Inspection cameras come in various types, each suited for different applications. For instance, sewer cameras are primarily used to inspect pipeline systems; endoscopes are mainly employed to examine confined spaces such as walls or vehicle interiors; while borescopes are typically used for medical diagnostics and specialized surgical procedures. 

This article will detail the key distinctions between these three tools to help you select the appropriate inspection equipment for your specific application.

What Is a Sewer Camera?

A sewer camera is a waterproof video inspection system that allows a camera to be inserted into drain or sewer pipes via a cable/push rod, displaying real-time footage of the pipe walls and blockage locations on a monitor. It helps identify blockages, cracks, tree root intrusion, corrosion, joint misalignment, and pipe subsidence—often without excavation—enabling faster fault location and determining whether unclogging, cleaning, partial repair, or replacement is needed.

This inspection camera is a standard tool for many professional plumbers and drain cleaners. It's also suitable for property managers and home inspectors/pre-sale inspectors to assess and document pipeline conditions. Some homeowners use it as a DIY tool to troubleshoot recurring clogs, slow drainage, or odors—first confirming “where exactly the blockage is and what's causing it” before deciding whether to handle it themselves or call a professional.

Technical Design Features

Pipe inspection cameras typically consist of the following components:

• Camera featuring ultra-high elastic springs and a stainless steel housing

• Semi-rigid push rod with bend-through capability and collapse resistance

• Automatic leveling mechanism ensuring vertical image orientation during pipe inclination

• Dedicated monitoring unit with DVR and distance counter

• Some cameras incorporate a 512 transmitter for use with 512 locators, enabling precise positioning

• Adjustable LED lighting with 1-5 brightness levels

This inspection equipment is suitable for most pipeline routes. As long as the camera size matches the pipe diameter, it can perform inspection tasks effectively. If you're unsure about selecting the right camera size, refer to this article: 17mm, 23mm, 31mm, and 50mm Sewer Camera Head Diameter: Which Is Best for You?

Advantages of Sewer Camera Inspection

• Visual Diagnosis: Directly identify blockages/damage causes, reducing guesswork and trial-and-error.

• Precise Location: Quickly pinpoint problem areas, avoiding unnecessary excavation or demolition.

• Time and Cost Savings: A single inspection determines whether unclogging, cleaning, or repairs are needed.

• Documentation Capability: Record video/photos for client explanations or before-and-after comparisons.

• Versatile Usage: Suitable for professional plumbers, property managers, home inspectors, and DIY homeowners.

Drawbacks of Sewer Cameras

• Inspection Only, Not Cleaning: The camera itself cannot “unclog” blockages.

• Image Quality Affected by Conditions: Visibility may be poor in murky water, sediment, or grease buildup, requiring prior flushing/clearing.

• Limited Passability: Difficult to advance through multiple bends, small diameters, or deformed/collapsed pipes, with potential jamming risks.

What Is a Borescope?

An endoscope is a compact, handheld inspection tool primarily used to examine the interiors of extremely narrow or hard-to-reach spaces such as engines, HVAC ducts, or small pipes.

Structural and Optical Design

Borescopes usually feature:

• A small-diameter probe (often under 8 mm)

• Limited articulation or fixed-angle lenses

• LED illumination optimized for short-range viewing

• USB, Wi-Fi, or handheld screen connectivity

They are ideal for environments where distance is short and access is limited.

Typical Use Scenarios

Borescopes are widely used in:

• Automotive engine diagnostics

• HVAC duct inspections

• Manufacturing equipment checks

In these scenarios, the goal is quick visual confirmation, not continuous long-distance navigation.

Key Constraints

Because borescopes are not designed for harsh conditions:

• Waterproofing is often limited or partial

• Cable stiffness is insufficient for long pipe runs

• Image quality degrades quickly in dirty or wet environments

What Is an Endoscope?

An endoscope represents the highest level of optical precision and maneuverability among inspection cameras. While commonly associated with medical applications, industrial endoscopes are used in sectors where accuracy and detail are non-negotiable.

Advanced Imaging and Control

Endoscopes often include:

• Ultra-thin probes with multi-directional articulation

• High-resolution sensors with superior color accuracy

• Advanced lighting and depth control

• Modular systems with interchangeable tips

These features allow inspectors to steer the camera toward specific points of interest actively.

