Handheld Endoscope with 2-m Tube and Colour Display (review)

If you need to inspect a hard-to-reach spot, such as inside an electronics case, a car engine, or even the drain of your sink, an endoscope can be a practical solution. These days, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get one—usable devices with a tube length of up to two meters are available for as little as 35 euros!
 

 

What is an endoscope?

For those unfamiliar with an endoscope, here’s a brief explanation: it’s essentially a mini camera mounted at the end of a flexible tube. At the other end is a control box with a display and buttons for operation. While these devices have been around for quite some time, they were traditionally expensive, making them impractical for occasional use. Nowadays, thanks to a variety of Chinese suppliers, endoscopes are far more affordable.

In this case, we’re looking at a very cost-effective device. While it doesn’t offer advanced features or luxury options, it’s perfectly functional for inspecting narrow, hard-to-reach spaces. The device comes in simple packaging, which includes the endoscope itself, a USB-C cable for charging the internal lithium battery, and a short manual available in both English and Chinese.

Simple but Effective

The device consists of a display unit with an attached handle. Below the 2.4-inch color display, there are three buttons: one serves as the on/off switch (press and hold for 3 seconds), and the other two adjust the brightness of the eight LEDs surrounding the camera lens. The brightness can be set to three levels (or turned off) by pressing the buttons, though it is not continuously adjustable.

The camera, located at the end of the flexible tube, is housed in a round, waterproof casing with a diameter of 8 mm. The lens is a wide-angle type, providing a broad field of view. The flexible tube connecting the camera to the display unit is very pliable, making it easy to bend and position as needed. The internal 2600 mAh battery provides 4 to 5 hours of use. The USB-C port on the device is solely for charging the battery and does not support any additional functions.

 

 

How Does It Perform in Practice?

Using the endoscope requires some adjustment, especially when dealing with the 2-meter flexible tube. While the length is impressive on paper, it can be challenging to keep the camera steady at greater distances. If you only need part of the tube, it’s better to roll up the excess and secure it with the included Velcro straps, which makes the camera much easier to control.

Image Quality of the Endoscope

The image quality on the screen is decent but not full HD 1080p as one might hope. After a rough pixel count, the resolution appears to be approximately 240 × 320. Despite this, the image is clear enough to see important details.

The camera’s sharpness is good within a range of about 3 to 20 cm from the subject. Beyond this range, the image becomes less sharp, but it remains sufficiently clear for general inspection tasks.

Unfortunately, the image is slightly stretched in width. It seems that the camera chip has a square aspect ratio, but the image is stretched to fit the 3:4 ratio of the display. However, this distortion is unlikely to be a significant issue when inspecting hard-to-reach areas.

In low-light environments, the image can become quite noisy, but the LED lighting helps to improve visibility. Be cautious not to set the brightness too high, as this can cause parts of the image to become overexposed or bleached out.

Lighting and Waterproof Design

 

The endoscope is equipped with eight LEDs surrounding the camera lens to provide illumination in dark spaces. With a small diameter of just 8 mm, the camera can easily fit through small openings. It is also waterproof (rated IP67), allowing it to be used in wet environments, such as drains or aquariums. However, it’s not advisable to push the camera too far down a drain—the tube is too stiff, and the camera may be damaged in tight bends.

Conclusion

This affordable endoscope doesn’t offer any special features or luxury extras, but it performs its basic function well and provides a usable image. The 2-meter flexible tube can be advantageous in some situations, making the device a handy tool for certain situations. For its price, it’s a practical addition to your toolbox, especially if you occasionally need to inspect inaccessible areas.