Milwaukee Updates Its Inspection Camera Lineup with Two New M12 Models
Plumbers require some of the most niche equipment out of all of the trades. This includes specialized pipe inspection cameras, which let you see hidden blockages in pipes and drains. If you’re looking for a cordless option, Milwaukee has you covered with several models on both the M18 and M12 systems. Now, the brand is adding two more M12 Inspection Cameras, featuring upgraded image quality and the system’s longest cable lengths.
Both models have very similar aspects, but there are a few differences. I’ll go over both versions below so you can get a better picture of which one is right for you.
Milwaukee M12 65-foot Inspection Camera
- Model: Milwaukee 3318-22A
- Camera head: 16mm
- Flexible push cable
- Cable length: 65 ft
- Drain diameter compatibility: 1 – 3 inches
- Equipped with multi-frequency Sonde
- 4X digital zoom
- Power source: M12 batteries
- One-Key compatibility
- Internal battery
Starting off with the smaller of the two models, the Milwaukee M12 3318-22A has a cable length of 65 feet. It features an ultra-flex push cable to navigate through tight bends and traps, which Milwaukee describes as its most flexible push cable yet. This model is compatible with drains from 1 to 3 inches in diameter.
The camera head is 16mm, the smallest in Milwaukee’s drain inspection lineup. It can achieve up to 4X digital zoom and pan, giving you a detailed look at the drain you’re working on. For image quality, the camera picks up an impressive 1080p while fixed.
This model is primarily powered by the included M12 batteries. However, it also has a small internal battery. This allows you to swap out your battery pack without losing an active recording if your M12 battery depletes during an inspection.
Milwaukee M12 85-foot Inspection Camera
- Model: Milwaukee 3318-22B
- Camera head: 20mm
- Flexible push cable
- Cable length: 85 ft
- Drain diameter compatibility: 1 1/2 – 4 inches
- Equipped with multi-frequency Sonde
- 4X digital zoom
- Power source: M12 batteries
- One-Key compatibility
- Internal battery
While this model is pretty similar to the 65-foot model, the 3318-22B has a few key differences. Perhaps the most obvious distinction is its longer cable, measuring 85 feet in length. It also has a larger drain capacity; you can use it on drains from 1 1/2-inch to 4 inches in diameter.
Another change between this model and the 65-foot camera is the amount of cable flexibility. While this one is still classified as “high-flex,” it still balances enough push stiffness for fixture-to-branch line inspections.
One other difference is that the 3318-22B is equipped with a 20mm self-leveling camera head. Like the previous entry, it features up to 4X digital zoom and pan to help you identify blockages more accurately.
Video Screen
It’s important to note that neither of these inspection cameras include a viewing device, so you’ll need to buy a compatible Pipeline Inspection device separately for onboard viewing while you work.
There’s a mount near the carrying handle to set up your M12 wireless monitor, or you can connect a compatible device via the onboard USB-A and USB-C ports.
Milwaukee M12 Inspection Camera Price
The M12 65-foot inspection camera retails for $3999, and the 85-foot model retails for $4299. Both versions are available as kits only, including two M12 2.0Ah batteries, an M18/M12 dual-platform charger, a monitor mount, a carrying strap, and two barrel skids. Milwaukee backs your purchase with a 5-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
Milwaukee’s M12 line of power tools is, in general, a more compact alternative to the brand’s M18 roster. This is true for both of these M12 Flexible Inspection Cameras, which offer a smaller footprint for tight jobsite environments. For plumbing professionals who need a slimmer tool form and don’t mind sacrificing a few feet of cable length (compared to M18 solutions), either of these inspection cameras will do the trick.
For those on the M18 platform who are wary about buying into a new system, you can probably stick with the M18 100-foot Flexible Modular Pipeline Inspection Reel. While that model is less compact, it features a longer cable, and the price is roughly comparable to the 85-ft M12.
