Is the Virtual Thermal mode a real thermal camera?

No. It is a color palette that tints the image to look like a heat map. It does not measure temperature or detect body heat.

Can it really see in the dark?

Yes, within a short range. The built-in IR LED lights up nearby subjects, so it works best on things a few yards away, not across a field.

What batteries does it take?

Two AA batteries, which are not included. Alkaline cells are the safe choice for outdoor use.

It is aimed at kids roughly 6 and up. The simple buttons and small screen suit children, though younger ones may need help with focus.

How does it compare with a real thermal monocular?

A real thermal imager detects heat and works in total darkness at long range, but costs many times more. This is a toy-grade scope for play and discovery.

What comes in the box?

The scope itself. Batteries are sold separately, so plan for two AA cells.

Where is the Virtual Thermal Camera Scope cheapest?

At Explore Scientific, for $15.00, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Virtual Thermal Camera Scope?

8 stores we checked sell it, including Techable, Explore Scientific, Stemcell Science Shop, Impulse., Touch of Modern.

Virtual Thermal Camera Scope

Best price now

$15.00at Explore ScientificChecked Nov 8

Compared across 8 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Explore Scientific

Virtual Thermal Camera Scope

Best price now

$15.00at Explore ScientificChecked Nov 8

Compared across 8 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Explore Scientific

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $15.00 at Explore Scientific on Nov 8.
Checked at 8 stores.

Our take on the Virtual Thermal Camera Scope

The National Geographic Virtual Thermal Scope is a palm-sized kids' camera scope that shows the world on a 1.44-inch color LCD in four modes: Color, Green, Virtual Thermal, and Black & White. A built-in IR LED lets it see in the dark, and 3x digital zoom plus an adjustable focus lens help young explorers pick out backyard wildlife. The "thermal" mode is a color palette, not a real heat sensor, so it is a play-and-discover toy rather than a measuring tool. It suits curious kids around 6 and up; adults wanting actual heat detection need a true thermal imager, which costs far more.

Best forKids curious about night and wildlifeBackyard and camping explorationFirst camera or scope for young usersGifts for budding scientists

Pros

Four viewing modes add variety
IR LED enables night viewing
3x digital zoom and adjustable focus
Small and light at 4 inches
Rugged build for outdoor use

Cons

Virtual Thermal is a color effect, not real heat detection
1.44-inch screen is small
Needs two AA batteries, not included
Low-light image is grainy at distance

Virtual Thermal Camera Scope prices at every store

TechableNew
In stock
$15.00Checked Nov 8
Visit Techable
Explore ScientificNew
In stock
$15.00Checked Nov 8
Visit Explore Scientific
Stemcell Science ShopNew
In stock
$15.00Checked Nov 8
Visit Stemcell Science Shop
Impulse.New
In stock
$15.00Checked Nov 8
Visit Impulse.
Touch of ModernNew
In stock
$15.00Checked Nov 8
Visit Touch of Modern
GobekUSANew
In stock
$15.00Checked Nov 8
Visit GobekUSA
Nexera ScientificNew
In stock
$15.00Checked Nov 8
Visit Nexera Scientific
Focus CameraNew
In stock
$29.99Checked Nov 8
Visit Focus Camera

Virtual Thermal Camera Scope price history

Lowest price we've seen: $15.00 on Nov 9 at Stemcell Science Shop. Tracked across 8 stores since Nov 9.

From Explore Scientific

Compact handheld camera scope for kids
Four viewing modes: Color, Green, Virtual Thermal, Black & White
Built-in IR LED for night viewing
3x digital zoom
1.44" color LCD screen
Adjustable focus lens

Care: Keep the lens and screen clean with a soft, dry cloth; store in a dry location away from extreme heat.
Guarantee: 1 year limited warranty; register your product within 60 days to activate warranty coverage.
Returns: Returns must be submitted within 30 days from the date of purchase for a refund or replacement; the item must be unused, in its original condition and packaging
Shipping: Free shipping on orders within the continental United States, 3 to 7 business days; ships from Springdale, AR in 1 to 2 business days.

About the Virtual Thermal Camera Scope

The National Geographic Virtual Thermal Scope is a compact handheld camera scope for kids. It shows the surroundings in four viewing modes: Color, Green, Virtual Thermal, and Black & White.

A built-in IR LED supports viewing in the dark, and a 1.44" color LCD screen displays the image. The lens has adjustable focus and the camera offers 3x digital zoom. The rugged, palm-sized body is 4 inches long.

It runs on two AA batteries, which are not included.

Display: 1.44" color LCD screen
Zoom: 3x digital zoom
Viewing modes: Color, Green, Virtual Thermal, Black & White
Night viewing: Built-in IR LED
Lens: Adjustable focus
Length: 4 inches
Power: 2 AA batteries required, not included
Care: Clean lens and screen with a soft, dry cloth; store in a dry place away from extreme heat

Questions and answers

Is the Virtual Thermal mode a real thermal camera?: No. It is a color palette that tints the image to look like a heat map. It does not measure temperature or detect body heat.
Can it really see in the dark?: Yes, within a short range. The built-in IR LED lights up nearby subjects, so it works best on things a few yards away, not across a field.
What batteries does it take?: Two AA batteries, which are not included. Alkaline cells are the safe choice for outdoor use.
What age is it for?: It is aimed at kids roughly 6 and up. The simple buttons and small screen suit children, though younger ones may need help with focus.
How does it compare with a real thermal monocular?: A real thermal imager detects heat and works in total darkness at long range, but costs many times more. This is a toy-grade scope for play and discovery.
What comes in the box?: The scope itself. Batteries are sold separately, so plan for two AA cells.
Where is the Virtual Thermal Camera Scope cheapest?: At Explore Scientific, for $15.00, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the Virtual Thermal Camera Scope?: 8 stores we checked sell it, including Techable, Explore Scientific, Stemcell Science Shop, Impulse., Touch of Modern.