We previously wrote about the new Bosch thermal imaging camera and Thermo Detector that are being released in the European market. Like many of you, I’m annoyed that there hasn’t been a peep about these or similar models being released in the USA. Well, here’s one more Bosch tool that looks good but is currently only slated for European release.
The new Bosch GIC 120 C cordless inspection camera looks to be a massive update to their PS91, which according to Amazon is no longer available.
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There are a slew of new features, the best sounding one being Bosch’s Up is Up function, which automatically rotates the image to compensate for the orientation of the camera sensor. No more twisting of cables or switching between 90° image rotations to get the image to just almost look right!
Bosch designed the new inspection camera around two power source options – their 12V Max (10.8V) Li-ion compact cordless tool platform, and common AA batteries. There are two versions of the camera, but you could always add an AA1 adapter or Li-ion battery to either kit to allow for power source flexibility in the field.
The camera head is 8.5 mm wide, which means it can fit inside really small openings, and the cable length is 120 cm (~47″). There are 3 LED lighting stages, which provides proper brightness for low level conditions. Bosch says that the on-board lighting has been significantly improved.
Display size is 3.5″, and resolution is 320 x 240px. Not very impressive if you’re used to seeing smartphone display specs, but they’re decent for a cordless inspection camera.
Bosch also designed the new inspection camera with a quick connect technology that allows for easy cable changes and for quicker and easier storage. It’s easier to pack away an inspection camera if the camera module cable isn’t jutting out of the handheld component.
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As this is an inspection camera, and not just a scope, images and video can be saved to a microSD card. Files can be transferred using a card reader or USB cable.
Prices: GBP 215 for the AA kit, GBP 249 for the 10.8V (12V Max) kit. The 10.8V Li-ion version comes with an L-Boxx and custom L-Boxx inlay, the alkaline version only comes with the inlay to use with your own L-Boxx.
Additional accessories include hook, magnet, and mirror attachments, as well as a microUSB cable.
First Thoughts
I’m really digging the idea of Bosch’s Up is Up function. I can never get the image on optical inspection cameras perfectly aligned with the camera head. There’s always a slight difference, and it drives me batty.
I wonder if Bosch used a gyroscope or pair of gyroscopes – one in the camera head, one on the tool body – to help auto-orient the displayed image. Not that it makes a difference, but Bosch does manufacture gyroscope sensors (Bosch Sensortec link), although those devices seem to be more meant for sensing rate of rotation, as in modern smartphones, and not rotation in an orientation sense. However they do it, it’s still pretty cool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLEbxYIRZUU
fred
It is cool – wonder if the “up-is-up” technology will translate to other applications and instruments.
We had gone through a few iterations of Ridgid’s See Snake sewer inspection systems – the latest had digital recording and what I assumed was an on-board computer. Still sometimes you would be looking at what you thought was the topside of a line – only to then notice that you were looking at water that obviously was not laying along the roof of the pipe.
Matt
Great, more Bosch tools I can’t buy here in the U.S. Come on, Bosch!
chad
I hate my camera due to the hard attachment of the probe to the viewing screen. I want a camera that wirelessly sends to a viewing screen or to the screen of my smart phone. This way when you manipulate the probe it does not affect the viewing screen.
Stuart
Even if the probe camera was completely wireless, there would still be an “up” orientation. Rotating the camera would still rotate the image on your phone.
Matt
I really like that digital zoom feature. I have the Milwaukee camera. I bought it a good price a couple years back. I wish it had a longer camera on it. I think they sell one now with a removable camera . I would really like to see this Bosch come to the states