General Tool DCS300 Deluxe Professional Scope Color Camera Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I tried one of those cheaper inspection cameras w/ a 2.3" screen from Harbor Freight and returned it due to the image being nothing but a blur. It wasn't a single defective unit, as I found out others had the same complaint. Also, the flexible 'snake' gooseneck was very heavy. So I tried this model after researching many others. I didn't consider the models marketed under the well known power tool names, since those are only a afterthought of the manufacture. (Would you buy a table saw from a company that sells cars??)
Pros:
1. What amazed me the most was th depth of field. Optimum focus is 2-10" (but see below). Acceptable focus is 1" to infinity. I aimed it out a window and the image was more than acceptable and in focus much to my amazement. I surely didn't expect this. This camera is more than adequate for almost any distance indoors as a 'spy' (surveillance) camera,
2. Smaller 12mm camera head as opposed to the typical 17mm head which apparently was the original standard for these 'borehole' cameras. (The smallest diameter available that I found is 5.5mm),
3. Include carrying case (but see below),
4. Single 9v battery (but see below),
5. Price. Not much more than models with the smaller 2.3" screen. (but see below),
6. General has the least expensive extension goosenecks of any of these inspection cameras I have found. Half of most of the competition.
7. Lighter weight (compared to the cheaper Harbor Freight (and probably others) model w/ a smaller LCD screen.
Cons:
1. Working distance using the LED's is less than 8" depending on what/where the camera is being 'fished' in. Wall cavities are not well suited depending on the surface reflectivity. Older housed with aged wood and older heating ducts covered with dark 'soot' will be a exercise in futility at best.
2. Typical of excessive video AGC, the image gets 'noisy' in low light,
3. Typical of low end image sensors, 'flare' is a problem with highlights (reflective surfaces),
4. LED 'bounceback' (a huge problem with CCTV cameras with bullt in IR LED's) that cause 'hot' spots on either side of the micro lens detract from a dark image making it tough to see what you are looking at (if it isn't already tough enough when you really don't know what you are looking at),
5. Carrying case only has room for camera gooseneck, no room for any extensions. If it was formed (injected) differently during manufacture, there would be room,
6. 9V battery has a very short life. A poor choice. Four AA rechargeable cells would of been a far better choice,
7. No provision for external power,
8. No external video out provided,
9. For $40 more, the DCS400 with rechargeable batteries, a removable LCD screen and external video & power options is a far better buy!
Regarding the LED lighting problems, there are other manufacture that offer four LED's. I don't know how much a difference this will make. ECG is one of them, selling for around $60 more in price.
Any more experienced users, especially using higher end models please comment especially on the lighting issues.

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The Seeker 300 Video Borescope System offers a large 3.5in. LCD color monitor and a 12mm flexible, configurable camera probe with adjustable LED lighting. The Seeker 300 is ideal for use in automotive maintenance, electrical repair, plumbing applications, HVAC/R and the visual inspection of otherwise inaccessible areas. This Video Borescope Kit also includes a mirror, magnet and pick-up hook that can be attached to the end of the probe. Probe (in.): 363/8, Diameter (in.): 1/2, Head Size (in.): 1/2, Monitor Type: 31/2in. Color monitor, Display Type: LCD screen, Field of View: 60deg , Light Type: Two adjustable LEDs, Battery Type: 9V, Battery Included: Yes, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 151/4 x 12 x 31/2, Water Resistant: No, Case Included: Yes, Includes: Resolution of 320 × 234 pixels

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