's key takeaways

• TheXinfrared One XH09 is available from Amazon for$299 (coupon codezdnetgift10slashes 10% off and brings it down to$269!).
• It has a fast refresh rate, an IP65 rating (so you don't have to worry about water or dust), and it's very accurate.
  
• Instructions can be a little vague, and the app isn't as streamlined as it could be.

I keep finding novel uses for thermal cameras, from locating defective components on circuit boards, to finding out where that draft is coming into my living room. This is one of those tools that felt -- at first -- like a gimmick, but quickly became one of those things that I turn to regularly.

However, one drawback of thermal cameras is that the refresh rate -- how fast an image updates on the screen -- can be quite slow. This can make them cumbersome to use because the image on the smartphone can lag compared to where you're pointing the camera. 

Also: How to build a winter emergency kit (and why you should)

Not anymore!  TheXinfrared One XH09 is the world's first thermal camera for smartphones with a fast 50Hz refresh rate (50Hz means the display is refreshed 50 times per second).

Note that I'm testing the Android version here, but there is alsoa version for iPhones with the Lightning connector .

RECOMMENDS

Xinfrared One XH09

Xinfrared One XH09 turns your smartphone into a professional thermal camera with a 2-15X zoom feature and an IP65 rating for water- and dust-proofing.

Coupon code zdnetgift10 slashes 10% off and brings it down to$269!

View at Amazon

Xinfrared One XH09 tech specs

• Field of View: 19.63