Unboxing & First Impressions: Experience with the HIKMICRO Lynx LH19 2.0

I’m unboxing my first thermal imaging camera – the HIKMICRO Lynx LH19 2.0.
What surprised me?
What worked right away – and what didn’t?

Shortlist – What to Expect

• My first thermal imaging camera – why I chose the Lynx LH19 2.0
• Unboxing & Accessories – what was included and what I didn’t expect
• First Steps – what worked immediately and where I encountered minor issues
• App Connectivity – which app to use and how to connect it
• First Mini-Test – my first attempt with the camera
• Firmware Update – what HIKMICRO doesn’t tell you
• Conclusion – my thoughts after the first few hours with the camera

Key Facts – My Setup & Expectations

• Model: HIKMICRO Lynx LH19 2.0
• First experience with thermal imaging technology: I’m testing the device as a beginner
• Intended use: Wildlife photography & nature observation
• Purchased from: waermebild24.com

Table of Contents

1. Why the Lynx LH19 2.0?
2. Unboxing: What was included?
3. First Steps: Turning it on & adjusting settings
4. Connecting to the App: Tricks for new and old devices
5. My First Mini-Test: Thermal images from the balcony
6. Firmware Update: Criticism
7. My Conclusion: First experiences & outlook

1. Why the Lynx LH19 2.0 Thermal Monocular?

For some time, I had been considering using a thermal imaging camera for wildlife photography. Not necessarily for capturing images but as a supporting tool.

After extensive research, I decided on the HIKMICRO Lynx LH19 2.0. The technical specs sounded convincing, and thanks to a trade show discount, I got it at a great price. I ordered it from waermebild24.com, and they shipped it promptly.

It didn’t take long before I had my "new tool" in my hands. The delivery was very fast. If you haven’t read my first article, Thermal Imaging Cameras and Wildlife Photography, I explain there why I chose this model and what to consider when buying a thermal camera.

But this article is all about unboxing, initial setup, and my first impressions – with a small mini-test included.

2. Unboxing: What Was Included?

I expected just the thermal camera and a charger with batteries – but the package was larger than expected.

Product Box – What’s Inside?

• Lynx LH19 2.0 thermal imaging camera (thermal monocular)
• Hand strap attached to the camera
• 2 batteries (the camera only needs one)
• Charger for 2 batteries
• USB-C to USB cable
• Cleaning cloth
• Protective carrying case
• Short user manual in multiple languages, including German

Extras from waermebild24.com:

• 20L waterproof bag from Deerhunter – always useful outdoors
• High-quality camera strap for carrying over the shoulder
• Lanyard with the shop’s logo
• Service certificate for a full-service package & a sticker from waermebild24.com

The camera strap and waterproof bag were a pleasant surprise – more than I expected and very practical. Thanks!

3. First Steps: Turning It On & Adjusting Settings

I expected to turn it on and start immediately – and that’s exactly how it went. The setup was surprisingly simple.

1. Check Battery Charge & Insert Batteries

The included batteries were already fully charged. Otherwise, I could have charged them using the supplied charger.

The battery compartment is on the left side of the camera, which I find very practical. This allows for easy battery swaps, even when the device is mounted on a tripod. Many other cameras have the battery compartment underneath, making battery changes tricky.

Since the compartment is sealed against moisture, the cover is a bit stiff at first – but that’s not a big deal. The latch feels slightly flimsy, but I’ll see how it holds up over time.

2. Turning on the Thermal Camera

A quick press of the front-positioned power button – and the camera was ready to go.

3. Basic Adjustments

• Diopter Adjustment: To ensure a sharp image through the viewfinder.
• Basic Focus Setting: Manually adjusted using the focus ring on the lens.

4. Connecting to the App: Tricks for New & Old Devices

I was eager to test the live streaming function, which was particularly important to me. So, I activated the hotspot on the thermal monocular and installed the HIKMICRO app on my smartphone.

How to Connect

• Enable the hotspot in the camera menu.
• The password appears in the viewfinder.
• On your smartphone, go to the Wi-Fi settings, select the camera, and enter the password.
• Done! The connection was quick and easy.

The official app is called HIKMICRO Sight and is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Alternative for Older Devices

For older devices that don’t support the HIKMICRO Sight app, TV-Vision is a good alternative. My 12-year-old Android tablet couldn’t install the latest app, but TV-Vision worked fine.

Limitations & Firmware Updates

One downside: Many camera settings cannot be adjusted via the app. However, live streaming works flawlessly, and basic controls (e.g., zoom, brightness, contrast, thermal modes, and manual calibration) are available.

Firmware updates can be installed via the app, but unfortunately, there’s little information about what they actually improve.

5. My First Mini-Test: Thermal Images from the Balcony

My first test took place in the late afternoon from my balcony. While not a comprehensive test, it gave me a glimpse of the camera’s potential.

Results:

• Animals were clearly highlighted depending on the selected thermal mode.
• Even small heat sources, like sparrows in a bush, were easily visible.
• Photos and videos can be captured without taking your eyes off the viewfinder.
• Digital zoom works but cycles in one direction – you have to go through all zoom levels to return to the starting value (1.8x).

A promising start. Next, I’ll explore more features and fine-tune my settings.

6. Firmware Update: A Small Criticism

After connecting the camera to the app, I received a notification: "New firmware available."

What bothered me:

• No detailed update notes – just the vague message: "For a better user experience..."
• No changelog on the manufacturer’s website.
• No app notification about new features or improvements.

Since I work in IT, my approach is: "Never change a running system." If the camera works fine, I wait before updating until I know what has changed.

7. My Conclusion: First Experiences & Outlook

• Compact and lightweight – ideal for outdoor use.
• Easy operation – intuitive and quick to learn.
• Reliable app connectivity – but not all settings are available in the app.
• Good image quality – based on my first impressions.

Criticism:

• Firmware updates come without details.
• Not all menu options are accessible via the app.

Overall, I’m very satisfied! I’m excited to see how the camera performs in real-world conditions.

What’s Next?

In my next article, I’ll cover my outdoor experiences – how does the Lynx LH19 2.0 perform at night, during the day, in forests, and open fields?

Got any questions? Or your own experiences with thermal imaging cameras?
Let me know in the comments!
And feel free to share this article with anyone who might find it useful!