Whether it is automotive repair work or a home improvement project, inspection cameras (also known as Borescopes) are handy visual tools. They allow you to inspect areas that are not possible to look at with the naked eye.
The best inspection cameras allow you to perform detailed visual inspections – with a crisp LCD screen, waterproof design, and a nice long battery life.
On the other hand, a lousy inspection camera is a complete waste of time – producing low-quality images and almost immediately running out of battery.
So to help you separate the good from the bad – we’ve reviewed the Top 5 Inspection Cameras of 2024.
Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the best borescopes on the market. Let’s dive straight into the reviews.
Contents
Top 5 Best Borescope Inspection Cameras
| Preview | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Vividia 9mm Portable Digital Flexible Inspection Camera with 2.4" LCD... |
| CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice  | DEWALT DCT410S1 12V MAX Inspection Camera Kit |
| CHECK PRICE |
Excellent Value  | RIDGID 36738 Model Micro CA-100 Hand-Held Inspection Camera, Borescope |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Extech BR80 Video Borescope Inspection Camera |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Milwaukee Electric Tool 2309-20 M-Spector Inspection Scope Kit, 9 mm, 4.92... |
| CHECK PRICE |
1. Vividia Borescope Inspection Camera
- Image Sensor: 0.3MP Color CMOS sensor. Monitor: 2.4” full color LCD (Resolution: 640x480).
- Focal Range: 4cm to Infinite. Horizontal Viewing Angle: D67°. Easy to use, lightweight, handhold design.
- Waterproof camera head & cable meet IP67 standard (the monitor is NOT waterproof). Illumination: 4 white LED lights with adjustable brightness.
The Vividia Portable Digital Flexible Inspection Camera mirrors the appearance of RIDGID’s device but sets itself apart with a compact, full-color 2.4-inch LCD. Priced competitively, it combines form and function with its ergonomic handheld design and a 0.3-megapixel CMOS sensor camera, offering a blend of comfort and quality.
The camera of this device is waterproof, and the cable that comes with the device meets IP67 standards. However, please bear in mind that the monitor is not waterproof. The camera head is also equipped with four LED lights. You can also add extended units to the cable to increase its lengths.
4 AA batteries power the device, and the package also includes a mirror, hook, and magnet. The inspection camera weighs just over seven and a half ounces while the dimensions are 47.1-inch x 3.2-inch x 2-inch.
Pros
- It has a 0.3-megapixel camera with a CMOS sensor.
- The LCD of the device measures 2.4-inch and it can produce 640×480 resolutions as well.
- Waterproof camera head & cable meet IP67 standard
- Overall the best digital inspection camera on the market
- You can also extend the cable as per your convenience.
Cons
- The monitor is not waterproof (although the rest of it is)
Verdict
It is one of the best inspections cameras that you can buy in this price range. It has all the fundamental features that you will need to complete your home improvement or other small-scale projects.
2. DeWalt Borescope Inspection Camera Kit
- This product is made of high quality material. This is easy to install and easy to use
- Waterproof Cable
- This product is manufactured in China
It is the next evolution inspection camera equipped with SeeSnake Micro Inspection technology. It comes with a camera that enables you to perform checks visually, in different hard to reach spaces and tight areas. The device also boasts an easy pistol grip construction so that you can use the device with your one hand.
The inspection camera device is equipped with an LCD screen that measures 3.5-inch and enables you to see through tight spots. The device also has a pistol grip allowing you to work with it smoothly. The cable is 3 feet long, and you can use extensions as well.
Its camera can produce a clear view of the objects that are even 20 feet away as it comes with three times magnification. The camera lens along with the LED attached to it is entirely waterproof. The camera can produce images that you transfer to the MicroSD as well.
Pros
- You can take images of the view and save them to your MicroSD for reference.
- The 3.3 feet cable of the device is fully extendable to over 30 feet.
- You can detach the cable in wireless mode and see the objects that are even 20 feet further.
- Best inspection camera for HVAC
- You can also magnify your view three times for image enhancement.
Cons
- Slightly pricier than other borescopes
Verdict
Dewalt is renowned for making outstanding products and the same goes for DeWalt Borescope 12V MAX Inspection Camera Kit. This device is one of the best inspections cameras despite the fact of a high price. However, we all know quality has a cost so don’t miss out on this merely for price.
3. RIDGID Borescope Inspection Camera
- Next evolution of SeeSnake Micro Inspection Camera allows you to perform detailed visual inspections in tight spots and hard-to-reach areas
- Features a comfortable pistol-grip design, one-hand controls, and large 3-1/2-inch color LCD screen display for easier detection and diagnosis
- Rugged 3/4-inch (17 mm) anodized aluminum camera head with 4 super bright LEDs for visibility in dark areas
Elevating inspection technology, RIDGID’s camera integrates SeeSnake Micro Inspection technology capabilities to facilitate visual checks in the most inaccessible spaces. Designed with a user-friendly pistol grip, it enables effortless one-handed operation, making it your go-to tool for thorough inspections.
The device incorporates a three and a half-inch color LCD for ease in diagnosis and detections. The 3/4-inch camera itself is super rugged and is equipped with four very bright LEDs to facilitate visibility in dark areas. You can also rotate the image counterclockwise as well while hook, magnet, and mirror come as attachments too.
You can also extend the three feet Borescope cable to 30 feet with extensions that you can purchase separately. The instrument is powered by four separate AA batteries and weighs just five and a half pounds with product dimensions of 14.8-inch x 11.9-inch x 4.7-inch.
