NIR (Near-Infrared) cameras collection

NIR (Near-Infrared) cameras

An industrial NIR camera records near-infrared light beyond the visible spectrum, helping machine vision systems capture monochrome detail under controlled NIR illumination. VA Imaging supplies NIR cameras for United Kingdom projects involving automated inspection, transport imaging, food and agricultural analysis, laboratory research, biometrics and low-light monitoring.

The UK collection includes USB3 Vision, GigE Vision and 10GigE Vision options with different resolutions, frame rates, sensor formats and shutter types. Use the collection filters to narrow the available cameras, or contact VA Imaging for help defining the complete imaging setup.

NIR (Near-Infrared) cameras products

Start with the Inspection Requirement

The correct NIR camera is determined by the feature that must become visible, not by megapixel count alone. Before comparing products, define the target material, smallest feature, field of view, working distance, target movement and intended illumination wavelength.

A test image under the proposed lighting is especially valuable. If the target does not produce useful contrast at the selected wavelength, changing the camera resolution or interface will not solve the underlying imaging problem.

Standard Monochrome or NIR-Optimised Camera?

An NIR-optimised camera is designed to maintain stronger sensitivity at near-infrared wavelengths than a typical monochrome camera. A standard monochrome sensor may detect some NIR light, particularly when no IR-cut filter is present, but this does not guarantee sufficient response at 850 nm or 940 nm.

Compare the spectral-response or quantum-efficiency curve at the wavelength used in the application. A camera labelled “NIR” should still be evaluated against the required exposure time, lens aperture, illumination power and target speed.

Choose an NIR-optimised model when a standard sensor needs excessive exposure or illumination to create usable contrast. A conventional monochrome camera may remain suitable when the target is stationary, lighting is strong and its measured response meets the requirement. NIR-optimised sensor designs can use modified structures to increase sensitivity at longer wavelengths.

Which NIR Camera Fits Your Project?

The most useful NIR camera specifications depend on how the system will operate.


Moving Production Lines


For moving objects, prioritise a global shutter, sufficient frame rate and a short exposure time. Synchronised or strobed NIR illumination can help reduce motion blur and maintain consistent imaging as line speed changes.


High-Detail Inspection and Laboratory Imaging


For small features or a large field of view, prioritise resolution, sensor format and lens performance. Higher pixel counts increase bandwidth and storage requirements, so confirm that the interface and computer can handle the required data rate.


Longer Cable Runs and Factory Retrofits

GigE Vision is often practical when the camera must be installed farther from the computer or integrated into an existing network-based machine vision system. Check the required bandwidth, cable specification, power arrangement and triggering before installation.

High-Resolution, Higher-Throughput Systems

10GigE Vision may be appropriate when high-resolution images must be transferred at greater speed. Confirm that the host computer, network interface, cabling and storage can support the complete data path.

USB3 Vision remains a practical choice for high data rates over shorter direct connections. Browse the industrial cameras range and use the NIR collection filters to compare interfaces, shutter types and resolutions.

How to Read NIR Spectral Response

A spectral-response or quantum-efficiency curve shows how sensor sensitivity changes with wavelength. A camera that performs strongly in visible light may respond much less effectively as the wavelength approaches 850 nm or 940 nm.

When reviewing a sensor curve:

  • Find the response at the intended illumination wavelength.
  • Compare different sensors at the same wavelength.
  • Check whether the published data represents quantum efficiency or relative response.
  • Consider the transmission of the lens and optical filter.
  • Allow for exposure time, target speed and available lighting power.

An 850 nm source and a 940 nm source can produce different results with the same camera. The best option depends on both sensor sensitivity and how the target material reflects the selected wavelength.

Do not compare cameras using megapixels alone. Resolution determines spatial detail, while spectral response indicates how effectively the sensor detects the selected NIR wavelength.

Match the Camera, Lens, Lighting and Filter

An NIR imaging system performs best when its components are selected together. The camera determines sensor sensitivity and image acquisition, while the lens, illumination and filter determine how much useful light reaches the sensor.

