Best  Infrared Cameras in Nigeria

The FLIR brand is the world leading company in the design, manufacture, and marketing of thermal imaging infrared cameras, from infra red cameras to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) which includes thermal imaging sensors that deliver data-driven, life saving action in real time, awesome product innovation meeting best-in-class intelligent imaging and sensing solutions, they pride themselves as making your machines work harder, produce more, repair less, work smarter with brilliant technology that makes critical decisions as clear as day.

On the other hand the brand Bosch is a world leading multinational engineering and electronics company, their products range from engineering tools, power tools, measuring tools, automotive, security system, and a host of other innovative products, they pride themselves as providing the technology that shapes life, in your cars, at home and at work, they also have a rich and interesting founding history (Founded by Robert Bosch since 1886) spanning more than a 100 years.

What are infrared Camera?:

Infrared camera’s are also known severally as thermal imaging cameras or as thermographic cameras, these are cameras that forms a heat zone image by using infrared radiations, common camera we use (some of which is in our mobile phones) forms an image using visual lights, visible lights are in the 400-700 nanometer range while infrared are not visible but operate in wavelength exceeding 14,000 nm.

An infrared camera is non-contact, meaning it does not need to touch the object its taking measurement from, these cameras have special lenses that focuses the infrared light emitted the objects in view and converts the infrared (heat energy) into electrical signals, signals are then processed to produce a thermal visual image, these thermal images on a video monitor perform the temperature calculations and thermal pattern called the thermogram.

Infrared Cameras are used to trouble-shoot for building, electrical and mechanical applications to reveal problems especially for sources of energy loss, moisture intrusion and structural issues, overheating problems in electrical and mechanical equipment

The best thermal Imaging cameras by Brandon Hubbard.

Brandon Hubbard selected some of the best thermal imaging camerascurrently available and I stand with him on this, the FLIR brand takes amazing top spots as the best infrared cameras, before the Apple and Fluke brands.

Making purchasing decisions: Comparing the FLIR 60 and Bosch

It is a often considered as a big commitment when one intends to buy an infrared camera, however these days prices have fallen, every purchaser must look at different perspective before make a choice one of the most important thing to consider from the entrepreneurial standpoint is “which one gives best value for money?” Which ever brand, whatever choice one must consider is quality, dependability and what brand gives the best technical support. Let me make this clear, the variables to consider are

Primary consideration.

1. Best value for money
2. Dependability
3. Quality
4. Availability of technical support and training

Other considerations especially for the tech-savvy which I consider as secondary considerations if budget does not mean a big deal for your project are.

Secondary considerations

1. Image resolution
2. Offers high accuracy and repeatable results
3. Offers output standard file formats that are broadly supported (think Jpeg)
4. Links to bluetooth-enabled test meters (for electrical load and moisture levels)
5. Offers Wi-Fi-apps for mobile devices
6. Ergonometric features for easy handling
7. Wide temperature range
8. Availability of cameras with extended warranty.

Comparing the Bosch GTC 400 and FLIR E60 Thermal imagers

Enough of the technical details let me quickly dive into the financials and simple comparison of the two types of Infrared cameras readily available in Nigeria with almost similar technical support and the two best brands in my opinion, Bosch GTC 400 thermographic camera and FLIR E60 thermographic Camera

Someday we will look at Fluke thermal imagers.

Infrared resolutions of The Bosch GTC 400 is at 160 x 120 while that of FLIR E60 is 320 x 240, the temperature measurement range also have a lag between -10 to 400 deg C. for the Bosch tool and -20 to 650 deg. C. for the FLIR E60, surprisingly they both have same NETD, WIFI-App support, visual built-in camera.

The most important matter of the moment is the cost to acquire one, while Bosch can easily support small businesses at a great budget price of N362k representing something within $1,000, the FLIR E60 is not coming close at all, at a whopping N988k representing something around $2,711 is what it will take to acquire this great tool no doubt the FLIR brand has major competitive advantage in the manufactures and sales of infrared cameras.

I have a strong bias for tools that support small businesses and I will go for Bosch GTC 400, besides that the technical support from Bosch tools in Nigeria is bespoke.

Quote me and ask me why.