NIR (Near-Infrared) cameras collection

NIR (Near-Infrared) cameras

Industrial NIR cameras capture near-infrared light beyond the visible spectrum and create monochrome images for machine vision, research and low-light applications. VA Imaging offers NIR cameras for Canadian projects that require controlled illumination, stable contrast and reliable integration with industrial imaging systems.

The Canadian collection includes USB3 Vision, GigE Vision and 10GigE Vision cameras with different resolutions, sensor formats, frame rates and shutter types. Rather than selecting a camera by megapixels alone, start with the material, wavelength, movement and installation conditions, then match the camera with suitable optics, lighting, filters and software.

NIR (Near-Infrared) cameras products

How NIR Cameras Create Repeatable Image Contrast

NIR cameras create useful contrast when the target and its surroundings reflect near-infrared light differently. The first step is therefore to define the material, feature size, field of view, working distance and expected movement.

If the target and background respond similarly at one wavelength, increasing resolution may not solve the inspection problem. Testing the target under the intended NIR illumination can reveal whether enough contrast exists before the camera specification is finalised.

For industrial systems, repeatability is especially important. Changes in ambient light, illumination angle or target position can affect image contrast even when the camera settings stay the same.

How to Choose NIR Cameras by Wavelength

NIR cameras should be compared at the wavelength actually used in the application. The cameras in this collection are intended for imaging commonly performed around 800 nm to 1000 nm, although exact sensitivity varies by sensor.

Definitions of the wider near-infrared range can differ between technologies and manufacturers. For machine vision selection, the individual sensor-response curve is more useful than the NIR label alone.

Common illumination wavelengths include approximately 850 nm and 940 nm. A sensor may respond more strongly at one wavelength, while the target material itself may also produce different contrast.

Compare NIR Camera Spectral Response and Quantum Efficiency

NIR camera sensitivity changes with wavelength, so spectral response should be considered alongside resolution and frame rate. Quantum efficiency, often shortened to QE, indicates how effectively incoming photons are converted into a measurable electrical signal.

Check the manufacturer’s spectral-response or QE curve at the intended wavelength rather than comparing only peak sensitivity.

A standard monochrome camera may detect some near-infrared light, particularly when an IR-cut filter is not present. However, this does not guarantee the same performance as an NIR-optimised sensor.

Exposure time, lens aperture, illumination power, working distance and filter transmission also influence the final result. High resolution alone does not indicate strong NIR performance.

Why NIR Cameras Need Controlled Lighting

NIR cameras perform more consistently when unwanted ambient light is controlled. Daylight, factory lighting and reflections may alter brightness and contrast even when the camera exposure remains unchanged.

A bandpass filter can isolate a selected wavelength range, while a longpass filter can block shorter visible wavelengths. Matching the filter to the NIR illuminator can make the imaging system less sensitive to surrounding light.

Before increasing exposure or gain, check the illumination angle, distance and uniformity. Longer exposure can introduce motion blur, while excessive gain can make image noise more visible.

Selecting NIR Cameras for Motion and Resolution

NIR cameras used on moving targets require the shutter, exposure time and frame rate to be matched to the application. A global shutter captures the complete frame at one moment and is generally preferred for conveyors, moving components and transport imaging.

A rolling shutter may be suitable for stationary subjects or slower processes where motion distortion is not a concern.

Resolution should be based on the smallest feature that must be detected across the required field of view. More pixels can provide additional detail, but they also increase demands on the lens, interface, computer and storage system.

For example, higher-speed global-shutter models can be useful when motion is important, while higher-resolution cameras may be preferred when fine detail must be captured across a larger image area. Final selection should still be based on the complete camera and optical requirements.

NIR Cameras and Machine Vision Interfaces

NIR cameras are available with different industrial interfaces depending on bandwidth, cable distance and system layout.

USB3 Vision is practical for high data rates over shorter direct camera-to-computer connections. GigE Vision supports network-based integration and longer cable runs. 10GigE Vision provides additional bandwidth for demanding high-resolution or higher-throughput systems.

For distributed Canadian installations, also consider power delivery, triggering, network capacity, cable routing and maintenance access. The complete data path must support the required resolution and frame rate reliably.

NIR Cameras with Lenses, Lighting and Filters

NIR cameras should be selected together with the lens, illumination and optical filter rather than as an isolated component.

The lens must cover the sensor format, resolve the required image detail and transmit the selected wavelength. An IR-corrected lens can help reduce focus shift when a system operates under both visible and near-infrared illumination.

