How do you record video from an endoscope camera?

Introduction
Endoscope cameras are used for medical exams, industrial inspection, and DIY troubleshooting. Unlike a webcam that saves video automatically, an endoscope camera module usually needs to be connected to a computer or phone, and you must use software to capture the video. Recording is important for documenting findings, sharing with colleagues, or reviewing later. This article explains how to record video from different types of endoscope cameras – from a simple usb camera module to an ai camera module with on‑board processing.

What You Need to Record Video
Most endoscope cameras output live video that can be saved as a file. You need:

• An endoscope camera module (USB, wireless, or embedded).

• A host device (Windows PC, Mac, Linux computer, Android phone/tablet, or Raspberry Pi).

• Video capture software that supports the camera.

• Storage space (hard drive, SD card, or cloud).

The most common type is a usb camera module that follows the UVC (USB Video Class) standard – it is plug‑and‑play and works with many free apps.

Recording from a USB Endoscope Camera (UVC)
A typical usb camera module for endoscopy has a small‑diameter tip (e.g., 5.5 mm) and a long flexible cable. When connected to a PC, it appears as a standard webcam. Here is how to record video on different operating systems.

Windows – Install OBS Studio (free, open‑source) or use the built‑in Camera app. Connect the usb camera module, open OBS, add a “Video Capture Device” source, select your endoscope, click “Start Recording”. Choose MP4 format. Stop when done.

macOS – Use QuickTime Player (pre‑installed). Go to “File” → “New Movie Recording”. Click the arrow next to the record button, select your usb camera module, press record, then stop. The video is saved as .mov.

Linux – Use guvcview or VLC. In VLC: “Media” → “Open Capture Device”, select /dev/video0, then click the red record button.

Android (USB‑OTG) – Connect your micro endoscope camera module 2 (or any UVC endoscope) via a USB‑OTG adapter. Install “USB Camera” app by Shenzhen Rantion. The live view appears; tap the record button to save to your gallery.

Recording from an Embedded Camera Module
An embedded camera module is built into a custom medical or industrial device. It may not have a USB connector; instead it outputs video over MIPI, Ethernet, or parallel interface. To record video, you typically write a small application that captures frames from the driver and saves them as a file. For example, on a Raspberry Pi with a cmos camera module connected via CSI, use the command:

This records 10 seconds from a 1080p endoscope camera module (or any resolution). For a custom embedded camera module, you may need the manufacturer’s SDK.

Recording with an AI Camera Module
An ai camera module often has an on‑board processor that can encode video without a host computer. Some ai camera module devices write video directly to a microSD card or stream it to a network drive. Recording is controlled by a button on the module or via a simple HTTP API. This is useful for portable inspection when you do not want to carry a laptop. The AI module can also analyse the video in real time and record video only when it detects a defect (e.g., crack or leak).

Choosing Video Format and Quality
Most 1080p endoscope camera module devices output MJPEG or H.264 compressed video. For recording:

• MP4 (H.264) is best – small file size, widely compatible.

• AVI or MOV are less compressed but take more space.

• Set the frame rate (e.g., 30 fps) to match the camera’s output. Recording at a higher frame rate than the camera produces duplicate frames, not smoother video.

Tips for Better Recording

• Use good lighting – built‑in LEDs on the endoscope camera module are often dim. Add an external light.

• Stabilise the camera – use a clamp or tripod to avoid shakiness.

• Check focus – many micro endoscope camera module 2 models have a manual focus ring; adjust it before recording.

• Start recording before the action – you can trim the beginning later.

Troubleshooting

• No video in software – make sure the usb camera module is recognised (check Device Manager on Windows, lsusb on Linux). Try a different USB port.

• Choppy recording – your computer may be too slow; lower the resolution or frame rate.

• File too large – reduce recording time or use H.265 compression (if supported).

Sincere’s Endoscope Camera Modules
At Sincere, we offer various endoscope camera module products designed for easy video recording:

• Usb camera module – UVC compliant, 720p/1080p, works with any recording software.

• 1080p endoscope camera module – High‑definition, low‑noise cmos camera module.

• Micro endoscope camera module 2 – Ultra‑compact (2–3 mm), ideal for micro‑inspection.

• Ai camera module – On‑board recording with motion‑triggered capture.

• Embedded camera module – For OEM integration, with sample software for video capture.

• Cmos camera module – Sony IMX sensors for crisp, detailed recordings.

Summary
Recording video from an endoscope is easy once you understand the interface. For most users, a usb camera module with UVC support is the simplest – connect it to a PC or Android device and use free software like OBS, QuickTime, or a USB camera app. For embedded systems, command‑line tools like libcamera-vid or custom scripts work well. If you need hands‑free or AI‑triggered recording, an ai camera module can record directly to storage. Whether you have a 1080p endoscope camera module, a micro endoscope camera module 2, or an embedded camera module, the key steps are the same: select the correct video source and press “record”.

Contact Sincere to discuss your endoscope camera module and video recording requirements.