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Get the best endoscopes, inspection cameras and borescopes for professional and home use. An endoscope is sometimes also called snake camera.
Originally, endoscopes were developed for minimally invasive surgery.
Nowadays, an endoscope is also used to examine machines, find defects in pipes or sewers and other hard-to-reach areas.
These endoscopes usually do have a camera and a display.
Moreover, new innovative devices also allow connection to your mobile phone (Android and iPhone) via USB or Bluetooth. Thus you are able to take pictures while examining tight spaces.
Now, please check out our following endoscope top list:
Table of Contents
Depstech Wireless Endoscope
As already mentioned, there are wireless endoscopes for Android and iPhone available these days and this Depstech endoscope is a perfect example for that.
The Depstech endoscope has a semi-rigid cable and enables wireless connection to your phone. It comes with additional accessories like a magnet, a hook and a mirror. This endoscopes lets you record videos and make pictures. It is waterproof and in my opinion comes at an affordable price.
Depstech endoscope – technical details
- Semi rigid cable
- Camera resolution 1280*720
- Camera diameter: ~ 0.33 inch
- Cable length: 11.5 feet
- 6 different adjustable LED lights
- waterproof
- Android & iOS compatible
- Wifi endoscope
Bosch GIC 120 C professional – industrial inspection camera
If you are looking for a battery-powered premium endoscope, you might take a closer look at the Bosch GIC 120 C. This stand-alone inspection camera is not cheap but a lot of buyers are very satisfied.
You can switch between photo and video mode. Additionally, when inserting a micro SD card, you can transfer the videos and images to your PC.
Moreover, by pressing a button you can rotate the camera image to make sure that you see the correct orientation. In addition, you can adjust the brightness in 4 levels (0%, 25%, 50% and 100%).
- Camera resolution 320 x 240
- Camera diameter: ~ 0.33 inch (8.5 mm)
- Cable length: 9,84 ft (3 m)
- 3 different adjustable LED light levels
- Cater-tight cable
- Stand-alone device
- Hook, magnet and mirror are included in the package
BlueFire Upgraded Endoscope
The BlueFire endoscope includes a hook, magnet and mirror accessories help you to reach parts around the corner and pick things up. For maximum cable protection, the endocscope cable is covered in a yellow durable coating.
- Semi rigid cable
- Camera resolution 2 MP
- Camera diameter: ~ 0.33 inch (8,5 mm)
- 6 different adjustable LED lights
- camera is IP68 waterproof
- Android & iOS compatible
- Wifi endoscope
Depstech Endoscope
Technical details
Depstech is a known Chinese manufacturer of endoscopes. Because it is not made in the USA they can offer it for a reasonable price.
- Camera resolution 2592×1944
- Camera diameter: ~ 0.34 inch (8,5 mm)
- Cable length: 9,84 ft (3 m)
- 6 different adjustable LED lights
- waterproof rating IP67
Teslong NTS151RS-3M Industrial endoscope
Teslong is another manufacturer of industrial grade inspection cameras. To sum it up, the NTS151RS-3M provides the following:
- Semi-rigid cable
- Camera resolution 720P for videos
- Camera diameter: ~ 0.21 inch
- Cable length: 9,84 ft (3 m)
- 6 different adjustable LED lights
- Waterproof rating IP67
- Stand-alone device
- Accessories: Additional mirror, hook and magnet are included in the package
Milwaukee M12 – 360 degree digital inspection
The Milawaukee M12 is a cordless 360 degree inspection camera that allows you to rotate the display. Inspect pipes drains and look behind wall with this professional tool.
As you can see this is not the cheapest inspection camera on the market. Now, take a look at the core features below:
Features
- Camera resolution 640 x 480
- Camera diameter: ~ 0.35 inch
- Cable length: 9,84 ft (3 m)
- 4 surround adjustable LED lights provide a 3 stage brightness control
- Waterproof device
- Stand-alone device
- Hook, magnet and mirror are included in the package
Rigid micro CA-300
The Rigid CA-300 comes with comfortable grip, a large screen and a rugged aluminum camera head. 4 adjustable LEDs make it easy to diagnose pipes. Although the device is powered by a replaceable Li-Ion battery, it can also powered by the included AC adapter.
- Semi rigid cable
- Camera resolution 640×480 (JPG & MP4)
- Camera diameter: ~ 0.7 inch (17 mm)
- Cable length: 3 ft (up to 30 ft with optional extension)
- 4 bright adjustable LED lights
- 4 GB SD card included
For even more endoscope cameras you can check out Nerdtechy.com here.
back to menu ↑Applications for endoscopes and inspection cameras
An inspection camera is excellent to take a look into dark and hard-to-see places because of limited space.
Examples of typical applications of endoscopes, inspection cameras and borescopes:
- HVAC inspection
- Pipe & drain pipe investigation with a pipe camera
- Weld seam inspection
- Engine maintenance
- CNC Machine inspection
- Car repair
- Aircraft maintenance
- Boat inspection
Criteria to consider before buying an endoscope
Before you finally chose your inspection camera you should think through the following questions regarding your application:
- Check the waterproof rating if you plan to use it in wet places. Ideally, the endoscope has IP67 dust- and waterproof protection.
- What cable length do you require?
- Do you need a flexible, rigid or video boroscope?
- Would you require a stand-alone system including a TFT display or would you like to use it with your iPhone or Android mobile phone?
- Does your endoscope need to be acid resistant?
- Do you prefer a wireless, battery operated system?
- Can you afford a more expensive high-quality system?
Differences between endoscopes, inspection camera and borescope
The Inspection Camera
The term inspection camera is similar to endoscope. But some people also say that a microscope is a specialized inspection camera while a microscope is never an endoscope.
The Borescope
For your reference, the following image shows a typical borescope.
A borescope is a handheld tool with an integrated magnifying glass and an additional light source that allows you to look into tight spaces and little holes. Usually, you can adjust eye focus and light intensity.
The Endoscope
An endoscope usually has a long cable and a camera on its end. Additional LED lights around the camera illuminate dark places. Below you can see a simple endoscope with wifi and USB connection.
No matter if you would like to check damaged drain pipes, repair your car or check clogged sinks. A endoscope or borescope will assist you to take a more detailed look in small areas and around corners.
If you have further experience or additional suggestions for this list of endoscopes, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.
Image Credits: Pixabay
Is there a reason why you didn’t list the BlueFire Endoscope?
Thanks for suggesting, will take a look at it!
Hello compare-bear,
Thanks for your awesome article. It’s really so helpful article for me. you should write daily basic.
Hi – I need an inspection to look under my mobile home – It is dark – so I would need it to be equipped with a light. I own an Android phone.( Galaxy A10e ) I do not know exactly where the problem is, so The camera should be easy to use & easy to feed under the trailer… I am 70 years old. Please advise. Thank U.