CAT emailed me yesterday and confirmed through their tech dept, the resolution is 80x60 and apologized for any misunderstanding. The good news is, they said the normal camera can be improved via software update and they are looking into it. I've been taking it to the gym and on various home improvement jobs. As a contractor, it gives a good Android experience for a rugged phone. The laser is nice but simply can't replace a tape. I use it like this...after I measure the room with a tape, I'll check it with the laser and if correct, I take measured pics and figure things out later. I thought the air quality sensor was pointless... until it went off in my bedroom last night, prompting me to open a window and it got better. Still looking into that. Thermal is great, out here in the North east PA forest, where things actually do, go bump in the night..a lot. Clients are also impressed with thermal images attached to the invoice. The resolution is actually good enough for my work. It's nice to see into attics and crawl spaces, for animals and to track hot water pipes without going all the way in. No more passing a lighter in front of a newly installed window, to check the seal. It's the feature I use the most. I do this every day. This phone also has 40+ sensors, making it a more useful tool when paired with a physics toolbox app. It's not even counting the laser or flir. My Note 8 has 38 sensors. Most of my work crew have galaxy and iphones. ALL screens are shattered! Those buying the phone to play with it will be bored quickly and keep looking at their receipt, lol. For me, it's just a really well made phone that can survive my work day.. and I didn't have to order from China. I still keep the Note 8 in the truck with me for personal pics and for wifi media/ games. Phew!
Yeah, it's not unusable by any means but damn I wish it was 120x160, that really would make a difference in clarity for my uses. And like you said for the visual light camera, I hope they also update the thermal camera app and allow for a non-msx and picture processing mode, I really think it would help sharpen the raw thermal images in pitch darkness. As for the laser tool, yeah it even says in the manual that it doesn't work well on reflective surfaces, illuminated surfaces or in low light conditions. But I've found in the right conditions it's accurate to within an inch. And by far, I'd say this exceeds the quality of any Chinese made rugged smartphone and although I don't 100% NEED the features of this phone, they were compelling enough for my work and hobbies that I got it. And I have zero buyer's remorse. Yes I'm a bit dissapointed in the thermal resolution and the less the amazing visible light cameras, but I got a good deal for still a great phone! (But like you I carry a secondary phone, my iPhone 7 Plus for WAY better pictures and FaceTime)
I guess they saved the good stuff for the Flir 1 pro, USB for Android. Higher resolution and the extras you mentioned. I think it's like $370 though. I thought about it but went with the S61 because my Note simply doesn't have the battery and ruggedness for my average work day. Took awesome pics of the blood moon tonight though. I mean, if I'm going to carry 2 things, it's either luxury phone and a Flir one pro or the S61 and a camera. Very close to a perfect (for me) device. I really hope they can fix the camera. It's like a owning a Mustang with single exhaust 😣
If you could post a picture to that email, I'd really like to see. While it works as a phone, I don't think it's exactly cool we didn't get what was advertised. :\
Gerry926 Yeah it is sad. But it just seems like the logical next step to put the Lepton 3 sensor in, with a slightly higher resolution. And although it wasnt explicitly stated that the resolution would be increased, it's still shady that they advertised the S61's "improved thermal camera" but only tweaked the software.
After having mine for a week now, I've noticed a few negatives I didn't see in any (p)review. This doesn't have any Wi-Fi calling. Not a deal-breaker for most, but I found out the hard way on my second call (dropped). Also the programmable PTT button on the left side of the phone is pretty handy... if the feature you want to use is on it's program list. Thanks for adding on to your review. As few other notes in my own testing: The Thermal Camera is the biggest battery drain this phone has. According to my battery app, 17 minutes of use took 10% of my battery. I was able to detect heat sources at least 120 ft away in the nighttime. The air quality sensor takes longer than you would think to update and equalize. The laser tape measure gives very INACCURATE readings if used on a semi-gloss or glossy surface. Coming from the Galaxy lineup, the back button and recent window buttons are reversed (muscle memory is hard to break)
Zeke Rivanian Oh yeah, for sure the small number of actions the programmable button can do, was pretty dissapointing And the thermal camera is definitely a battery drain for sure. I imagine it could use some optimization and bug fixes, but for the most part I think the Lepton sensor just takes a lot of power. Thanks for letting me know about your experiences though, it's good to hear what others have been through since there's so little info on it out there.
