I a pondering the purchase of a thermal camera. My question is simple. What camera do you guys like and is it helpful? I am looking at either the Flir C3 or the Flir E4.
What classes have you taken and what do you intend to do with it? If none, buy the cheapest because you will likely be replacing it. I personally wouldn’t consider either of those for professional use.
1 Like
I concur. An IR camera and thermogram not required.
Be side the camera you selected, I would add, a fire extinguisher as recommended piece of equipment required in that situation.
Refer what appears to be wiring violation to sparky, and verbally mention the safety hazard to the vendor and vendor’s agent for immediate repairs unless a large corn roast is being planned. If so, bring lots of butter and bread.
To add to Chucks recommendation, The RESNET minimum allowable standard for infrared cameras is 120×120.
Infraspection, 120×160.
Walk in price at 2,500 to 4000 and up.
AFTER TAKING AT LEAST A LEVEL I WEEK LONG CLASS, where, typically you can handle different imagers, consider a minimum of 320 x 240 pixel resolution which can be had in an E8 for ~ 3 grand.
Like Chuck said, you need to know what you are going to use it for and the classes will help you decide.
We’ve been there. 
No classes yet. Looking to improve on the ability to spot moisture.
What camera do you like?
Flir E8…
Thank you. Sounds like a class will answer most if my questions.
For me, minimum 320x240 native, >= 30Hz, ~25° FOV focusing lens, <= 50mK. For current FLIR models that would be E75 and up. If I wanted to save money, I would buy high quality used.
However, I’m not you and I would surmise that that we have different expectations. My question of what you want to do with your imager is a bit more complicated and involved than spotting moisture.
Here, you can find some of my thoughts on the matter: https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermal-imaging-and-cameras/104353/4?u=cevans
1 Like
Thank you Chuck. Sounds like classes are going to help me understand the capabilities. Moisture is my first thought to do as oart of a normal inspection where I expect there to be a potential problem. Offering thermal as an additional inspection would be down the road.