Hi, I am looking at getting either a flir or fluke for building maintenace purposes.

The fluke has the sharp viewcam design whereas the Flir E series has the torch like design.

Looking the 320X240 series, the Fluke one is cheaper than Flir rather significantly.

Fluke Ti55 vs Flir EX300/EX320

which one would you choose and why?

Neither. While these cameras may meet your requirements now, they might not grow with your future needs. I would scrape up the extra cash and go for a Flir B25HS or B25 with the remote handle. It is more flexible, works better outdoors and has more potential for growth.

I have used several FlexCams (flukes) in all manner of environments with excellent results. The flexibility of the camera is superb.
I would also suggest that you take a look at the Avio TVS500 which has even greater potential I feel.
In strict answer to your question, Fluke.

Best Regards,
Tom Murphy

Tom

thanks for the reply. I am intrigued by the design of the flexicam design. My concern is the weight and portability issue. Do you have problems carrying it around?

As for the Avio TVS 500, looks interesting. Looks more like a hasselblad camera. Have you got a chance to play with it? Any idea what is the price range?

Bob,

thanks for the reply. You are referring to B20?

The thing about the flexcam is that you can get into all sorts of nooks and crannies wiht it. You can easily look at something which is close to the floor and at something which is over your head - both of these are difficult to do without the swivel.
The ergonomics are very good and with the neckstrap you can balance the weight between your arms and your neck. I have used this for 6 or more straight hours for 4 consecutive days without after effects.
The TVS500 reminded me of the big H as well. It is heavier than the flexcam, but not by much, and I think that it has more capabilities in terms of remote control and I thought that the visual image mixing solution in the TVS500 was better.
Prices of cameras vary by county let alone country so I would not like to guess what price it would be in NZ. In the past I have found some other products from Japan are cheaper in NZ so maybe you need to contact your local Avio rep before you make any final decision.

Tom

thanks for your reply. As I have a sharp viewcam myself, i truly understand what you meant. I believe Bob is also driving the same conclusion as the Flir's remote handle also allows the camera to reach at awkard positions

thanks again

This may sound crazy - but how about evaluation of each company's contribution to the maintenance and reliability community?

Does either company support the national maintenance associations?

Do they support independent learning forums or do they operate in a closed manner?

The maintenance and reliability community provide a healthy amount of revenue for each of these companies and perhaps it is not too much to expect that they show up to provide value back to the community that supports them so lucratively.

My 2 cents.

Terry O

Alimar,
Fluke for sure! I have been using a FlexCam Pro with Fusion for nearly a year. The Fusion capabilities make it so versatile. IR and natural light images for identification can be acquired with one shot. The software makes image conversion so easy to save both types of images. I agree it can get heavy during a full plant steam trap audit but with the use of a professional monopod with an articulating head, pictures come out clean and sharp.
As a side question: Has anyone used the temperature trigger to see varmint or rodent infestation in food storage areas, ie; grain elevators, warehouses and the like?
Good In = Good Out

Noisemakr,

thanks for your feedback. Appreciate it.

Tom

I found out the price for TVS500 is about the same price as the Fluke Ti55FT. The imaging software is interesting.

tom and noisemakr,

do you ever change the lens when you are using the flexicam? The standard one is the 20mm.

thanks

Alimar,
Yes we use a 60mm on close quarter MCCs for a wider FOV and safety. Lenses are calibrated to specific cameras which can add to delivery time when ordered. If you purchase an additional lens do it at the time of purchase so the camera does not have to go back to be mated to the lens.

noisemakr,

thanks for that information.

Tom,
I played with Avio TVS500 recently, very very hasselblad like. I find Fluke is more flexible than Avio. BTW, i was at the Electophysics website, and found that their Electrophysics EZTherm XP is similar to Avio

Hi Alimar,
Could you tell me the price for Fluke TI55FT and software?
My e-mail is: cristi_filisanu@yahoo.com

Regards, cristi

When comparing the Flir and Fluke companies how well do they support the equipment and software?

you have to pay for flir's software but fluke's one is free

It is not true that you have to pay for Flirs software. All new Flir cameras come with Quickreport software, for FREE. This is VERY good software to get for free, and it is a BIG improvement on the old Quickview software that was previously given away for free with Flir cameras.

You do have to pay for Reporter 8 software, and this is a more powerfull and flexible software that not everyone will need.

Has anyone used the Flir heads-up display? The one the attaches to safety glasses.

Sorry for the miscommunication.

I was referring to the reporter software. The price is extremely steep for me.

Don,

Yes I have used the Heads Up display. It is very good in the right situation, I found it works very well and is not difficult to setup or use.

Alimar,

The price is expensive, but it is very powerfull software, arguably more powerfull than Flukes software. It may be too steep for you, but it is possible that quickreport is all you need, it is also a report writing software.