Based purely on price, I believe the SEEK to be a viable thermal camera for the purposes of experiencing what thermal imaging actually is. It is certainly far more enlightening than using a simple mono pixel IR thermometer ! You can pay as much for a decent IR thermometer so in those terms it is value for the money.
Why have I been so negative about the product of recent ? Purely through disappointment. I had high hopes (maybe too high) for what SEEK Thermal were going to produce. I was VERY disappointed that they appear to have 'dropped the ball' when it comes to community engagement but then that may have been part of their business plan. Make it, sell it and most users will be happy enough with its performance ? So in fairness, I was amazed at the retail price point, and likely expected too much because of the good pedigree of the lead members of the SEEK Thermal team (both ex Indigo thermal cameras). They broke new ground with a 12uM pixel FPGA. Previously not commonly available. Sadly the sensor/processing package is not producing the image quality common on more expensive cameras from the likes of FLIR. That does not make the SEEK rubbish though, just under developed.
There are two other budget thermal cameras due out soon. The FLIR One MkII and the Start-up Hema-Vison. From past experience the new 160x120 pixel FLIR will be an impressive, well developed product that meets its claims. The Hema-Vision appears to be an excellent piece of development work that is only limited by its resolution of approx 82x62 (?). I see the FLIR One MkII selling well, and I may buy one. The Hema-Vision is an unknown but I hope it does well.
If you wish to dip your toe into thermal imaging today, go for a SEEK and enjoy yourself.
If you catch the thermal imaging 'bug', like I did, you can always buy a better quality 'used' thermal camera when funds permit. I bought a fully functional FLIR PM575 Industrial quality thermal camera in pretty much 'as new' condition 3 weeks ago for ..... £150 (yes £150)
I just bought another PM575 in good condition and that one cost me a still very reasonable £600. The PM575's are amazing build quality with a 320x240 Gen 2 microbolometer running at 60 frames per second and with FLIR's excellent image processing capabilities.
I have often suggested to people that they think about buying a high quality 'Used' Thermal Camera rather than a 'built down to a price' new one. My PM575's originally cost over $50,0000 each and it can be seen in the quality of components used. Huge FPGA and large 50mm diameter Germanium Lenses.... lovely stuff and a joy to behold
There are bargains to be had if you search for them. I should say that I am capable of repairing a faulty thermal camera so that removes some of the risk of buying used but PayPal also protects buyers from mis-described cameras. Do not buy used thermal cameras that are 'spares or repair' unless you know a lot about component level repair on 6 layer PCB's with high density component layouts. They are not simple to repair.
Hope this helps a little
Aurora