FLIR reveals entry level infrared power for under $2000

Both the FLIR i5 and the i7 - the two most compact full-function thermal imaging cameras available - are now the best value in their class as well. The i7 has also been price-reduced to $2990 + gst.

FLIR says the pricing re-structure will broaden the appeal of thermal imaging to a wide range of potential new customers and emerging industries.

Roger Christiansz, General Manager FLIR Systems Australia: "IR technology is developing at a rapid rate and so are the commercial applications where infrared is in dailly common use in many workplaces.

"With the reduction in price and subsequent increase in affordability, we expect that many more trades, industries, individuals and business with join the infrared revolution," he said.

An infrared camera is a powerful maintenance tool, as in many instances equipment failure is preceded by a period of increasing heat which can be easily identified by the IR imager which produces images based on heat, not light. An infrared camera is also an excellent building inspection instrument - it quickly scans and identifies problem areas that can't be seen by the naked eye.

Traditional users of small hand-held IR cameras - like the i5 and the i7 - continue to be the building trades especially in the area of building diagnostics, inspections, home energy auditing and insulation installation.

Skyrocketing energy prices, unhealthy environments and subsequent maintenance issues in industrial, commercial and residential applications have increased demand for affordable instruments that quickly diagnose operational problems.

Industries such as logistics, electrical, manufacturing, automotive and electronics are also extensive users of infrared technology.

If you are a plumber, an electrician, windows or insulation installer or HVAC technician, the FLIR i5 and i7 can give you an edge over your competitors in building diagnostics. Weighing just 340g (little more than a mobile phone) the i5 is the lightest and most compact handheld infrared camera available in its class capable of delivering commercial functionality.

The infrared readings created automatically by the camera are immediately and clearly visible on a full-colour display.

FLIR infrared cameras are ideal for detecting hidden problems, assessing damages, surveying for moisture and leaks, identifying energy losses and poor insulation, finding electrical faults and overheating.

"Both cameras are very easy to use. It really is a matter of 'point-shoot-detect' to obtain high-quality infrared images that will immediately give you the infrared information you need," Roger Christiansz said.

They produce instant, point-and-shoot JPEG infrared imagery that (as with every full-fledged infrared camera) capture all the required temperature data that can be stored, sent and analysed.

Among 1001 different applications the i5 and i7 can:

• Detect hidden problems, make quick damage assessments and perform preventive inspections
• Survey buildings to find moisture and leaks
• Identify energy losses and poor insulation
• Spot electrical faults before it's too late
• Produce instant infrared images of your findings
• Produce reports, analyse and document your findings with easy to use FLIR software

Key Features

• Easy to use, compact and lightweight
• Large 2.8" color LCD screen
• 120x120 pixels image resolution
• 5 hours battery life (field replaceable)

Both the FLIR i5 & i7 infrared cameras allow for large memory storage. Up to 5,000 Radiometric JPEG format images can be saved onto the included MicroSD card. These images can be analysed using the included QuickReport PC Software.