Bosch UniversalInspect inspection camera review

If you want to look behind a sink, into a car engine or somewhere else when you're working on it, a borescope (a lot of people say 'endoscope' but that's a more medical term) is the way to go. I've looked at the best boroscopes, and I can really see the appeal of this one for most DIY enthusiasts.

Simplicity is the key. There is one major caveat to that; Bosch do seem to have quietly updated this to make it more waterproof at some point, and slightly changed by packaging, so do check which version you're getting. If there are two editions of an identically names product at the store you're at, that's why!

Otherwise you're looking at a relatively short and thick inspection camera cable – making it robust. And, seriously, how long do you want it? The longer it is, the harder it is to control the other end! To some extent, this is a device being sold on the name, but the name knows what it is doing!

Bosch UniversalInspect: Pricing

The more modern, better waterproofed version of the UniversalInspect is being reviewed at £99 – US pricing is unclear.

Bosch UniversalInspect: Specifications

Bosch UniversalInspect: Build and handling

Reassuringly matching the color of the hammer drill my grandad gave me when I first moved into a house, and assorted other tools I still use to attach shelves and the best floodlight cameras to walls, picking up the device didn't diminish my confidence. The rubberized black edges feel as droppable as other Bosch tools. Or at least they would were it not for the coiled camera.

The brilliance of this device is that instead of pushing the length of the coiled camera beyond any reason – personally I've never had a use for one longer than the 3ft (0.95m) of this – they've incorporated an incredibly simple grip to wrap it into. Again, the photos will do this justice more simply than I can.

Moreover, some 'boreoscopes' pride themselves on the narrowness of the camera or connection, but for most DIY tasks a couple of mm isn't going to make much difference. Bosch have opted instead for an armoured design which is also very ridged when bent into position which makes it very easy to manipulate.

This is als a very simple machine, which does not hurt at all in DIY-land. AA batteries – not hunting down USB chargers.

The probe has a straightforward 4 LEDs, with 3 brightness options controllable from the device. There are attachments like a hook and magnet to help pick up dropped items (the classic keys down a drain scenario!)

Performance

I used the Bosch to take a look under my bathroom sink and try to work out exactly why the tap is loose (and if there was any hope of getting a tool there without disassembling the over-designed cabinet).

It was easier enough to angle the camera and get it in the right spot because the probe is 'just right' in terms of flex and rigidity once bent. Because I'd accidentally pressed the 180 button it did take me a while to actually navigate the probe, but once you realise there is such a thing there this isn't a mistake you'd make again.

There is a camera button on the front, too, so you can press it to capture an image (regardless of whether you've put a memory card in).

When you play back images, the brightness and digital zoom buttons switch to serving as left and right controls (so there is no natural way to zoom retrospectively).

I did come up against a brick wall when I decided to put a MicroSD card into the device to copy the image already on the in-built memory over (the card was one I've put in several other devices recently, so it had other files on). That made the screen go, well, a bit weird as the Bosch clearly couldn't read it. Plain formatted cards only are the order of the day! The solution is to think ahead.

Bosch UniversalInspect: Overall verdict

This tool feels reassuringly high quality compared to many of the inspection cameras/borescopes I've tested. It is clearly better suited to DIY tasks (car, and home maintenance rather than say looking a long way down pipes) given that it has a sensibly short – but relatively rugged – probe but I see that as a positive part of the experience. I found it a lot easier than on some devices to control

It's not without drawbacks. It's more expensive than some of the lesser-known brands, even where they offer much bigger screens, so I can't help feel some of that is for the name 'Bosch'. Compared to some competitors, it's very low-tech. Storage of just eight images is very low, and the data transfer isn't without complications!

Bosch isn't just a name, though. There is design with it. Sure, the screen isn't as big but you're also getting a nicely manufactured case. There is also the right amount of simplicity. Three levels of brightness seems to suffice, and the buttons feel sensible. For many this will be a reassuring tool to add to their arsenal and even if there are, technically, better borescopes it might be the most practical for many (and, were he still with us, would certainly be the easiest to sell to my grandad!)

Alternatives

The Depstech DS500 has a longer, narrower cable, a much bigger screen, and is usually cheaper, so an obvious win on value, though not perhaps industrial design. The brand is not as well known, but they've made a lot of different inspection cameras.

How we test

I'm a firm believer in the idea that the best way to get to know something is to use it, and that's what we do. Digital camera world performs lab tests on cameras, but for a camera product like there where practicality matters most the proof is more about usability, so (as the review shows) my process is more about my experiences in practical situations!