What’s the Best Drain Camera to Buy in 2025 - NZ Guide
In plumbing, you don’t muck around with second-rate tools. A solid drain inspection camera can save you hours on the job and help you avoid those awkward call-backs no one’s got time for. Whether you’re a plumber chasing stormwater blockages, a drainlayer tackling mains, or even a DIYer keen to suss out what’s going on under the house, the right camera makes all the difference.
By 2025, drain cameras have levelled up big time, with sharper HD resolution, rugged waterproof builds, and smarter features like self-levelling heads and built-in sondes (locators). But with so many choices, which one’s actually worth your hard-earned cash?
We’ve put together this Kiwi-friendly guide to help you cut through the noise, compare what’s out there, and see why Razorback’s Boar 21mm and Double P combo system are the ones to watch this year.
What to Look For in a Drain Camera (NZ Conditions in Mind)
Here’s the stuff that really matters when you’re choosing a drain camera:
Clarity
At least 1080p HD, plus bright LED lights for dark and murky pipes.
Cable Length & Fflex
30–50m is the sweet spot for Kiwi homes and light commercial jobs. Needs to bend without kinking.
Durability
Minimum IP67 rating, built to handle muddy trenches and our unpredictable weather.
Screen & Recording
7–13" monitor, with SD or USB recording. Bonus points for built-in sonde.
Ease of Use
Quick battery swaps (Makita, Milwaukee, DeWalt options), plug-and-play, and modular parts.
Value
You’re not keen on overpriced gear that breaks in a year. Local support is a must.
Top Drain Camera Picks for 2025 (Kiwi Edition)
| Model | Resolution | Cable Length | Key Features | Price Range (NZD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razorback The Boar 21mm | 1080p HD | 50m | Self-levelling, 13″ screen, sonde, swap-out parts | ~$6,425 | All-rounder for tradies |
| Razorback The Double P | 1080p HD | 40m | 12.8mm + 21mm heads, compact, sonde, portable | ~$8,280 | Tradies needing flexibility |
| RIDGID SeeSnake Mini | 640p (HD upgrade optional) | 61m | Self-levelling, sonde | $15k+ | Deep council work (overkill for most) |
| Mustang Drain Cam | 1080p | 20m | Wi-Fi to phone, flexible | ~$4,000 | DIYers / semi-pros |
| Rothenberger ROCAM 4 | 1080p | 65m | 10.4″ screen, interchangeable heads | $11k+ | Larger plumbing firms |
Razorback The Boar 21mm – Best Overall
Perfect for 90–150mm pipes, from stormwater to domestic mains. HD clarity, 50m of semi-rigid cable, and a massive 13″ screen that makes you look pro on-site. Built tough, backed locally, and comes with a sonde for tracing pipes. Most Kiwi plumbers reckon it pays for itself in just a couple of jobs.
Razorback The Double P – Runner-Up
Got a mix of tight kitchen lines and bigger outdoor jobs? The Double P is a 2-in-1 system with 12.8mm and 21mm heads you can swap on the fly. Compact, versatile, and a real money saver.
Why Choose Razorback in NZ
Unlike brands that are heavy, overpriced, or hard to service, Razorback is built for tradies, by tradies. Designed to handle our local conditions, with:
- Interchangeable parts (no costly downtime)
- Battery compatibility (Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee)
- Local support & fast delivery NZ-wide
- Gear that makes you money, not chew through it
Final Word
If you’re asking “What’s the best drain camera in 2025?” the answer’s simple:
- The Boar 21mm Drain Camera = best overall for Kiwi tradies.
- The Double P Drain Camera = best flexible system.
Both beat out overpriced overseas models and give you the tools to work smarter, not harder.