NIR lighting should provide sufficient intensity and coverage at the working distance. The lighting angle can also affect whether a material or surface feature becomes visible.

Bandpass and longpass filters can reduce unwanted wavelengths and improve consistency under changing ambient conditions. Sensor size, lens mount, aperture, wavelength transmission and filter mounting should therefore be confirmed before the system is finalised.

NIR Cameras for Material and Surface Comparison

NIR cameras can support comparative material analysis when different materials, coatings or surface conditions reflect the selected wavelength differently.

This contrast can support sorting, presence detection, surface inspection or process monitoring where visible-light imaging does not separate the features sufficiently.

NIR imaging should not automatically be treated as spectroscopy. The result depends on the material, illumination wavelength, sensor response and image-processing method, so practical testing remains important before selecting the production system.

Where Industrial NIR Cameras Are Used in Canada

Industrial NIR cameras can support manufacturing, transport, agricultural, laboratory and low-light imaging when near-infrared illumination provides useful contrast.

In manufacturing, NIR imaging may help distinguish materials, coatings or surface conditions that appear similar under visible illumination. Production systems must also account for line speed, triggering and stable lighting.

For vehicle and transport imaging, controlled NIR illumination can support licence-plate or vehicle capture when visible-light conditions vary. Short exposure times and synchronised lighting can be important for moving targets.

Food and agricultural applications may use differences in NIR reflectivity when inspecting crops, fruit, vegetables or plant material. The useful wavelength depends on the product and the inspection objective.

NIR cameras can also be integrated into biometric, microscopy, scientific and laboratory systems using controlled infrared illumination. Confirm the required wavelength, image resolution, triggering and software requirements for each application.

Using NIR Cameras Outdoors and Remotely in Canada

NIR cameras installed outdoors or in remote Canadian locations require additional environmental planning. Camera operating limits, enclosure design, moisture, dust, condensation and temperature conditions should all be reviewed before installation.

Changing daylight can compete with the controlled NIR source. Optical filters, shielding and sufficient illumination can help maintain more stable contrast.

For remote installations, also consider network access, power, cable distance and maintenance requirements. Do not assume that the standard camera housing provides the environmental protection required for every Canadian installation.

NIR Cameras vs SWIR and Thermal Cameras

NIR cameras use near-infrared light reflected by the target and are suitable for active illumination, low-visible-light imaging and reflectivity-based inspection.

SWIR cameras operate at longer wavelengths and can be considered when important material contrast lies beyond the useful response of conventional silicon-based NIR sensors.

Thermal cameras detect infrared energy emitted by an object and are used when temperature or heat distribution is the required information.

The correct technology should therefore be selected according to the physical property that needs to be detected.

Build a Complete NIR Camera System in Canada

A complete NIR camera system combines the sensor, lens, illumination, filter, interface and software around the inspection requirement.

When requesting application guidance, provide the target material, intended wavelength, field of view, working distance, smallest feature, target movement, required frame rate, interface preference, cable distance and environmental conditions.

VA Imaging can help Canadian customers evaluate NIR cameras together with machine vision lenses, lighting, optical filters, cabling and software.

Browse the NIR cameras in this collection or contact VA Imaging for help selecting a compatible imaging setup for your project in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions About NIR Cameras in Canada

NIR cameras are used when reflected near-infrared light provides useful contrast or enables imaging with little or no visible illumination. Applications can include industrial inspection, transport imaging, material comparison, research and low-light monitoring.

The NIR cameras in this collection are intended for applications commonly operating around 800 nm to 1000 nm. Exact sensitivity varies by sensor and should be checked at the wavelength used by the application.

Neither wavelength is automatically better. The correct choice depends on sensor response, target reflectivity, working distance, filter transmission, illumination power and required exposure.

Yes, NIR cameras can create an image in complete visible darkness when a suitable near-infrared illuminator provides enough reflected light from the target.

NIR cameras can be used outdoors when the camera, enclosure, illumination, cabling and power system are suitable for the environmental conditions. Operating temperature, moisture and condensation should be checked before installation.

No. NIR cameras detect reflected near-infrared light, while thermal cameras detect emitted infrared energy associated with temperature differences.

Some monochrome cameras detect near-infrared wavelengths, but sensitivity varies significantly by sensor. Compare the spectral-response curve before deciding whether a standard monochrome or NIR-optimised camera is appropriate.

USB3 Vision suits shorter high-data-rate connections. GigE Vision is useful for longer network-based installations, while 10GigE Vision provides more bandwidth for demanding high-resolution systems.

