Blackfly camera models feature HD 720p and 1080p Sony Exmor CMOS and superior low-light performance

CANADA: Point Grey announced new model additions to the Blackfly family of ultra-compact PoE GigE Vision cameras.

The new Blackfly models use Sony Exmor CMOS sensor technology, which combines the speed of CMOS with the low noise, high dynamic range, and high saturation capacity of many of today's CCDs.

The BFLY-PGE-14S2C-CS features a color IMX104 1/3" CMOS rolling shutter sensor capable of 720p resolution at 60 FPS, and boasts a full well depth of 19,000 electrons. The BFLY-PGE-23S2C-CS uses a color IMX136 1/2.8" sensor capable of 1080p resolution at 27 FPS, and offers dynamic range of almost 70 dB. Both models deliver excellent color fidelity, very low temporal dark noise (4 e-), and support long exposures up to 30 seconds.

Like other Blackfly models, these new cameras support cable lengths of up 100 meters using Gigabit Ethernet, are compatible with third-party imaging libraries via the GigE Vision standard, and provide a host of features including Power over Ethernet, temperature and status monitoring, in-field updatable firmware, color interpolation, look up table and gamma, and much more.

With their unique combination of imaging performance, 29 x 29 x 30 mm size, and low price, the new Blackfly models are perfectly suited for applications in machine vision and factory automation; scientific applications such as astronomy, microscopy and biophotonics; and visualization applications such as video conferencing and kiosk imaging.

"The color quality, sensitivity, and performance of the Sony IMX104 and IMX136 make these truly exceptional sensors," says Michael Gibbons, director of Sales and Marketing at Point Grey. "Integrating them into our Blackfly allows us to bring very unique products with unbeatable value to the market. These new models offer a rare combination of high resolution and frame rate; excellent imaging; an industry-standard GigE interface; and all at a very aggressive price point."

The Blackfly BFLY-PGE-14S2C-CS list price is $295 (€219) and the BFLY-PGE-23S2C-CS is priced at $315 (€235). Both are available to order now from Point Grey, its network of distributors, and its North American web store. Further Blackfly models, including a 1.3 MP CCD version, are planned to be released throughout 2013.