A Digital Camcorder Allows You Be Truly Creative

By Chris Campbell

You are in the market for a new camcorder and for whatever reason you have decided to purchase a new VHS camcorder. VHS is an acronym for video home system and has been available for consumers for many years.

Perhaps you have had great success with a previous VHS camcorder and have convinced yourself that straying from a good experience is not a wise move. Or, perhaps, the purchasing of new cutting-edge technology is something that you endeavor to shy away from. This may be because you are being cautious about the new technology. Or perhaps it's just a financial decision knowing that the newer variations of camcorders can be fairly expensive.

Additionally, captured video were eventually commercialized and became an integral part of a successful television show that featured hilarious antics captured on tape. All of these elements have added to the continual evolution of the video camcorder.

It was a fraction of the size of the very large Beta machines they were carrying, and produced a much higher quality image. The small but versatile professional digital camcorder this reporter carried quite frankly made him the news more than the speaker at the conference, at least among his fellow journalists and documentarians.

For example, if your purchase of a VHS camcorder is to be used in your professional line of work, then the model may require a greater variety of sophisticated accessories. These professional features, that will enhance your video presentation, may be the difference in making the sale or not.

The CCD, charged coupled device, is basically a sensor that measures the light received through the lens of the camera. This measuring of light results in the image being captured with more intense image reflecting a higher electrical charge and a subdued image reflected by a lower electric charge. This recorded image, captured through the variances in light, are then displayed as imagery on our computers, televisions, etc.

Depending upon your comfort and need for all of the "bells and whistles" of a VHS camcorder, there is a broad range of available accessories. Some of these accessories range from zooming capabilities, editing capabilities, the size of the viewing screen, picture stabilizer, remote-control and nighttime or dimly lit room recording.

The video camcorder generally is accessorized with many features. One such feature is a zoom function. The motor, built into the unit, powers the accessories.

The second major component to a video camcorder is the built-in VCR. This VCR is similar to the stand alone model with the only difference being the size.

And for those thinking of a career in broadcasting, learning how to use a professional digital camcorder at an early age is something that can be accomplished through an internship or classes in a university, community college or trade school. The sky is truly the limit with a professional digital camcorder.

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The Advantages of a Hi8 Camcorder

By Chris Campbell

You have been videotaping on your Hi8 tapes and equipment for many years. Not only have you invested a large amount of time, but you have invested your hard-earned dollars into this extensive hobby that has now become a passion. However your eye has been turned towards the digital camcorder. You realize that with this new technology the video is very sharp and appealing.

Perhaps, a compromise between what you have and what you want can be realized. This compromise can blend together your huge investment of time and financial resources with your Hi8 equipment and your desire to move into the digital camcorder world.

There is also the option of the Sony CCD-TRV138, which allows you to enjoy the simplicity of Sony Worry-free recording with this camera which includes a 20x optical/990x digital zoom, a 2 1/2" color swivelscreen LCD and NightShot Plus infrared recording system, which allows you to shoot a video in total darkness.

The Hi8 digital camcorder allows for the video camera enthusiast to continue using their Hi8 tapes and equipment, but provides the digital optics experience. The Hi8 digital camcorder will not only record new video in the digital format, but will also allow that same digital experience to be realized when playing the previously recorded Hi8 tapes.

Again, the key thing here is to take a little bit of time and consideration in regards to considering all of your options, so that your end result decision will be the best one possible.

Because of the variety of possibilities, this further explains and proves why you should make your judgment on choice of tape stock so seriously.

There are many places available where you can find an HDV camcorder, as well as HDV camcorder cases and other accessories.

Because of the multitude of options, it is especially important in this case to take some time and consideration in your decision, in order to ensure that you will have made the best possible decision in the end.

RadioShack is easily one of the most well known and respected companies, at which you can find basically every type of camcorder and other electronic equipment that is available on the market today.

Other features of the Hi8 digital camcorder may include features that enhance the recording of the video. These features take into consideration the filming of sports events or video captured behind the backdrop of snow or sand.

In regards to the different topics involved here, these can be as obscure as the specifics of tweaking the settings on a GPS device or as broad as learning about other people's experiences with that of VoIP phone services, for instance.

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Digital Camcorder Accessories Are Necessary

By Chris Campbell

A digital camcorder accessory bag is just part of the job, and is definitely needed by anyone who is seriously pursuing a career in videography.

In fact, most professionals, whether they work strictly in video or in photography as well, wouldn't dream of going out into the field to work without a digital camcorder accessory kit of some sort. This digital camcorder accessory kit should include a bag, preferably with a shoulder strap, that has been designed to carry video and camera equipment.

There are even websites that are specifically built to help you compare camcorders or other items, such as Bizrate, whose entire website is set up in order to help the customer select several items and choose between them.

Bizrate is a company which is operated by Shopzilla, which is a leading comparison shopping service that was founded in 1996. The company's mission is basically to enable shoppers to quickly and easily be able to find and compare and buy every possible item you could think of.

In fact, each month alone, Shopzilla connects over millions of customers with thousands of stores, and it should be known that Shopzilla also operates the Bizrate consumer feedback network that collects millions of consumer reviews of stores and products each year.

With the optical choice, the camcorder's lens mechanism moves to compensate for external movement, and with the electronic option, the image that is captured by the lens seems to float on the CCD, and the camcorder then uses that of internal circuitry to interpret the video after the image has been captured.

They also offer featured brands, in order to make it easier for you to narrow down your search, and their most popular listed brands include that of: Sony, JVC, Panasonic, Canon, Samsung, Hitachi, Toshiba, Aiptek, DXG, Gateway, Mustek, SVP, Sanyo, Sharp, and RCA.

Some camcorders offer zoom microphones that enhance the subject's voice, and then some also come with a socket for plugging in an external microphone.

Therefore, you will soon realize that it well worth the small amount of time and effort to put into comparing the items, then it will be in the end and you didn't and you end up having to pay for repairs or find that the item you purchased is otherwise not what you wanted.

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Canon Digital Camera Problems

By Marc Bidderman

Digital camera troubles exist in every camera but that is typical of any camera from any producer. Many Another cameras have had some troubles because of negative colour as well as the inability for the camera to handle black and clear images in one image. Not each one gives this issue, but much purchasers were not fortuitous with this problem.

Another disorder much cameras get is blemishes in their focus lens mechanism. Some Other stated fuss is the weight of many of the cameras. Despite the fact many modern cameras are featherweight, much are slight heavy because of the figure or the battery applied.

Canon released a acknowledgement back in 2005 stating that many another of the CCDs that were applied caused images to get warped or not visible. This issue occurs from the wiring getting damaged because of moisture and over heat. This trouble hit the Digital IXUS II, V3 and the PowerShot A310, A75, A60, A300 and the A70 digicams. Free fixtures were given for people that experienced these troubles. This inconvenience has since been set and is no more a problem for Canon camera buyers.

Many digital camera fusses are far and in between. Alot of the problems discovered with cameras were learned to be buyer fault more than an mistake found in the camera itself. They do not show whatever heavy fusses that cannot be sorted out by correcting the settings on the camera menu.