Yes. VA Imaging can help Canadian customers evaluate the camera, lens, NIR lighting, optical filter, cabling and software required for a complete imaging system.

Reviews VA Imaging

  • 10
    Absolutely thrilled

    I am absolutely thrilled with the MER2-160-227U3M camera I purchased from VA-Imaging. The camera exceeds my expectations in every way. The image quality is sharp and clear, even with fast movements... I am absolutely thrilled with the MER2-160-227U3M camera I purchased from VA-Imaging. The camera exceeds my expectations in every way. The image quality is sharp and clear, even with fast movements. Installation was straightforward. VA-Imaging's customer service was also outstanding. They were very helpful in answering my questions and delivered the camera quickly and securely.

  • 8
    Cameras are a great value for money

    The cameras are a great value for money and the lenses also. The software is outdated and needs refreshing. It took me considerable amount of time to discover how to access the camera features. The cameras are a great value for money and the lenses also. The software is outdated and needs refreshing. It took me considerable amount of time to discover how to access the camera features.

  • 10
    Easy to deal with

    Its a pleasure to contact with the sales department. They are very polite and always ready to help. Our orders are always delivered on time and the communication is easy and simple. High quality pr... Its a pleasure to contact with the sales department. They are very polite and always ready to help. Our orders are always delivered on time and the communication is easy and simple. High quality products.

  • 10
    embedded camera

    We initially explored several embedded vision camera and USB3 camera options for our application. Our main priorities were compact dimensions and keeping the required software development to a mini... We initially explored several embedded vision camera and USB3 camera options for our application. Our main priorities were compact dimensions and keeping the required software development to a minimum. We selected a VEN-161 boardlevel camera. It was easy to integrate and USB3 Vision interface allowed our software team to get started quickly. The sales guy was very helpful with selecting the hardware for us. We are happy that we selected the USB3 board-level camera instead of a Mipi embedded vision camera as we didn't require now the additional driver development.

  • 10
    Excellent

    It was easy and quick process from ordering to receiving. One personal message from the team is making it even better. Thanks It was easy and quick process from ordering to receiving. One personal message from the team is making it even better. Thanks

  • 10
    Excellent quality material and attentive and reliable supplier

    In the commercial phase we had maximum support and delivery times were respected. The material is quite good with low and competitive costs. In the commercial phase we had maximum support and delivery times were respected. The material is quite good with low and competitive costs.

  • 10
    Fast cable delivery

    I had ordered a camera but forgotten to include the required cable. the cable was ordered and delivered very fast. I had ordered a camera but forgotten to include the required cable. the cable was ordered and delivered very fast.

  • 8
    Fast delivery

    Fast delivery even without paying the speed premium Fast delivery even without paying the speed premium

  • 9
    Fast Delivery and good quality!

    A very good company, I will continue to cooperate next time！ A very good company, I will continue to cooperate next time！

  • 10
    Fast service

    Extremely fast service. I got the camera next day. Highly recommend the seller! Thank you! Extremely fast service. I got the camera next day. Highly recommend the seller! Thank you!

  • 8.5
    Good Experience

    Top, good experience. Very attentive and quick to respond. Product arrived in good condition. Top, good experience. Very attentive and quick to respond. Product arrived in good condition.

  • 10
    Good products and services

    Lead time are a bit long but they VA imaging is a reliable provider that simply does what it says. Each time we needed to talk to someone, we had a proper client service with real listening and the... Lead time are a bit long but they VA imaging is a reliable provider that simply does what it says. Each time we needed to talk to someone, we had a proper client service with real listening and the will to find solutions.

  • 8
    Good quality and fast delivery

    So far, all components meet expectation, it would be great, though, if 3d models for all components were available. So far, all components meet expectation, it would be great, though, if 3d models for all components were available.

  • 10
    Great

    These people know their subject. Thanks to their help, I was able to successfully complete my machine vision project. They are competent in optics and that makes the difference. Delivery and post-d... These people know their subject. Thanks to their help, I was able to successfully complete my machine vision project. They are competent in optics and that makes the difference. Delivery and post-delivery service at the highest level.

  • 9
    Great customer service, fast delivery.

    Unfortunately they could not help me finding a suitable camera+lens combination for a specific application, but they even assigned a physicist to my query. Unfortunately they could not help me finding a suitable camera+lens combination for a specific application, but they even assigned a physicist to my query.