Zeke Rivanian Yeah I just went into my settings search and typed in wifi calling, an option comes up, but when I tap on it, it just brings me to the network pane, with no option for wifi calling. Maybe it is carrier specific.
Hi I own the Cat S61. I cannot see how to not have the MSX (or visual) overlay. I have looked at the manual, that seems to state it wont do thermal with no MSX. Can you explain how you did that thermal clip? Thanks heaps
I simply carefully covered the visible light camera with my finger or a small piece of card stock cut small. This is no real solution I realize that, but despite my discussion with Cat Phones upper management, that doesnt seem to he a future feature update either. Which is a shame, because sometimes you really just want the true raw thermal image. Hope this helps!
That’s fine for me! I think it works well enough. Ive found already if Im holding the phone my index finger covers the visual lens fine. I guess i would have to clean it though. Can you also tell me what Mk -sensitivity rating is? Pixel size? Ive found it for the S60. I’m asking because I have also the flir one pro, plugs into my iphone, so I’m trying to know what the differences are.
@@havingalook2000 Well it's still inconvenient and is basically impossible to do with gloves on so a simple switch in the software would be preferable. But to answer your question, the S61 has an identical lepton sensor to the S60, with the exception of increased thermal range. Definitely dissapointing considering how crunchy it still is, but hopefully it gets updated on the S62.
It's bad that they make claims and then there is nothing to back it up. I have an S60 since quite some time and I would upgrade IF the resolution was higer, but then you start checking and oh... so with the high price and very few update. I will not buy a new one until I have to. The IR resolution on the S60 is really not much
Nuno Martins Using the MyFlir app. When you open the app, tap on the mode button to select between photo, video and time lapse modes. Livestreaming mode will be coming in an update.
Does anyone know is the S61 waterproof with openend seal on the 3.5mm on the headphones or openend seal on the USB Port? If i deconnect Headphones or Cable it only complains to close the seals because of dust!
Azamat Bagatov Yes, it is still sealed. The port covers are only meant to keep out dust, dirt and particulates like sawdust. The ports themselves are actually internally sealed.
I had previously been looking for more specific information in the first couple months after the phones release, never finding anything about the thermal sensor revolution. CAT kept boasting an upgrade "from SD to HD", and never got back to an email I sent regarding the resolution. I'm an apprentice industrial electrician and this would have been a really handy tool on the job, but I will never trust a company that advertises something and then tells white lies when they are embarrassed about the product. 80x60 is not HD. I would buy the phoneand even pay more if it was 160x120
Well what cat phones meant was an increase from standard definition to high definition in the MSX overlay resolution, but the marketing is still sneaky and in the beginning, they even claimed the thermal resolution was higher. But it was soon apparent to me it was the same crunchy 80x60
![REVIEW: CAT S61 [FULL REVIEW] [THERMAL VISION AND LASERS!!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vhwFtpajxyo/mqdefault.jpg)
![REVIEW: CAT S61 [FULL REVIEW] [THERMAL VISION AND LASERS!!]](/img/tr.png)
CAT emailed me yesterday and confirmed through their tech dept, the resolution is 80x60 and apologized for any misunderstanding.
The good news is, they said the normal camera can be improved via software update and they are looking into it.
I've been taking it to the gym and on various home improvement jobs. As a contractor, it gives a good Android experience for a rugged phone. The laser is nice but simply can't replace a tape. I use it like this...after I measure the room with a tape, I'll check it with the laser and if correct, I take measured pics and figure things out later. I thought the air quality sensor was pointless... until it went off in my bedroom last night, prompting me to open a window and it got better. Still looking into that.
