infrared cameras are used in automotive industry, especially for self-driving cars. Cooled IR cameras in automotive industry is used to ensure driving vision enhancement, so that drivers can see clearly in any situation. Cooled IR cameras are expected to solve the low light problem. These cameras are allowing human drivers to identify pedestrians and animals to avoid any severe damages or collisions.
Commercial surveillance is being adopted globally as it helps retailers to analyze consumer behavior such as pricing, product, and placement, beyond traditional techniques. Infrared surveillance system provides information regarding Point of Sale (PoS), thereby providing clarity to business transactions even in disturbed environments. Commercial spaces require constant monitoring and surveillance to avowing theft and discrepancy.
Cooled IR cameras in commercial surveillance ensures long range thermal imagery even in complete darkness. In addition, this infrared surveillance system is optimized to withstand various environmental conditions such as smoke, rain, snow, and dust. Various cooled IR cameras are being developed by companies that are capable of withstanding challenging weather condition and extreme weather.
The key players profiled in the report include Leonardo DRS, Global Sensor Technology Co., ltd., Xenics, AIM Infrarot-Module GmbH, Lynred, FLIR System Inc., L3 Technologies, SemiConductor Devices, Boston Electronics Corporation, and Hamamatsu Photonics. These key players have adopted strategies, such as product portfolio expansion, mergers & acquisitions, agreements, geographical expansion, and collaborations, to enhance their market penetration.
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