About this deal
It’s important that your inspection camera is waterproof, especially if you’re going to be using it in damp areas or to inspect drains. Those with a fully waterproof rating can be used underwater. Borescopes are designed for industrial as opposed to medical use. These have either a rigid or flexible stem and are suitable for large equipment inspections. They usually have a larger diameter lens than endoscopes, illuminating a greater area. The inspection camera GIC 120 C Professional is ideal for inspecting hard-to-reach areas and documenting the results. To achieve optimum spacial orientation, the ‘Up is Up’™ function rotates and simultaneously aligns the image on a large screen. For high-quality documentation and fast storage, images and videos can be directly transferred via micro USB cable. Dual Power Source technology allows for using 12 V Li-ion or standard alkaline batteries. Equipment & Application The camera lens itself has an excellent 70° field of view, and you can switch between three viewing modes with a single button. If the image on the screen is upside down, you can flip it through 180°. It’s a useful little feature you’ll use more often than you think.
Transfer images and videos directly via a micro USB cable or a micro SD card for documenting critical areas Whether you’re buying an inspection camera, a CCTV camera or a bird box camera, the resolution is always going to be a factor. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image will be, but the camera will also be more expensive. The resolution on some inspection cameras is relatively limited with images appearing pixelated. What is the screen like on the GIC 120 C and is a zoom function available? Can the user take photos or videos from the camera and how can the recorded images be transferred onto a computer?
My Top Recommended Inspection Cameras
Inspection cameras generally have either a flexible or rigid cable. Rigid cables are better for areas above your head or in straight lines. These are best for inspecting drains and can also be useful if you’ve got some obstacles that you need to push through to get into a confined space.
If your inspection camera comes with a display, you should ensure it’s large enough for you to clearly view what’s going on. 3″ and above tends to be the best screen size for viewing. Any smaller than this, and you may not be able to get a good view of the area.The DS500 is a fine tool, capable of performing its duties even in a rough and tumble environment. The build is confidence-inspiring, always appreciated in the kind of environment where serious work is being done, and we really appreciated the case and addition of a magnet as well as a standard hook –you’ll never lose a screw again.
It might not look like much, a kind of coated wire-frame arrangement, but it’s actually much easier to grip than, say, the plastic spools common on extension leads. That thoughtful quality extends to the highly durable display which is both waterproof and oil/chemical resistant too. You need to worry about delicate touch screens, as the controls are all on robust buttons around the display. Telescopic cameras are used for areas out of reach. These are usually rigid and allow you to look at things above you, for example into pipework or ceilings. Connection and Amount of Storage Inspection cameras are battery-powered, and the battery life is important. The charge time is also worth looking at.Camera resolution: the more the better, though remember these cameras must be tiny to be useful. Be aware that some makers 'upsample' resolutions to make it sound better than it actually is (a common way is recording higher resolution video than the camera's sensor can make use of).
Wi-Fi: this could be handy for viewing footage on your smartphone at a safe distance from the actual dirty work Rechargeable batteries are convenient provided they last long enough. Ideally, you’ll want a few hours of run time. This is especially important if your camera takes a few hours to charge, as many do. Camera ResolutionOf course, you may not know exactly what task you are using your camera for. The models I’ve recommended have variable focal distances; a distance of between 3 and 10 cm would be suitable for a wide range of tasks. Cable Type and Length The new 3.5” screen on the GIC 120 C provides a much broader visual with better spatial awareness. This supported by the high resolution of 320 x 240 pixel enhances the screen visual clarity giving a clearer image for the user. In addition, the inspection camera has three zoom options up to 2.0 x, allowing the tool to adjust to any situation and highlight key smaller details. The most important bit of an inspection camera for me is the flexible camera cable and here the GIC 120 C scores well. The cable is long enough, flexible enough and importantly – waterproof, and can be used in most situations. The tough outer plastic covering didn’t mark easily and was easy to clean and dry off. This is important – it may be used to inspect the dirtier aspects of plumbing.