How to Choose the Right Camera Head Size (12.8mm, 21mm, 29mm)
Not all drain cameras are created equal — and neither are the pipes you’re inspecting.
If you’re using the wrong camera head size, you might as well be working blind. Whether you’re unblocking a tight shower waste or surveying a council main, the right size head can save you time, money, and a whole lot of swearing.
Let’s break down the difference between 12.8mm, 21mm, and 29mm camera heads — and help you choose the one that fits your jobs best.
12.8mm Camera Head: Small But Mighty
Best For:
- 40mm–90mm pipes
- Kitchens, bathrooms, tight bends
- Going around S Trap Pans
Why Tradies Love It:
21mm Camera Head: The All-Rounder
Best For:
- 90mm–150mm pipes
- Downpipes, stormwater, general use
- Tradies needing flexibility for mixed pipe sizes
Why Tradies Love It:
The 21mm is the go-to for Kiwi plumbers who tackle a bit of everything. It’s big enough for good vision and lighting, but small enough to handle most common domestic and light commercial pipes.
It’s your everyday workhorse.
Recommended Razorback Options:
→ The Boar – 21mm HD Camera
→ The Monster – 21mm with Locator
“If you could only carry one camera to every job, this is the one you’d want.”
29mm Camera Head: Big Pipe Beast
Best For:
- 100mm–300mm pipes
- Mains, sewer lines, council jobs
- Large-scale inspections
Why Tradies Love It:
When the pipe’s bigger — go bolder. The 29mm gives you superior HD clarity, wider field of view, and handles longer runs with ease. Best suited for CCTV professionals, council contractors, or tradies scaling their business into bigger commercial jobs.
Recommended Razorback Option:
→ The Beast – 29mm HD Drain Camera
“It’s called The Beast for a reason — this camera pays for itself in two jobs.”
Which Size Do You Need?
| Pipe Size | Recommended Head |
|---|---|
| 40mm–90mm | 12.8mm |
| 90mm–150mm | 21mm |
| 100mm–300mm | 29mm |
But what if you do all of the above? Easy…
Bonus Option: The Double P (12.8mm + 21mm in One System)
Why choose when you can have both?
The Double P combines 12.8mm and 21mm camera heads in one system — letting you switch depending on the job.
Perfect for tradies who handle:
- Domestic + commercial
- Kitchen blockages + backyard mains
- Everything in between
Bonus Option: The Double P (12.8mm + 21mm in One System)
Using the right camera head means:
- Less time stuffing around on-site
- Cleaner footage = clearer quotes
- Happier clients = more referrals
- Longer gear life = more profit
📦 Free Delivery NZ-Wide
💳 Flexible Finance Available
📞 Need help choosing? Call us now or book a demo.
