Thermal imaging cameras can be quite expensive to buy, so the majority of thermal imaging camera sales are to professionals who use them frequently and long-term in their line of work. Luckily, thermal imaging camera hire is available for those who only need to use thermal imaging briefly.
There are many reasons you might need to hire a thermal imaging camera, and the specifications you require and how long you need the device for will determine the price of the equipment. Basic thermal imaging cameras will obviously cost less to hire, while you’ll have to spend more for a camera with increased resolution, temperature range, and sensitivity.
In addition to the cost of thermal imaging camera hire, you‘ll also need to cover insurance for the hire period in case damage occurs, which will cover any repair costs. As long as you use the thermal imaging equipment as directed in appropriate situations, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Which thermal imaging camera should I hire?
Although thermal imaging cameras all do the same thing – translating heat radiation into a visual thermogram image – there are many different models with various quality levels and sensor ranges. The specific capabilities you’ll need will depend on individual reasons for conducting thermal imaging surveys. Typical applications include:
- Electrical inspections (identifying high voltages)
- Locating blockages in pipes and radiators
- Identifying structural defects (finding leaks and areas of heat loss)
- Observing nocturnal wildlife in your area
Whichever thermal imaging camera hire provider you choose, all cameras available for hire should have operator manuals and tutorials available so you can learn how to use the device and the accompanying analysis software beforehand without eating into your hire time. Looking over these manuals should help you determine which device is the most appropriate for your purposes.
While you don’t need standardised training or qualifications to hire thermal imaging cameras, it’s advisable to have at least some experience using them. If not, you should read through all the available guidance for your chosen thermal imaging device to ensure that you know all the ins and outs before you begin to use it.
How much does thermal imaging camera hire cost?
When it comes to high quality thermal imaging camera sales, this professional equipment can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £30,000 to buy. Hiring the camera for a limited time while you conduct your required type of thermal imaging surveys is much less expensive.
Here is a guide to the prices you can expect when hiring FLIR thermal imaging cameras, designed by one of the world’s leading thermal camera manufacturers, ranging from the most primary devices to the most proficient:
| Thermal Imaging Camera Hire | Specifications | 1 day | 3 days | 5 days | 7 days |
| FLIR E4 | 80 x 60 pixels
–20°C to +250°C |
£70 | £85 | £105 | £125 |
| FLIR E5 | 120 × 90 pixels
–20°C to +250°C |
£80 | £95 | £120 | £145 |
| FLIR E6 | 160 x 120 pixels
–20°C to +250°C |
£85 | £125 | £150 | £175 |
| FLIR E8 | 320 x 240 pixels
–20°C to +250°C |
£100 | £145 | £170 | £195 |
| FLIR E53 | 240 x 180 pixels
–20°C to +650°C |
£115 | £170 | £205 | £235 |
| FLIR E75 | 320 x 240 pixels
–20°C to +650°C |
£150 | £225 | £260 | £295 |
| FLIR VS290-32 | 160 x 120 pixels
–10°C to +400°C |
£170 | £250 | £300 | £350 |
| FLIR T540 | 464 x 348 pixels
–20°C to +1500°C |
£330 | £495 | £570 | £645 |
| FLIR T660 | 640 x 480 pixels
–40°C to +2000°C |
£430 | £645 | £795 | £945 |
| FLIR T1030SC | 1024 x 768 pixels
–40°C to +2000°C |
£715 | £1070 | £1285 | £1495 |
If you want the clearest possible images with the most accurate heat signature detection, it’s best to hire a higher grade model. The greater the resolution and range, the greater the sensitivity should be, with lower models offering accuracy within 0.04-0.06°C and higher models delivering 0.01-0.03°C accuracy.
As you can see from the guide above, prices can range from £70-£715 for 1 day of hire to £125-£1495 for 7 days of hire. Of course, you can extend your hire period if you need the thermal imaging camera for more than 1 week, and calculate the price based on the number of additional days. Bear in mind that listed prices for thermal imaging camera hire may not include VAT, so you should factor that into your budget as well.
As long as you consult the specification guidelines before selecting the most appropriate model and choose the correct hire period, you could be saving a lot of money by hiring a thermal imaging camera for a one-off job rather than buying one outright.
