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GigE area scan cameras for industrial machine vision

Area scan cameras with a GigE interface transmit images over standard network cable up to 100 m and can be combined into multi-camera systems through a switch. The GigE Vision protocol lets cameras from different manufacturers run on the same software with the same drivers. The bandwidth of 1 Gbit/s limits the frame rate at high resolutions; in return no frame grabber is needed, and the camera can be powered over the same cable via PoE. VISIONTECHNIK offers GigE area scan cameras from HIKROBOT and OPT with resolutions from 0.3 to 151 megapixels, sensors from 1/2.9 inch to medium format, in mono, colour and NIR versions.

310 products

Manufacturer
GigE variant
Resolution
Pixels
Max. frame rate (fps)
Color / mono
Shutter type
Sensor format
Pixel size (µm)
Lens mount
Spectral range

Products

GigE area scan cameras: choosing by inspection task

Where GigE is the right interface

GigE suits every setup with cable runs above 5 m, several cameras on one computer or power over the data cable (PoE). Plants with distributed inspection stations, robot cells with long cable routes and systems with four or more cameras are typical cases.

The limit is the data rate: roughly 100 MB/s per camera. A 5-megapixel camera reaches about 20 frames per second at full resolution, a 20-megapixel camera about 5. If more frames are needed, choose 10 GigE, USB 3.0 or CoaXPress, or work with a region of interest (ROI).

Selection criteria

The filters in this category follow the questions to settle before choosing:

  • Resolution: from 0.3 to 151 megapixels in stock; what matters is the smallest feature, which still has to span several pixels in the image
  • Sensor size: from 1/2.9 inch to 1.1 inch and beyond; it determines lens choice and image circle
  • Frame rate: above 500 frames per second at small resolutions; with GigE the bandwidth sets the limit
  • Pixel size: from 1.4 µm to 17 µm; large pixels collect more light at short exposure times
  • Mono, colour or NIR: colour only if the task needs colour; mono offers more detail and sensitivity at the same resolution
  • Lens mount: mostly C-mount, plus S-mount (M12), M34, M58, M72 and F-mount for large sensors

Typical applications

GigE area scan cameras are used, among other things, for:

  • Presence and completeness checks in assembly and packaging lines
  • Measurement and position detection for robot guidance
  • Code and text reading on conveyors
  • Surface inspection with several cameras per station
  • Inspection stations with long cable routes between camera and control cabinet

Frequently asked questions about GigE area scan cameras

How long can the cable of a GigE camera be?
With copper cable (Cat 5e or better) up to 100 m without repeaters. Fibre media converters cover longer distances.
Do GigE cameras need a special network card?
One camera runs on a gigabit port with jumbo frame support. For several cameras or PoE supply, a camera interface card with several ports is recommended, as listed in the frame grabber category.
What is the difference between GigE, 2.5 GigE and 10 GigE?
The bandwidth: 1, 2.5 or 10 Gbit/s. With 10 GigE a 25-megapixel camera reaches frame rates that would require a region of interest at 1 GigE. Protocol and software are the same for all three.

Next technical step

Still unsure which model fits?

Tell us the inspection task, object size, required resolution, cycle rate and the computer environment you have. We narrow down suitable models across manufacturers, check interface, lens and lighting together and say openly what still needs clarifying before a decision.

Request a suitable GigE camera