Ranking of the best videoscopes for 2020

A videoscope or video endoscope is a device with a camera that allows you to inspect hard-to-reach and hidden units of various structures and mechanisms without dismantling them. They are used in different areas: for cars, in construction, in the maintenance of gas networks and electrical installation. In this review, we will tell you what kind of videoscopes there are, what to look for when buying, as well as give a rating of quality models and show you how to choose the best products for 2020 at an affordable price.

Which one is better to buy

There are different types of endoscopes, with their own characteristics. A classic videoscope has a rather simple device compared to advanced products: there is a camera equipped with LED backlight; it is connected by a wire to the head unit, which consists of a processor and an LCD display. They are usually sold with a built-in battery. A device of this type is completely autonomous and is suitable for repairing a home pipeline.

Videoscopes equipped with USB adapters and Wi-Fi modules for wireless communication are widely represented. Such devices are used in conjunction with PCs or smartphones, on the screen of which, using special software, the image from the camera is displayed. The functionality of the device depends on the selection criteria: for a car, the presence of a Wi-Fi adapter may not be necessary, but for a visual inspection of hidden cavities in some large mechanisms, communication is simply necessary.

The criteria for choosing a video endoscope are as follows:

• The purpose of the device, in what area it will be used. The equipment of the device and the availability of additional accessories (for example, a Wi-fi module) depend on this criterion. For garages and service stations, some characteristics are needed, and completely different for ventilation shafts.
• Camera resolution. In some cases, a sharper image is required (the average parameter is 0.3 MP). At the same time, it is more desirable that the focal length be shorter.
• Dimensions of the probe and the chamber itself. The probe should be as flexible as possible, and the proposed chamber diameter is selected individually. Modern videoscopes can be rotated 360 degrees while inside the study object.
• The moisture resistance of the chamber is necessary if the research is carried out in conditions of high humidity, and even more so under water. The degree of protection of such a device must be at least IP67
• Another important parameter is the availability of high-quality backlighting with the ability to adjust the brightness - without this it is difficult to explore inaccessible places.

When choosing a model, you need to pay attention to the advice and recommendations of experts, as well as feedback from ordinary users, becausethe description in the online store does not provide complete information about the functionality of the device. A common mistake when choosing is focusing on the popularity of models, instead of choosing a device that is suitable for a specific field of operation.

Where to buy: Most models can be ordered online, incl. with AliExpress.

The best videoscopes with waterproof cameras

If the index of protection of the tool against external influences is not less than IP67, this means that it can be freely immersed in water. Videoscopes of this specification are suitable for plumbers and machine researchers at depth.

JCWHCAM JC 5,5 / 7/8 mm

The compact household "video inspector" JCWHCAM is an advanced device for use even in the most adverse conditions, incl. under water. The equipment set depends on the conditions of use: cameras with a diameter of 5.5 mm, 7 mm and 8 mm are available to choose from, the length of the wire is from 1 to 5 m.The device is very inexpensive - on average about 652 rubles.

• cheapness;
• high image quality;
• device protection level IP67;
• CD with drivers and QR code available;
• there is an official app for smartphones.

• some mobile devices won't sync;
• a high-quality picture is obtained only at a focal length of 3-8 cm.

ADA instruments ZVE 160

One of the best options for those who want to save money without sacrificing quality. The incredibly high quality Ada instruments ZVE 160 videoscope sells for the price of an average budget machine from China.

The device is suitable for the construction of pipelines, for exploring the interior space of heavy equipment, engines, etc. It is equipped with a large 3.5-inch LCD screen and is powered by four AA-batteries. Can connect to TV or computer monitor. The control panel is located directly below the screen, the purpose of all buttons is intuitive. The camera diameter is 12 mm, and the minimum focal length is 50 mm.

According to buyers, this Chinese-made device is one of the best devices for home use.

• budget;
• large display;
• can be connected to an external screen (TV or monitor.

• large chamber diameter;
• rather large weight (670 g).

