10 popular models of electronic endoscopes from AliExpress

Quite often the word “endoscope” evokes strong associations with medical procedures, but today this simple device has entered the lives of ordinary people and helps for a variety of purposes. An endoscope is a USB camera for a smartphone that will allow you to examine places where you simply cannot look, for example, into a car engine, sink drain, split system or under a cabinet. For these purposes, the device has everything you need - a flexible hose, lighting and protection from moisture. Many models are equipped with attachments that, if necessary, will allow you to pick up a lost item and retrieve it.

What you need to know about choosing

Buying an endoscope for a smartphone from Aliexpress today is very easy. However, not every model is suitable for the user's tasks. In order not to make a mistake in choosing, it is worth considering a number of points:

• Connection type – there are models with a connection via a USB connector (the smartphone must support the OTG function) or via Wi-Fi.
• Resolution – if a camera is needed to inspect mechanisms for damage, then a high-quality image is a necessity. Today you can buy inexpensive devices with a resolution of 640*480, but as practice shows, they are of little real use. Recommended resolution is at least 1280*720.
• Viewing angle – the higher it is, the more space the camera can capture, which means it will be easier to use.
• Length – there are options on sale with lengths from one meter and above. Choosing the optimal length depends on your needs.
• Chamber diameter - when choosing, you should be guided by what exactly you will have to inspect with its help and whether it can penetrate the smallest holes.
• Adjusting the brightness of the backlight is a prerequisite for a flexible camera to have a backlight, but it will not be superfluous if its brightness can be adjusted.
• The presence of moisture protection - if the device is planned to be used for inspecting sewer drains and similar places, then protecting the housing from water ingress is necessary.
• Compatibility – modern USB cameras can work not only with Android devices, but also connect to Windows or iOS. When choosing, it is worth clarifying which operating systems the endoscope can work with.
• The complete set - the presence of a magnetic head or hook will allow you not only to see where the lost item has rolled, but also to retrieve it.

Solutions to possible problems

Black dots on the screen

The occurrence of this problem is ensured by the presence of contamination in the camera, which is why to prevent and correct it, you need to wash the lens immediately after completing work related to the use of the endoscope.

Dead pixels can also be caused by mechanical damage to the device. In this case, it is recommended to contact an official service center, since repairing compact devices yourself can lead to even greater problems that increase the cost of repairs.

No sound

The inability to record audio is inherent in all endoscopes connected via USB. To avoid this, purchase only devices that work on other connection ports and have built-in speakers. If the gadget you are using has an audio transmission function, but you still can’t hear it in the final recording, try adjusting the settings in CameraFi and using it only, or try running the video on another device and, if possible, install codecs on it.

Poor image quality

Budget devices shoot in 640x480 format, which is a small value that is not included in the HD line. Some utilities can increase the resolution with loss of quality for full screen viewing. Disable this option in the settings of the camera you are using, and also pay attention to devices with higher extensions.

How to connect

An endoscope camera for a smartphone is a fairly simple device. It is a flexible hose with a camera at one end and a USB plug at the other. Some models immediately come with a microUSB or Type-C adapter, which simplifies connection to a smartphone.

To connect the camera, do the following:

1. Insert the camera plug into the USB connector of your smartphone or laptop. If necessary, use an OTG adapter.
2. Install the camera application. The instructions usually include a code or download link.

Connecting Wi-Fi cameras is even easier - you need to turn on the network on the control unit, after which it will be displayed in the camera application on your smartphone. As a rule, there is no password for connection here - you just need to pair.

What types of endoscopes are there?

An endoscope is a miniature camera with a 4-10 mm lens on a long cable. The device may have its own built-in monitor or support connection to a smartphone. The endoscope is used in many areas - for diagnosing communications and cars, for examining blockages, and even for fishing. A thin cord with a camera at the end penetrates into the narrowest and most winding places and allows you to evaluate the condition of engines, pipes and deep niches from the inside.

Household appliances are divided into several types.

Hard

They are an optical tube with a camera. They cannot bend and usually do not exceed 1 m in length, so they are only suitable for direct visualization. They are distinguished by high resolution and transmit the highest quality images.

Rigid endoscopes are not suitable for diagnosing sewer pipes

Flexible

The cable of such devices bends well, thanks to which the device can be inserted deep into the pipes and inspected. The average length is about 3 m, the camera at the end of the wire can be quite miniature - from 2 mm.

Flexible endoscopes are suitable for examining hard-to-reach areas

With built-in screen

Some models are equipped with their own compact monitor. Typically, such devices provide higher quality images, but they are also expensive.

Endoscopes with a monitor are often used in auto diagnostics.

With connection to a smartphone

Budget models consist only of a cable with a camera at the end. Using USB or micro-USB, they connect to a mobile device, and the video is output directly to the phone.

