Had to pick between a new camera or a better light for my inspections

My old inspection camera gave up last fall, and I had about $500 to spend. I could get a newer camera with a bit better picture, or I could get a good, bright LED light on a pole to see up there first. I went with the light, a 3000 lumen model from a supply house. It's been six months, and I'm finding way more hairline cracks and gaps in the flue tiles now that I can actually see them clearly. Anyone else find that better lighting changed how you spot problems?

3 comments

3 Comments

scott.drew10d ago

Wait, 3000 lumens? That's basically a portable sun for looking up chimneys. No wonder you're finding stuff now. @rodriguez.felix is totally right about old lights washing things out, but that's a crazy difference. I'd be half blind for an hour after turning that thing off. Makes you wonder what else we're all missing with crummy gear.

keith_rivera191d ago

Seriously makes you question every inspection done with a dim flashlight. Scott's right about the temporary blindness, but that quick flash shows details you'd never see otherwise. What other basic tools are we all using that are actually making the job harder?

rodriguez.felix10d ago

What kind of cracks were you missing before? I bet the old light just washed everything out so the fine lines blended right in.