Can you recalibrate your infrared camera by yourself with ordinary equipment?

• A. Yes
• B. Only with a calibration target
• C. Only if it's new
• D. No

Answer: (D)

Calibration of an infrared camera is the process of tying the sensor’s digital output to accurate, known temperatures. That mapping relies on traceable references (like a calibrated blackbody) and controlled conditions (stable ambient temperature, known distance, correct emissivity, and atmospheric effects). Doing this at home with ordinary gear isn’t feasible because you don’t have a stable, certified temperature reference or the environment needed to ensure traceability. Without those standards, the camera’s temperature readings can drift or be biased, and you’d lack a verifiable basis for the results. Some cameras can perform internal non-uniformity corrections, but that doesn’t replace a proper calibration to a true temperature scale. That’s why recalibration is typically handled by the manufacturer or an accredited calibration service, ensuring the process and results are traceable and documented.