After 72 hours of research, testing 17 inspection cameras, and interviews with three electricians, one plumber, two from sales and a brand manager, we found that DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscopeis the best inspection camera for electricians, air conditioning, cars and plumbing. It can withstand any working environment, and with the wireless screen, it can capture videos or photos in tight spaces. The second best option we liked is Teslong Ultra Slim Borescope. If you want to learn more check out our reviews and buyer’s guide.
Top Pick
Best Inspection Camera
1. DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope- Best For Professional Use
Now, most of the technicians rely on wireless endoscopes for inspection. The DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope scored some good numbers during our tests. Even the sales number suggests it is a popular inspection camera. The scope works with both Android and iOS phone without the need for an extra adapter. However, make sure the version you use the current one for both Android and iOS.
Something that we instantly fell love with was the 30 fps frame rate. We have tested so many endoscopes, but not many supported 30 fps. Such frame rate makes the video quality smooth and sharp. You also get three attachments for the endoscope, mirror, magnet and hook to help you in various kinds of job.
- Flexible and durable endoscope cable.
- 30 fps frame rate for the smooth video quality.
- 6 LED light.
- Waterproof.
- 1200p resolution.
- Inexpensive.
- Image quality is disturbed if the connected phone is beyond 15.7 inches.
Bottom Line
Among the all the wireless inspection cameras we have tested, we like DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope. Looking at the jobs it can de we believe it works for inspection of HVAC, plumbing and automotive use.
2. Teslong Ultra Slim Borescope- Best For Android
The nature of work technicians does use an endoscope; not everyone is keen on smudging their phone. An inspection camera with its screen is a much better option. For such users, we recommend Teslong Ultra Slim Borescope. With .21 inch diameter camera it uses 3.5 LCD screen. The whole unit is waterproof and can be used in the toughest of conditions.
The cable uses semi-rigid gooseneck to give different angles. We quality of the material the gooseneck design uses. It retains the shape much better than other endoscopes we tested. If you want you can always replace the probe with different diameter, length, angle, depth of field, etc. The Teslong has several options depending on your need.
- Adjustable LED light.
- Good quality screen.
- The probe is replaceable.
- Gooseneck design uses high-quality metal.
- IP67 Waterproof.
- Expensive.
Bottom Line
We would advise you to go for the Teslong Ultra Slim Borescope if you do not like wireless inspection camera that uses your phone as a screen. The biggest reason is its built quality, it can handle all kinds of jobs and conditions.
3. Dewalt DCT412B – Best for Budge Conscious Users
Dewalt is one of the most trusted brands of work tools. They understand the needs of technicians and provide the most effective and powerful tools. The DEWALT DCT412B inspection camera is intuitive. It uses a wireless screen which can be separated from the main unit. Thus, allowing you to handle the scope separately and the screen separately.
The Dewalt inspection camera support resolution of 320 X480 dpi which is not HD quality but for the small screen of the tool, it is more than enough. It also has a 3X zoom for precise inspection. If your job requires the documentation, you can capture video or photos on SD card. However, the SD card is not included in the package.
- Wireless screen
- 3x Zoom with 320×480 dpi resolution.
- SD card slot.
- Cable is easy to handle.
- Waterproof.
- Inexpensive.
- Using wireless screen and cable together is not easy for an individual.
Bottom Line
If your job profile involves inspection of places that are not comfortable and does not allow you to operate the screen with ease, the Dewalt DCT412B could be a good solution. The price range it has, it is the inspection camera for money on our list.
4. THZY WiFi Borescope – Best For Automotive Repair
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The THZY WiFi Borescope Inspection Camera works with both Android and iOS devices. We loved the 2-megapixel camera of the scope. When used with a very good camera, you can see footage with some good colors. And the 10-meter long endoscope probably one of the longest endoscope we tested in our lab. Length is useful for plumbing jobs.
Though the unit supports the highest resolution of 1280x720P when the camera is moving, the frame rate is too low. Sometimes it almost feels like a stutter. You get the best result only when the camera is more stable. Better frame rate would be made it the best wireless camera for iPhone or Andriod.
- Longest hard cable.
- Great controllable lights.
- IP67 waterproof.
- High definition 2 million pixels.
- Inexpensive compared to other inspection cameras.
