The DS500 is a fine tool, capable of performing its duties even in a rough and tumble environment. The build is confidence-inspiring, always appreciated in the kind of environment where serious work is being done, and we really appreciated the case and addition of a magnet as well as a standard hook –you’ll never lose a screw again. Not all cameras have a screen or display. More modern inspection cameras may be wifi enabled. This means that you can transfer the data to your phone or laptop screen, allowing you to get better image quality. Waterproofing Inspection camera favourites Depstech have an enormous range of useful endoscopes, otoscopes and even webcams. They know about making the best inspection camera, and the WF028-SJ Wi-Fi enabled endoscope is a brilliant bit of kit.

The endoscope camera is perfect for many craftsmen applications, such as viewing inside utility boxes and pipes, behind wall cavities, and for hydraulic systems and automotive applications. Additional Information Also, as digital imaging has improved and we have become used to our phones and tablets automatically showing “up is up” as we rotate them, it was clearly time to incorporate these into a newer generation of inspection cameras. Wi-Fi: this could be handy for viewing footage on your smartphone at a safe distance from the actual dirty work The handheld screen section feels rugged, with rubberised orange grips on either side. You can quite easily control the device with one hand, thanks to the well laid out rubberised buttons along the bottom. Cycling through the options is straightforward and easy to work out too.Can the user take photos or videos from the camera and how can the recorded images be transferred onto a computer? Hook Clip - attach the hook clip to the end of camera to retrieve non-magnetic or other small items that may have fallen in the vehicle engine compartment. Move hard to reach wires or cables. Camera helps guide the user to the problem area. The Depstech DS500 includes a dual camera design, which not only features a forward-pointing camera but a second looking out to one side (yet it manages this with a narrower probe than the wireless WF028 further down this guide). Semi-flexible cables are better for getting around corners. These can be manoeuvred and directed and will stay in the position you place them in. However, they are slightly more practical than rigid cables because they can be manoeuvred around bends.

Depstech are leading the way when it comes to the best snake camera thanks to the clever dual lens technology. You don’t need to fiddle about with tiny mirrors as there’s a second camera at 90° to the main one. They’re both well lit with an array of six LED lights for when things get dark. Some inspection cameras use disposable batteries. While these are more convenient because there’s no need to wait hours for the battery to charge, they may work out more expensive and you’ll need to dispose of the batteries after use. Inspection cameras are battery-powered, and the battery life is important. The charge time is also worth looking at. Inspection cameras are versatile cameras that enable you to look at areas you wouldn’t normally be able to access. They consist of a tiny camera at the end of either a rigid or flexible cable. Whether you’re inspecting an area behind a wall, down into a drain or inside your car, an inspection camera can give you a clear view. Types of Inspection Cameras The length of the cable is also an important factor. I’ve recommended cameras with cable lengths ranging from 1 m to 10 m. Those with long cables can get into areas a lot further away, but the camera itself will feel heavier. This makes the cable overall a little less manoeuvrable once you’ve managed to get it into a tight space.Many inspection cameras come with LED lights, meaning you can collect footage even in dark areas. A camera without LED lights will be fairly useless in areas behind walls, deep into drains or other areas that don’t receive a lot of natural light. Transfer images and videos directly via a micro USB cable or a micro SD card for documenting critical areas

The inspection camera GIC 120 C Professional is ideal for inspecting hard-to-reach areas and documenting the results. To achieve optimum spacial orientation, the ‘Up is Up’™ function rotates and simultaneously aligns the image on a large screen. For high-quality documentation and fast storage, images and videos can be directly transferred via micro USB cable. Dual Power Source technology allows for using 12 V Li-ion or standard alkaline batteries. Equipment & Application Endoscopes are miniature cameras. These have very small lenses with a diameter of around 4 mm. Although used in a range of industries, these are most commonly associated with medicine. Endoscopes are used to view inside the human body and diagnose illnesses.Camera resolution: the more the better, though remember these cameras must be tiny to be useful. Be aware that some makers 'upsample' resolutions to make it sound better than it actually is (a common way is recording higher resolution video than the camera's sensor can make use of). Magnet - attach the magnet to the end of camera to find items that may have fallen in the vehicle engine compartment or cylinders. For example, use the magnet to locate and retrieve screws or bolts that fell within the engine compartment and cannot be reached by hand. Locate and retrieve metal particles that may have fallen in the cylinder. Inspection camera experts Ddendocam make an impressive range of digital borescopes. Their industrial endoscope is ideal for getting into the tightest spaces thanks to its tiny probe width. This minute camera is small enough to look inside just about anything you like. If I have a gripe, it is a small one – I can’t seem to get my fingers to work those little clips that hold the rechargeable battery on – something I have noticed on my Bosch 10.8v driver too. Anyone used to a tablet, phone screen or TV remote will be able to use the selector controls of which there are only seven. The on/off is self explanatory as are the light intensity button, the reverse image button and the magnify button. All other features are selected by holding down the oblong right hand button and then scrolling through the display menu before selection. To record onto the SD card simply press down the button in the shape of the SD card and it will start recording in whatever mode – still or movie – that you have selected.

Rechargeable batteries are convenient provided they last long enough. Ideally, you’ll want a few hours of run time. This is especially important if your camera takes a few hours to charge, as many do. Camera Resolution The camera lens itself has an excellent 70° field of view, and you can switch between three viewing modes with a single button. If the image on the screen is upside down, you can flip it through 180°. It’s a useful little feature you’ll use more often than you think. The inspection camera is perfectly suited for many tradespeople applications such as, for example, inspecting the interior of distribution boxes, pipes, and wall cavities as well as for hydraulic systems and applications in the automotive sector. Additional Information First off, you’ll notice the brilliant quality snake probe itself. The cable is 7.9 mm wide, so it’s not the narrowest, but it has unbeatable rigidity for getting round tight corners. You can bend it anywhere along its length and it will stay there, which is incredibly handy. Inspection camera specialists Skybasic have made an incredibly useful borescope that’s ideal for when you need to get deep into the heart of the problem. Their industrial endoscope features a large screen, a simple menu layout, and an amazing amount of cable.Inspection cameras usually have fixed internal storage, while others use removable SD cards. If you are simply using your inspection camera to diagnose a problem in your car or drainpipe, you won’t need a huge amount of storage. Inspection cameras generally have either a flexible or rigid cable. Rigid cables are better for areas above your head or in straight lines. These are best for inspecting drains and can also be useful if you’ve got some obstacles that you need to push through to get into a confined space. Wireless inspection cameras use wifi to transfer data. The images and videos taken can be transferred to a screen for viewing. These are used in any situation where you need to view the data being collected in real time.