Latest performance-enhanced camera block is now commercially available

Sony ISS now offers the next generation FCB-EV9520L camera block, based on the company’s 2MP Starvis two-colour image sensor, and is now in full-scale production. Having already earned plenty of customer interest through its sampling phase, this 1/2.8” unit offers a strong feature set and achieves industry-leading operational parameters.

The device supports full HD (1080p/60) resolution. It provides a wide dynamic range, 30x optical zoom and a 64° horizontal viewing angle. This camera block produces elevated sensitivity levels thanks to the creative cell structure utilised. The photodiode layer in each cell is considerably deeper than for traditional optoelectronic arrangements - resulting in expanded light path length and highlighting the absorption efficiency of longer wavelengths. Therefore, the camera has greater NIR performance and can work in ultra-low light conditions – 0.009lx, or even 0.00008lx when IR cut-filter removal is activated.

Unlike other available cameras, the device can simultaneously zoom and focus, and a proprietary algorithm minimises defocusing through such operations. Another fundamental differentiator this camera block holds over the competition is its image stabilisation functionality. Super mode can deliver high-quality video content even when exposed to intense vibrations. By having a particularly wider correction area than other cameras provide, blur is far better suppressed. Super+ mode permits image stability while supporting full HD output by further increasing the correction area.

The FCB-EV9520L can be used in various applications, including infrastructure inspection work, surveillance and security, livestock monitoring and aquaculture. It has particular value in supplying visual data to help control aerial drones, underwater remotely operated vehicles and automated mobile robots. Each block camera has an LVDS interface included for easy system integration.