A videoscope or videoendoscope is a device with a camera that allows you to inspect hard-to-reach and hidden components of various structures and mechanisms without dismantling them. They are used in various fields: for cars, in construction, in the maintenance of gas networks and electrical installations. In this review, we will tell you what videoscopes are, what to look for when buying, as well as give a rating of high-quality models and tell you how to choose the best products for 2022 at an affordable price.
Content
There are different types of endoscopes, with their own characteristics. The device of a classic videoscope is quite simple in comparison with advanced products: there is a camera equipped with LED backlight; it is connected by wire to the head unit, which consists of a processor and an LCD display. Usually they are sold already with a built-in battery. A device of this type is completely autonomous and is suitable for repairing home pipelines.
Videoscopes equipped with USB adapters, as well as Wi-Fi modules for wireless communication, are very widely represented. Such devices are used together with a PC or smartphones, on the screen of which, using special software, an image from the camera is displayed. The functionality of the device depends on the selection criteria: for a car, the presence of a Wi-Fi adapter may not be necessary, but for a visual inspection of hidden cavities in some large mechanisms, communication is simply necessary.
The criteria for selecting a video endoscope are as follows:
When choosing a model, you need to pay attention to the advice and recommendations of experts, as well as reviews from ordinary users, because. the description in the online store does not give complete information about the functionality of the device. A common mistake when choosing is to focus on the popularity of models, instead of choosing a device suitable for a particular area of \u200b\u200boperation.
Where to buy: Most models can be ordered online, incl. with AliExpress.
If the index of protection of the tool against external influences is not less than IP67, this means that it can be freely immersed in water. Videoscopes of this specification are suitable for plumbers and mechanical explorers at depth.
This is a waterproof endoscope with a long cable (2 m) and adjustable illumination consisting of 6 bright LEDs. The model is suitable for video inspection of hard-to-reach areas of various technical objects, hidden cavities and equipment.
The device is especially popular in car repair.With its help, it is convenient to inspect the internal components of the engine (lubrication system, cylinder surfaces, valve space, etc.) by introducing a small video camera with LED backlight, fixed on a flexible cord, into the cavity of the object being inspected.
This device supports work with PCs, laptops, as well as smartphones and tablet PCs operating on the Android operating system (adapter included). It can take photos and record videos with sound. All multimedia content is stored on a smartphone or PC, which is convenient for further analysis.
The endoscope only works with Android OS. For correct operation, the gadget must have OTG support and the function of connecting an external camera. If you have a black screen, then set the smallest resolution in the application settings. If this manipulation does not fix the problem, then most likely the smartphone does not support interaction with outdoor cameras.
Average price: 1150 rubles.
This simple but useful device allows you to inspect the most inaccessible and hidden areas.This model is designed to inspect the internal components of machinery, cars and motorcycles, motor-type boats and other equipment without preparatory disassembly and damage, including dark areas and areas with small inlets (for example, pipelines and ventilation systems).
This was achieved thanks to a small area (diameter is only 6.4 mm), which is placed in a waterproof housing that meets the IP67 standard. The length of the probe is 1.5 m. At its end is a high-resolution video camera with adjustable illumination of the area in front of the camera.
The picture of the object in question is displayed on the display of the user's smartphone running on the Android operating system. For correct functioning, you only need to download the appropriate program from the Play Market.
If the user has a USB adapter (not included with the device), then he can connect the model to a PC running Microsoft Windows OS. Frames can be saved as a photo or video. According to the owners, the model is comfortable and easy to use, and also differs from analogues in high reliability of assembly.
Average price: 2000 rubles.
This device makes it possible to qualitatively and quickly inspect heating and ventilation systems, including air conditioning, to check components that are located in hard-to-reach areas of machines and other equipment without the need for full or partial disassembly.
Compliance with the protection standard IP67 makes it possible to use the probe of the model for diagnosing water supply systems. The minimum level of energy consumption guarantees up to 3 hours of operation of the device from 1 set of batteries. The main working component of the device is the measuring tip located on the probe. It is thanks to him that the inspection of areas hidden from human eyes is carried out. The picture is displayed on a liquid crystal screen located on the body.
Average price: 7600 rubles.
One of the best options for those who want to save money without sacrificing quality. Incredibly high-quality videoscope Ada instruments ZVE 160 is sold at the price of an average budget device from China.
The device is suitable for the construction of pipelines, for exploring the interior of heavy equipment, engines, etc. It is equipped with a large 3.5-inch LCD screen and is powered by four AA batteries. Can be connected to a TV or computer monitor. The control panel is located directly below the screen, the purpose of all buttons is intuitive.In this case, the camera diameter is 12 mm, and the minimum focal length is 50 mm.
