Borescopes are specialized tools used to inspect and examine hard-to-reach or narrow spaces. They are widely used in industrial inspections, mechanical maintenance, aerospace, automotive, and pipeline inspections.
Table of contents
- Borescopes are specialized tools used to inspect and examine hard-to-reach or narrow spaces.
- How to choose a borescope ?
- Additional Factors to Consider When Choosing a Borescope
- How to Choose the Right Borescope Camera: Complete Specification Checklist
- Understanding Articulation: Why 360° Matters
- Borescope Camera Applications Across Industries
- Comparison Table: Choosing Between OME-TOP Borescope Series
- FAQ about Borescope Camera
- The best borescope for you
How to choose a borescope ?
Choosing the right borescope is a crucial step in ensuring smooth and effective inspection and examination work. In this guide, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to select the borescope that best fits your needs.
Cable Material
There are three main types of borescope arms: rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible cable.
- Rigid borescopes have strong and stiff arms, suitable for straight and vertical inspections but challenging to bend around curves or corners.
- Semi-rigid borescopes offer a balance of flexibility and shape retention, making them ideal for overhead inspections and navigating obstacles.
- Flexible cable borescopes provide the highest level of flexibility, enabling them to snake around corners and reach any location within the inspection area.
Camera Quality
Pay attention to the borescope's resolution and image quality; a high-resolution camera provides clear and detailed images, aiding in accurate inspections. Ensure it is equipped with a suitable light source for sufficient illumination and brightness control to adapt to various environments. If recording is needed, make sure the borescope has video recording and storage capabilities for convenient review and analysis.
Power Supply
Borescopes use various battery types, including replaceable, rechargeable, and built-in rechargeable batteries. For most models, batteries power the device. Replaceable battery borescopes often use 9V or AA batteries, requiring users to keep spares for continuous use. Rechargeable types are designed for specific battery series, like 12V or 20V for cordless tools. Built-in rechargeable batteries reside within the borescope, easily recharged by plugging in the charger when needed.
Reliable suppliers
Reliable suppliers have a good reputation and extensive experience, possessing professional knowledge and technical expertise. Also, it is crucial to choose a supplier that provides excellent after-sales support, as this reduces the risks associated with purchasing and using borescopes, ensuring high-quality products and exceptional service.
Additional Factors to Consider When Choosing a Borescope
To make your inspection tasks more efficient, consider the following additional specifications often required in real industrial environments:
- Probe Diameter & Length: Ensure the probe can physically access the inspection point.
- Waterproof Rating: IP67 or IP68 protection ensures safe operation in dusty or wet environments.
- Lighting Performance: High-output LED illumination (20,000–80,000 Lux) improves visibility in dark spaces.
- Articulation Mechanism: 360° joystick-controlled articulation significantly improves maneuverability around obstacles.
- Battery Runtime: Particularly important for field technicians and long-distance pipeline inspections.
How to Choose the Right Borescope Camera: Complete Specification Checklist
When selecting a professional borescope camera, consider the following key specifications to ensure it meets your inspection needs:
- Probe Diameter: Choose from 0.95 mm ultra-thin probes to 8 mm general-purpose probes depending on access space.
- Resolution & Image Sensor: 720P, 1080P, or 1MP–5MP sensors for detailed image capture.
- Articulation Type: 360° joystick control, 2-way, or 4-way articulation for advanced maneuverability.
- Cable Length: 1–3 m for machinery; 20–200 m for sewer or pipeline inspections.
- Waterproof Rating: IP67 for borescope probes, IP68 for pipe inspection cameras.
- Lighting Features: Adjustable LED brightness (20,000–80,000 Lux) or multi-LED self-leveling lights.
- Display Options: 4.5", 5", 6", 7", or 9" IPS or touch-screen displays.
- Recording & Storage: Snapshot, video recording, SD card storage, USB live-view options.
- Battery System: Dual 18650 batteries, built-in Li-ion batteries, or tool-grade removable packs.
This checklist helps you evaluate each OME-TOP model effectively and choose the best solution for your inspection tasks.
Understanding Articulation: Why 360° Matters
A fully articulating borescope allows precise control of the probe tip, enabling you to:
- Navigate complex internal structures
- Inspect behind bends and obstacles
- Reduce the need for equipment disassembly
- Capture more accurate and targeted inspection images
OME-TOP’s 360° joystick-controlled probe provides smooth responsiveness and performance on par with premium brands such as GE and Olympus.
Borescope Camera Applications Across Industries
Borescope cameras play a critical role in professional inspections across various fields:
- Automotive Maintenance: Inspect engines, cylinders, exhaust manifolds, valves, and fuel systems without tearing down components.
- Aerospace Engineering: Conduct turbine blade checks, combustion chamber inspections, cooling channel evaluation, and airframe diagnostics.
- Industrial Machinery: Identify corrosion, cracks, wear, and foreign object damage inside enclosed equipment.
- HVAC & Electrical Systems: Inspect ductwork, wiring paths, heat exchangers, and internal compartments for faults.
- Pipeline & Plumbing: Perform long-distance sewer and pipe inspections, locate blockages, leaks, and structural defects.
Understanding the inspection scenario helps determine which probe diameter, articulation type, and resolution best suit your professional needs.
