Does anyone know about IR/thermal cameras?

Erin · 24 February 2012, 15:57

Just looking for any first hand experience of handheld IR thermal imaging cameras. I'm looking at purchasing one of these devices for building surveying work and have become bewildered by all the different models. In particular I have looked at the FLIR range (i and E-series) and also Trotec (IC and EC series).

I've narrowed it down to needing at least a 120x160 resolution and the option of wide or tele lense adaptors would be good too. Unofrtunately there are no local stockists so I will be relying purely on internet reviews and anyone whose used one.

FLIR link

So, does anyone know anything about them or any alternative manufacturers?

Anchorhandler · 24 February 2012, 16:07

Hi Keith
Will you be using it much?.... I ask as it may be beneficial for you to rent one as and when you need it? As you already no doubt know, they aint cheap.
I have rented them in from a few different places now and in every case, the rental supplier was happy to ship it out to me.

Simon

Erin · 24 February 2012, 16:47

I did consider renting as an option, but the CI's are not the most favoured destination for sending equipment out to, allied to customs and our new equivalent of vat holding deliveries until they've been authorised.

It's also one of those things that I think will get more and more use once we know what it can do, and at £350 per week rent it's only 10 rentals and it's paid for.

Just been speaking to a supplier who reckons the E40bx is the base model we should be looking at for about £3,500

. However, if it means we can track leaks through flat roofs, missing insulation and damp defects without dismantling buildings then it will be a good tool to have. I also rather fancy being able to snoop around in the dark

. Be able to find those severed bits of finger too

martini · 24 February 2012, 17:49

Careful with the jokes or there'll be extra chilli in your dinner tomorrow, then we'll see who's leaving bits of themselves on the floor...

martini · 24 February 2012, 17:54

I think FLIR was recently bought out by Raymarine. should mean better price & availability outside the US now, when I bought mine most units were banned from export

bliksem · 24 February 2012, 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

I think FLIR was recently bought out by Raymarine. should mean better price & availability outside the US now, when I bought mine most units were banned from export

excuse me it was vice versa: it was Flir that bought Raymarine or otherwise they would go bust.

@erin

sent me a pm and I will get you in touch with mr Infrared in Belgium and as we come regularly to the UK, so..... just pm me