Inspection cameras, also called borescopes or snake cameras, are digital cameras designed to inspect hard-to-reach or inaccessible areas visually. These cameras are equipped with flexible or rigid tubes inserted into small openings or tight spaces to capture images and videos. An inspection camera features an adjustable long arm or probe attached to the base unit while the camera is mounted on the probe's end. Inspection cameras can be wireless or wired, whereas the latter models use USB or other cable connections to view on a dedicated screen or computer.
Most inspection cameras have built-in LED lights at the probe's tip to illuminate the examined area in dark or poorly lit spaces. In addition, these cameras' image and video quality can vary depending on the camera and inspected objects or materials. Higher-resolution cameras provide clearer images, which is essential for detailed inspections.
Most Popular Types of Inspection Cameras
These cameras come in various types, such as:
- Wireless Inspection Cameras – Wireless inspection cameras, often called remote inspection cameras, are a broad term for endoscopes and borescopes. These cameras use Wi-Fi to broadcast their streaming videos to remote screens, such as phones, tablets, laptops, etc. Bluetooth inspection cameras and multiple borescope models are examples of such cameras for remote viewing wireless functions.
- Endoscopes – The term "endoscope" is a generic term for miniature cameras mounted on a long, flexible, thin probe designed for medical purposes. Generally, an endoscope is associated and assumed to be used for medical procedures only; however, in technical terms, any instrument associated with internal human body inspection is referred to as an endoscope.
- Borescope Inspection Cameras – Borescopes are best suited for daily equipment inspections and non-destructive industrial inspections. These cameras are classified as rigid and flexible borescopes, where flexible types are the most popular.
- Telescopic Inspection Cameras – These rigid inspection cameras are mounted on extended telescopic poles, making them ideal for inspecting high-altitude areas. Though rigid for high stability, they also have a flexible head mounted with a camera and lights on the pole.
- Flexible Inspection Cameras with Illumination – These flexible, illuminated cameras are designed to be used in dark areas where it is uncommon for natural light to penetrate. Illuminations offer various advantages using this camera with view field adjustments and zooming features for better and closer inspections. They are widely used for auto diagnostics, pipework analysis, and cavity wall inspections for a better and clearer view.
Other popular inspection camera types include Pipe Inspection Cameras, Industrial Inspection Cameras, Digital Inspection Cameras, and Plumbing Inspection Cameras.
Typical Applications of Inspection Cameras
Inspection cameras are used in various industries and applications, depending on the camera type and intended application. Some of the typical applications of borescopes include:
- Automotive: For inspecting engines, pipes, and other hard-to-reach vehicle areas.
- Plumbing: To examine pipes and drains for blockages or damage.
- Construction: For inspecting walls, ceilings, and other structures.
- Aerospace: To inspect aircraft engines and components.
- Industrial: For quality control and maintenance in manufacturing processes.
- Medical: In endoscopy procedures for examining the inside of the body.
- HVAC: To inspect ducts and HVAC systems.
- Archaeology: For non-destructive examination of artifacts and historical sites.