Some mobile-connected endoscopes can also support Wi-Fi wireless connections

Backlit

Since the areas requiring the use of an endoscope are usually completely blocked from any light, most models are equipped with a backlight. A miniature single LED or several light bulbs are installed at the end of a rigid or flexible tube.

In many endoscopes, the brightness of the backlight can be adjusted. Important! Professional models are equipped with remote lights, but such devices are not used in everyday life; purchasing them at a high price is simply impractical.

Fuers AN98A

• Camera diameter: 5.5mm, 7mm
• Permission: 640*480
• Focus: from 4 cm
• Viewing Angle: 66 degrees
• Moisture protection: IP67

Price: from 300 rub.

Despite the inexpensive price tag, this smartphone endoscope is very popular among users. It connects to a microUSB connector, is compatible with a large number of Android models (there are limitations - you should check before purchasing) and is able to work with Windows laptops. To work, you need to install a proprietary application. The device provides backlight control, the cable length is from 1 to 2 meters. The kit includes a hook, a spiral and a mirror attachment.

Buy

Features of application

The scope of use of an endoscope is not limited in any way; if you need to look into any hard-to-reach places, you can use a portable camera. You can look into the pipe: if it becomes clogged or something falls there, you don’t need to worry about the device, because it is waterproof. The camera head has a small diameter, and some people use it when doing car repairs to look into the engine or other area under the hood.

DDCAMERA Dual Lens Wireless Inspection Camera

• Chamber diameter: 8mm
• Permission: 640*480, 1280*720
• Focus: 3-8 cm
• Viewing Angle: 90 degrees
• Moisture protection: IP67

Price: from 2,300 rub.

This wireless model received two cameras at once. One is located on the tip, and the second on the side - this provides greater picture capture. Both modules received backlighting with adjustable brightness. The device connects via Wi-Fi and is compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows operating systems. There are options on sale with cable lengths from 1 to 5 meters. Battery life is 1.5 hours. The connection range is no more than 15 meters. The set includes three attachments: a magnet, a hook, and a side-view mirror.

Buy

Best Inspection Cameras with LCD Display

The presence of the endoscope's own screen eliminates the need to connect additional devices to it to obtain an image. The user immediately sees the picture on the display and does not waste time on switching, setting up, downloading and installing special software.

Hazet 4812-10/4S

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The Hazet videoscope is widely used in car repair shops, as well as on construction sites to determine voids in structures. The device is equipped with a TFT monitor with a resolution of 640x480 pixels, as well as an adapter for connecting old-type probes.

Advantages:

• automatic activation of energy-saving mode;
• tiny lens with a diameter of 4.9 mm;
• PTZ camera;
• improved adapter between the remote part and the main unit;
• 4 GB SD card included.

Flaw:

• very high price - 80 thousand rubles.

The endoscope manufacturer Hazet is an official partner of such brands as Audi, BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen and produces very reliable diagnostic equipment.

Laserliner VideoScope One

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

The Laserliner compact videoscope was developed in Germany and manufactured in a factory in Finland. The product has a simple interface, is easy to configure and can be used for a variety of purposes. The camera is mounted in a plastic probe and transmits the image directly to the LCD screen of the device. The average price of the device is a little more than 11 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• 2x digital zoom in 10% increments;
• ability to connect to an external display using the TV-Out connector;
• comfortable grip thanks to the soft handle;
• 180° rotation function.

Flaws:

• no case included.

The Laserliner One video inspector provides 5 levels of illumination, digital zoom and the ability to operate at temperatures from 0 to +45 °C.

Megeon 33500

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

The Megeon endoscope is suitable for observing and recording events that occur in the most inaccessible places. The device is capable of saving photo and video material, supporting JPG and AVI formats. The camera diagonal is 8.89 mm, the maximum resolution is 0.3 MP.

Advantages:

• high image quality due to linear interpolation;
• recording video with sound;
• adjustable screen and handle angles;
• autofocus function;
• integrated lighting.

Flaws:

• price almost 20 thousand;
• a camera with a mirror attachment turns out to be somewhat cumbersome.

The design of the Megeon videoscope provides the ability to detach the display from the main unit and view recordings remotely. The long service life of the device is ensured by high-quality components.

Autel MaxiVideo MV400

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

The Autel MV400 endoscope allows you to quickly and accurately diagnose faults in the most difficult to reach vehicle components, without resorting to disassembling them. The condition of the object of interest can be examined in detail and recorded in the form of photo or video files. The average cost of the device is 9.5 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• support for JPG, AVI, MPEG1, MPEG2 formats;
• adjustable LED backlight;
• 5x zoom;
• focal length varies within 2.5-36 cm;
• multilingual interface.

Flaws:

• Not a very high quality mirror attachment included.

The Autel MaxiVideo device can work continuously without recharging the battery for up to 4 hours. A convenient case is provided for storing and transporting the device.

READ ALSO

16 Best IP Cameras

Download

You can download the program for free by clicking on the button we have attached below.

ViewPlayCap 3.0