Thermal is great, out here in the North east PA forest, where things actually do, go bump in the night..a lot. Clients are also impressed with thermal images attached to the invoice. The resolution is actually good enough for my work. It's nice to see into attics and crawl spaces, for animals and to track hot water pipes without going all the way in. No more passing a lighter in front of a newly installed window, to check the seal. It's the feature I use the most. I do this every day. This phone also has 40+ sensors, making it a more useful tool when paired with a physics toolbox app. It's not even counting the laser or flir. My Note 8 has 38 sensors.
Most of my work crew have galaxy and iphones. ALL screens are shattered!
Those buying the phone to play with it will be bored quickly and keep looking at their receipt, lol.
For me, it's just a really well made phone that can survive my work day.. and I didn't have to order from China.
I still keep the Note 8 in the truck with me for personal pics and for wifi media/ games. Phew!
Yeah, it's not unusable by any means but damn I wish it was 120x160, that really would make a difference in clarity for my uses. And like you said for the visual light camera, I hope they also update the thermal camera app and allow for a non-msx and picture processing mode, I really think it would help sharpen the raw thermal images in pitch darkness.
As for the laser tool, yeah it even says in the manual that it doesn't work well on reflective surfaces, illuminated surfaces or in low light conditions. But I've found in the right conditions it's accurate to within an inch.
And by far, I'd say this exceeds the quality of any Chinese made rugged smartphone and although I don't 100% NEED the features of this phone, they were compelling enough for my work and hobbies that I got it. And I have zero buyer's remorse. Yes I'm a bit dissapointed in the thermal resolution and the less the amazing visible light cameras, but I got a good deal for still a great phone! (But like you I carry a secondary phone, my iPhone 7 Plus for WAY better pictures and FaceTime)
I guess they saved the good stuff for the Flir 1 pro, USB for Android. Higher resolution and the extras you mentioned. I think it's like $370 though. I thought about it but went with the S61 because my Note simply doesn't have the battery and ruggedness for my average work day. Took awesome pics of the blood moon tonight though.
I mean, if I'm going to carry 2 things, it's either luxury phone and a Flir one pro or the S61 and a camera. Very close to a perfect (for me) device. I really hope they can fix the camera. It's like a owning a Mustang with single exhaust 😣
If you could post a picture to that email, I'd really like to see. While it works as a phone, I don't think it's exactly cool we didn't get what was advertised. :\
Gerry926 Yeah it is sad. But it just seems like the logical next step to put the Lepton 3 sensor in, with a slightly higher resolution. And although it wasnt explicitly stated that the resolution would be increased, it's still shady that they advertised the S61's "improved thermal camera" but only tweaked the software.
Zeke Rivanian And I'm sorry, what were you asking about email?
After having mine for a week now, I've noticed a few negatives I didn't see in any (p)review. This doesn't have any Wi-Fi calling. Not a deal-breaker for most, but I found out the hard way on my second call (dropped). Also the programmable PTT button on the left side of the phone is pretty handy... if the feature you want to use is on it's program list. Thanks for adding on to your review.
As few other notes in my own testing:
The Thermal Camera is the biggest battery drain this phone has. According to my battery app, 17 minutes of use took 10% of my battery.
I was able to detect heat sources at least 120 ft away in the nighttime.
The air quality sensor takes longer than you would think to update and equalize.
The laser tape measure gives very INACCURATE readings if used on a semi-gloss or glossy surface.
Coming from the Galaxy lineup, the back button and recent window buttons are reversed (muscle memory is hard to break)
Zeke Rivanian Oh yeah, for sure the small number of actions the programmable button can do, was pretty dissapointing And the thermal camera is definitely a battery drain for sure. I imagine it could use some optimization and bug fixes, but for the most part I think the Lepton sensor just takes a lot of power.