Many digicam inconviniences count the price. Lots of men have discovered many of the prices are a little extreme for trade name cameras. This is to be presumed though for a top-quality camera. If you wish high-quality images, the technology does mark bigger than a camera that does not employ the identical technology.

While Canon, Pentax, and Nikon are several of the best when it arrives to full digicams they're definitely not the only game in city. There are same level and advisable cameras around; you just claim to identify where to look.

While there is plenty of contention in the digicam market, it's pretty tough to go wrong with most digital cameras. Many Another digital camera assessments you found would contemplate that.

Manufacturing Businesses pursue to polish with every last camera they produce. The purchaser that is interested in brilliancy figures will want to keep up with the rising cameras. They continually progress on for the top-quality digital photography. The SLR technology, which provides the person to see the image through the camera lens, has summed up to the character of the photos took.

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Nikon D40 Digital SLR Camera " The Lightweight Camera for Ease of Use

By Fred Gagnon

Nikon D40 Digital SLR Camera, the 16 oz. camera, is the easiest and lightest DSLR camera Nikon has ever released. This camera is recommended for those who are not familiar with DLSR or digital single lens reflex cameras. It is built with easy-to-use functions and presets. Also, it is very affordable and yet it performs well.

Utilizing high performance imaging sensor, the Nikon D40 Digital SLR Camera can give you images of vivid color and sharp detail. This 6.1 megapixel DX format CCD imaging sensor works with its image processing engine. With these two working together, you can be assured of an easy and convenient shooting. Also, because of its high resolution, enlarged quality images are possible.

If you are a beginner in DSLRs or digital single reflex lens cameras, this camera is ideal for you. It is a simple camera that is very easy to use. This means, you can take impressive photos without having to be a professional photographer.

Nikon D40 Digital SLR Camera is designed with a fast start-up and fast shooter response. It features a rapid-action shooting at 2.5 frames per second. It is a compact and chic digital SLR camera which you can carry anywhere with you.

Also included is the 30x AF-S DX Zoom 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II lens. This lens is exclusively designed for Nikon cameras with DX format. It offers 3x zoom as well as sharpness and versatility.

Nikon D40 Digital SLR Camera has a 2.5-inch color LCD monitor. It has 3 display options, classic, graphic and wallpaper. It has easy-to-view function menus and easy playback function. With LCD monitor this large, you will be able to preview images at up to 19x magnification.

The in-camera image editing will enable you to edit images without having to connect the camera to a computer. It features Nikon D-Lighting, red-eye correction, image trimming, image overlay, monochrome black and white, sepia and cyanotype along with skylight, warm tone and color balance filter effects.

Assist Images is a function in Nikon D40 Digital SLR Camera that will show you the different image settings. And each of these settings has an advance help menu.

This digital SLR camera has advanced 3-area auto focus system. It gives focus tracking for a sharper image. It will help you acquire subject more consistently and precisely.

Adjust color, contrast and other image settings through its image optimization options. It has 7 different settings: normal, softer, vivid, more vivid, portrait, custom and black and white.

Nikon D40 Digital SLR Camera has a built-in Speedlight with i-TTL automatic flash control that evaluates flash exposure. This will determine the right exposure to enhance image quality.

The automated Digital-Vari Program Modes let you achieve great image results. For optimal result, use any of the 8 shooting modes. These are auto, auto (flash-off), portrait, landscape, child, sports, close-up and night portrait.

Built with a bright and sharp viewfinder, the camera will help you achieve precise composition. The viewfinder allows 0.8x magnification. Also, you can evaluate scenes with the 3D Color Matrix Metering II.

Nikon D40 Digital SLR Camera is light, compact, ergonomically designed and features intuitive controls.

Nikon D200 Digital SLR Camera " Featuring Cable-Free Image Transfer

By Fred Gagnon

Nikon D200 Digital SLR Camera is a consumer camera but with more additional features that most professional-level cameras have. This digital single lens reflex camera offers more than a beginners camera but a bit less than a professional camera. So it falls just between the two classifications. It also has the additional wireless image transfer functionality.

Nikon D200 Digital SLR Camera has DX-format CCD image sensor with 10.2 effective megapixels. It produces 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images. Without resizing, it can produce prints with incredible sharpness and color up to about 11x 16 inches. It also enables you to creatively enlarge and crop images.

It can instantly power up in just 0.15 seconds, while its shutter release time lag takes only 50 milliseconds. Because of these features, Nikon D200 digital SLR camera makes it easier for you to shoot, especially with a moving subject.

It has a large and bright viewfinder with 95% frame coverage. It allows magnification at approximately 94x and has a mirror blackout time of only 105 milliseconds. This eye-level optical viewfinder, with 19.5 eyepoint, has a built-in diopter adjustment, which allows fine tuning.

Using this camera, you can shoot up to 5 frames per second of high-resolution images. It allows you to shoot 22 RAW images or 37 JPEG shots in continuous bursts. It also features A/D conversion, so you can choose image sizes. With its advanced digital image processing algorithms, you can have images of fine color gradations and smooth, consistent conversion.

Another feature the Nikon D200 offers is the new Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module. It features 11-area autofocus sensors that are arranged in a diamond pattern at the center of the picture area. It also has 7-wide area AF system that enables you to maintain focus on moving subject.

It has a 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot TFT rear LCD color monitor, which enables 170-degree viewing in all directions. With this high-resolution monitor, you can view images at up to 400% magnification. Its viewfinder coverage is about 95%. It also has grid lines, which you can turn on and off.

This camera uses a rechargeable EN-EL3e Lithium-Ion battery that enables it to shoot up to 1,800 frames per charge. It features a fuel gauge system that shows remaining charge percentage and the overall service life of the battery. It also displays the number of remaining shots since the last charge.

With this camera you do not have to use cable if you want to transfer images to a computer. All you need is a computer that is compatible with IEEE 802.11 b/g technology and an optional Wireless Transmitter WT-3a.

Nikon D200 Digital SLR Camera is made of lightweight magnesium alloy body that effectively protects its sensitive components from dusts and moisture. This durable camera assures you of pro-level images without the complications of high-end cameras. So, if you are a freelance photographer or a semi-professional photographer, this is the one for you.

About the Author:

Author Fred Gagnon specializes in providing information on digital cameras. He has been a digital camera enthusiast for over 40 years and has worked with Nikon Digital SLR Cameras. To know more about Nikon D200 Digital SLR Camera visit Nikon D200 Digital SLR Camera.

Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera " A Camera with Remote Control and Slideshow Function

By Fred Gagnon

Now you can compose a slideshow right in your camera with the Nikon D80 Digital SLR Cameras built-in slideshow function. This high performance 10.2 megapixel camera offers high precission imaging. It works well with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens. For a more convenient shooting, it allows you to use the wired and wireless remotes.

Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera features high resolution imaging. Its 10.2 megapixel Nikon DX format CCD image sensor will enable you to produce brilliant images. You can choose from three image sizes: 3872 x 2592 pixels, 2896 x 1944 pixels and 1936 x 1296 pixels.

