Selecting the appropriate industrial camera for your system from the outset can prevent costly redesigns or upgrades down the line. But how do you identify the best option? The answer lies in understanding your specific needs, as “best” is always relative to those requirements.

In our previous blog post, we discussed narrowing down product options by focusing on a shortlist of 3-5 camera suppliers. Even with consistent data from manufacturers and strong recommendations, it’s essential to evaluate the necessary level of certain performance parameters. This is because more stringent specifications can impact pricing. Most industrial camera manufacturers offer evaluation/demo/loaner programs, allowing you to test cameras firsthand. While this process requires significant time, minimizing your initial options streamlines the decision-making journey.

Although evaluating a camera involves a lengthy process, it provides tangible benefits:

  • Direct observation: You can examine the hardware, software, and integration firsthand.
  • Assumption verification: Confirming your initial hypotheses ensures alignment with expectations.
  • Specification validation: Testing allows you to verify whether the manufacturer’s claims hold true.
  • Practical applicability: Ensuring the camera enables the specific measurements required for your application.

A practical starting point is simply getting the camera up and running to inspect the resulting images. Experimenting with gain settings can help identify defects or artifacts, providing a hands-on feel for performance characteristics.

If you wish to quantify performance differences more rigorously, consider using the Photon Transfer Curve (PTC) characterization method. This standardized procedure verifies key parameters such as read noise, dark current, full well capacity, sensitivity, dynamic range, gain, and linearity. Unlike single data points, PTC curves often reveal deeper insights when interpreted correctly. Numerous resources detail how to perform comprehensive PTC calibrations and calculate camera parameters. For example:

Source: The following link provides an illustrative document.
Photon Transfer Curve Characterization Method

To truly determine which camera is the best fit, it may be necessary to test them directly in your system or a simulated setup. This hands-on approach ensures real-world applicability and eliminates theoretical uncertainties.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you should have clarity on which camera meets your requirements. However, further considerations include evaluating manufacturer support systems, quality control processes, and pricing versus value. Alternatively, if none of the existing products fully align with your needs, minor modifications might yield a custom solution. In such cases, seek out manufacturers capable of tailoring their offerings to specific demands.

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Last Updated: 2025-09-04 18:51:46