When it comes to handheld thermal cameras, the market is packed with options, but the HSFTOOLS Finder S1 stands out for its compact design, ease of use, and surprisingly solid performance. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a field technician, or someone looking to add thermal imaging to your toolkit, this sleek gadget promises a lot in a small package. We tested the Finder S1 extensively to see how it performs in real-world conditions. Here’s everything you need to know.
First Impressions: A Premium Unboxing Experience
Right from the start, the Finder S1 leaves a good impression. The packaging feels sleek and professional, with the camera securely nestled in foam padding, offering solid protection during transit. As you open the box, you’ll find everything you need: the thermal camera itself, a USB-C adapter, a user manual, and a compact carrying case.
The build quality immediately stands out. At just 0.9 ounces, the Finder S1 is lightweight but still feels solid and reliable. Its ergonomic grip makes it comfortable to hold during longer sessions, and the smartphone attachment design ensures a seamless fit. Visually, the camera has a sleek, high-tech appearance that’s both modern and functional.
Setup & Features: Plug-and-Play Simplicity
Getting started with the Finder S1 is refreshingly simple. Just plug the camera into your Android phone’s USB-C port, install the companion app (it launches automatically), and you’re good to go. No extra batteries or charging is required—the device draws just 0.31 watts directly from your phone, which means you can use it for extended periods without quickly draining your battery.
One important note: Although newer iPhones now use USB-C, the Finder S1 does not currently support them.
Real-World Performance: More Than Just a Gadget
The Finder S1 isn’t just about convenience—it actually performs well in practical situations. The companion app is clean, responsive, and launches automatically when the camera is plugged in. It recalibrates every 10 seconds to ensure accuracy, though that frequent recalibration can become slightly disruptive. Fortunately, there’s an option to switch to manual calibration if that suits your workflow better.
Image clarity is surprisingly strong. While the camera itself has a native resolution of 96 x 96 pixels, it uses Live Super Resolution to upscale the output to 720 x 720. This enhancement brings in more detail, offering a much clearer thermal image than you might expect from such a compact device. You can even activate your phone’s regular camera to overlay a visual reference alongside the thermal feed, which is especially useful during inspections.
One small hiccup is that temperature readings don’t always rotate correctly when switching your phone to landscape mode, which can occasionally make readings harder to interpret. But overall, the performance is smooth and consistent.
In terms of accuracy, the Finder S1 is highly capable. It detects temperature shifts as subtle as 0.04°C and maintains a reliable accuracy range of around ±3.6°F. The app also allows users to fine-tune emissivity and distance settings, making it easy to adapt to different surfaces and materials, from brick walls to wooden beams.
Everyday Use Cases: Home, Car, and Beyond
We tested the Finder S1 across various scenarios, and it proved its versatility each time. Around the house, it was great for detecting drafts near windows and doors, checking insulation in attics, and identifying air leaks in ductwork. It’s also a handy energy-saving tool, helping pinpoint areas where heat is escaping so you can address them before your bills rise.
In a car maintenance context, the camera detected an overheating wheel bearing and even helped diagnose a radiator issue. The fast setup and compact design made it especially convenient to use in tight or awkward spaces.
Verdict: A Budget-Friendly Thermal Camera That Delivers
After hours of hands-on testing, we’re confident saying the HSFTOOLS Finder S1 lives up to the hype. It’s compact, lightweight, and durable—all while delivering accurate thermal imaging on demand. The app is user-friendly, and the camera starts up quickly, making it ideal for fast inspections or on-the-go diagnostics.
The image quality is respectable, the power efficiency is impressive, and the build is solid enough for everyday use. While the refresh rate is average and the app could use some small improvements, these aren’t major drawbacks given the price and feature set. Whether you’re a professional needing a quick thermal snapshot or a homeowner looking for a reliable inspection tool, the Finder S1 gets the job done—without taking up much space in your tool kit or much money from your wallet.
Final Thoughts
Thermal imaging has become more accessible than ever, and the HSFTOOLS Finder S1 shows how far compact tech has come. If you’re in the market for a portable, no-fuss thermal camera that punches above its weight, this one’s definitely worth a look.
Have a question or something to share about your experience with the Finder S1? Let us know in the comments—we’re always here to help.
Farha is a passionate writer with a keen interest in exploring diverse topics ranging from technology and science to literature and philosophy. She has in-depth technical knowledge and has written extensively on emerging technologies making complex concepts accessible and engaging for her readers.
