Customer Reviews

General Tool DCS300 Deluxe Professional Scope Color Camera

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

A Borescope is a Video Tool that you may find you'll never need as a homeowner.

However, if you are a home DIY'er, as I am, and work on your own appliances (washers-dryers-refrigerators-dish washers-air conditions), your own autos (brakes, starters, wheels, alternators), your own plumbing (drains, water supply leaks, water heaters, fixtures) or your own electrical (new runs, wall switch\outlet repairs, adding lighting circuits, running home theater\audio hookups), Then maybe You To will find a Video Borescope a useful tool. It can be your eyes for real tight places and spaces such as walls, cramped engine compartments, small appliances and crevasses no hands should encroach upon!

To be honest, I've had the need for a video borescope for a long time, but just recently purchased this very nice General DCS300 Color 3.5" display inspection system. I've added the 2 meter extension to get a full 3 meters of reach. After all of these years of unseen guesswork, mistake laden task and DIY work frustrations, this Wonderful Tool of Knowledge would have made so many of my challenging homeowner projects a Lot Less Stressful and a Lot More Productive!!

After doing my homework, I found this General Color Video Display to offer all of the features (3.5" display, high resolution, 1" to 10" focus range, slim 12mm camera, bright LED's, hard case storage) and quality (water-oil-dust proof) that will help me more effectively perform my various home DIY Task. Pity the Amazon's pic displays the smaller 2.4" DCS200 unit, but the 3.5" on this DCS300 was worth the extra investment...Love It!

I used this to run wires 70 feet through a central access tunnel in my house that is already packed with stuff. The close and far focus are good, as opposed to some reviews of other systems. It comes in a nice protective case. FOR THE PRICE I think it is an excellent choice for what I needed. I purchased the extension at the same time and ended up always leaving it on as it gave me some "leverage" when turning the camera support cable. I had one of my children hold the view screen and used both hands to manipulate the camera. It takes some time getting used to the process, but you soon are able to read the orientation.