- The frame rate is too low.
- Cable is rigid but cannot bend up to 90.
Bottom Line
We somehow felt that it is the inspection camera for iPhone. When you use it with a premium iPhone, you get the pictures. All the details and colors are much clearer. And the frame rate improves.
5. DBPOWER Endoscope – Best For High Resolution Output
When you use a wireless inspection camera, the feed always relies on the Wi-Fi connection, but for the best quality images or videos, standard endoscopes are best. If you ask which inspection camera has the highest resolution, the answer is DBPOWER Endoscope Inspection Camera. At least the selection of cameras we had in our lab for testing, the DBPOWER had the highest resolution which is 3 megapixels. Also, it had the 4x zoom to view every detail.
You can store videos and images on the TF card which you will have to buy separately. There is plenty of options when it comes to ergonomics. Frankly speaking, the menu was confusing for us. We had to constantly refer to the manual, to find a certain setting. We think the company must provide a simpler way to navigate through the menu.
- Very compact and easy to handle.
- The screen provides high-quality images and videos.
- LED flashlight.
- Works on both a rechargeable battery and AA batteries.
- Can store data on TF card.
- Using the menu is confusing.
- Length of the cable is short.
Bottom Line
It has the highest resolution for any inspection camera, and it is the selling point for the DBPOWER Endoscope Inspection Camera. Though there are few negatives, it can be handled using one hand with ease.
6. Ridgid 25643 SeeSnake Micro – Best For Plumbing
Rigid is a reputed brand in the manufacturing of inspection cameras. The Ridgid 25643 SeeSnake Micro Inspection Camera is probably the simplest inspection camera we tested. Sometimes having too many buttons to push and different parts to handle could lead to the frustration. We had two electricians on our expert panel; they believed sometimes it is much better to have a very simple device at the job site rather having high tech tool.
The probe is waterproof. We dipped into a bucket full of water and observed the video quality. There was no change. However, the main unit is not waterproof so may have to take care of it while using in the damp conditions.
- Very easy to use.
- Highly durable unit and the cable.
- The probe is waterproof.
- High visibility 2.5-inch screen.
- Videos and Images are not high definitions.
- Expensive.
Bottom Line
If your job requires inspection cameras with a short cable, the Ridgid Inspection Camera is not a bad choice. You can use the tool just with one hand.
7. BlueFire Semi-Rigid Flexible Wireless – Best For HVAC
For jobs like HVAC or automotive repairs, we felt those wireless endoscopes are the best. We understand that not everyone is a technician or runs a repair shop or plumbing business. Some may want a device that can be used for simple home repairs by normal users. Something like BlueFire Semi-Rigid Endoscope allows home users to that. They are cheap and connect with smartphones.
The probe uses a 2-megapixel camera using which you can capture video or photo of three different resolution—1280×720, 640×480, and 320×240. Also uses 6 LEDs to help you see in dark spaces. The good thing is lights are controllable. Depend on the level of brightness require you can control from your phone.
- Suitable for home users.
- High-resolution images and videos.
- Waterproof.
- Connects with 2-4 devices at the same time.
- Inexpensive.
- Not easy to control the probe while using the phone.
Bottom Line
Anyone who likes to fix HVAC or repair vehicles at home, the BlueFire Semi-Rigid Endoscope is suitable for them. However, we suggest getting help because handling the probe while adjusting the setting on the phone is not easy.
Buyer’s Guide- What To Consider While Buying?
While we were looking for the inspection cameras, we realized most of the cameras are the same and has the same features. So, buying a new piece of inspection cameras could get a little frustrating. But if you know what to look for in an inspection, you might be able to get the right inspection camera without much fuss. So here is what you should look for while buying the inspection cameras:
1. Head
The most important part of any inspection camera is the head or probe. This is where the camera is housed. It has to enter and capture videos or images of unreachable places. The first thing you have to make sure that the camera head is waterproof. It is quite possible you may work in an HVAC system or plumbing systems. These are usually damp, so you want something that is not affected by water. Most of the cameras we have mentioned on our list are IP67 waterproof. Even if you dip it in the bucket, it will still work.