The best borescope for you
CT Series 5.1＂ HD Video Borescope Tungsten Probe 360° |
CK6 Series 6＂ HD Video Borescope Tungsten Probe |
P39G Series 9＂ LCD Pipe Inspection Camera Sewer Drain Video Borescope 360° |
DA4 Series 4.5＂ Economy Video Borescope Tungsten Probe 360° |
|
- High-End Borescope Competitive with GE & Olympus - 5.1" HD IPS LCD Monitor - Wear-resistant Tungsten Braided Probe - 360° full swing articulation probe. Max 190° on each side. - 720P HD Camera 1280 x 720 Resolution. ‧ Snapshot & Video Recording ‧ Super Bright 50000 Lux LED brightness adjustment ‧ Detachable Probe & Display |
- High-End Borescope Competitive with GE & Olympus - 6" HD IPS LCD Monitor - Wear-resistant Tungsten Braided Probe - Support 1pc to 4pcs 18650 type batteries Working Time >8 Hours - 360° full swing articulation probe. Max 180° on each side. - Camera Pixels 1920*1080 - Snapshot & Video Recording - Super Bright 50000 Lux LED brightness adjustment - Detachable Probe & Display - Wifi to android phone (for option) |
- 9" Color TFT LCD Display (Touch Screen for Option) - The length of the detection line can be selected within 20-200 meters - Wifi to Android & IOS smart device - Photo & Video to SD Card - High Camera Resolution 1000 TV line - Water Proof IP 68 - Interchangeable Camera Head - Distance Mark on Probe - Long Working 6~8 Hours |
- 4.5" HD LCD Monitor - Economy Borescope at a Budget-friendly Price. - WiFi Function to Smart Phones - Wear-resistant Tungsten Braided Probe - 360° Full Swing Articulation Probe. - Camera Pixels 1280*720 - Snapshot & Video Recording - Bright 20000 Lux LED - Detachable Probe & Display |
|
Features
|
Features
|
Features
|
Features
|
CF Series 3D Measurement 360° Video Borescope |
JK Series 7＂ Professional Video Borescope Camera 360° |
CK5 Series 5＂ HD Video Borescope Tungsten Probe 360° |
 JF Series 3.5＂ Handy Video Borescope Inspection Camera |
|
- High End Borescope Competitive with GE & Olympus - 10.1" HD IPS LCD Monitor - Wear-ristant Tungsten Braided Probe - 360° full swing articulation probe. Max 190° each side. - 720P HD Camera 1280 x 720 Resolution. ‧ Snapshot & Video Recording ‧ Super Bright 80000 Lux LED brightness adjustment ‧ Dispatchable Probe & Display |
‧ Large 7" LCD Monitor (800*480) ‧ Snapshot & Video Recording ‧ LED brightness adjustment ‧ Mirror Image & Image Rotation ‧ 5X Zoom In ( 1.5X / 2.0X / 5.0X ) ‧ USB to PC Connection ‧ Live View Software to PC ‧ Long duty hour up to 6 hrs ‧ Display Dust/water protection IP55 ‧ 1 meter drop test ‧ Made in Taiwan. High Durability ‧ Two Year Warranty for display ‧ Ship Worldwide |
- High-End Borescope Competitive with GE & Olympus - 5" HD IPS LCD Monitor - Wear-resistant Tungsten Braided Probe - 360° full swing articulation probe. Max 180° on each side. - Camera Pixels 1,000,000 - Snapshot & Video Recording - Super Bright 50000 Lux LED brightness adjustment - Detachable Probe & Display - Wifi to android phone (for option) |
‧ 3.5 " Extra-wide view angle and clear TFT LCD, protected by oil and scratch resistant tempered glass ‧ Records VGA resolution (640x480 pixel) video clips and still images(640x480 pixel) with instant playback review ‧ 2X larger images and horizontal mirror for code identification ‧ Rechargeable internal Li-Polymer battery lasts for 4 hours ‧ Made in Taiwan. High Durability One Year Warranty Ship World Wide |
|
Features
|
Features
|
Features
|
Features
|
Comparison Table: Choosing Between OME-TOP Borescope Series
| Series | Display Size | Articulation | Probe Type | Resolution | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT Series | 5.1" HD IPS | 360° / 190° | Tungsten braided | 720P | Detachable probe, 50,000 Lux LED |
| CK6 Series | 6" HD IPS | 360° / 180° | Tungsten braided | 1080P | WiFi optional, long battery life |
| P39G Series | 9" TFT | Non-articulating | Pipe probe | 1000 TVL | 20–200 m cable, IP68 |
| DA4 Series | 4.5" HD | 360° | Tungsten braided | 720P | Budget-friendly, WiFi support |
| CF Series | 10.1" IPS | 360° | Tungsten braided | 720P | 3D measurement capabilities |
This comparison provides a quick understanding of product differences and helps users choose the right inspection solution.
FAQ about Borescope Camera
Q1. What is a borescope camera used for?
A borescope camera is used to inspect hard-to-reach or enclosed areas such as engines, turbines, pipelines, HVAC systems, and heavy-duty machinery.
Q2. What is the difference between a borescope and an inspection camera?
A borescope uses a probe-based optical or digital system, while an inspection camera may also include pipe cameras, rigid scopes, and other visual inspection devices.
Q3. How do I choose the right probe diameter?
Select the smallest diameter that can physically enter the inspection area—0.95–3.9 mm for precision machines; 6–8 mm for general industrial use.
Q4. What does 360° articulation mean?
It allows the probe tip to bend freely in all directions using joystick control, enabling full visual access around corners and complex structures.
Q5. Are OME-TOP borescopes waterproof?
Most OME-TOP probes carry IP67 or IP68 ratings, making them suitable for wet, underwater, or contamination-prone environments.
Read More:
- What is borescope camera, borescope inspection camera?
- The Application of Borescopes
- What is pipe inspection camera?
