Bosch inspection camera UniversalInspect (Ø8mm endoscope camera for color images with flexible 0.95m length and integrated memory function)

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Can the user take photos or videos from the camera and how can the recorded images be transferred onto a computer? The “Up is Up”™ function offers the user optimum orientation due to automatic rotation of the image The inspection camera GIC 120 C Professional is ideal for inspecting hard-to-reach areas and documenting the results. To achieve optimum spacial orientation, the ‘Up is Up’™ function rotates and simultaneously aligns the image on a large screen. For high-quality documentation and fast storage, images and videos can be directly transferred via micro USB cable. Dual Power Source technology allows for using 12 V Li-ion or standard alkaline batteries. Equipment & Application I have used some of them, and let’s face it, some of the cheaper inspection cameras on the market can be confusing rather than illuminating. The images they produce can be very poor and they can’t record their results. They do a job, but in the age of accountability, we might need to show clients or specialists exactly what is hidden in the wall or ceiling cavity that is causing the problem.

Endoscopes are miniature cameras. These have very small lenses with a diameter of around 4 mm. Although used in a range of industries, these are most commonly associated with medicine. Endoscopes are used to view inside the human body and diagnose illnesses. Wi-Fi: this could be handy for viewing footage on your smartphone at a safe distance from the actual dirty work

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Semi-flexible cables are better for getting around corners. These can be manoeuvred and directed and will stay in the position you place them in. However, they are slightly more practical than rigid cables because they can be manoeuvred around bends. The endoscope camera is perfect for many craftsmen applications, such as viewing inside utility boxes and pipes, behind wall cavities, and for hydraulic systems and automotive applications. Additional Information Borescopes are designed for industrial as opposed to medical use. These have either a rigid or flexible stem and are suitable for large equipment inspections. They usually have a larger diameter lens than endoscopes, illuminating a greater area. Inspection cameras usually have fixed internal storage, while others use removable SD cards. If you are simply using your inspection camera to diagnose a problem in your car or drainpipe, you won’t need a huge amount of storage. The handheld screen section feels rugged, with rubberised orange grips on either side. You can quite easily control the device with one hand, thanks to the well laid out rubberised buttons along the bottom. Cycling through the options is straightforward and easy to work out too.

The most important bit of an inspection camera for me is the flexible camera cable and here the GIC 120 C scores well. The cable is long enough, flexible enough and importantly – waterproof, and can be used in most situations. The tough outer plastic covering didn’t mark easily and was easy to clean and dry off. This is important – it may be used to inspect the dirtier aspects of plumbing. To start with, you get a whopping ten metres of inspection cable. That’s more than double compared with the other cameras on my list and means this tool can get you just about anywhere you need to go. The cable is IP67 rated against water and dust incursion, so you can feed it underwater without issue. There are six bright LEDs on the end to illuminate the target area as well. Screen size and resolution: the bigger and better the screen, the easier it is to get a proper view of what you're looking at. Whether you’re buying an inspection camera, a CCTV camera or a bird box camera, the resolution is always going to be a factor. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image will be, but the camera will also be more expensive.Inspection cameras are versatile cameras that enable you to look at areas you wouldn’t normally be able to access. They consist of a tiny camera at the end of either a rigid or flexible cable. Whether you’re inspecting an area behind a wall, down into a drain or inside your car, an inspection camera can give you a clear view. Types of Inspection Cameras The main differences are the softness of the tube. These are rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible. Rigid is good for things like gun barrels, while flexible can be directed. These are sometimes called fibrescopes (a reference to optical fibre.) Other names are inspection camera and even 'burner cam' (the camera pushed round into the hot and dangerous parts or machines). The best borescopes: What we look for First off, and what makes this the best inspection camera on my list is the dual-camera setup. Not only do you get the main front-facing camera, but another one pointing at 90° for an unbeatable field of view. If I have a gripe, it is a small one – I can’t seem to get my fingers to work those little clips that hold the rechargeable battery on – something I have noticed on my Bosch 10.8v driver too.

With a 4.3” TFT screen, it shows up images clearly at a maximum 1080p and even takes 3 Mp still images. It’s good to be able to save high-resolution images when investigating faults. The Depstech DS500 includes a dual camera design, which not only features a forward-pointing camera but a second looking out to one side (yet it manages this with a narrower probe than the wireless WF028 further down this guide). Inspection cameras are battery-powered, and the battery life is important. The charge time is also worth looking at.

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Inspection camera favourites Depstech have an enormous range of useful endoscopes, otoscopes and even webcams. They know about making the best inspection camera, and the WF028-SJ Wi-Fi enabled endoscope is a brilliant bit of kit.

Next was the image quality of the camera – the images were clear enough to see and recognize most features whether close or within range of the maximum light output, although they become quite grainy as they reach the limits of light output. On close ups, the glare of the light can cause reflection, so the ability to tone the light output down is a good feature. It really helps me to be able to understand easily the orientation of what I am seeing, so the “up-is-up” pictures offer a realistic view, although there is a way of manually selecting the top of the picture via the control screen. Of course, you may not know exactly what task you are using your camera for. The models I’ve recommended have variable focal distances; a distance of between 3 and 10 cm would be suitable for a wide range of tasks. Cable Type and Length Telescopic cameras are used for areas out of reach. These are usually rigid and allow you to look at things above you, for example into pipework or ceilings. Connection and Amount of StorageTransfer images and videos directly via a micro USB cable or a micro SD card for documenting critical areas Camera resolution: the more the better, though remember these cameras must be tiny to be useful. Be aware that some makers 'upsample' resolutions to make it sound better than it actually is (a common way is recording higher resolution video than the camera's sensor can make use of). Hook Clip - attach the hook clip to the end of camera to retrieve non-magnetic or other small items that may have fallen in the vehicle engine compartment. Move hard to reach wires or cables. Camera helps guide the user to the problem area.