Originally Posted by
Michael Koser
I was just wondering how many inspectors out there have invested in an “Infrared Camera.” They are anything but cheap and seem to me to go beyond typical inspection standards of practice. It comes down to that they are very expensive toys. Don’t get me wrong I love toys. I see these cameras advertised in all the tool magazines and now even see infrared camera classes. Just wondering what everybody’s thoughts are on this technology.
I look at them like a notebook computer. 5 years ago it was difficult to find a good notebook computer for under $3,000. Now you can buy them all day for under $1,000. The IR camera is doing the same exact thing. 3 years ago you could not find one for under $10,000. Now they are down to $5,000 to $7,000 and dropping.
If I was in the market for an IR camera, and I'm not. I would head to EBay and look for one. I have observed that over the past few years many newer inspectors bought into the IR craze and those are the guys who are going out of business. Keep in mind that their equipment might be old by today's standards if they bought it a couple of years ago, but they still want to recover the money they waisted them. So you might be better off buying a new one that is still under warranty.