Pros
- The inspection camera is equipped with the nest evolution SeeSnake Micro inspection technology.
- It comes with a pistol-grip design that enables one-handed control.
- The device is also equipped with three and a half-inch LCD.
- It incorporates a 17mm anodized aluminum camera with four bright LEDs.
- You can extend the 3-foot wires to 30 feet with separate extensions as well.
- Cheap price – great value for the money
Cons
- The probe is not as flexible as we’d like
Verdict
It is the best cheap inspection camera that you will find on the market, boasting plenty of features at an excellent price.
4. Extech Borescope Inspection Camera
- Automatic recognition of ferrous and non-ferrous substrates
- Two measuring modes (single and continuous)
- Two working modes (direct and group)
Extech’s BR80 Video Borescope Inspection Camera offers exceptional value, featuring a 17mm camera paired with a vibrant 2.4-inch color TFT LCD. Its standout feature, a 1-meter flexible gooseneck cable, maintains its shape for versatile inspections, making it a reliable choice at a competitive price point.
The product also comes with a 1-year limited warranty, and it weighs slightly over two pounds. The dimensions of the product are 8.3-inch x 3.3-inch x 2.4-inch and 4 AA batteries power it. The box will also include a magnet, mirror and a hook as well. It has all the features of the best inspection camera device.
The camera head is equipped with four LEDs as well, and the cable and the camera piece both are waterproof and meet the IP67 standard. Extech has designed the BR80 for remote inspection, and the device is ideally suited for all types of doing it yourself home improvement projects as well as cable wiring, HVAC or even government security projects.
Pros
- It boasts a 17mm diameter camera along with a 2.4-inch TFT LCD as well.
- The camera is attached to the gooseneck cable that can retain its shape.
- The product also comes with a one year warranty.
- The camera head and the cable are water resistant.
Cons
- The LED lights are not that bright.
- Its camera’s focal length of the camera is approximately 2-inch, which means that the camera head needs to be this close to the object to present a clear image on the LED.
Verdict
The BH80 from Extech is a good quality product, packed with powerful performance features. All this comes at an excellent price. It can produce good clear images in the dark as well.
5. Milwaukee Borescope Inspection Scope Kit
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
Milwaukee elevates visual inspection with its digitally optimized LCD, rendering it a top contender among inspection cameras. Its lens boasts a 640×480 resolution capability, ensuring clear imagery in the narrowest spaces, highlighting Milwaukee’s commitment to superior performance and detail.
The camera head comes with surrounded LED lights with the capacity to produce superior brightness without any glare or shadow. The cable is 3-foot in length and is packed with durability and strength. The head of the camera is equipped with tube guide attachment which is very handy in easy maneuverability within the pipes.
The product weighs almost four pounds, and its dimensions are 10.6-inch x 4.9-inch x 13.4-inch. It also comes with a box for additional tools and protection. The product is covered under limited warranty from Milwaukee in case of any issues with manufacturing materials.
Pros
- The 9mm camera can produce a resolution of 640 x 480.
- The camera head is waterproof and incorporated 4 LEDs.
- The LCD output is 2.7-inch in size and features digital technology to produce sharp images.
- The device comes in a box for easy storage and protection.
Cons
- The product is very highly priced.
- The image output is grainy and dark.
Verdict
It is a high-quality product from a good-quality brand. The item is fairly priced as well and delivers power packed performance. What more do you want?
Buying Guide
What is an inspection camera?
An inspection camera is also known as a Borescope. It is a piece of equipment that operates just like a camera or a microscope. It allows you to observe different areas that are too far away or too cramped to reach out. There is camera head attached to the cable that is usually three feet in length. On the other end, there is a display output of which you can see the images produced by the camera head on the opposite end. You can also extend the length of the cable as per your requirements.
Why would I need a Borescope?
You can use your Borescope or inspection camera to see what is behind the walls of your home, shop or office. You can identify any leak as well. This way, you don’t make a mistake while cutting through your wall or eradicating it. You can also use it to find what’s leaking under your car without, of course, lifting your vehicle or lying under it. You can get your eyes into some tight spots with these cool Borescope gadgets.
What key features should I look for when buying an inspection camera?
Camera head and the cable diameter must always be smaller in millimeters. The diameter of this cable must be around 8 to 19 mm. The camera must produce a higher resolution output so that it can give you clearer images. The screen size of the LCD must also be on the larger side and make sure that you can extend the cable as long as possible. The camera must also be equipped with zooming and video recording features. From the above inspection camera reviews, you can conveniently find the top features that you must look for when buying an inspection camera.
Should I expect high performance from these devices?
Make sure that you test a product before buying it. While testing you must ensure that the device enables you to see for at least 1 meter far in complete darkness. These devices are designed to give you are a clear picture in the dark as they equip you to see in places where you can’t.
What accessories or attachments should I look for when buying an inspection camera?
The accessories such as hook, mirror, and magnet usually come with all Borescope purchases. Hooks enable you to pull any wires, and with a mirror, you can see around the corner while the magnet allows you to recover metal items quickly.
Conclusion
Inspection cameras are beneficial for the people who are working, in short, confined spaces. It enables you to reach the places where it usually it is not possible. To narrow down your search, we have conducted a thorough research and shortlisted 5 best inspection camera. If you are still confused in these options then you can trust our choice.
The Hand Held Inspection Camera from RIDGID turns out to be the winners in or assessment. It is easily the best inspection camera you can find on the market because it moderately priced and has many features to offer you when you are going through those tightly-packed jobs in your DIY projects.