Another thing you have to look for is the camera quality. You will find different qualities of camera ranging from VGA to 3-megapixel cameras. We suggest you to only consider probes with 2 megapixel or 3-megapixel cameras. The DBPOWER Endoscope Inspection Camera has 3-megapixel camera—highest among the cameras we have tested.
2. Cord
The cord is another aspect you will have to consider. Most of the manufacturers provide information about the length of the cable or the cord or and the built quality of the cord. The length allows the camera to reach the deepest of spaces. However, it is not necessary to have the longest cord. If the job requires only a foot of cord, you might end up fumbling with the rest of the piece in our hand. Determine the right length for the cord. Mostly you will find cords with length 6 foot or more.
Another thing about the cord that is must for an inspection camera is rigidity. The rigid built allows you to bend the camera at a certain angle. Usually, it is lower than 90 degrees. So make sure that any cord you use, are rigid or semi-rigid.
3. LED Lights
To allow you to see in dark spaces, the probe has LED or LEDs. We recommend you to go with inspection cameras with LEDs. And moreover, LEDs that can be controlled are the best option. However, you will have to see how the unit controls the lights. Is it simple on-off or uses the dimmer? Inspection cameras like Ten long Ultra Slim Borescope has different settings for brightness on the unit. But we like inspection cameras like DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope that have a slider to choose the perfect intensity of the light.
4. Battery
Most of the inspection cameras either use rechargeable battery or AA battery. If you are a technician who has carry inspection jobs daily, the rechargeable battery is a much better choice. However, make sure you use a battery with a capacity more than 500 mh so that the camera last long. Especially when you use the LED light, the battery runs out quickly. And when you use an inspection camera now then, AA battery is a good choice.
5. Screen Size
It doesn’t matter if you have a high-quality camera if the screen has poor display quality. Each device has a different quality of the screen. Like the camera, the screen has its resolution. Make sure you get the screen with high quality. When you are using a wireless inspection camera, we advise you to use phones with Full HD display. These screens provide the clearest and sharp pictures. All the premium range Androids have a full HD display. We prefer the iPhone in terms of display quality.
How We Conduct Tests?
Our first step is to identify the products that are either the best seller or popular among the users. For inspection cameras, we selected 17 different models which included both handheld and wireless variants. Next, we identified the parameters that makes the top inspection cameras with the help of experts we hired. The parameters we determined included ease of use, video quality, battery, durability, and storage.
Once we had the parameters, we designed different tests based on them. We made sure that any situation we simulate is close to the real-life simulation. And the measuring tools we use are well calibrated and accurate. Also we also value the reviews of our existing users, so contacted the current users via seller. Their view on the camera they are using game us a good idea of the camera’s performance after a few months or years purchase. We also scanned several reputed review sites to see what users are saying about each model.
After we had all the test results, and user reviews, we asked our team to score each inspection camera based on three factors usage, durability, and picture quality. After calculating the overall score, we shortlisted the seven inspection cameras. Here is scorecard of shortlisted cameras:
| Product | Usage | Feed Quality | Durability | Overall | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope | 96.8 | 97.6 | 97.1 | 97.1 | CheckPrice |
| Teslong Ultra Slim | 97.2 | 96.7 | 97.3 | 97 | CheckPrice |
| DEWALT DCT412B | 97.3 | 96.3 | 97.2 | 96.9 | CheckPrice |
| THZY WiFi | 96.5 | 96.9 | 96.7 | 96.7 | No products found. |
| DBPOWER Endoscope | 96.9 | 96.3 | 96.4 | 96.5 | CheckPrice |
| Ridgid 25643 | 97.2 | 95.7 | 96.1 | 96.3 | Check Price |
| BlueFire Semi-Rigid | 95.7 | 96.6 | 95.4 | 95.9 | CheckPrice |
Final Thought
The inspection cameras are something that is used by both professionals and amateurs. Depending on the kind of user you have to identify your requirement for the inspection camera. Each will have different need and hence would require a certain type of camera. Until you are not clear about your own needs for inspection and the budget, you won’t be able to point one camera that is suitable for you. If you have any doubts, refer to our buyer’s guide.
DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope- Editor's Choice
Summary
Among the all the wireless inspection cameras we have tested, we like DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope. Looking at the jobs it can de we believe it works for inspection of HVAC, plumbing and automotive use.
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