Professional-Level Applications

Endoscopes are used in:

• Medical diagnostics and surgery

• Aerospace turbine inspections

• Research laboratories

• High-value industrial maintenance

Trade-Offs

This level of precision comes at a cost:

• High purchase and maintenance expenses

• Fragile components compared to sewer cameras

• Steeper learning curve for operators

Sewer Camera vs Borescope and vs Endoscope: Main Differences

Sewer cameras and borescopes, or endoscopes, are all visual inspection tools, but they differ significantly in their application scenarios and functional characteristics:

1. Inspection Environment and Working Conditions

The most significant difference lies in where each device is designed to operate.

• Sewer cameras are engineered for underground, fully submerged, and debris-heavy environments. They are expected to function in darkness, flowing water, grease, sludge, and chemically aggressive conditions.
• Borescopes are designed for dry or lightly contaminated spaces, such as engines, machinery housings, or wall cavities.
• Endoscopes typically operate in controlled environments, where cleanliness, temperature stability, and careful handling are assumed.

This environmental distinction directly influences material selection, sealing standards, and overall durability.

2. Cable Length, Rigidity, and Navigation Capability

Each tool adopts a different approach to probe design:

• Sewer cameras use semi-rigid push rods that provide the stiffness required to advance the camera over long distances while still navigating pipe bends.
• Borescopes rely on thin, flexible cables, optimized for short-range access rather than long-distance pushing.
• Endoscopes emphasize articulation and steerability, allowing precise directional control rather than forward pushing force.

As a result, a borescope or endoscope cannot realistically replace a sewer camera in long pipelines.

3. Image Orientation and Diagnostic Accuracy

• Sewer cameras often feature self-leveling camera heads, ensuring that cracks, offsets, or deformations appear in their true orientation.
• Borescopes generally lack self-leveling, which can cause disorientation during rotation.
• Endoscopes compensate with advanced articulation and operator control, rather than automatic leveling.

4. Optical Performance and Detail Resolution

While all three tools provide visual feedback, their imaging goals differ:

• Endoscopes deliver the highest resolution and color accuracy, suitable for micro-defect detection.
• Borescopes provide adequate resolution for confirmation and basic diagnosis.
• Sewer cameras prioritize visibility and reliability over fine detail, ensuring usable images in poor conditions.

Higher resolution does not automatically mean better inspection if the environment does not support it.

5. Durability, Maintenance, and Service Life

• Sewer cameras: Designed for “wet, dirty, and long-distance pushing” environments, featuring more abrasion- and impact-resistant construction with replaceable common wear parts, suitable for high-frequency, heavy-duty use.
• Borescopes: Boast thinner, lighter probes but are more susceptible to bending/scratching, functioning more like “disposable tools” in industrial settings and experiencing accelerated wear over time.
• Endoscopes: Offer the highest precision but are the most delicate. Typically require more standardized cleaning, calibration/inspection, and professional maintenance, resulting in higher maintenance costs and barriers to entry.

6. Cost Structure and ROI

• Sewer cameras: Higher upfront investment, but deliver quick returns for high-frequency needs like pipe diagnostics/localization. Reduce rework and increase billable value.
• Borescopes: More budget-friendly, suited for low-frequency or general “quick-look” scenarios. Their value lies in minimizing disassembly and trial-and-error.
• Endoscopes: A precision-driven strategic investment for safety/performance-critical scenarios. Total cost must include maintenance and downtime expenses.

Main Differences at a Glance

How to Choose the Right Inspection Tool?

1. Choose a Sewer Camera When

You regularly inspect drainage systems, sewer lines, or underground pipes where distance, moisture, and debris are unavoidable.

2. Choose a Borescope When

You need a cost-effective visual tool for quick inspections in tight mechanical spaces, without exposing yourself to environmental hazards.

3. Choose an Endoscope When

Your work demands exceptional image clarity, controlled articulation, and diagnostic precision, and budget is secondary to accuracy.

Final Verdict: Sewer Camera vs Borescope and vs Endoscope

In simple terms, sewer cameras typically come equipped with 30-120-meter push cables and feature an IP68 waterproof rating, specifically designed for long-distance underground pipeline inspections. Endoscope probes are shorter (1-5 meters) and have smaller diameters, making them more suitable for inspecting machinery and confined spaces.

Meanwhile, endoscopes meet the demands of precision medical and industrial applications through higher-resolution imaging and flexible maneuverability. By aligning these technical differences with actual inspection requirements, users can select the appropriate tool based on efficiency, accuracy, and long-term value rather than relying solely on specifications.

Related reading: Best Sewer Cameras in 2026