How to Choose a Borescope Camera - depstech

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.

With competitive price and timely delivery, JOINWE sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

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.

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.

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.

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

See the Invisible. Inspect with Confidence.

An industrial videoscope is a powerful visual inspection tool designed to access areas that are difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye—such as the inside of machinery, pipelines, engines, and confined industrial spaces. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, flexible or articulating probes, and advanced lighting, industrial videoscopes enable precise inspections without dismantling equipment.

1. What Is an Industrial videoscope? Types and Differences

Industrial videoscopes are primarily designed to be inserted into mechanical equipment and are suitable for environments involving oil contamination, friction, and impact. They are typically equipped with an articulating camera head and a flexible probe covered with a durable metal sheath.

Industrial videoscopes also offer a wide range of optical configurations, such as single-lens or dual-lens designs, near-focus or far-focus options, and sufficient auxiliary lighting at the probe tip. These features enable effective image capture of various inspection surfaces and defect conditions within confined spaces.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Flexible Videoscope. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

A typical industrial videoscope consists of the following components:

• Display Unit
  The display unit presents the images captured by the videoscope camera to the user. Since users rely on the screen to assess conditions inside the inspection area, a display with sufficient brightness and high image clarity is essential. The main unit usually includes built-in software functions such as photo capture, video recording, storage, gallery browsing, image processing, and file management. An intuitive and user-friendly interface can significantly improve inspection efficiency.
• Camera & Light Source
  The camera is a precision optical component located at the front end of thevideoscope and is typically integrated with auxiliary lighting (LEDs or fiber optics). Inside the camera housing are image sensors (CCD or CMOS), while the exterior can be fitted with various accessories according to application needs (such as mirror attachments).
  Since the camera must operate in harsh mechanical environments, it requires excellent environmental protection, including resistance to water, oil, dust, and high temperatures. Flexible optical specifications—such as depth of field (DOF) and field of view (FOV)—are also necessary to deliver clear images to the user.
• Articulation Section
  This section connects the camera head to the probe and contains a joint mechanism that allows multi-directional articulation of the camera. Internally, it must protect signal cables, light source wiring, and steering control cables, while still providing smooth and precise maneuverability. With modern industrial videoscopes emphasizing full-direction articulation, the design quality and manufacturing stability of this component are critically important.
• Probe and Control System
  The probe contains precision wiring that transmits digital image signals captured by the camera sensor to the main display unit. The quality of the transmission cables directly affects image clarity, stability, and transmission distance.
  The control system allows users to adjust articulation, camera direction, light intensity, photo and video capture, and shortcut functions, ensuring optimal real-time image presentation. Articulation control mechanisms generally fall into two types: mechanical cable-driven control and electric servo motor control. Mechanical control does not require additional system power and offers direct, continuous tactile feedback, while servo motor control provides smoother and more effortless operation.

• Pipeline inspection videoscopes

The primary difference between pipeline inspection videoscopes and industrial videoscopes lies in the probe material. Pipeline inspection videoscopes typically use stiffer yet flexible rods (often fiberglass-based), allowing the camera to be pushed forward over longer distances—usually exceeding 20 meters.

The probe structure is designed to maintain sufficient flexibility and elasticity to navigate bends within pipelines. In terms of optics, pipeline inspection videoscopes usually feature larger camera diameters and more powerful lighting modules. Their optical specifications tend to be more standardized, with wide-angle lenses (generally over 120°) to ensure efficient inspection coverage.

The camera neck of a pipeline inspection videoscope is often designed with a spring structure to provide impact absorption and facilitate bending at the probe tip. The probe and display unit are usually mounted on a cable reel system for convenient extension and storage.

2. What Are Industrial videoscopes Used For? Common Industrial Applications

Industrial videoscopes are increasingly used across modern industries. They can access confined spaces that are impossible to inspect with the naked eye, providing clear visual images without damaging machinery or pipelines. This not only simplifies inspection and maintenance work but also enhances personnel safety by eliminating the need for technicians to enter hazardous or confined environments.

Below are several common application areas for industrial videoscopes:

• Manufacturing and Industrial Equipment Maintenance
  Industrial videoscopes are frequently used to inspect production equipment. When machinery issues occur, technicians can use a videoscope to locate faults without dismantling equipment, saving time and reducing downtime.
• Pipeline and Drainage Inspection
  Industrial videoscopes are commonly used to inspect sewage pipelines in industrial facilities and residential buildings. They help identify cracks, blockages, or other internal issues, enabling effective maintenance and repair.
• Aerospace Applications
  In the aerospace industry, industrial videoscopes assist technicians in inspecting critical components such as turbine blades and engine combustion chambers. This helps assess wear conditions and ensures flight safety.

For more detailed application cases, please visit: https://www.mitcorp.com.tw/category/success-stories/

3. How to Choose an Industrial videoscope: 5 Key Selection Factors

(1) Size of the Inspection Access Opening

The first consideration when selecting an industrial videoscope is the size and shape of the access opening. The camera head must be able to pass smoothly through the entry point to allow proper inspection of internal details.

(2) Inspection Distance

The required inspection distance determines the appropriate probe length. Longer probes demand greater pushability and articulation control. It is recommended to select a probe length that matches actual inspection needs rather than choosing an excessively long probe unnecessarily.

(3) Size of the Internal Inspection Space

The internal space and the path the probe must travel are critical factors. These affect both camera size and probe diameter. For very confined spaces, a smaller-diameter probe is necessary to ensure smooth insertion and maneuverability.

(4) Inspection Environment Conditions

Different inspection environments require different probe materials. Irregular or highly curved spaces may require a more flexible probe, while pipelines carrying corrosive chemicals require probes made of corrosion-resistant materials.

(5) Image Output and Peripheral Requirements

In some inspection scenarios, a single technician may need to insert and control the probe without being able to operate the main display unit simultaneously, or may have limited visibility of the screen. In such cases, videoscopes with wireless connectivity (such as Wi-Fi) allow real-time image streaming and remote control via smartphones or tablets.
Another important consideration is the ability to connect the main unit to a larger external display. The display unit should be equipped with video output ports that allow easy image output via standard audiovisual cables.

Why Choose Mitcorp Industrial videoscopes?

Mitcorp provides a comprehensive range of industrial videoscopes designed to meet diverse inspection challenges. From compact precision inspections to long-distance pipeline checks, Mitcorp solutions combine image clarity, durability, and ease of use.

Whether you are inspecting machinery interiors or deep pipelines, Mitcorp helps you:

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• Inspect faster
• Detect issues earlier
• Maintain equipment more efficiently