Bosch inspection camera UniversalInspect (Ø8mm endoscope camera for color images with flexible 0.95m length and integrated memory function)

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It could also be great for diagnostics – for example while testing this tool I found out that some of my radiators are suspiciously rusty at some of the joints where I would not have been able to inspect without this camera. I need to think about replacement before winter. An electrician I lent it to used it to help him locate wires, joists and positions for a set of downlighters he was fitting into a client’s ceiling - saving him a lot of exploratory drilling and making good afterwards. Screen size and resolution: the bigger and better the screen, the easier it is to get a proper view of what you're looking at. 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. Borescopes are designed for industrial as opposed to medical use. These have either a rigid or flexible stem and are suitable for large equipment inspections. They usually have a larger diameter lens than endoscopes, illuminating a greater area. It’s worth noting that while the camera and cable itself may be waterproof, the screen and display might not be. This means a lot of care still needs to be taken when working in damp areas or around drain pipes. Focal Distance

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. Wi-Fi: this could be handy for viewing footage on your smartphone at a safe distance from the actual dirty work

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To start with, you get a whopping ten metres of inspection cable. That’s more than double compared with the other cameras on my list and means this tool can get you just about anywhere you need to go. The cable is IP67 rated against water and dust incursion, so you can feed it underwater without issue. There are six bright LEDs on the end to illuminate the target area as well. A borescope is used for a wide variety of inspections, while an endoscope – while similar in concept – is for medical inspections. Borescopes can be used to inspect machinery and engines, pipes and gun barrels, and hidden areas inside the home live cavity walls. Endoscopes, by contrast, are used to inspect body cavities and organs. What kinds of borescope are there?

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 InformationOf course, you may not know exactly what task you are using your camera for. The models I’ve recommended have variable focal distances; a distance of between 3 and 10 cm would be suitable for a wide range of tasks. Cable Type and Length 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. 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. If your inspection camera comes with a display, you should ensure it’s large enough for you to clearly view what’s going on. 3″ and above tends to be the best screen size for viewing. Any smaller than this, and you may not be able to get a good view of the area. 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.