It offers high-speed continuous shooting and fast start-up. The start up time is mere 0.18 seconds, while the shutter release has only 80ms lag. It can shoot up to 3 frames per second (fps) in burst and up to 100 consecutive JPEG images. This camera has an electronically controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter.

It features a wide and bright pentaprism viewfinder. It also features 11-point autofocus system that has AF-assist illuminator that helps you shoot in low-light conditions. With pentaprism mechanism and 11-point autofocus system the in the camera, you can shoot moving objects clearly.

The refined 11-area auto focus system has a new auto-area auto focus mode and center sensor. It can also be switched to a wide-frame operation. It has 100"1600 ISO sensitivity range and up to ISO 3200 with boost. The in-camera retouching menu features D-Lighting, red-eye reduction, image trimming, monochrome and filter, small picture and image overlay.

For automatic exposure, it has 3D color Matrix Metering II and 420 pixel RGB sensor. This solves your problem with bad lighting conditions. You can optimize images with the user selectable image optimization options. Options include Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-White.

Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera has 2.5 230,000 LCD color monitor. This allows 170-degree, wide range viewing. It also has top-mounted dial that lets you select from the seven preset scene modes. These scene modes are auto portrait, landscape, macro, close-up, sports, night landscape and night portrait.

The very affordable Nikon big zoom Nikkor 18-135mm (7.5X) will help give you fantastic quality images. This lens zooms smoothly and balances well. But if you want long telephoto reach with optical Vibration Reduction and a SWM (Silent Wave Motor), use the AF-S 70-300 mm VR (4.3x).

It has a power system that reduces its consumption, thus, giving the battery a longer life. You can shoot up to 2,700 images per battery charge. The camera also has the new battery meter menu option. This will allow you to see and estimate your batterys life.

In addition to these features, the Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera has built-in slideshow function. Just select images and choose from the following effects: slide-in, slide-out, fade-in and fade-out. You can also add music and style. You can view the slideshow from the 2.5 LCD or on your television.

Shoot conveniently with the wireless ML-L3 IR remote control and MC-DC1 remote cord. These two are the remote shutter release you can use for a more relaxed and convenient shooting.

About the Author:

Author Fred Gagnon is an expert on digital cameras. He has been a digital camera aficionado for over 40 years and has worked with many Nikon Digital Camera enthusiasts. To learn more about Nikon D80 digital cameras go to Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera. Also visit Nikon D80.

Click Great Pictures With Canon PowerShot A430 Digital Camera

By Garry Beau

The canon Powershot A430 camera is a well built digital camera of the company in the market of films and digital cameras. The 4.0 megapixel camera of the Canon A430 redefines the entry level models of Canon. This model has replaced the earlier A410 model with an enlarged LCD of 1.8 inches, increased optical zoom of 4x, and added sound to the movie mode. At an affordable price, this model of camera from Canon has brought quality available to you. Those of you who want to bring home great pictures while traveling light on the budget, the A430 is a great option.

The camera has a 4 megapixel CCD which delivers image resolutions of 2,2721,704 pixels. It has a colour LCD monitor of 1.8 inches. The 4 times optical zoom lens of the camera has a focal length equivalent to 39-156mm in the format of 35 mm. The maximum aperture of this lens is f/2.8(wide) to f/5.8(tele). The camera also has the feature of 3.6x digital zoom. Manual and Auto Flash On/Off flash modes are available in this camera and using the HF-DC1 Canon's High Power Flash boosts the camera's flash capability. To make your photo something different, you can add various colour affects which includes black & white, vivid, neutral, sepia, colour, darker skin tone, lighter skin tone and positive film.

The display of the camera includes a 1.8 inch LCD which has 77000 pixels of resolution. The screen has adjustable brightness and a 3m range of the built in flash which becomes 2m when using the zoom lens. The flash modes of this camera are auto on/off and normal. Other features in it include sync speed and red eye reduction. Movies of upto 1GB can be recorded by this camera. With the USB cable included with the camera, you can connect the camera to your PC, and copy the images from the MMC/SD memory card. You can also directly print the images using a PictBridge printer.

Using the Canon Powershot A430 is very easy. The camera's back contains all the key controls, including control dial which allows the selection of the shooting mode. Other controls include menu access, flash, zoom and macro printing. The settings of control items while using the menu system like the ISO and white balance are located in the function menu. The standard menu contains items like AF assist zoom lamp and digital zoom control.

Two alkaline batteries of AA-type are used by this camera. Rechargeable batteries of 2000 mAh rating can be used and higher the rating of the batteries, the longer time the camera can be used between the charges. A memory card of 16 MB MMC is provided along with the camera. 12 shots can be taken with the camera's default settings before it becomes full. Hence, a spare card has to be used with the Canon Powershot A430 camera.

The camera has a rectangular shape of fairly standard. The colour of the camera is shiny silver with the front section being slightly darker which adds contrast to it. The overall dimension of the camera is 103.051.840.2mm and it weighs 160g. The Canon Powershot A430 is slightly too large to be slipped in a pocket.

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Forget everything you thought you knew about Canon Cameras. These websites Canon PowerShot A430 4MP Digital Camera and Canon PowerShot A520 4MP Digital Camera shatters all the current myths and gives it to you straight.

CCD sensors boost frame rates

By Ann R. Thryft, Contributing Technical Editor -- Test & Measurement World, 2/1/2009

MICHAEL J. DELUCA Marketing manager Eastman Kodak, Image Sensor Solutions

Progressive-scan cameras used in semiconductor and electronics inspection produce images of objects moving down an assembly line by imaging an entire object in one shot, a process that generates high-quality images but tends to create manufacturing bottlenecks. As engineers demand faster camera frame rates to speed up production line throughput, manufacturers of progressive-scan cameras are designing new sensors to improve camera performance. Michael J. DeLuca, marketing manager for Eastman Kodak's Image Sensor Solutions group, discussed how newly designed progressive-scan CCD image sensors can boost frame rates and image quality while lowering system costs.

Q: What are engineers looking for in progressive-scan cameras?

A: In semiconductor and electronics inspection, there's always a need for faster frame rates and higher resolution. Users also want greater sensitivity (meaning the ability to get clear images at low light levels) as well as reduced costs. On top of all this, cameras need to match standard optical formats, such as 1/2 in. and 2/3 in., since this increases compatibility with a wide range of lenses.

There is also a trend toward smaller lenses, since they weigh less, cost less, and take up less space than bigger lenses.

Q: How can image sensors help improve camera performance?

A: You can improve imaging performance by reducing pixel size to get more pixels in the same area. For example, one of the new sensors in our Interline CCD family, the KAI-02050, is a 2-Mpixel, 1600x1200 device in a 2/3-in. optical format. Because it is based on a 5.5-micron pixel, about half the size of our previous-generation 7.4-micron pixel, the sensor contains twice the number of pixels in the same optical format as before.

Alternatively, you can get the same number of pixels in a smaller optical format, which helps reduce camera size and allows the use of smaller and less expensive optics. For example, another member of this family, the KAI-01050, fits 1 Mpixel in a 1/2-in. optical format, instead of the 2/3-in. size necessary for the previous-generation 1-Mpixel sensor.

