Area Scan Camera

Name: Area Scan Camera
Brand: VA Imaging
SKU: camera-area-scan
Availability: InStock

Area scan cameras are the “default workhorse” in industrial machine vision: they capture a complete 2D image (full frame) per exposure, making them ideal for inspection, measurement, robot guidance and barcode/DMC reading.

Browse our industrial area scan cameras and filter by shutter, interface, resolution and sensor size to find the right fit fast. Compare models, get fast shipping and reliable integration guidance or ask a vision expert for help selecting the right camera.

What is an area scan camera?

An area scan camera uses a matrix (grid) sensor to capture a full image all at once, one exposure equals one frame. That’s the opposite of line scan imaging, where the
camera captures one line at a time and the final image is “built” as the object moves.

Because area scan cameras capture a complete scene per frame, they’re often the most flexible option when:

Your field of view may change from project to project
You inspect static parts or moving parts (with the right shutter/lighting)
You need software to analyze shapes, defects, text, codes, or position in a single image

How area scan cameras work

In practical terms, area scan imaging is a timed cycle:

Trigger or free-run initiates exposure
The sensor collects light for the exposure time
The area scan camera reads the sensor and sends image data to your
PC/embedded system
Your software processes the frame and outputs decisions (pass/fail,
measurements, coordinates, decoded strings, etc.

That workflow has three big implications:

1) Motion + exposure timing makes shutter type a primary decision

If parts move relative to the camera during exposure, the sensor readout method
determines whether your image stays geometrically accurate.

2) Resolution + frame rate sets your bandwidth requirement

Once the image resolution (megapixels) and acquisition speed (frames per second) are defined, the resulting data rate establishes a minimum bandwidth requirement for the camera interface and downstream system. In practice, the selected interface and cabling must be capable of sustaining this throughput; otherwise, they become the limiting factor for achievable performance.

3) Sensor format drives optics and light

Sensor size/pixel size affects lens selection (image circle), light sensitivity, depth
of field, and whether you’ll need more illumination or shorter exposure times.

How to choose the right industrial area scan camera

Step 1: Choose shutter type (global vs rolling)

Area Scan Global shutter captures the full frame at once. Choose it when parts move (conveyors/robots), you need accurate measurement or you use strobed lighting with triggering.
Area Scan Rolling shutter captures line-by-line over time. Choose it when the scene is stationary, you want a cost-effective high-resolution option, or distortion won’t matter.

Rule of thumb: if motion might matter, start with global shutter area scan camera. For details, see Rolling vs Global Shutter.

Step 2: Pick the interface (GigE / USB3 / CoaXPress)

Your interface affects cabling, host hardware and achievable throughput.

GigE Vision area scan cameras (GigE Camera / 2.5GigE Camera / 5GigE Camera / 10GigE Camera): flexible Ethernet workflow; 2.5/5GigE add headroom; 10GigE for high data rates.
USB3 Vision area scan cameras: high throughput over short cables; great for compact PC/embedded setups.
CoaXPress area scan cameras: very high performance with frame grabber; best for deterministic, high-throughput systems.

Shortcut: long cables = GigE; compact high throughput = USB3; max performance = CoaXPress.

Step 3: Choose resolution (FOV + smallest feature)

Define your field of view and the smallest feature you must detect or measure, then select a camera that provides enough detail across your required inspection area. If you only need part of the image, capture only the relevant region to reduce data load and enable higher speed. Reminder: higher resolution can increase processing and lens demands, so choose the minimum that works and validate with a test image.

Step 4: Select sensor size and pixel size (light + optics)

Same megapixels can behave differently. Consider sensor/pixel size when you’re light-limited, need sharp metrology, or must match lens image circle. If you need short exposure times or high depth of field, plan for more light and confirm lens coverage.

Step 5: Confirm mount, I/O, and integration details

Before final selection, check: lens mount, trigger/strobe I/O, form factor, SDK/OS support, and power/cabling (PoE, USB limits, industrial cables). Tip: if timing matters, prioritize reliable hardware triggering and build around deterministic capture.

Area scan camera vs line scan camera

You’ll see line scan cameras used heavily in web inspection and continuous processes, where objects or material move consistently and the system reconstructs an image line-by-line.

Choose area scan camera when:

You want simpler setup and flexibility
Your field of view and inspection region may change
You need “full frame” context for detection, classification, or alignment

Choose line scan camera when:

You inspect continuously moving materials or long objects You can precisely synchronize motion and capture
You need extremely high resolution in one dimension without huge sensors

Area scan cameras applications

Area scan cameras are used across industrial tasks where you need a full-frame view. In most factories, if a vision task can be solved with one well-lit full-frame image, area scan is often the fastest route to a stable solution.

Label and print inspection: verification and classification

Measurement & metrology: dimensional checks (with appropriate optics and calibration)

Electronics inspection: presence/absence, solder checks, component alignment

Robot guidance: locating parts, pose estimation, pick points

Codereading:barcode and Data Matrix (DMC) decoding

Surface inspection: scratches, dents, texture anomalies, contamination

Practical checklist for area scan camera selection

In summary, an area scan camera captures a full 2D image (one frame) per exposure, so the right choice depends on motion, throughput, optics, and integration needs. To shortlist an area scan solution quickly, use this checklist:

Shutter: global if motion matters; rolling if stationary
Interface: choose based on bandwidth + cable constraints
Resolution: based on FOV + smallest feature (with margin)
Sensor size: confirm lens image-circle coverage and ensure you have enough light for the exposure time your area scan imaging requires
Mount + I/O: confirm mechanical fit and triggering requirements
Validate: test the area scan camera with your lighting and real sample parts

faqs - AREA SCAN CAMERAS

A camera that captures a complete 2D image (full frame) per exposure using a matrix sensor.

When the object moves during exposure, when strobe timing matters, or when you need motion-accurate measurement.

When the scene is stationary (or motion is negligible) and you want a cost-effective option, especially at higher resolutions.

Not always. Higher MP increases bandwidth and processing requirements and can demand better optics. Choose MP based on what you must resolve in your FOV.

Pick based on your layout and throughput: GigE for long cables, USB3 for short high-speed capture, 10GigE for high throughput with longer reach.

Yes, area scan is commonly used for code reading because it captures full-frame context and is generally straightforward to install. Check more on “How to select camera and software" for barcode and DMC code reading”.

Reviews VA Imaging

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

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.
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 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 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

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.
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

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.
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

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 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.

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