Thanks for letting me know about your experiences though, it's good to hear what others have been through since there's so little info on it out there.
Zeke Rivanian I read this and checked my wifi calling and it works pretty well. I never thought to use it, until you mentioned it.
Ok this might be carrier specific then? I cannot find where wifi calling is in the settings. Im on T-Mobile
Zeke Rivanian Yeah I just went into my settings search and typed in wifi calling, an option comes up, but when I tap on it, it just brings me to the network pane, with no option for wifi calling. Maybe it is carrier specific.
Zeke Rivanian
Do you have the US version? When I open settings, there's an option to turn on wifi calling. I had a 15 min call with no issues.
Thanks for keeping it real your video is helpful
Hi I own the Cat S61. I cannot see how to not have the MSX (or visual) overlay. I have looked at the manual, that seems to state it wont do thermal with no MSX. Can you explain how you did that thermal clip? Thanks heaps
I simply carefully covered the visible light camera with my finger or a small piece of card stock cut small. This is no real solution I realize that, but despite my discussion with Cat Phones upper management, that doesnt seem to he a future feature update either. Which is a shame, because sometimes you really just want the true raw thermal image.
Hope this helps!
That’s fine for me! I think it works well enough. Ive found already if Im holding the phone my index finger covers the visual lens fine. I guess i would have to clean it though. Can you also tell me what Mk -sensitivity rating is? Pixel size? Ive found it for the S60. I’m asking because I have also the flir one pro, plugs into my iphone, so I’m trying to know what the differences are.
@@havingalook2000 Well it's still inconvenient and is basically impossible to do with gloves on so a simple switch in the software would be preferable.
But to answer your question, the S61 has an identical lepton sensor to the S60, with the exception of increased thermal range. Definitely dissapointing considering how crunchy it still is, but hopefully it gets updated on the S62.
How do we take off the msx?
hi thanks for your video'. can you shoot selfie on the thermal camara? and if yes how? thank you
Yes you can, by turning the rear of the phone around to face yourself. However, there is no thermal front-facing camera, if that's what you're asking.
@@ctuan13 thank you so very much sir
The fact this phone has some kind of night vision is awesome ! Do you know how the thermal camera compares to the S60 ?
The S61 has a greater temperature range, up to 400°C I believe. The resolution is still 80×60 as speculated in the video.
It's bad that they make claims and then there is nothing to back it up. I have an S60 since quite some time and I would upgrade IF the resolution was higer, but then you start checking and oh... so with the high price and very few update. I will not buy a new one until I have to. The IR resolution on the S60 is really not much
How did you record the FLIR video from the camera? thx
Nuno Martins Using the MyFlir app. When you open the app, tap on the mode button to select between photo, video and time lapse modes. Livestreaming mode will be coming in an update.
Yeah i didnt have that, some days ago i received an update to the software, now i have video, streaming et, before i only had photo mode. thx
Does anyone know is the S61 waterproof with openend seal on the 3.5mm on the headphones or openend seal on the USB Port? If i deconnect Headphones or Cable it only complains to close the seals because of dust!
Azamat Bagatov Yes, it is still sealed. The port covers are only meant to keep out dust, dirt and particulates like sawdust. The ports themselves are actually internally sealed.
Thanks a lot!
I had previously been looking for more specific information in the first couple months after the phones release, never finding anything about the thermal sensor revolution. CAT kept boasting an upgrade "from SD to HD", and never got back to an email I sent regarding the resolution. I'm an apprentice industrial electrician and this would have been a really handy tool on the job, but I will never trust a company that advertises something and then tells white lies when they are embarrassed about the product. 80x60 is not HD. I would buy the phoneand even pay more if it was 160x120
Well what cat phones meant was an increase from standard definition to high definition in the MSX overlay resolution, but the marketing is still sneaky and in the beginning, they even claimed the thermal resolution was higher. But it was soon apparent to me it was the same crunchy 80x60
Let's see wild pigs or deer.
It's still 80 by 60,
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