We also increased the potential frame rate of all the sensors in this family by doubling the number of outputs, which helps improve system throughput. The KAI-02050, for example, operates at a maximum 68 fps, compared to 35 fps in the previous-generation 2-Mpixel sensor.

Q: What else can be done to improve progressive-scan cameras?

A: Camera makers also want the ability to leverage camera electronics across multiple models to help reduce cost. This can be achieved by basing several sensors on the same design platform, using the same ceramic package that contains the sensor chip, and using the same electrical pin definitions, making them all plug compatible. This is true of the sensors in this family. Because the sensors operate the same way, it's easy for camera manufacturers to leverage an existing design when a new sensor becomes available, bringing a new camera and its new sensor technology to market faster.

In addition, since smaller pixels can't collect as much light as bigger pixels, they aren't usually as sensitive under low-light conditions. In moving to this new technology platform, however, we made sure that key imaging parameters like sensitivity and dynamic range stayed the same.

What industrial camera would be best for taking pictures at a chemical reactor?

Charlie Masi

What industrial camera would be best for taking pictures at a chemical reactor?
November 4, 2008

I can’t be too specific about a recommendation for reasons that will become clear later. There are is a wide selection of cameras, each adapted to a fairly narrow range of applications. It all depends on what you want to do with it.

There is no “general purpose industrial camera” that is appropriate for all industrial applications. Off hand, I can think of about five classes of digital cameras of interest in industrial applications. I’ll give you a rundown on all of them, so you can choose what most closely matches what you want to do:

Industrial photography — Handheld or tripod mounted cameras equivalent to the 35-mm SLR cameras so loved by professional photographers everywhere are still around. They just capture images on CCD or CMOS based image sensors instead of photographic film. Yes, there are still film cameras manufactured, but they are specialty items. Kinda like buggy whips. Their control systems for the three parameters photographers need to control (focus, exposure time, aperture) reached a high level of sophistication before image sensors replaced film, and they have continued developing since. Look for a standard lens-mount system that will allow you to couple the camera body with a selection of third-party lenses. When I bite the bullet and replace my beloved Canon AE-1 film camera, I’ll almost surely pick a model from the company’s Rebel series. If price were no object, however, I’d look into Nikon’s D series. My experience (and apparently that of most professional and semi-professional photographers) has been that Nikon professional level cameras somehow make you take better pictures. Use these cameras to take pictures of what you’re doing, but do not, generally, use them as part of your process.

Surveillance — My introduction to video cameras came in college when I had a summer job as an electronics technician. One project was installing a set of video cameras to observe activity on a large production floor. I’ve no idea what they planned to look for, but the employees gave us a lot of dark looks as we carried a bunch of closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras up into the rafters to be aimed at them. In general, surveillance is still done by CCTV cameras wired directly through recorders to monitors that underpaid humans stare at. The cameras are, for the most part, junk compared to anything in the machine-vision world. More sophisticated technology is available, and may slowly be adopted, but cheaper-is-good-enough seems to be the watchword.

Automated inspection — Probably the most common use for machine vision in industry is still automated inspection for product quality control. Because this market is so big, there are a large number of products offered with characteristics optimized for specific niches, such as circuit-board inspection, mechanical component dimensional inspection, print inspection, color, etc. I hesitate to even suggest who the technology leaders are. Things change faster than I can keep up. Such cameras are most often black and white using fixed optics. They are generally permanently mounted in fixtures that allow exquisite control of field of view, product placement, lighting, etc.

Motion-control and robot guidance — As automated production systems become more common, the need for flexible machine guidance sensors becomes more acute. Cleverly designed machine-vision systems using sophisticated high-speed image analysis software coupled with motion-control systems are becoming more popular. In this category, the camera often takes over for a number of more traditional sensors. For example, machine vision can measure positions and speeds very accurately. I’ve seen applications where machine vision helps two robots fit components together as a human assembler coordinates two hands. Certainly all vision-based driver aids making their way onto highways fall into this category. The application list is long and growing.

High-performance imaging — The most expensive cameras with the most stupifying performance specifications serve specialized applications. The best way to communicate what I’m driving at is to describe a few applications I have in mind.
* A number of sports-equipment manufacturers use high-speed, high-resolution cameras to study what happens when a stick hits a ball. Baseball, hockey, tennis and other stick-and-ball sports have been extensively studied this way.
* Web-inspection systems can locate flaws in, for example window film, flying past at hundreds or even thousands of feet per minute. At the other end of the spectrum, cameras literally watch paint dry for product-development purposes.
* Optical astronomical telescopes are basically specialized cameras that can pile up photons one at a time to form an image over tens of hours of observation time, or take quick snapshots of thousands of objects per night. Most such cameras are fully automated pieces of equipment designed for a specific project at sometimes enormous expense. Even amateur astronomers have systems available that can take a typed-in name of an object to observe, look it up in a star catalog, find it, autofocus on it, autoguide to avoid motion blurring, and shoot the picture sans human intervention.

There are a few companies that provide mostly off-the-shelf units that fit a range of applications. In any case, for high-performance applications you should begin consulting with the camera manufacturer as early as possible, giving people there as much detail about your application as possible, and let them help you work out the specifications.

This is almost surely an incomplete list, and the categories are pretty broad. Nonetheless, I think it hits 80-90% of the market. I’ll bet your application fits in one of them.

Finding the right camera

From the question’s wording, I suspect that the application in mind fits into the last — high-performance imaging — category. It sounds like the questioner wants to observe something visual about the process. Maybe it’s a color change that occurs as a reaction proceeds. Maybe it’s a question of how two reagents mix prior to reaction. Perhaps it’s an exothermic reaction that proceeds at high speed, and the engineer wants to watch a flame front move through the reaction vessel.

In any case, here are a few steps to take to get the best result:

1. Clearly define what you’re trying to observe, along with any constraints. Especially think about time, available light, and the space you have to work in. Think very carefully about how what you want to see provides contrast for the vision system. Remember, redheads look like brunettes on a black-and-white TV. Cameras can sometimes see things that human eyes can’t, and they can completely miss things we see clearly. These considerations all fall under the heading of “what you want to do.”

2. Study available tutorial sources. Edmund Optics has an especially useful online library for beginning through advanced machine vision engineers. For information specific to automated control topics, visit the Control Engineering Website and search on machine vision as a keyword. While you’re there, visit the Resource Center for tutorials and white papers. Use these sources to help you define “how you want to do it.”

3. Seek out advice from machine vision vendors and system integrators. Check the Control Engineering System Integrators Guide for individuals and companies with experience solving problems like yours, and visit the Buyer’s Guide to find machine vision equipment suppliers. Use these sources to help you plan “how to make it happen.”

VISION 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany Highlights New 1394b Cameras

VISION 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany Highlights New 1394b Cameras

At VISION 2008 in Stuttgart in early November, leading industrial camera and instrumentation companies delivered new products built with1394b, which can transfer data at up to 800 Mbps. This is much faster than GigE and up to four times the rate provided by USB 2.0. The significant number of new systems and cameras underlines the success 1394 has experienced in these important markets.

