Description
The FLIR K53 Thermal Imaging Camera is a rugged, high-performance firefighter TIC designed to provide clear thermal visibility in smoke, darkness, and demanding fireground conditions. Combining simple one-button operation with advanced thermal imaging performance, the K53 helps firefighters navigate structures, locate hot spots, search for victims, and make critical tactical decisions when visibility is limited.
The K53 features a 320 × 240 thermal detector with smooth 60 Hz image frequency and FLIR FSX® Flexible Scene Enhancement. FSX® enhances structural and textural details within the thermal image, providing greater perspective and helping firefighters recognize objects, room features, and surroundings in smoky and low-contrast environments.
A large 4-inch backlit LCD provides a clear thermal image, while the streamlined controls make the K53 easy to operate with gloved hands. The camera uses a simplified Basic firefighting image mode, providing straightforward operation when firefighters need thermal information quickly.
The K53 also features internal flash memory with image and video recording. Firefighters can store up to 200 image or video files, with video clips up to five minutes each, for on-scene review or post-incident documentation.
Built for demanding fireground environments, the FLIR K53 features an IP67 enclosure, withstands a 6.6 ft (2 m) drop onto concrete, and is designed to remain operational at temperatures up to 500°F (260°C) for up to 5 minutes.
The FLIR K53 includes the thermal imaging camera, two rechargeable batteries, battery charger, carabiner strap, hard transport case, power supply, printed documentation, retractable lanyard, and USB cable.
- Designed specifically for firefighting and emergency-response applications
- 320 × 240 IR resolution (76,800 thermal pixels)
- Smooth 60 Hz thermal imaging
- FLIR FSX® Flexible Scene Enhancement
- Large 4-inch, 320 × 240 pixel backlit LCD
- Simple one-button, glove-friendly operation
- Basic firefighting image mode
- Internal flash memory
- Thermal image and video recording
- Stores up to 200 image or video files
- Video clips up to 5 minutes each
- Temperature measurement up to 1,202°F (650°C)
- 51° × 38° field of view
- IP67 water- and dust-resistant enclosure
- 6.6 ft (2 m) drop resistance onto concrete
- Operates at 500°F (260°C) for up to 5 minutes
- Approximately 4-hour battery operating time
- Two rechargeable Li-ion batteries included
- Hard transport case included
- Optional in-truck charger available
Typical Applications
- Structural firefighting
- Initial fire attack
- Search and rescue
- Fireground navigation
- Victim location
- Hot-spot detection
- Overhaul operations
- Thermal scene documentation
- Post-incident review
- Emergency response
- Fire and rescue departments
| Model | FLIR K53 |
| IR Resolution | 320 × 240 pixels (76,800 pixels) |
| Thermal Sensitivity / NETD | <30 mK @ 86°F (30°C) |
| Image Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Detector Type | Focal plane array (FPA), uncooled microbolometer |
| Field of View | 51° × 38° |
| Spectral Range | 7.5–13.5 µm |
| Display | 4-inch backlit LCD, 320 × 240 pixels |
| Image Enhancement | FLIR FSX® Flexible Scene Enhancement |
| Image Mode | Basic firefighting mode |
| Temperature Measurement Range | -4°F to 302°F (-20°C to 150°C); 32°F to 1,202°F (0°C to 650°C) |
| Accuracy | ±7.2°F (±4°C) or ±4% of reading at specified ambient conditions |
| Image / Video Storage | Internal flash memory |
| Storage Capacity | Up to 200 image or video files; maximum video duration 5 minutes per file |
| Video Recording | MPEG-4 to internal flash memory |
| Video Streaming | Uncompressed colorized video via USB |
| USB | USB Mini-B |
| Battery | 3.6 V / 4.4 Ah rechargeable Li-ion |
| Battery Operating Time | Approximately 4 hours |
| Charging System | 2-bay battery charger; optional in-truck charger |
| Charging Time | Approximately 2 hours to 85% capacity |
| Start-Up Time | <17 seconds (IR image, no GUI) |
| Operating Temperature | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C); 302°F (150°C) for 15 min; 500°F (260°C) for 5 min |
| Storage Temperature | -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C) |
| Ingress Protection | IP67 (IEC 60529) |
| Shock & Vibration | 25 g shock; 2 g vibration |
| Drop Rating | 6.6 ft (2 m) onto concrete |
| Weight | 2.4 ± 0.1 lb (38.4 ± 1.6 oz / 1.1 ± 0.05 kg) including battery |
| Dimensions | 4.7 × 4.9 × 11 in (120 × 125 × 280 mm) |
| Included | FLIR K53 thermal imaging camera, 2 batteries, battery charger, carabiner strap, hard transport case, power supply, printed documentation, retractable lanyard and USB cable |
Specifications are subject to manufacturer updates. Refer to current FLIR product documentation for complete operating, safety and maintenance requirements.
FLIR Fire Service 2-5-10 Limited Warranty
The FLIR K53 is a qualifying product under FLIR's Fire Service 2-5-10 Limited Warranty when properly registered with FLIR within 60 days of the original retail purchase date.
- 2 Years: Product batteries
- 5 Years: Product components, excluding batteries and sensors
- 10 Years: Uncooled thermal camera sensor
Warranty eligibility, registration requirements, exclusions, and coverage are subject to FLIR's complete warranty terms.
Product Literature
- FLIR K53 Thermal Imaging Camera Datasheet
- FLIR Kxx-Series Thermal Imaging Cameras Specifications
- FLIR Thermal Firefighting K-Series Brochure
Warranty Information
Quality Certification
Need help with the FLIR K53 or selecting the right thermal imaging camera for your department? Call CPS Calibrations at 865-900-8844 or email info@cpscalibrations.com.