  • 10
    Great customer support, products and prices

    I contacted GeT Cameras to help out with selecting the best camera and lens solution for me. They provided great support. I ordered with express and received the products 2 days later :) I contacted GeT Cameras to help out with selecting the best camera and lens solution for me. They provided great support. I ordered with express and received the products 2 days later :)

  • 9
    Great prices, great service, everything great

    Bought quite a few cameras from these guys, prices are great, service is great, delivery times of the hardware is also very nice. Bought quite a few cameras from these guys, prices are great, service is great, delivery times of the hardware is also very nice.

  • 10
    Great products. Excellent support.

    GeT Cameras in Germany made some photo's of our products to show the performance of their cameras and they looked perfect. Recently we purchased a camera with lens, and LED lights. We are not exper... GeT Cameras in Germany made some photo's of our products to show the performance of their cameras and they looked perfect. Recently we purchased a camera with lens, and LED lights. We are not experienced with machine vision but the installation worked out fine. After installation on our laboratory we were surprised again of the high quality of the photos and the versatility of this system. (options in Galaxy viewer and integration in Python. Recently we had an issue with the software and the customer support was able to give us the relevant information to fix it within one day. The next time we need a camera we will not be looking to other suppliers but contact GeT Cameras immediately.

  • 10
    Great service

    I needed a replacement part for a camera - not only was it delivered almost two weeks earlier than expected, but it also arrived well packaged. I needed a replacement part for a camera - not only was it delivered almost two weeks earlier than expected, but it also arrived well packaged.

  • 10
    Great support and inhouse knowledge of the cameras

    First I was a little bit sceptic about buying online industrial cameras. It’s a critical part for our machine. For a new product development there was a lot of price pressure. We needed a cheap cam... First I was a little bit sceptic about buying online industrial cameras. It’s a critical part for our machine. For a new product development there was a lot of price pressure. We needed a cheap camera. I called them and Caspar was providing great support. He even advised a cheaper camera than I had in mind. I was just surprised by the inhouse knowledge of get cameras about machine vision. Never expected this from a webshop. The image an built quality of the camera is also great. The camera feels and operates the same as our Basler cameras.

  • 10
    Great support by email

    I ordered a 20MP USB3 camera including a lens 2 months ago for a datamatrix code reading application. In the beginning I was sceptic because of the low prices, but support by email was great. They ... I ordered a 20MP USB3 camera including a lens 2 months ago for a datamatrix code reading application. In the beginning I was sceptic because of the low prices, but support by email was great. They advise a lens and provided additional technical information. Unfortunately they don't offer a loan service, but I decided to try it. I had the cameras in house within 2 weeks and connection was easy. The SDK looks like the SDK from Basler so I felt directly comfortable with it. The camera and lens was a perfect match and now I'm able to read small DMC codes on large products with just a single camera.

  • 10
    Great support while selecting a lens

    We have bought a 20MP camera and lens with extension tubes to use it as a digital microscope in our lab. The support with selecting a lens was great. Connecting the USB3 camera was easy. We receive... We have bought a 20MP camera and lens with extension tubes to use it as a digital microscope in our lab. The support with selecting a lens was great. Connecting the USB3 camera was easy. We received everything on time.

  • 10
    High quality

    High quality components and service! My order was handled quickly and arrived ahead of schedule. Would recommend. High quality components and service! My order was handled quickly and arrived ahead of schedule. Would recommend.

  • 10
    I like the quality and price of the camera

    I bought a camera and lens. It was delivered fast. Connecting was easy using their quickstep article. The image quality is really great. I bought a camera and lens. It was delivered fast. Connecting was easy using their quickstep article. The image quality is really great.

  • 10
    It is important to have a skilled and efficient team of workers to get the goods efficiently.

    Maintained a good relationship and very good communication from start to finish to purchase the item. Maintained a good relationship and very good communication from start to finish to purchase the item.

  • 10
    Just great

    Needed a customized lens with fixed iris and I just needed 10 pieces. They where able to do it for just a few euro's extra per lens. Great service Needed a customized lens with fixed iris and I just needed 10 pieces. They where able to do it for just a few euro's extra per lens. Great service

  • 9
    Outstanding products and customer service

    The customer service staff was friendly, easy to approach and helped us select the appropriate products which fit our use case perfectly. The customer service staff was friendly, easy to approach and helped us select the appropriate products which fit our use case perfectly.

  • 10
    Outstanding products and customer service

    Get Cameras were extremely kind to sponsor us with some amazing equipment for our RoboCup student team, Delft Mercurians. We had no issues with the cameras, they perform as advertised and enabled u... Get Cameras were extremely kind to sponsor us with some amazing equipment for our RoboCup student team, Delft Mercurians. We had no issues with the cameras, they perform as advertised and enabled us to continue with the project and the company was extremely supportive of us overall. The customer service staff was friendly, easy to approach and helped us select the appropriate products which fit our use case perfectly.

