Flir infrared cameras have come down in price recently, and have therefor become much more popular for many different people. Until fairly recently, even the least expensive of these cameras was quite sophisticated and expensive.

At this point in time, a basic flir camera can be purchased for only $2000 - $3000, and will come with software. Consequently, these cameras have become popular for many different applications.

With rising energy costs, and increased interest and concern for the environment and energy efficiency, one of the most popular uses for thermal imaging cameras is in conducting home energy efficiency audits. In fact, most home energy auditors include an infrared camera as part of their standard tool set.

Infrared cameras are able to see the heat emitted from an object, and hence can see how heat moves through the walls of a house. An infrared cameras allows an auditor to see cold air entering the house, holes in the insulation, and other such construction defects.

Electrical system inspections are also a very popular use for IR cameras, and common faults that result in an increase in resistance. The camera can see the heat produced by the increased resistance. Thermography can find bad electrical components that could result in a major failure and potential fire. Infrared audits of electrical systems are often required by insurance companies.

Infrared cameras are even becoming more and more popular in human medicine, particularly in early breast cancer detection.Breast cancer detection is another area of human medicine where infrared has made significant progress. Before breast cancer develops to the extent a tumor can be detected with a mammogram, small changes and increased blood flow can be detected in the infrared. This method has the added benefit of being totally passive and non-invasive. The infrared camera is also much less expensive than other breast cancer detection equipment.