# Review of SEEK Compact XR Pro Thermal Camera **URL:** \ **Category:** General Inspection Discussion\ **Created:** [October 10, 2021, 6:45pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244 "2021-10-10T18:45:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![bnesbitt](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bnesbitt/32/56701_2.png) [@bnesbitt](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bnesbitt)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2021, 6:45pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/1 "2021-10-10T18:45:01Z")
I own an use a SEEK Compact Pro series Thermal Camera / IR Camera / Infrared Camera. This my review: the camera works well, pairs right to my phone, takes clear pictures and video. It comes with a little carrying case that’s waterproof dustproof and rugged. Very nice. I find it hard to use the images in reports however: unlike the Flir models, there’s no black and white camera, so the pictures come through without context. You just see the heat signature, not the structure. ![img_thermal_1631045712903](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/5/e/5e4604fef7837631f9d3d4f8d6c85a19fec8818c.jpeg) [Thermal Cameras for your Smartphone - Seek Thermal | Affordable Infrared Thermal Imaging Cameras](https://www.thermal.com/compact-series.html) ---
**Author:** ![mglowczynski](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mglowczynski/32/280132_2.png) [@mglowczynski](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mglowczynski)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2021, 7:07pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/2 "2021-10-10T19:07:02Z")
I dont know what model you have, but on mine there is an option to overlay a regular image. There is a sliding scale to get the intensity of the regular image. ---
**Author:** ![bnesbitt](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bnesbitt/32/56701_2.png) [@bnesbitt](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bnesbitt)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2021, 8:21pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/3 "2021-10-10T20:21:50Z")
> [@mglowczynski](#): > > I dont know what model you have The Compact XR, which plug into a USB-C port on an Android or iOS device. It has an “Experimental mode that allows thermal and visual imaging side by side in real-time.” > **[Thermal Cameras for your Smartphone](https://www.thermal.com/compact-series.html)** > > Portable, lightweight, and easy-to-use ---
**Author:** ![mwilles](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mwilles/32/181480_2.png) [@mwilles](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mwilles)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2021, 9:01pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/4 "2021-10-10T21:01:50Z")
So what are we looking at here? Resolution looks 👎 ---
**Author:** ![ccurrins](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ccurrins/32/225758_2.png) [@ccurrins](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ccurrins)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2021, 10:06pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/5 "2021-10-10T22:06:36Z")
When you go cheap you usually get cheap. ---
**Author:** ![ruecker](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ruecker/32/357170_2.png) [@ruecker](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ruecker)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2021, 12:30am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/6 "2021-10-11T00:30:03Z")
> [@bnesbitt](#): > > I find it hard to use the images in reports however: Time to upgrade to a better camera. I have a hacked E4 and highly recommend it. ![thermal](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/a/e/ae8b8f59b2872f869788ea1a93fa088cbc751835.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![bnesbitt](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bnesbitt/32/56701_2.png) [@bnesbitt](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bnesbitt)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2021, 1:51am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/7 "2021-10-11T01:51:27Z")
> [@ruecker](#): > > Time to upgrade to a better camera. I have a hacked E4 and highly recommend it. I’m willing to take compromises for the form factor: about half inch thick 1 inch wide, 2 inches deep. That way I can take it along always in my bag, and on days when I want to travel light, or am using a bicycle to avoid parking hassles. What do you mean by “hacked”? ---
**Author:** ![mwilles](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mwilles/32/181480_2.png) [@mwilles](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mwilles)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2021, 11:26am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/8 "2021-10-11T11:26:53Z")
> [@bnesbitt](#): > > on days when I want to travel light, or am using a bicycle to avoid parking hassles. How do you inspect roofs and flashing? ---
**Author:** ![ruecker](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ruecker/32/357170_2.png) [@ruecker](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ruecker)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2021, 11:27am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/9 "2021-10-11T11:27:42Z")
> [@bnesbitt](#): > > What do you mean by “hacked”? An E8 for the price of an E4. > **[NEW FLIR E4 WIFI Thermal Camera - Upgraded to E8 Specs 320x240 MSX Adv Menu ...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/192789012617)** > > • 3D Printed Tripod Mount. A common UNC 1/4-20 stainless steel nut is built into the tool, ready to mount to your tripod. Color of 3D printed part may vary. • 3D Printed USB Door Holder. This prevents that issue. ---
**Author:** ![mgoldenberg](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mgoldenberg/32/89265_2.png) [@mgoldenberg](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mgoldenberg)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2021, 12:41pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/10 "2021-10-11T12:41:42Z")
Flir One ![thermal garage wall](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/f/7/f7d2f3b03457d75f6227e0292e8efa97025d6436.jpeg) ![Veronica & Son Thermal](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/c/1/c16a761eaa57c8482c83c46dd4030c2f7a638b22.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![bnesbitt](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bnesbitt/32/56701_2.png) [@bnesbitt](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bnesbitt)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2021, 2:03pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/11 "2021-10-11T14:03:02Z")
Note how with the Flir the IR resolution is actually quite low, the magic is in the black and white image and the edge detection done in software. The net effect is quite good. In different, non-inspection work I do, the IR resolution is more important, and the Seek beats the Flir there. ---