  • 8
    Perfect customer interaction

    Good site and perfect customer interaction. Good site and perfect customer interaction.

  • 10
    Products delivered sooner than promised

    Ordered products were delivered sooner than promised, all ordered items were included in the package and we had no problems to make them work (cameras work with the attached software and with Matlab). Ordered products were delivered sooner than promised, all ordered items were included in the package and we had no problems to make them work (cameras work with the attached software and with Matlab).

  • 10
    Professional support, fast delivery and good product.

    I liked that your team helped me chose the needed equipment by my description. The items that i have ordered are exactly what i have looked for. I liked that your team helped me chose the needed equipment by my description. The items that i have ordered are exactly what i have looked for.

  • 10
    Prompt responses to many questions

    Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forwar... Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forward. We continue to buy regularly.

  • 10
    Prompt shipment

    Reachable by phone and smooth cooperation. Invoice provided without the need for extra requesting for it. Reachable by phone and smooth cooperation. Invoice provided without the need for extra requesting for it.

  • 10
    Quick responses and good selection of cameras

    Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forwar... Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forward. We continue to buy from Get-Cameras regularly.

  • 10
    Quick shipping and excellent customer service

    The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding e... The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding examples to implement the cameras in our systems.

  • 10
    Quick shipping and excellent customer service

    The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding e... The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding examples to implement the cameras in our systems.

  • 10
    Really nice products

    i called them and they proposed the camera, lens and light setup. I received everything 2 days later. Tested it and it works. I didn't expect such a good image quality for the total set price. They... i called them and they proposed the camera, lens and light setup. I received everything 2 days later. Tested it and it works. I didn't expect such a good image quality for the total set price. They recommended the cheapest camera they had, but it's perfect for detecting the defects on my products.

  • 9
    Suitable product for us

    We already have several of your cameras. These are for stock only. Since we are taking them into stock, that means we are happy with them. Only lead time is little bit longer. We already have several of your cameras. These are for stock only. Since we are taking them into stock, that means we are happy with them. Only lead time is little bit longer.

  • 10
    The German-speaking customer service team is very attentive to our needs.

    We greatly value our collaboration with VA Imaging. The German-speaking account managers always address our individual requirements and consistently find suitable solutions, even for last-minute ch... We greatly value our collaboration with VA Imaging. The German-speaking account managers always address our individual requirements and consistently find suitable solutions, even for last-minute changes. Thanks to their support and flexibility, we have always been able to implement our projects quickly and smoothly. Thank you for the excellent collaboration!

  • 8
    Very good service

    We are very happy with the quality of goods and services. We are very happy with the quality of goods and services.

  • 10
    Very good value for money

    The camera arrived on schedule and gives excellent images. Very good value for money. The SDK makes it very easy to acquire images into a program of my own written using C++Builder (about 2 hours p... The camera arrived on schedule and gives excellent images. Very good value for money. The SDK makes it very easy to acquire images into a program of my own written using C++Builder (about 2 hours programming).

  • 10
    Very happy with the support

    I was using cameras from a German competitor, but I was not happy with the support. They contacted me and we where able to select a camera with the same sensor. I received the camera within 2 days.... I was using cameras from a German competitor, but I was not happy with the support. They contacted me and we where able to select a camera with the same sensor. I received the camera within 2 days. It took me half a day to implement their SDK into my software so it was relative easy.

  • 10
    Very helpful customer service

    We needed a vision camera for our project very urgently. They where able to deliver it in a few days time. They responded quick to my emails also when I needed support. They send me an article how ... We needed a vision camera for our project very urgently. They where able to deliver it in a few days time. They responded quick to my emails also when I needed support. They send me an article how to quickly install the camera and set the most important parameters. it was very helpfull and within half an hour we had a good live view image. We have also ordered the lens they advised. It provides a nice and sharp image.

  • 10
    Very pleasant contact, quick response

    My questions were answered very quickly. The right camera was determined quickly and the order placed immediately. Camera delivered within two days. I hope to do business again in the future! My questions were answered very quickly. The right camera was determined quickly and the order placed immediately. Camera delivered within two days. I hope to do business again in the future!

  • 10
    Very smooth transaction

    Great seller, good comunication, ship very fast. Great seller, good comunication, ship very fast.

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Vision & Automation Resources

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