Inspection Camera

[Bob Francis]

I was browsing through Home Depot this weekend and saw an inspection camera for less than $40. It was called Lizard Cam and the reviews were so so based on light levels. If that is the only problem is should be easily corrected.

Has anyone tried one of these?

[Charlie Schultz]

I bought a Depstech wireless endoscope ($36 from Amazon). It's fine (I don't have any experience with others). The wireless connection to your cellphone uses wifi so you lose any wifi connection while you're using it.

[Bob Francis]

"Thanks Charlie,
That may be a better option than the screen on this one.

[Jim McConkey]

I got a Fantronics wired USB endoscope (also from Amazon, but currently $21) for Christmas. It is about 8 mm in diameter, has adjustable 8-LED lighting, and has a long semi-rigid cable, so it is maneuverable, but doesn't flop around. I just hook it to a laptop, but apparently it will also plug into any phone with a microUSB. Works fine.

[Bob Francis]

I got a Fantronics wired USB endoscope (also from Amazon, but currently $21) for Christmas. It is about 8 mm in diameter, has adjustable 8-LED lighting, and has a long semi-rigid cable, so it is maneuverable, but doesn't flop around. I just hook it to a laptop, but apparently it will also plug into any phone with a microUSB. Works fine.

I like the laptop possibility a lot and for $21 that seems great.

[Barry Daniels]

Are you guys still happy with your inspection cameras? I have a project coming up and need to have one of these to see my progress during brace shaving work.

[Charlie Schultz]

I wish mine would also connect to my PC instead of just my phone (newer versions may), but other than that, it's ok.

[Jim McConkey]

Mine came with a USB C (small) connector, and an adapter for the normal size USB port, so you can plug it into anything with a USB port. I don't use it very much, but it does come in very handy when I do. The biggest problem with them is holding them still enough to take a good picture. It is less of a problem with live video. Here are a couple views inside my cittern/octave mandolin, including the transducers. Unfortunately looks like the local humidity cycling has not been kind to it! The camera is useful for far more, though, like looking inside walls at wiring, or looking down the exhaust port of a small engine to determine piston scoring.

[Barry Daniels]

Thanks for the ideas everyone!

[Peter Wilcox]

I have one of these for $8:
https://smile.amazon.com/Endoscope-Bore ... 69&sr=1-21

Works with PC and Android phone, gives a pretty good image. Unfortunately doesn't focus close enough for tympanic membrane - only hair in the ear canal.

[Paul Breen]

This is an old thread Allyson, but since you gave it a poke, I thought I would pitch in my 2 cents on the topic.

I did a bit of looking into bore/ inspection scopes last year and Depstech kept coming up up with good recommendations. What I came to realize pretty quickly though, is that almost all of them have a very short focal length, 1" to 3" there abouts. I do repair work and was trying to envision putting the business end of one of these scopes into an upright bass. Focal length would be an issue. Depstech does have one model though, WF025, that has a focal length of 1.18" - 15.7". It also has one of the smallest diameter heads at 5.5mm (.21"), so no issue getting in through small F holes. It's wireless WiFi endoscope can work with Android 5.0+ smartphone and iPhone with iOS 9+ system. I ended up buying a WF025, it was under $50 and works very well with my Android phone. It also created a picture folder in my phone and can take both still shots and video. If you have a compatible computer or phone, I would recommend this model if you end up buying one.