Allied Vision Technologies presented two new versions of its popular Stingray camera family: the 1394b-equipped Stingray F-125 and Stingray F-504 with 1.3 and 5 megapixels, respectively. Both combine the newest Sony CCD sensors with AVT’s clever Smart Features. The Stingray F-125 is equipped with the new, high-sensitivity Sony CCD sensor ICX445 with 1.3 megapixel resolution. ExView HAD technology enables the camera to deliver high light-sensitivity. With its IEEE 1394b interface, the Stingray F-125 can deliver up to 30 frames per second at full resolution.

Toshiba-Teli added to their popular FireDragon series of FireWire (1394b) machine vision cameras, the FireDragon CCSFU15CC18. The new high-speed, high-resolution industrial camera offers Progressive Scan UXGA resolution (1600 x 1200), 1/1.8" CCD sensor, 15 frames per second, full frame shutter, and backwards compatibility with 1394a. It measures only 44mm x 29mm x 44mm. Eight 1394-enabled models from Toshiba Teli were also on site. Ranging in resolution from VGA to UXGA, these FireWire cameras are available in either B&W or color.

Among many products with 1394 at its booth, Point Grey Research Inc. added four new models to the Flea2 family of the world's smallest IEEE 1394b digital cameras. The Flea2 line now offers a total of 12 different monochrome and color models that are designed to address a wide variety of industrial imaging and machine vision applications, such as 2D and 3D metrology, electronics and semiconductor inspection, medical visualization, packaging verification, and object recognition. The new models are based on the high sensitivity 1.3 MP Sony® ICX445 and the new 5 MP Sony ICX655, and offer a number of new features, including opto-isolated general purpose I/O (GPIO), an on-camera frame buffer for image storage and retransmission, flash memory for non-volatile data storage, and a new high-speed FPGA for improved performance.

Point Grey also featured its new Grasshopper2 line of digital cameras. “The Grasshopper2 was definitely our biggest draw,” said Mike Gibbons of Point Grey Research. “Its unique dual-bus architecture allows it to achieve data rates up to 160 Mbytes/second over 1394b, which enables it to run a variety of new high resolution, quad output Kodak CCDs at their full frame rates.”

Hamamatsu displayed its newly released 1394b-capable ORCA-R2 cooled CCD camera. ORCA-R2 offers high sensitivity from visible to near-infrared (NIR) light, high dynamic range, fast readout speed, and low noise, which makes it ideal for applications including microscopy (fluorescence, TIRF, and real-time confocal), red to NIR fluorescence, time lapse fluorescence imaging, ratio imaging, failure analysis, semiconductor inspection, and others. The ORCA-R2 camera is equipped with both a 12-bit and 16-bit A/D converters. Data output is via 1394b, which provides fast, easy, and reliable operation. Also included are an extended range of programmable trigger signal output options such as edge, level, start, and synchronous readout triggers.

Newnex showcased the S800 FireNEX-800™ and the S400 FireNEX-CAT5™ repeaters along with the new FireNEX-COAX, which is the first 1394b device over a single COAX cable at 800 Mbps.

Sony showed its new 1394b-enabled XCD series of cameras, which provide a full range of resolutions and frame rates. The line includes the XCD-SX-90, XCD-V60, XCD-60CR, and XCD-SX90CR. Featuring outstanding picture quality, high-speed image capturing, and the digital 1394b interface, this new XCD Series is perfect for high-quality industrial and manufacturing solutions. Unibrain’s Fire-i™ application and ubCore™ 1394b drivers are the ideal companions for controlling a single or multiple Sony 1394b cameras. The drivers support all Sony's special features like multi trap functionality, broadcast trigger, and pixel binning. The cameras ship with a Unibrain 1394b 4.5m cable with screw lock connectors.

Basler introduced new 1394b Scout light cameras, which come in a compact 29x44x73.7-mm industrial housing with screw-mount options for the 1394b connector. They are equipped with a standard C-mount lens adapter and provide progressive-scan readout with global shutter technology. The four models deliver resolutions of 752x480 pixels, 1034x779 pixels, 1392x1040 pixels, and 1628x1236 pixels with respective frame rates of 60 fps, 30 fps, 17 fps, and 14 fps. Starting prices are as low as $499. According to Henning Tiarks, product manager at Basler Components, “The Scout light camera series combines the successful and established IEEE 1394b interface standard with the most commonly used sensors at resolutions from VGA up to 2 megapixels.”

PixeLINK announced a new, smaller line of 1394b cameras, the new PL-C series of CCD and CMOS machine vision industrial cameras with new black housing; faster camera frame rates, and1394b.

More than 62,000 people attended VISION 2008 in Stuttgart.

Imaging Glossary

* 1394a: Also known as FireWire (see below).

* 1394b: Also known as FireWire-b (800 mb/s)

* Acquisition: Image acquisition refers to how a computer gets image data from a camera into the computer.

* Analog: Analog cameras do not have a digital output. These cameras generally provide a TV-like signal that needs to be digitized in the host computer if it is to be used in machine vision. Although analog cameras are still used widely in machine vision they are quickly being displaced by digital cameras, which provide a much higher performance machine vision solution. When comparing analog vs. digital cameras, the main differences are image quality, exposure control, speed, and ease of integration.

* Area scan: Area scan refers to a camera sensor consiting of a rectangular array of pixels. Area Scan cameras are sometimes called matrix cameras. By way of contrast, Line Scan cameras are those with a sensor comprising a single line of pixels (linescan camera).

* Autoiris (Auto Iris) : Some lenses, particularly those used in outdoor imaging, incorporate a galvanometer-type drive to automatically control the aperture, or iris, of the lens. There are basically two types of auto-iris: DC-type and video type.

• Binning: Binning is the technique of combining pixels together on a CCD to create fewer but larger pixels. True binning combines charge in adjacent pixels in a manner that increases the effective sensitivity of the camera. Machine vision cameras do not generally have true binning functions.

• Blob Analysis: a machine vision computer algorithm that identifies segmented objects according to geometrical properties such as area, perimeter size, color, etc.

• Brightness: In reference to cameras, an offset setting applied equally to all pixels regardless of the pixel value. Similar to the brightness setting on a typical computer monitor or television. See “Offset”

• Camera Link: One of the common digital camera hardware interface in the market today. It offers high-data transfer rates, but is limited by cable length and does not have a standard communications protocol. Camera Link is largely being displaced by more modern high-performance digital interfaces such as Gigabit Ethernet (GigE Vision).

• CCD: An abbreviation for charge-coupled device. A CCD sensor is a light-sensitive semiconductor device, which converts light particles (photons) to electrical charge (electrons). CCD cameras are one of two dominant types of sensor technologies used in machine vision. The other sensor technology is called CMOS.