LESHP USB Endoscope

A budget videoscope with a micro USB function, water resistance, the ability to display an image on a PC or smartphone screen, adjust the backlight level, and also create screenshots using a separate button. And all this at an average cost of 330 rubles.

The device is excellent for solving various household problems and can be used in professional plumbing, plumbing and repair activities. This model has a built-in LCD display, but it can be connected to an external monitor. At the same time, there is no need to waste time on synchronization, installation, configuration, etc. The image is displayed instantly.

• mobility;
• intuitive process of connecting to external devices;
• availability of USB / microUSB adapter;
• ultra-budgetary

• low camera resolution - 640x480;
• the need for a focal length of 5-7 cm for optimal picture quality.

Triton 1080p

The Russian-made Triton 1080p digital endoscope stands out for its compact size, convenient control panel, good ergonomics and advanced video recording function. The device has a 4.3-inch LCD display, which broadcasts a picture of the inspected object in real time and a camera with a diameter of 8 mm. It is a professional device for inspecting water pipes, engines, boilers and other industrial machinery. Of course, its cost is higher than that of a household tool and amounts to 7 thousand rubles.

• the package includes a flash card;
• focal length range 4-500 centimeters;
• changing the brightness of the backlight;
• the image is rotated 360 degrees.

• large chamber diameter.

Bosch Universal Inspect

The Bosch videoscope, designed for the inspection of hard-to-reach low-light areas, has a high-quality protection against moisture and dust (IP67 protection level). There is a built-in LCD display with a resolution of 320x240 and convenient operation with an ergonomic interface. An unused cable is located in a separate groove around the device. The device is considered semi-professional and costs about 5200 rubles. It is for the correct price-quality ratio that this model gets first place in this rating.

• turns 180 degrees;
• has digital zoom;
• the average temperature range ranges from 10 to +50 degrees Celsius.
• 8 frames built-in memory.

• small camera resolution;
• at a focal length of less than 5 cm, the picture begins to blur.

Best LCD Inspection Cameras

The LCD display of the videoscope displays the data recorded by the device during the examination of the object. The most inexpensive and simplest models have a small display and cannot be connected to external screens. The more advanced built-in display is wide and there are several ways to connect to a TV or monitor.

Laserliner VideoScope One

The novelty from the German company Laserliner has a convenient and ergonomic interface and intuitive settings. A digital zoom camera with five levels of illumination is built into a plastic probe. The camera image is automatically transmitted to the built-in LCD display. The device can operate at temperatures from 0 to +45 degrees. The average cost on the market is about 11 thousand rubles.

• 2x digital zoom;
• can be connected to an external monitor or TV through the TV-Out connector;
• comfortable grip provides a pleasant grip;
• the camera rotates 180 degrees.

• the package does not include a case.

CEM BS-150

The Chinese-made CEM BS-150 videoscope is used in various sectors of the economy: oil and gas industry, aviation, construction, energy, water supply, car services, etc.

The product is equipped with a capacious 2000 mah battery, a 3.2-inch backlit LCD display, a microSD card slot (internal memory capacity is 68 MB). Images with a resolution of 640x480 are conveniently transmitted to external screens. The safety of the camera in hard-to-reach places is ensured by a plastic moisture and dustproof meter probe.

• viewing angle 180 degrees;
• integrated battery;
• reasonable price;
• large resolution;
• the set includes everything you need.

• large chamber diameter (17 mm);
• many users complain about intermittent device freezing.

ZUBR Professional BC-300

A professional ZUBR BC-300 videoscope costs a little more than 9,000 rubles - this is the price of an ordinary household endoscope. For such a small amount, the buyer gets a high-quality device with a 12 mm camera diameter, located on a meter probe, with a built-in 3.5-inch display and bright backlighting.

Special applause deserves the outstanding durability of the device, which is ensured by the rubber coating of the entire case. There is no built-in battery, instead of it, the power source is 4 AA-type batteries, which are enough for three hours of continuous operation.