**Author:** ![dandersen](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dandersen/32/59398_2.png) [@dandersen](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dandersen)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2021, 4:26pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/12 "2021-10-11T16:26:38Z")
Okay, how about you write us a narrative of the issues or conditions that you observe in this thermal scan? I am semi retired and all I do is analyze infrared thermal imaging scans on a daily basis, and write narratives about things I have never seen with my naked eye. I’d be interested in your analysis of what you see here from a home inspector’s perspective. Just a short narrative… ---
**Author:** ![jheck](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jheck/32/59503_2.png) [@jheck](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jheck)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2021, 9:50pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/13 "2021-10-11T21:50:29Z")
I bought a Flir One Pro a couple of months ago mainly for my own home testing and just to get familiar with IR cameras. I have used it on many inspections just as an extra tool in my tool bag for checking heating registers, GFCI receptacles, electrical panels and just to see what I can see. Not doing full blown IR thermography but I think this can be a good tool for just about anybody. The images are easy to see, include background details, and for the price, around $400, I think it’s worth it. I’ve read some negative reviews about the software and battery life (around 45 minutes - who needs more than that?) but so far no problems with either. There is a big difference in image quality between the “pro model” and the others so definately go for the pro. First is my dog - nose is cold, good boy! Next image is a heated garage floor for a friend. We were trying to decide where the heating loops were and didn’t want to drill any holes where the loops were. It was easily apparent which areas of the floor were heated. Other images are from under a kitchen sink and you can see that the heat for the register below the bottom of the cabinet is pouring into the cabinet. In the normal pic you can see that the base of the cabinet is severely deteriorated and the heat is going through the base. ![Bentley](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/9/3/93aad9d436c166b47c2ede1ae99ed27f8ab0735d.jpeg) ![heatedgaragefloor](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/4/3/436db8438a973659745ab8cd37285d98c5aad31d.jpeg) ![undersink1](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/2/9/2951f9642ffee08149cefd6458c0855754e787f8.jpeg) ![undersink2](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/2/0/20d8188d439fcc4f7c53f59be0d07e371f654acd.jpeg) ![undersinkvis](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/b/1/b1c2317e093ca91a654d21f2d57a683b054f84bb.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![dwright2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dwright2/32/236895_2.png) [@dwright2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dwright2)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2021, 3:18am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/14 "2021-10-30T03:18:29Z")
Nice pictures. Which pallete did you use on them? ---
**Author:** ![bnesbitt](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bnesbitt/32/56701_2.png) [@bnesbitt](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bnesbitt)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2021, 5:53am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/15 "2021-10-30T05:53:39Z")
> [@mwilles](#): > > > [@bnesbitt](#): > > > > on days when I want to travel light, or am using a bicycle to avoid parking hassles. > > How do you inspect roofs and flashing? Usually by taking the stairs to the roof. (on commercial buildings). To go radical on bike to inspection, see [Heavy-Duty Bicycle Cargo Trailers | Bikes At Work](https://www.bikesatwork.com/) ---
**Author:** ![mwilles](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mwilles/32/181480_2.png) [@mwilles](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mwilles)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2021, 12:18pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/16 "2021-10-30T12:18:31Z")
> [@bnesbitt](#): > > Note how with the Flir the IR resolution is actually quite low, So what are you seeing that I’m not? One image is yours (top) and one is a FLIR (bottom). ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/0/9/095cdbe51edd87d11a25d8aef2b5f63de6b055be.jpeg) ![thermal](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/a/e/ae8b8f59b2872f869788ea1a93fa088cbc751835.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![bnesbitt](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bnesbitt/32/56701_2.png) [@bnesbitt](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bnesbitt)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2021, 3:01pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/18 "2021-12-10T15:01:00Z")
> [@mwilles](#): > > > [@bnesbitt](#): > > > > Note how with the Flir the IR resolution is actually quite low, > > So what are you seeing that I’m not? One image is yours (top) and one is a FLIR (bottom). The Flir merges a visible light photo, with a smoothed version of the IR sensor. The SEEK is just raw pixels. But there are more of them per the specifications. I purchased my SEEK for inspecting electronic circuits, not home inspections, and the extra resolution is very helpful when inspecting tiny things a few millimeters in size. I’m still happy with the seek in that it’s so small I can carry it in my bag all the time (e.g. when I bicycle to a job, and only bring basic tools). ---
**Author:** ![mwilles](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mwilles/32/181480_2.png) [@mwilles](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mwilles)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2021, 7:15pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/19 "2021-12-10T19:15:16Z")
> [@bnesbitt](#): > > The Flir merges a visible light photo, No visible light with this image. This is a hacked FLIR E4 image of my coffee maker. Notice the resolution of the spacing between the tile on the wall behind the coffee maker. Can you say smooooooth! ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/9/6/963a9684aa946a0da16edfb493f92aac399a623f.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![mwilles](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mwilles/32/181480_2.png) [@mwilles](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mwilles)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2021, 7:21pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/20 "2021-12-10T19:21:21Z")
This is a blended image. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/b/d/bd12a2d62bd7661f33521b06d9427cd186479507.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![bnesbitt](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bnesbitt/32/56701_2.png) [@bnesbitt](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bnesbitt)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2021, 7:24pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244/21 "2021-12-11T19:24:13Z")
Cool. Or is that waaarmm. Could you post the same photo with and without the second camera B&W overlay? Maybe something similar to what I could take with the phone plug in camera? [Next page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/review-of-seek-compact-xr-pro-thermal-camera/205244.md?page=2)