According to buyers, this Chinese-made device is one of the best devices for home use.
The videoscope from Bosch, focused on inspecting hard-to-reach areas with low light, has a high-quality protection system against moisture and dust ingress (protection level IP67). There is a built-in LCD display with a resolution of 320x240 and convenient operation with an ergonomic interface. An unused cable is located in a separate groove around the body of the device. The device is considered semi-professional and costs about 5200 rubles. It is for the right price-quality ratio that this model receives first place in this rating.
The LCD display of the videoscope displays the data recorded by the device during the examination of the object. The most inexpensive and simple models have a small display and cannot be connected to external screens. The more advanced built-in display is wide and there are several ways to connect to a TV or monitor.
This model is equipped with a flexible probe that is waterproof and has a length of 1 m. This device is used for visual inspection and diagnosis of ventilation systems, pipelines, machines and other miscellaneous electrical equipment.
The camera diameter is only 10 mm, which makes it possible to inspect hard-to-reach areas such as candle wells, technical pits, etc. This device with a display differs from analogues in ease of use, since, compared with simpler devices, it does not need to be connected to external monitor or PC.
The work area lighting system includes 4 bright LEDs. It guarantees excellent visibility in dark areas such as pipelines. The picture is transmitted to the screen in real time without freezes, so that the user can at the same time perform the required actions with the object of inspection and analyze their results. 7-level saturation adjustment combined with image rotation/flip makes it possible to adjust the display for comfortable viewing.
Average price: 9000 rubles.
The novelty from the German company Laserliner has a convenient and ergonomic interface and intuitive settings. A camera with digital zoom and five levels of illumination is built into a plastic probe.The image from the camera is automatically transmitted to the built-in liquid crystal display. The device can operate at temperatures from 0 to +45 degrees. The average cost in the market is about 11 thousand rubles.
The Chinese-made CEM BS-150 videoscope is used in various sectors of the economy: oil and gas industry, aviation, construction, energy, water supply, automotive services, etc.
The product is equipped with a capacious 2000 mAh battery, a 3.2-inch LCD display with backlight, a slot for a microSD card (the built-in memory is 68 MB). Images with a resolution of 640x480 are convenient to broadcast on external screens. The safety of the camera in hard-to-reach places is ensured by a plastic moisture- and dust-resistant meter probe.
A professional videoscope ZUBR BC-300 costs a little more than 9,000 rubles - this is the price of an ordinary household endoscope. For such a small amount, the buyer receives a high-quality device with a camera diameter of 12 mm, located on a meter probe, with a built-in 3.5-inch display and bright backlight.
The outstanding durability of the device, which is provided by the rubber coating of the entire body, deserves a special applause. There is no built-in battery; instead, 4 AA-type batteries serve as a power source, which last for three hours of continuous operation.
Videoscopes for use in car services and service stations must have a built-in display, a high-quality camera and compactness, since we have to deal not with impressive mechanisms and pipelines, but with small cars.
This digital type model is designed to control hard-to-reach areas and offers the ability to create and save photos in a maximum resolution of 1280x720 pixels.
This ergonomic device has a 4.3-inch color LCD display, auto-focus picture mode and allows you to view the image from a distance of 3 cm to the object. It is a practical and economical model for the inspection of technical devices.
This device is an excellent solution for many areas of activity. For example, when repairing and servicing a car, thanks to him, a service station employee can calculate the level of wear of the combustion chamber without a long dismantling of the engine, looking at it through the spark plug hole. Since the model can take photos, it is easy to give the owner of the car an explanation about the repair of the piston group.In addition, this device will be an excellent solution for examining walls, partitions and other structures, pipelines, cable tunnels, chimneys, etc.
Average price: 11950 rubles.
This model works with MaxiSys scanners (MS906BT, MS908S PRO) and personal computers via USB.This device is an exemplary tool for operation not only in the automotive industry (checking gasoline and diesel engines, inspecting electrical wiring and bodywork for corrosion in hidden areas, checking components in hard-to-reach areas, etc.), but also in the construction industry, housing and utilities and visual control of complex mechanisms without the need to disassemble them.
Tips for interchangeable probes, which are included in the standard package of the device, increase the functionality of the model. For example, interaction with electrical wiring (hook), removing metal objects from hard-to-reach areas (magnetic nozzle), checking side surfaces (mirror nozzle).
Average price: 4250 rubles.
This model allows you to check the internal components of cars, equipment and other hard-to-reach areas. The device broadcasts a picture at a speed of 30 FPS in a resolution of 1280x720 pixels. LED-backlighting makes it possible to inspect the most light-isolated areas.
