e4+ vs therm app vs thermal expert - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dazler
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2016, 12:15:23 am
content: Hi, I was looking at a camera at this price point.I would use it mostly for home issues, to find insulation problems, holes on HVAC ducts, air leaks etc.I have seen that the therm-app produces super images but not to clear on the flir e4+ (mod) compared directly to the therm-app or thermal expert.any advice,Thank you.

author: Spike101
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2016, 05:32:18 am
content: Hi,I don't have any experience with any of the devices you consider. But i had Flir One for a while now, and i find it pretty annoying having to attach it to the phone every time i want to check something. Most of the time, for quick checks I'm too lazy to find my phone and just use the IR gun instead..So I for one would definitely go with the E4 instead of one of those phone attachments just as a matter of convenience..

author: efahrenholz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2016, 09:55:06 am
content: The modification of the E4 is a great option if you don't mind the difficulty level and the fact you have to hunt for a specific model that has an older firmware. Most the ones I see listed, the seller knows you want it for that reason and gouges the price.As far as the other two, very good units. Personally I would go with the Thermal Expert because it's slightly cheaper of the three. It also fits right on the bottom of the phone, rather than being required to clamp on.

author: dazler
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2016, 10:49:56 pm
content: thanks,I was looking into buying it already with the mod so is around 1,200 the therm-app is about 950 the I3 not sure.I have not seen good side by side of the e4 mod vs the other two.I wonder if I would regret getting the E4+ if the other two are that much more advance to see air leaks from the HVAC ductwork.Thank you.

author: iampm
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 04, 2016, 11:21:19 am
content: I tried both, and ThermApp's image is better than the MOD E4+. App has more pixels and the 19mm lens is larger than the E4's 6.7mm.E4+ has more temperature measurement options and a report option.If you only concern the image clarity, pick the APP.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2016, 12:56:58 pm
content: I own several thermal cameras and whilst I love the FLIR E4 ergonomics, it is a compromise solution in order to meet its BoM target.The microbolometer is what could be described as a 'bare bones' economy version. Do not get me wrong, it's good, just not great. Then there is the lens. I am aware that a lens is sized to meet the needs of the microbolometer physical size, but bigger is still better. FLIR used a fixed focus, small aperture lens in the Ex series. This makes them very easy to use but that lens will never produce an image as good as a larger manual focussed lens. Looking at images produced by the Exx series gives an idea of what I am saying.The relatively new phone mounted cameras are undoubtedly very capable, using decent microbolometers and lenses. My only issue with them from a personal perspective is that they need a phone host. I prefer the more ergonomic 'all in one' thermal cameras for daily use.Fraser