• CMOS: Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. CMOS refers to an image sensor technology that is manufactured using the same processes as computer chips. This technology works like a photodiode where the light ‘gates’ a current that that is representative of the amount of light impinging on each pixel. This differs significantly from CCD technology. There are a number of advantages in using CMOS sensors over CCD including cost, speed, anti-blooming, and programmable response characteristics (ie. multiple slope response). CCD’s also have certain advantages.

• Dark Current: Dark current is the accumulation of electrons within a CCD or CMOS image sensor that are generated thermally rather than by light. This is a form of noise that is most problematic in low light applications requiring long exposure times.

• DCAM: DCAM or IIDC is a software interface standard for communicating with cameras over FireWire. It is a standardized set of registers etc. If a camera is DCAM compliant then its control registers and data structures comply with the DCAM spec. Such a camera can be truly plug-and-play in a way that other cameras are not.

• Decibel or dB: A logarithmic unit of measure. When used of digital cameras this unit is usually used for describing signal-to-noise or dynamic range.

• Depth of Field (DOF): The maximum object depth that can be maintained entirely in focus. DOF is also the amount of object movement (in and out of best focus) allowable while maintaining a desired amount of focus.

• Digital Imaging: Refers to the capture of a video image in such a way that the resulting image data is in digital format useful for analysis by a computer.

• Dynamic Range: The ratio of the maximum signal relative to the minimum measurable signal often measured in decibels or dBs. Dynamic range is sometimes used interchangably with SNR. It can also refer to Optical Dynamic Range.

• Exposure Time: This is the amount of time that the sensor is exposed to the light. This is the control that is used first (before gain and offset) to adjust the camera. In Labview, the shutter controls are a little confusing: there are ‘manual relative’, ‘manual absolute’, “One-push’ and “auto’ controls. Normally, you should use ‘manual absolute’ where each unit corresponds to 1 us of exposure time. When using the ‘relative’ controls, the units are different – 20us per unit. This control is called “shutter” in Labview and some DCAM controls.

• Fast Lens: A lens that admits a lot of light. A lens with a low F-number. A typical fast lens will have a F-number of less than 1.2.

• Field of View (FOV): The viewable area of the object under inspection. In other words, this is the portion of the object that fills the camera’s sensor.

• FireWire: A standard computer interface and its various versions otherwise called IEEE 1394, IEEE-1394a, or IEEE-1394b. It is an especially fast serial interface that is low cost with plug and play simplicity of integration. It is currently the only interface for digital industrial cameras that is standardized both in hardware and software communications protocols.

• Filter Driver: With respect to Gigabit Ethernet cameras, a filter driver, or “filter” is used to reduce the CPU burden when handling large volumes of data. The filter strips out, or “filters”, the image data from the Ethernet packets at the lowest level so that the CPU does not have to do this. Using a filter driver can significantly reduce the CPU load associated with image acquisition.

• Frame Rate: Frame rate is the measure of camera speed. The unit of this measurement is “frames per second” (fps) and is the number of images a camera can capture in a second of time.

• Frame Grabber (or Framegrabber): This is the industry name for the circuit board (usually a PCI card) that is an interface to connect analog cameras, or Camera Link cameras, to a computer system. With the wide range of FireWire and GigE Vision gigabit Ethernet cameras, which do not require such specialized interface cards, frame grabbers are generally no longer required.

• Gaging (or Gauging): In reference to machine vision, this is non-contact dimensional examination and measurement of an object using an imaging system or machine vision camera.

• Gain: This is the same as the contrast control on your TV. It is a multiplication of the signal. In math terms, it controls the “slope” of the exposure/time curve. The camera should normally be operated at the lowest gain possible, because gain not only multiplies the signal, but also multiplies the noise. Gain comes in very handy when you require a short exposure (say, because the object is moving and you do not want any blur), but do not have adequate lighting. In this situation the gain can be increased so that the image signal is strong.

• Gigabit Ethernet: An industry standard interface, variously called ‘gige (gig-ee)’, ‘GbE’, ‘1000-speed’, etc., that is used for high-speed computer networks capable of achieving data transfer rates in excess of 1000 megabits per second. Gigabit Ethernet has been now adapted to high performance CCD cameras for industrial applications. This generalized networking interface is being adapted for use as a standard interface for high-performance machine vision cameras that is called GigE Vision.

• GigE Vision: ‘GigE Vision’ is an interface standard from the Automated Imaging Association (AIA), for high-performance machine vision cameras. GigE (Gigabit Ethernet), on the other hand, is simply the network structure on which GiGE Vision is built. The GigE Vision standard includes both a hardware interface standard (Gigabit Ethernet), communications protocols, and standardized camera control registers. The camera control registers are based on a command structure called GenICam. GenICam seeks to establish a common software interface so that third party software can communicate with cameras from various manufacturers without customization. GenICam is incorporated as part of the GigE Vision standard. GigE Vision is analogous to Firewire’s DCAM, or IIDC interface standard and has great value for reducing camera system integration costs and for improving ease of use.

• Global Shutter: Generally speaking, when some one says “global shutter”, they really mean “snapshot shutter”. See “Snapshot Shutter” below. In actuality, a global shutter starts all a camera’s pixels imaging at the same time, but during readout mode, some pixels continue to image as others are read out. (see Rolling Shutter, Snapshot shutter). For machine vision applications, snapshot shutter is generally a ‘must have’.

• Gray Scale: refers to a monochrome image with gradations of grey. An 8-bit camera, for example would represent images in 256 shades of gray. A 12-bit camera would represent images in 4096 shades of grey.

• Histogram: A graphical representation of the pixel values in an image. Generally the left edge of the image represents black, or zero, and the right edge represents white, or 256/4096. The histogram curve represents how many pixels of each luminence value.

• IIDC: IIDC (DCAM) is a software interface standard for communicating with cameras over Firewire. It is a standardized set of registers etc. If a camera is IIDC compliant then its control registers and data structures comply with the IIDC spec. Such a camera can be truly plug-and-play in a way which other cameras are not.

• Image Analysis: The software process of generating a set of descriptors or features by which a computer may make a decision about objects in an image.

• Integration: generally refers to the task of assembling the components of a machine vision system (camera, lens, lighting, software, etc). Usually used as short form for “System Integration”. When used in reference to what the camera does, it is another word for exposure time (see Integration Time).

• Integration Time: Also referred to as exposure time. This is the length of time that the image sensor is exposed to light while capturing an image. This is equivalent to the exposure time of film in a photographic camera. The longer the exposure time, the more light will be acquired. Low light conditions require longer exposure times.

• Interlaced Scan: Refers to one of two common methods for “painting” a video image on an electronic display screen (the second is progressive scan) by scanning or displaying each line or row of pixels. This technique uses two fields to create a frame. One field contains all the odd lines in the image, the other contains all the even lines of the image.
  

• Interline Transfer: A CCD architecture where there exists an opaque transfer channel between pixel columns. Such a CCD does not require a mechanical shutter but spatial resolution, dynamic range, and sensitivity are reduced due to the masked column between light sensitive columns.

• IR Lens: A lens that is specially designed so that chromatic aberrations in the infrared wavelengths are corrected. An IR-lens should be used in cases where both visible and IR illumination is being received by the camera; otherwise the resulting image would be blurred.

