Asking for input on the RazIR

[jakers]

I'm trying to go through the tedious process of sorting out the best bang for my buck when buying or leasing an IR camera. Has anyone heard of a RazIR? I've been browsing this discussion group, looking for anyone who has reviewed it, but I kind of gave up at page 12.
They (company is called SPI) are really tooting their horn about this new camera. Its supposed to come in 3 different models -- RazIR LITE, RazIR SX, and the RazIR PRO. I browsed all their literature, and danged if I can find any type of side-by-side comparision on the three models. A lot of difference in the price, but who knows why? Has anyone out there used one of these units? Are they any good? They have a special "lease to own" program through First Pacific Funding that states "$20.00 down and $99.00/month for the first six months. However, I have to fill out the lease application, that requires I disclose some pretty sensitive information, before, I know specifics -- like what does the payment go to after six months? I'd like to know a little more about the specifics before, I go giving someone my bank account #'s. Has anyone seen this unit? Heard of this company? Heard of a salesman called Jim Santana? What do you think? I sent him an email this morning, but have had no reply. Looks like a cool camera, but the internet can make even an old nag look like a race horse sometimes. Any feedback would be most appreciated.

[relliott]

i asked about it last month.
Hit search.

[jakers]

Hit search, and did not find hardly any answers to my concerns that I posted. Anyone with useful info? Sorry -- After hitting "search" and searching for "RazIR", I didn't come up with a single post with your name on it -- it has escaped my grasp I guess.
Looking for the basic difference in specs between the 3 models -- RazIR LITE, RazIR SX, RazIR PRO Anyone know? Must be something significant -- looks like a couple of grand difference.
Has anyone "Leased to Own" through SPI?

Thanks

[ldapkus]

I think the Razir is pretty cute.

[rdawes]

I looked at one a few years ago when I was deciding on which camera to purchase. I demoed one from a local dealer. It's an "ok" 160x120 sensor orientated in the vertical. Depending on model, it had voice annotation and a visual camera. The visual camera was very poor and dim. The included software was just "ok" too. It is small and light and had a belt holster that made it very convenient for use on inspections. The battery life was good. BTW, it's made in China so having a good dealer to stand behind the warranty is essential.

If you are near a major metro area, try and find a local dealer. The SPI guys made me nervous. Kinda used-car-salesman-like. On the other hand, I know they do a lot of business and have been around for a long time. If I had purchased it, I would have used my local dealer. Ask to see the full lease agreeement before giving out any sensitive info.

FWIW, all this is just IMHO.

[OJ Utter]

James- I am under the same opinion as rdawes. The former company I worked for bought a PM695 a few years ago from SPI and the deal went ok but the SPI guy we were dealing with was a total used car salesman. Never would answer a question straight out. Back then I thought the camera would be very convenient but 160x120 resolution isn't the best for PdM work. I think the biggest concern would be the 2 hour battery life.
As far as First Pacific Funding; they are used by many of the camera distributors. I can't tell you what the rate would go to after the first 6 months as it depends on your credit rating. If you need to talk with someone from there and don't get the answers you want let me know and I will connect you with the guy I use that is with them. He has been good to me.

OJ Utter
www.utterprecision.com