The 5.5mm narrow probe is compatible with most spark plug holes. It is also IP67 waterproof. Due to the autofocus mode, it is possible to view an object from a distance of 3 to 300 mm.
To work correctly with mobile devices and tablet PCs based on the Android operating system, they must support the OTG option and connect an external camera.
Average price: 5000 rubles.
Megaon 33500 is one of the best representatives of modern portable endoscopes in the mid-budget segment. It is designed in such a way that the operator has the ability to disconnect the screen from the main unit, for subsequent remote viewing of the stored materials.
Megaon copes well with shooting in cars and captures video and photo materials in JPG and AVI formats. For this, a camera with a diagonal of 8.89 mm with a resolution of 0.3 megapixels is used. Thanks to high-quality materials, the manufacturer guarantees a long service life of the device.
If you are engaged in professional maintenance and are wondering which company’s videoscope is better to take, as they say, once and for all, pay attention to Hazet. It cooperates with the best car manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Porsche and Volkswagen, which indicates the highest level of quality and reliability of the company's products.
So, model 4812-10/4S is a top measuring power tool even in its professional segment. It is equipped with a modern TFT-monitor with a resolution of 640x480 and even has an adapter for connecting old-style probes. The device is widely used in car services and in the construction business to determine voids in various structures. However, if you look at how much this device costs, you can whistle: the cost of the model fluctuates on average within 44,000 rubles. However, you always have to pay for high quality.
Some situations may require wireless communication between the probe and the body of the device. To do this, many modern models are equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter, with which the operator can control and receive a signal from the camera without using wires.
It is a flexible endoscope that supports wireless data transmission technologies.It will be an excellent solution for sharing with electronic devices based on Microsoft Windows, Android or iOS operating systems. The main thing is that they have Wi-Fi support.
This device is used for visual inspection of equipment and hard-to-reach areas. It is an excellent option for checking pipelines and ventilation systems, repairing and diagnosing cars, electronic devices.
The instrument is equipped with a 3m flexible solid wire probe and an 8mm lens with adjustable LED illumination for excellent illumination of the work area. This model is available in a case that is protected from moisture in accordance with the IP67 standard, thanks to which the device is reliably protected from dust, which indicates a long service life.
Average price: 2900 rubles.
This USB model was primarily designed for diagnosis and use to study the ear canal. It can also be used to extract wax from the ear canal. The body of the device is made of high quality stainless steel.
At the end of the 5.4 mm probe is a curette for easy sulfur extraction. The advantage of the device lies in its compactness and ease of use. Despite the small dimensions, the device provides a high-quality diagnostic result.
In addition to using this model in the healthcare sector, it is also used for remote visual inspection of the technical condition of various equipment, as well as for inspecting hard-to-reach areas through small holes.
This device stands out from the background of analogues with high strength and reliability of assembly, since the steel structure does not deform and does not wear out. To interact via USB, you need to connect the device to a mobile device or tablet PC running the Android operating system. Also, the model is compatible with personal computers.
Average price: 5350 rubles.
This model has an 8.5mm probe with 180 degree one-way articulation. It is ideal for remote visual verification of the operation of hidden components and mechanisms of various equipment, including car engines.
At the end of the probe are 6 LED type bulbs. The brightness of the backlight can be adjusted, which makes viewing much easier. The device is easily connected to a PC or tablet via USB / mini USB.The software that is included with the model allows you to view the pictures taken on the monitor, as well as record video.
The design features of the probe consist of several layers of braid for better protection against water and increased resistance to high temperatures. The probe is manufactured with a metal base that withstands damage and kinks. The outer part of the braid is made of wear-resistant polyurethane.
Average price: 19500 rubles.
Mid-budget endoscope with Wi-Fi coverage up to 20 meters. The probe is equipped with a special hook to catch small objects, a magnet to attract iron parts and a mirror for viewing. The device is protected from water and dust with an IP67 protection index. The maximum video resolution is 640x480 pixels. There is no built-in display, the image is broadcast to the connected mobile device. The device is sold at an average price of 5500 rubles.
This device has a high-quality picture and the ability to shoot in HD quality, which is generally rare for videoscopes. The camera has a resolution of 1280x720 pixels and an optimal focal length of 4-6 centimeters. Wi-Fi module has a range of up to 30 m.
For added convenience, the device is equipped with a quick start button, thanks to which you can start diagnostics instantly. The kit also comes with a convenient holder with which the device is easily attached to the smartphone.
The choice of a videoscope must be made based on the required functionality, nature and frequency of use of the device.