• ISO 9000, 9002: Internationally recognized standards that certify a company’s manufacturing record keeping. ISO accreditation does not imply any product quality endorsement, but it is rather an acknowledgement of the manufacturing and/or engineering record keeping practices of the accredited company.

• Jumbo Frames: With respect to Gigabit Ethernet, Jumbo frames refers to the data packet size used for each Ethernet frame. Since each data frame must be handled by the operating system, it make sense to use large data frames to minimize the amount of overhead when receiving data into the host computer. Such large data blocks are called Jumbo frames.

• Linescan (or Linear Array): A line scan, or linear array camera has a single row of pixels and captures an image by scanning an object that moves past the lens. Conceptually similar to a desktop scanner (compare “area scan”).

• Machine Vision: Machine vision is the application of cameras and computers to cause some automated action based on images received by the camera(s) in a manufacturing process. Generally, the term “machine vision” applies specifically to manufacturing applications and has an automated aspect related to the vision sensors. However, it is common to use machine vision equipment and algorithm outside of the manufacturing realm.

• Megapixel: Refers to one million pixels - relating to the spatial resolution of a camera. Any camera that is roughly 1000 x 1000 or higher resolution would be called a mega pixel camera.

• Manual Focus: Refers to a lens which requires a human user to set the focus as opposed to an auto-focus lens which is controlled via a computer or camera.

• Manual Iris: Refers to a lens which requires a human user to set the iris as opposed to an auto-iris lens which is controlled via a computer or camera.

• Microlens: A type of technology used in some interline transfer CCD’s whereby each pixel is covered by a small lens which channels light directly into the sensitive portion of the CCD.

• Morphology: The mathematics of shape analysis. An algebra who variables are shapes and whose operations transform those shapes.

• Motorized Lens: A lens whereby zoom, aperture, and focus (or one or more of these) are operated electronically. Usually, a computer operated controller is used to drive such lenses. The controller often has an RS-232 port through which a camera, or computer, controls the lens.

• Network Adaptor - another word for the Ethernet interface card or port used found on many computers..

• OCR: stands for Optical Character Recognition and refers to the use of machine vision cameras and computers to read and analyze human-readable alphanumeric characters to recognize them.

• OHCI: (Open Host Controller Interface) describes the standards created by software and hardware industry leaders–including Microsoft, Apple, Compaq, Intel, Sun Microsystems, National Semiconductor, and Texas Instruments–to assure that software (operating systems, drivers, applications) works properly with any compliant hardware.

• Offset: This is the same as the brightness control on your TV. It is a positive DC offset of the image signal. It is used primarily to set the level of “black”. Generally speaking, for the best signal, the black level should be set so that it is near zero (but not below zero) on the histogram. Increasing the brightness beyond this point just lightens the image but without improving the image data.

• Pixel: An abbreviated form of picture element. The individual elements that make up a digitized image array.

• Progressive Scan: Also known as non-interlaced scanning, progressive scan is a method for displaying, storing or transmitting moving images in which all the lines of each frame are drawn in sequence. This is in contrast to the interlacing used in traditional television systems where only the odd lines, then the even lines of each frame (each image now called a field) are drawn alternatively.

• Readout: Readout refers to how data is transferred from the CCD or CMOS sensor to the host computer. Readout rate is an important specification for high-resolution digital cameras. Higher readout rates mean that more images can be captured in a given length of time.

• Region of Interest: Region of interest readout (ROI) refers to a camera function whereby only a portion of the available pixels are read out from the camera. This is also referred to as “partial scan” or “area of interest” (AOI).

• Rolling Shutter: Some CMOS sensors operate in “rolling shutter” mode only so that the rows start, and stop, exposing at different times. This type of shutter is not suitable for moving subjects except when using flash lighting because this time difference causes the image to smear. (see Global Shutter, Snapshot Shutter).

• Sensitivity: A measure of how sensitive the camera sensor is to light input. Unfortunately there is no standardized method of describing sensitivity for digital CCD or CMOS cameras, so apples-to-apples comparisons are often difficult on the basis of this specification.

• Sensor Size: The size of a camera sensor’s active area, typically specified in the horizontal dimension. This parameter is important in determining the proper lens magnification required to obtain a desired field of view. The primary magnification (PMAG) of the lens is defined as the ratio between the sensor size and the FOV. Although sensor size and field of view are fundamental parameters, it is important to realize that PMAG is not.

• Smart Camera: Sometimes called “intelligent camera”, or “smart sensor”, the term smart camera refers to a camera with a built-in computer running image processing software in a single compact package capable of doing some simple machine vision tasks.

• Snapshot shutter: Sometimes called a global shutter, snapshot shutter refers to an electronic shutter on CCD or CMOS sensors. A snapshot shutter is a feature of the image sensor that causes all of the pixels on the sensor to begin imaging simultaneously and to stop imaging simultaneously. This feature makes the camera especially suitable for capturing images of moving objects. (see Rolling Shutter, Global Shutter).

• Spatial resolution: A measure of how well the CCD or camera can resolve small objects. Usually used relating not only to the pixel resolution, but also to lens resolution — ie the resolution of the whole optical system. See also High Resolution.

• System Integrator: A company or person who provides turnkey vision systems using cameras, computers, software, and possibly robotics and other mechanical hardware usually aimed at a specific customer application and installation.

• Sync: Refers to an external signal generated by a camera than can be used to synchronize the camera with outside events such as flash illumination, or other cameras.

• Trigger: An input to an industrial digital camera than initiates the image capture sequence. Otherwise, an electrical signal or set of signals used to synchronize a camera, or cameras, to an external event.

• Video-type auto iris: There are two major types of auto-iris lenses: DC-type, and video-type. The video-type auto-iris requires a video signal to determine how far to open the iris on the lens.

• Working Distance (WD): The distance from the front of the lens to the object under inspection.

VisionScope Technologies - Vipaq TVP-5

Vipaq TVP-5

VisionScope Technologies

VisionScope Technologies in the UK is distributing the latest endoscope from Richard Wold - the Vipaq TVP-5. The Vipaq is a CCD-based endoscope that makes use of standard fibre optic lighting. It includes both s-video output and USB 2.0 output. The USB port can also be used to power the device.

The system is compatible with standard monitors or PCs, and the associated software package, supplied with the system, is Windows XP compliant. Windows Vista compatibility will be available in the near future. The package includes an image management program that can switch between NTSC and PAL signals at the same time as image capture. The Vipaq can be used in conjunction with the Moritex Palmscope to save and store the video clips.

The Vipaq has a diameter of 4.7mm, with two length options: 800mm and 1400mm. The small diameter lends itself well with more micro applications. Further upgrades scheduled for 2008 and 2009 include will increase the range of lengths and diameters available.

Vision Components - VC4438 smart camera

VC4438 smart camera

Vision Components

Vision Components has released its VC4438 model, which extends its range of freely programmable, intelligent high-performance cameras whose key component is a 1GHz (8,000 MIPS) processor from Texas Instruments.

