A video borescope or "inspection camera" is similar to the flexible borescope but uses a macro video camera at the end of the flexible tube. There are both articulating videoscopes and non-articulating videoscopes. The end of the insertion tube includes a light which makes it possible to capture video or still images deep within equipment, engines and other dark spaces. The camera directly captures the inspection image and electronically carries the video signal down the insertion tube to a video processor and display.

As a tool for remote visual inspection, the ability to capture video or still images is a huge benefit. A display at the other end shows the camera view, and in some models the viewing position can be changed via a joystick or knob. Because a complex fiber optic waveguide in a traditional borescope is replaced with a rather inexpensive electrical cable, video borescopes can be much less costly and potentially better resolution (depending on the specifications & quality of the camera).

Costs for general to high-end video borescopes can range from about $2,000 to $50,000 depending upon manufacturer, options and specifications. Easy-to-use, battery-powered video borescopes, with 3" LCD displays of 320x240 pixels or better, became available circa 2012 from several manufacturers for prices between $500 and $2000 and are adequate for some applications. On many of these models, the video camera and flexible tube is submersible. Later models offered improved features, such as lower cost, better resolution, adjustable illumination or replacing the built-in display with a computer connection, such as a USB cable.

High-quality image and video capture make videoscopes a valuable tool in numerous industrial and commercial applications, especially for repair and routine maintenance inspections. They are commonly used in the remote visual inspection of engines, turbines, boiler systems, power plant equipment, industrial equipment, structures, and law enforcement situations.

When choosing a borescope, the following factors need to be considered:

• Articulation
• Portability
• Image capture requirements (still images or video)
• Magnification
• Diameter
• Length
• Direction and field-of-view
• Illumination
• Power source