How to Choose a Borescope Camera

how to choose an endoscope

What is a borescope? 

Borescope cameras are one of the ubiquitous tools of modern life that we take for granted but can't do without. They are widely used in many industrial procedures and home repairs like gas turbine inspection, plumbing inspection, auto maintenance, and etc. Once you get one and you'll see how it save the time and money, you won't be able to imagine ever being without one again.

Nevertheless, there are still several persons that are unfamiliar with these awesomely useful gadgets. Today, let's take a look the factors to consider if you are looking for a borescope camera on the market.

Types of Borescope

There are several types of borescope camera on the market according to the connection ways and using scenarios. Here we discuss the industrial endoscopes and you can choose the most suitable for yourself based on your device and ease of use.

USB endoscope: Compatible with Android devices or personal computer, but you have to download the App or the driver to see real-time images.

Wireless endoscope: No need to rely on cellular data as this endoscope includes a WiFi hot spot that's compatible with most smartphone devices.

Video endoscope: It is the most convenient endoscope. Equipped with a screen, you don't have to download the app and connect your device to display the content.

Length of the Wire

Estimate the distance from you to your desired target, and buy an inspection camera whose length is longer than that. The common lengths of endoscopes on the market are 11.5ft (3.5m), 16.5ft (5m), and 33ft (10m).

Diameter of the Probe

Choose the endoscope based on the narrowest diameter of the object you're going to inspect. For example, if the aperture is only 7mm, then choosing the snake camera with a diameter between 5.5mm to 6mm is proper to use.

Compare to the one with a slimmer diameter (like 4mm), the 5.5mm one is much cheaper and more clear. So, the diameter of the endoscope isn't the smaller the better if we take the two aspects. All small diameters are required to sacrifice image pixels.

However, selecting an endoscope as a universal tool for your family, please try to go with a thin-design one.

borescope-diameter

Flexibility of the Cable

  • Rigid: Rigid borescopes are the most affordable type of boroscope. They are commonly used in areas that have direct access to since they have little to no flexibility. They transmit images using traditional lenses that display through an eyepiece. Borescope inspection services commonly use this rigid type for its image clarity and durability.
  • Flexible: Also known as a fiberscope. Flexible borescopes have fiber-optic lenses attached within a sheath on the device. Although these don't provide the best quality pictures, they are useful devices for hard to reach areas. Be aware that image quality may appear fuzzy or have granulated pixels. Use of flexible borescopes in uncommon in turbines and large machinery because of cost and image quality.
  • Semi-rigid: Composed of an internal iron wire that can bend or hold its shape to access the most out of reach nooks and crannies or curve round pipe bends, providing the perfect combination of hardness and softness. Semi-rigid borescopes are a useful middle ground between rigid and flexible. Though they don't cost as much as the flexible type, they do have better picture quality than flexible. Use semi-flexible when minimal manipulation is needed for inspection or inside small tubes and catheters.

borescope-semi-rigid-cable

Performance of the Lens

  • Resolution: Generally speaking, the higher resolution, the better image quality.
  • Focal distance: The best focal range is 2.76" - 15.7". With innovative CamTele technology, DEPSTECH enlarges the focal distance of the borescope inspection camera from 1.2″ to 15.7″, providing you with perfect imagery in virtually any situation.
  • Brightness: The endoscope with dimmable LEDs can adjust to diverse inspection conditions, reducing overexposure, and providing outstanding color temperature, regardless of the environment's lighting.
  • Zoomable: Helps to get detailed information on real-time displaying.

borescope-lens

Waterproofness

Most of the borescopes are in the rating of IP67. That means the unit can be operated underwater up to depths of 3.3ft (1m) for half an hour. It is also resistant to dust.

Warranty

There are many manufacturers selling various borescopes with multiple prices. When you are in the market for one, it is crucial to pay attention to a reliable brand. DEPSTECH is the best seller on Amazon and trusted by millions of customers worldwide, and all DEPSTECH items are covered with 24-month hassle-free warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee. If you want to purchase the borescopes, DEPSTECH can be the first brand to take into consideration.