The VC4438 acts as a stand-alone image processing system and renders additional PC stations unnecessary. The VC4438 features a 1/3-inch CCD sensor with a 640 x 480 pixel resolution and offers a maximum frame rate of 63fps (126fps in binning mode).

Standard equipment also includes an RS232 and an Ethernet interface, a high-speed encoder interface and an external trigger input that enables jitter-free image recording even at high reading frequencies. Basic camera versions come with 4MB Flash EPROM and 64MB SDRAM for program and data picture storage, which can be optionally extended to 128MB. Featuring four digital PLC inputs and four outputs, the camera can be easily integrated into existing automation environments.

An external monitor can be connected to the camera's integrated SVGA video output for maintenance and testing purposes. Like all cameras from Vision Components, the VC4438 has a robust industrial housing which makes it suitable for rugged environments.

NorPix - StreamPix4-8x100

StreamPix4-8x100

NorPix

NorPix has introduced StreamPix4-8x100, a turnkey system providing simultaneous, synchronised image capture from eight cameras to a single computer using a GigE Vision interface. The setup includes StreamPix4 digital video recording software, a fully configured computer, and eight cameras with either CMOS or CCD sensors.

The camera is suitable for applications in the special effects industry by providing motion capture at multiple angles. The system can capture images at 90-12-fps at resolutions of 640 x 480 in 8-bit monochrome or raw Bayer colour. Each camera can record up to 400 minutes of footage. All images are individually time-stamped.

Matrox Nexis - Matrox Imaging

Matrox Nexis

Matrox Imaging

Matrox Imaging has launched the Matrox Nexis, an integrated image acquisition sub-system. Featuring two remote camera heads combined with a dual camera control unit (CCU) and frame grabber on a single PC/104-Plus card, Matrox Nexis is intended for use and sold with the Matrox 4Sight M industrial vision computer.

Matrox Nexis supports simultaneous acquisition from two camera heads, which are available in a compact or ultra-compact body. The camera heads make use of interline transfer progressive-scan CCD image sensors with square pixels; the family of available sensors includes support for sub to megapixel resolutions, higher readout or frame rates, and monochrome or colour imaging. Matrox 4Sight M can accommodate up to two Matrox Nexis sub-systems for simultaneous acquisition from up to four independent camera heads.

Matrox 4Sight M is a self-contained imaging platform offering desktop PC performance in a compact, industrial enclosure. It provides the core functionality needed to build high-performance and cost-sensitive applications. Image capture, processing and display, along with networking and general purpose I/Os, are all integrated into a single unit.

Moritex - Lightscope

Lightscope

Moritex

The new expanded range of Lightscope video endoscopes from Moritex provides convenient micro-inspection in inaccessible spaces.

Incorporating a high-resolution CCD sensor and high quality optics, the Lightscope enables crystal clear, true-colour images, free of distortion to be displayed and studied on a TV monitor. The endoscopes are available in four different lengths (1m, 2m, 3m and 18m).

Offering a focus range from 40mm to infinity and flexible probe each compact and portable Video Lightscope can be used to image inside engines, air conditioners, pipes, exhaust openings, and storage tanks. Integral long-life rechargeable batteries ensure continuous operation for up to three hours.

Designed to work from -10 to +60C the Video Lightscope is covered with a protective metal sleeve and inert industrial grade polymer inner sleeve to provide high durability and waterproofing for a long operational lifetime.

Sony - XCL-5005/XCL-5005CR

XCL-5005/XCL-5005CR

Sony Europe

Sony Europe’s Image Sensing Solutions Division has introduced two additions to its XCL-5000 family of high-resolution industry-standard Camera Link camera modules - the XCL-5005 and XCL-5005CR.

The XCL-5005CR adds 5-Megapixel colour image capture to the product family. Designed for machine vision applications, they now feature selectable Power on Camera Link (PoCL) capability. Units can be powered using PoCL or by a separate 12V DC supply. Using the PoCL function, the compact cameras can be installed in physically small spaces such as inside robotic arms and semiconductor pick-and-place machines.

The XCL-5000 series cameras provide high quality, 1600 x 1200 UXGA resolution and deliver up to 15fps. Using 2/3-inch 12-bit CCD, progressive scan and interline transfer technology, they are suitable for production quality applications such as precision inspection, item recognition and detailed object measurement. The units could also be used with existing systems to further improve output resolution.

The cameras are compact, C mount designs measuring just 44 x 44 x 57.5mm. Operating temperate ranges from -5 to +45°C. They have been designed for use in industrial environments and have a shock resistance of 70G and a vibration tolerance of 10G. These new models also benefit from an improved signal-to-noise ratio and the ability to use longer cable lengths.

Sony - XCI series

XCI series

Sony Europe

The new additions to the XCI series of intelligent cameras from Sony Europe’s Image Sensing Solutions Division will offer a more powerful 1GHz processor with MMX and SSE support. Designed to run an enhanced Windows XP embedded operating system, the units are suitable for software-based machine vision, security and traffic control applications.

Two cameras will be added to the XCI family, a 1,280 x 1,024 SXGA and a 640 x 480 VGA model, available in both monochrome and colour variants. An open FPGA processor allows a high-level of custom image processing. The image output is selectable between grabbed or pre-processed image.

The XCI series employ high-resolution, progressive scan interline transfer monochrome CCD sensors from Sony Semiconductor. Depending on the model, either a 1/2-inch or 1/3-inch type sensor is used. These sensors have been designed for industrial machine vision applications.

The cameras can provide output via Gigabit Ethernet and dual USB 2.0 interfaces. Opto-coupled I/O is provided by four input and eight output ports. The camera is housed in a robust enclosure measuring just 55 x 70 x 110mm.

A software development kit (SDK) supplied with the camera allows users to customise the operating system environment, build image processing applications and control camera parameters. The SDK also includes an example application and comprehensive programming and reference guides.

JAI - TM-2040GE

TM-2040GE

JAI

JAI has expanded its line of high-resolution, high performance GigE cameras with the TM-2040GE. It offers two-Megapixel UXGA resolution and software-selectable operation that allows users to choose between dual tap mode at 34fps (with automatic channel balancing) or single tap mode operating at 17fps. Using a one-inch Kodak progressive scan IT CCD sensor (KAI-2020), the TM-2040GE produces 12-bit linear images, or 10-bit/8-bit images that are modifiable by a user-defined look-up table (LUT) for use in difficult lighting situations.

The TM-2040GE camera features JAI’s high-fidelity front-end circuitry and low-noise power supply to produce exceptional sensitivity and a typical signal-to-noise ratio of greater than 58dB.

All TM-2040GE cameras include image centre partial scanning (600, 300, or 150 lines), as well as variable partial scanning where the user can choose both the starting point and the specific number of lines to be scanned.

Other high performance features include a PIV mode enabling the capture of pairs of images separated by only a few microseconds, and a defective pixel compensation feature that uses neighbouring pixels to adjust for bad ones.

Uses for the TM-2040GE cameras span a wide range of machine vision, medical, and intelligent transportation system applications, where high speed and high resolution are required.