Use machine vision lighting that provides the required wavelength, coverage and intensity at the working distance. Select machine vision lenses that support the sensor format and required resolution. An IR-corrected lens can be important when the same system must remain focused under visible and NIR illumination.

Bandpass and longpass optical lens filters can reduce unwanted visible light or isolate the chosen NIR wavelength. Filter transmission, mounting method and angle of incidence should be checked before the system is finalised. VA Imaging’s existing range includes lighting, lenses and lens filters that can be evaluated alongside the camera.

UK Applications for Industrial NIR Cameras

Industrial NIR cameras can support several types of machine vision and research projects when the target provides useful near-infrared contrast.

NIR illumination may reveal reflectivity differences between materials, coatings or surface conditions that look similar under visible light. For production inspection, also consider line speed, trigger timing, exposure and lighting geometry.

NIR illumination may reveal reflectivity differences between materials, coatings or surface conditions that look similar under visible light. For production inspection, also consider line speed, trigger timing, exposure and lighting geometry. NIR cameras can support number plate recognition and vehicle monitoring where visible-light conditions vary or the system operates at night. Moving vehicles normally require careful control of shutter type, exposure and illumination timing.

Near-infrared imaging may support inspection of fruit, vegetables, crops and plant material when damage, stress or composition produces a measurable reflectivity difference. Testing is essential because the useful wavelength varies with the product and inspection objective.Near-infrared imaging may support inspection of fruit, vegetables, crops and plant material when damage, stress or composition produces a measurable reflectivity difference. Testing is essential because the useful wavelength varies with the product and inspection objective.

NIR cameras can be integrated into microscopy, instrumentation and experimental setups. Researchers should confirm wavelength response, raw-data access, triggering, exposure control and compatibility with the intended software environment.

Traffic monitoring, food inspection and industrial inspection are also identified as common NIR applications by other industrial-camera manufacturers.

NIR, SWIR or Thermal Imaging?

NIR cameras record near-infrared light reflected by the target. They are suited to active illumination, low-visible-light imaging and inspection based on NIR reflectivity.

SWIR cameras work at longer wavelengths and may reveal material characteristics that cannot be captured effectively with a silicon-based NIR sensor.

Thermal cameras detect infrared energy emitted by an object. Select thermal imaging when temperature or heat distribution is the required measurement rather than reflected-light contrast.

Information to Provide for UK Application Advice

A clear project brief helps VA Imaging evaluate suitable cameras and supporting components. Include:

  • Target material and inspection objective
  • Intended wavelength, if already known
  • Field of view and working distance
  • Smallest feature that must be detected
  • Target speed or available exposure time
  • Required frame rate
  • Preferred interface and cable distance
  • Existing camera, lens, lighting or software
  • Indoor or outdoor operating conditions
  • Size, mounting or environmental limits

VA Imaging supports machine vision projects throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our team can help assess the camera, machine vision lens, NIR illumination, filter, cabling and software as one compatible system. The UK site also presents support for industrial cameras, lenses and machine vision lighting.

Browse the available NIR cameras or contact VA Imaging with your project brief for product-selection and integration support in the United Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions About NIR Cameras

An NIR camera is used when near-infrared illumination provides useful contrast that is unavailable or inconsistent under visible light. Applications may include inspection, material differentiation, transport imaging, biometrics and research.

An NIR camera can image a target in complete visible darkness when a suitable NIR light source illuminates the scene. It still requires reflected light to create an image.

No. An NIR camera detects reflected near-infrared light, while a thermal camera detects emitted infrared energy associated with temperature.

Choose the wavelength by comparing sensor response, target reflectivity, filter transmission, working distance and required exposure. Testing both wavelengths is recommended when the best contrast is not already known.

An NIR camera can often be integrated into an existing system, but the lens, lighting, filter, interface, triggering and software must also be compatible. A visible-light setup may need optical or illumination changes.

The best interface depends on cable distance, bandwidth and existing infrastructure. GigE Vision can suit longer network connections, USB3 Vision can suit shorter direct connections and 10GigE Vision can support demanding high-data-rate systems.

Yes. VA Imaging supports customers across the United Kingdom with camera, lens, lighting, filter, cabling and software selection for industrial and scientific imaging projects.

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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