Optical Fiberscopes vs Video Borescopes?

[foxyfox]

I've been looking at both optical fiberscopes and video borescopes, and haven't been able to find much information on the pros and cons of each system. Does anyone have experience with both that can lend any insights?

Here's my understanding so far:
Fiberscopes:

• much smaller head (1mm, 2mm, etc)
• much more expensive
• comes in rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible varieties (any ideas on the advantages of using each type?)
• gut feeling: better image

Video borescopes:

• bulkier; smallest head I can find is 4mm
• more affordable (guessing the image quality isn't as great as the fiberscopes?)

[radical rob]

kinda of noob to lock picking but sounds like you've answered it yourself
borescope= more affordable less quality
fiber optic=more $$ but pays off with size and quality

hope it helped a little =)

[74TR6]

I have a cheap , and slightly larger dia version of optical fiber. For the price, I have been pleased. It is the flexible model and that has been a problem on a couple of applications; example: working from back on a small HHM safe.

[foxyfox]

74TR6, could you post the exact model you're using? And did you opt for a semi-rigid, rigid, or flexible cable?

I just stumbled on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fefx48oKImo

And they claim that optical fiberscopes have inferior image qualities. Althought, given how they don't give actual side by side comparisons, I'm a bit skeptical.

I would love to invest in a quality scope (up to 2k), however, I haven't seen any side by side comparisons. It seems that since fiberscopes/borescopes are such a niche market, that the price is not particularly indicative of what you get. For instance, I picked up a Milwaukee borescope from Home Depot for $99, and from what I can tell, the image quality is on par or better than the high end extech models that cost $2,000.

[74TR6]

foxyfox, I got this scope on evilbay. It is a cheap model by ProVision; import; flexible model; model number label promptly fell off after a couple of weeks. It is .230" dia and 18" length.

It has worked well on several safe openings. I dont recall the angle of view, but it has been adequate for every application thus far. The clarity is good and the light supply is decent. Yes, I would like a higher quality model, and will add one, but this one has allowed me to open a number of safes. Most recent was a large, double door Remington Rand; it was an interesting safe, but I hesitate on details to avoid crossing the rules of forum.