Video Borescope Suggestions?

[danski0224]

Just had Testo 318-V number 2 die.

Looking for something else.

Really would like 640 x 480 screen resolution.

Any ideas?

 

[diesel research]

It has become a pretty broad field these days.

Had to look up the basic Testo specs. Nothing really stands out feature wise, and no mentioned price. So setting it at a minimum standard, does any of the following matter?

AA batteries vs rechargable?
More than 2.5ft of cable?
Fixed or detachable screen?
On board recording?
Photo capability?
Available attachments?
Smaller tip?
Viewing angle?
COO?
Price?

Which if any of the above matters to you? Lots of options available in every category. Some USA, some china, some $100, some $50,000. How fast do you want to spend?

 

[danski0224]

The ability to capture an image would be nice. Video would be a bonus, but not necessary at this point.

Adjustable lighting.

Small tip.

Possibility of extending the camera end.

Having more than 320 x 240 native screen resolution. Some models have high res picture capability, but the on screen resolution is stuck at 320 x 240.

Self-contained (ie: no laptop).

Panning and zooming starts to increase the price quickly.

RIDGID had a Micro Explorer with a self leveling feature.

Price? Well, I'm ~$500 into 2 broken Testos. I'd like to stay under $1k.

COO? Preferably non-Chinese, but probably not too likely.

There is a HD camera called The Inspector, but the camera head is pretty big. For what I've blown on the broken stuff, I'd be 1/4 there. The Inspector is a true HD infrared camera.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I have no personal experience but I've heard good reviews of the Harbor Freight borescope. http://www.harborfreight.com/digital-inspection-camera-67979.html

 

[danski0224]

Hi res image capture, but low res screen.

 

[srmofo]

I have a general brand video borescope. Hasnt giving me any problems yet, but I dont use it that often. I bought it for shop use and find myself using it more around the house to peek inside of walls or behind stuff.

I somehow managed to scratch the lens though and it leaves a big glare on the screen if I turn the lights up too bright. Kinda annoying, but its not worth me replace the head just yet over it.