• affordability;
• backlight brightness is adjustable;
• economical energy consumption;
• high level of dust and moisture protection (index IP67).

• rather big focal length (50 mm).

Best Automotive Videoscopes

Videoscopes for use in car services and service stations must have a built-in display, a high-quality camera and compactness, since business has to be conducted not with impressive mechanisms and pipelines, but with small-sized cars.

Megeon 33500

Megeon 33500 is one of the best representatives of modern portable endoscopes of the mid-budget segment.It is designed in such a way that the operator has the ability to detach the screen from the main unit for later remote viewing of stored materials.

Megeon copes well with shooting in cars and captures video and photographs in JPG and AVI formats. For this, a camera with a diagonal of 8.89 mm with a resolution of 0.3 MP is used. Thanks to high quality materials, the manufacturer guarantees a long service life of the device.

• high-quality image using linear interpolation;
• video is recorded with sound;
• the ability to adjust the angle of inclination of the display and the handle;
• high-quality backlighting.

• the cost is almost 20,000 rubles;
• bulky camera.

Autel MaxiVideo MV400

The Autel MV400 is an excellent semi-rigid video recorder that allows you to quickly and easily record problem areas of the vehicle without the need for disassembly. Even if the object is in a hard-to-reach area, thanks to the flexible probe and the rotating camera, its condition can be seen and fixed. And thanks to the built-in battery, the device can work without interruption for about four hours. This device costs (on average) 9-10 thousand rubles.

• support for image formats JPG and video AVI, MPEG1, MPEG2;
• customizable LED backlight;
• 5x digital zoom;
• focal length from 2.5 to 36 cm;
• multilingualism.

• not.

Hazet 4812-10 / 4S

If you are engaged in professional maintenance and are wondering which company's videoscope is better to take, as they say, once and for all - pay attention to Hazet. She cooperates with the best car manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Porsche and Volkswagen, which speaks of the highest level of quality and reliability of the company's products.

So, model 4812-10 / 4S is a top-end measuring power tool even in its professional segment. It is equipped with a modern TFT-monitor with a resolution of 640x480 and even has an adapter for connecting old-style probes. The device is widely used in car services and in the construction business to determine voids in various structures. However, if you look at how much this device costs, you can whistle: the cost of the model on average fluctuates around 44,000 rubles. However, you always have to pay for high quality.

• auto-enable power saving mode;
• the ability to rotate the camera;
• lens diameter only 4.9 mm;
• upgraded adapter between the remote part and the main unit;
• 4 GB flash card included.

• very high price.

The best videoscopes with Wi-Fi

In some situations, a wireless connection between the probe and the main body of the device may be required. For this, many modern models are equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter, with which the operator can control and receive a signal from the camera without using wires.

Proline PR-GD9001

Mid-end endoscope with Wi-Fi coverage up to 20 meters. The probe is equipped with a special hook for catching small objects, a magnet for attracting iron parts and a mirror for viewing. The device is protected from water and dust ingress with an IP67 protection index. The maximum video resolution is 640x480 pixels. There is no built-in display, the image is broadcast to the connected mobile device. The device is sold at an average price of 5500 rubles.

• works at temperatures from -10 to +45 degrees;
• lightness and compactness;
• LED backlight with adjustable brightness.

• no SD card included.

YPC-HD 720

This device has a high-quality picture and the ability to shoot in HD quality, which is generally a rarity for videoscopes. The camera has a resolution of 1280x720 pixels and an optimal focal length of 4-6 centimeters. The Wi-Fi module has a range of up to 30 m.

For added convenience, the device is equipped with a quick start button, thanks to which diagnostics can be started instantly. The kit also comes with a handy holder that easily attaches the device to a smartphone.

• budget (only 1.2 thousand rubles);
• the device is compatible with all operating systems;
• viewing angle 70 degrees;
• extended complete set.

• not wide enough focal length range.

The choice of a videoscope must be made based on the required functionality, the nature and frequency of use of the device.