Note: EkoDeluxe now specialises in handheld test and measuring instruments. Looking for tools related to this topic? See our Construction & Inspection Tools.
Short answer: choose an inspection camera by the smallest opening it must pass through (probe diameter), whether you need to steer the tip (articulation), the working distance you will view at (focus range), and the environment (IP rating, cable length and lighting).
How does an inspection camera work?
An inspection camera places a tiny image sensor and LEDs at the end of a probe. The image travels electronically along the cable to a handheld screen, a phone app or a computer. Because the light source sits beside the lens, the camera can see into cavities where there is no ambient light at all.
Fixed-tip cameras look straight ahead. Articulating borescopes have a flexible section near the tip that bends in one or two planes, or in every direction, controlled by a lever or joystick on the handle. Dual-lens cameras add a side-facing lens so you can look at a cylinder wall or pipe joint without turning the probe.
A digital microscope uses a similar sensor with a magnifying lens on a stand, intended for close inspection of circuit boards, solder joints, coins, fabric or small parts.
Which type should I choose?
| Type | How you steer | Best for | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-rigid fixed tip | Bend the cable by hand | Wall cavities, under floors, vehicles | Cannot look around corners once inserted |
| Dual-lens | Switch between front and side view | Pipes, cylinders, drains | No steering |
| Two-way articulating | Tip bends in one plane | Engines, gearboxes, HVAC coils | Needs room to rotate the probe |
| Four-way / 360° articulating | Tip bends in any direction | Turbines, complex machinery | Higher cost, more delicate |
| Digital microscope | Fixed stand and focus wheel | PCB repair, quality checks | Not for cavities |
Which specifications matter?
Probe diameter. Measure the access hole. Spark plug holes, injector ports and small pipe fittings need a slim probe; larger probes usually give a better image and brighter lighting.
Focus range. Small cameras have a fixed depth of field. A short focus range suits close inspection of surfaces; a longer one suits looking down a pipe. Some cameras offer adjustable focus.
Articulation angle and control. Larger bend angles let you look back at the entry point. Check how firmly the tip holds its position.
Cable length and stiffness. Semi-rigid cable holds a shape; flexible cable follows bends. Longer cables help in drains and ducts but are harder to control.
Lighting. Adjustable LEDs help avoid glare on shiny metal surfaces.
IP rating. The IP code defined in IEC 60529 describes protection against solids (first digit) and water (second digit). A probe rated IP67 is protected against dust and temporary immersion; the handset often has a lower rating than the probe, so check both.
Recording and display. Screen size, photo and video capture, and whether the device can save to a memory card or phone matter when you need to show findings to a customer.
Where are inspection cameras used in the UK?
Typical uses include checking cavity walls and lofts before drilling, locating blockages in drains and waste pipes, inspecting engine cylinders through the spark plug hole, looking inside gearboxes and HVAC coils, checking welds inside tubes, and documenting faults for insurance or customer reports.
Electrical caution applies: never push a probe into equipment that may be live. HSE's guidance on electricity at work explains the duty to make equipment safe before work. Isolate and prove dead first.
What mistakes should I avoid?
- Buying a probe that is too thick for the access hole.
- Over-bending an articulating section beyond its rated angle, which can damage the control wires.
- Assuming the whole device is waterproof when only the probe is rated.
- Inserting a hot probe or using it on hot surfaces beyond its stated operating temperature.
- Using the probe near moving parts. Turn machinery off and lock it out first.
- Cleaning the lens with solvents that are not approved for it.
How should I look after an inspection camera?
Wipe the probe clean after each use, especially after drains or engines, and dry it before coiling. Coil the cable loosely, following its natural curve, and avoid kinks. Charge or remove batteries before long storage.
Frequently asked questions
What probe diameter do I need for engine inspection?
It depends on the access point. Measure the spark plug or injector hole and choose a probe with clearance, remembering that an articulating section is usually slightly wider than the cable.
Is an articulating borescope worth it?
If you need to look sideways or backwards inside an engine, gearbox or coil, yes. For straight runs, cavities and drains, a fixed-tip or dual-lens camera is usually sufficient.
What does IP67 mean on an inspection camera?
Under IEC 60529, the first digit 6 means dust-tight and the second digit 7 means protected against temporary immersion under defined conditions. It usually applies to the probe, not the handset.
Can I connect an inspection camera to my phone?
Many models connect over Wi-Fi or USB and use an app. Check app support for your phone before buying.
What is the difference between a borescope and a digital microscope?
A borescope goes into spaces you cannot see; a digital microscope magnifies small objects on a bench. They solve different problems.
What should I check before ordering?
Before you order any inspection camera, write down the measurements or tasks it must handle, the range and accuracy you need, where it will be used and who will use it. Compare those notes with each product's specification sheet rather than its headline features, and keep the manual and any certificates with the instrument once it arrives.
Shop inspection cameras
See articulating borescopes, inspection cameras and digital microscopes in our Inspection Cameras & Borescopes collection.
