Best Inspection Camera Australia [2023 Buyers Guide]

Inspection cameras, sometimes called snake cameras, are digital cameras which are flexible and small enough to fit into narrow spaces. Designed for use in areas that would otherwise be inaccessible, these instruments are used for exploratory purposes. 

These cameras are often used by plumbers, engineers, pest control specialists and electricians to see into difficult to reach places with crystal clear vision. 

If you’re looking for the best inspection camera in Australia, you’ll find our top picks here!

How To Find The Best Borescopes In Australia?

Inspection cameras have three key components – the handset, the flexible pipe and the camera. All three must be taken into account when choosing the best model for you.

The Camera

Cameras need to be under 10mm in size as smaller cameras provide better precision. Bigger camera systems will usually have lower quality even though they’re usually cheaper. Ideally, you should find a model with a 6mm or less camera head.

The Pipe

When choosing a model, you need to consider the pipe as well as the camera. Its design must be chemical resistant, waterproof, rigid and flexible, as well as being robust. 

You need the pipe to be high quality as it is how the camera is controlled. If it’s too stiff, you won’t be able to move it around obstacles. If it’s too flexible, it’ll be too hard to push or direct.

In most cases, a light camera pipe is best. It will be easier to manipulate and bend and will also be easy to get around and through obstacles.

The Handset

Make sure you choose a handset that is ergonomically designed. It needs to fit well in your hands and be comfortable to use. Sometimes, you’ll be using it when in awkward positions, so ease of use is key.

Looking to buy an inspection camera for electricians?

This means that you’ll also need all of the controls to be within easy reach. You want to be able to easily use your thumb and fingers to choose menu options. Of course, it also goes without saying that you need the display to be clear and of high quality.

Our Inspection Camera Reviews – The 4 Best Inspection Cameras To Buy This Year

Here, you’ll find an inspection camera review for each of our top four models to purchase this year.

The Vigil VGL-8834 cordless inspection camera is a great choice for all purpose use. Its three foot long flexible tube is long enough for use in most small and narrow spaces. It also comes with a detachable wireless screen for even greater convenience. 

The 2.4” LCD colour screen has a resolution of 640 x 580 pixels. It displays the images picked up by the 9mm camera in real time. Since the camera is waterproof and its cable is IP67 rated it can be used in damp or wet areas. 

This model comes complete with a magnet, hook and mirror for extra accessibility. This allows small metal particles to be picked up with ease if they are dropped. It also allows for extra viewing at different angles thanks to the mirror. 

Perhaps the best feature of this model is its video capabilities. It can save images and video in JPG and AVI formats. It can be used with a 32GB micro SD card so that images can be saved for later use.

The Actron CP7669 video inspection scope is ideal for home users on a budget. Saving you effort and time, this scope makes it easy to see in even the most difficult to reach spaces.

The 9mm camera is compact enough to allow inspection in many small holes and spaces. This model also comes with a hook and magnet so you can find and pick up any dropped metallic particles. There is also a mirror which gives right-angle views and an option for 180-degree view changes.

The LCD screen measures 2.4” and is in colour with 8 contrast levels. There are low battery and LED power indicators and six brightness levels on the camera for optimal illumination. The camera is also waterproof for use in damp areas and comes with a flexible 3 foot-long tube for convenience.

The General Tools & Instruments DCS500 inspection camera is a great choice for professionals. The high-quality, slim 9mm camera is small enough to fit into even narrow gaps and spaces. Meanwhile, the 5 inch colour LCD wireless screen gives crystal clear real-time images up to a distance of 10 metres.

An excellent feature of this model is its ability to record still images, video and audio. It couldn’t be easier to record – all that is required is to press the pistol grip. This device also comes with a 2GB Micro SD card as well as integrated 128 MB flash memory. 

There are lots of excellent features integrated into this model. There is a zoom function up to 4x as well as a magnetic back to attach easily to metal surfaces. There is an inbuilt speaker and microphone, and a USB cable and ScopeView software to watch recordings on PCs. 

The console and grip are both IP54 rated as splash-proof while the camera itself is waterproof. Rechargeable Li-ion batteries power this camera and they come included with the device. 

A wide range of accessories are supplied including accessories for the probe tip and a carrying case.

Do you need a super-long USB camera scope? Then the KZYEE borescope inspection camera is ideal for you. Not only is the flexible tube incredibly long at 10 feet, but this model has no inbuilt screen. It can be used with any Android or iOS device, making it super convenient for use on the go.

The wireless module ensures reliable Wi-Fi connection so images can be seen clearly in real time. Also, thanks to the tiny size of the 5.5mm camera, this model can be used in even the smallest spaces.

A hook and magnet also come with this model for retrieving small metal items with ease. Meanwhile the included mirror allows for viewing from different angles for a fully comprehensive overview.As this device is IP67 rated (1), it is waterproof and can be used in wet or damp areas. The LED light can also be adjusted through six levels of brightness to ensure optimal illumination.

The Verdict – Which Snake Camera Do We Recommend?

All four of these snake cameras are excellent. However, overall we recommend the Vigil VGL-8834. Affordable, yet made to the highest standards, this camera is ideal for professionals or home users. Its cordless design makes it very portable, while its LCD screen gives crystal clear images. 

We also recommend the General Tools & Instruments DCS500 inspection camera for professionals. This model comes with all the accessories you could ask for along with wireless functionality and a large screen.