Industrial SWIR cameras collection

Industrial SWIR cameras

SWIR cameras provide imaging beyond the visible spectrum, making them particularly useful when conventional machine vision cameras cannot reveal enough information about a material or object. VA Imaging offers SWIR and Visible-SWIR cameras for industrial imaging, automation and research applications across the United Kingdom.

Available camera configurations vary by sensor, resolution, acquisition speed and industrial interface. VA Imaging supports customers throughout the United Kingdom with the selection of SWIR cameras, compatible lenses, illumination and other industrial machine vision cameras. Current UK prices are displayed in pounds sterling on each product.

SWIR camera products

How to choose a SWIR camera

Choosing a SWIR camera starts with the material, defect or feature that the imaging system needs to detect.

Before comparing individual cameras, consider:

  • the wavelength range required for the application;
  • the smallest feature that must be resolved;
  • the required field of view;
  • whether the object is stationary or continuously moving;
  • the required frame rate or line rate;
  • exposure time and whether sensor cooling is beneficial;
  • the preferred camera interface;
  • the SWIR lens and illumination required for the application.

This is particularly important with short-wave infrared imaging because the camera alone does not determine whether useful contrast can be achieved. Wavelength, optics and illumination must work together.

Explore our machine vision applications and solutions for more examples of industrial imaging system design.

SWIR wavelength range and camera sensors

SWIR, or short-wave infrared, generally covers wavelengths of approximately 900 to 2500 nm. Many industrial InGaAs SWIR cameras operate across a narrower part of this spectrum, commonly extending to around 1700 nm.

This distinction matters when selecting a SWIR camera sensor. A camera described as SWIR does not automatically detect the complete SWIR spectrum.

Different materials absorb, reflect and transmit different wavelengths. The useful spectral range should therefore be chosen according to the feature or material property that needs to be detected.

InGaAs and Visible-SWIR sensors

InGaAs is widely used for industrial SWIR imaging because it extends sensitivity beyond the useful range of conventional silicon-based visible image sensors.

Visible-SWIR sensor technology extends sensitivity towards visible wavelengths as well, allowing visible and short-wave infrared information to be captured with one camera.

VA Imaging offers camera configurations using Sony SenSWIR sensors with different resolutions and pixel sizes. The appropriate sensor depends on field of view, required image detail, acquisition speed and optical setup.

What is eSWIR?

Extended SWIR, or eSWIR, refers to imaging beyond the wavelength range typically covered by standard InGaAs SWIR cameras.

While many conventional InGaAs cameras extend to around 1700 nm, specialised detector technologies can provide sensitivity farther into the SWIR spectrum.

An eSWIR camera is not automatically the better choice. If the required contrast occurs within the standard InGaAs range, a conventional SWIR or Visible-SWIR camera may provide the more practical imaging solution.

Always compare the spectral response of the camera with the wavelength requirements of the application.

Cooled vs uncooled SWIR cameras

A cooled SWIR camera uses active temperature control to stabilise the image sensor and can be beneficial for applications involving longer exposure times or relatively weak optical signals.

Thermoelectric cooling, often referred to as TEC cooling, can help control temperature-dependent sensor behaviour. This can become particularly important when image quality depends on minimising sensor-related noise.

When should you consider a cooled SWIR camera?

Cooling may be worth considering when:

  • longer exposure times are required;
  • the optical signal is relatively weak;
  • stable sensor temperature is important;
  • low-noise imaging is required;
  • the application involves demanding measurement or research.

For fast industrial inspections using strong illumination and short exposures, active cooling may be less important.

For low-signal applications, specifications such as dark current, read noise, dynamic range and exposure time can therefore be just as important as resolution.

SWIR camera applications

SWIR camera applications are valuable when material differences cannot be separated reliably using visible-light imaging alone.

Silicon can become more transmissive at suitable SWIR wavelengths, allowing internal structures or features hidden in visible images to become detectable.

This makes SWIR imaging relevant to semiconductor inspection, wafer alignment, positioning and selected defect-detection applications.

Water has distinct absorption characteristics in the SWIR spectrum.

At suitable wavelengths, differences in moisture content can produce strong image contrast. This can support food inspection, agricultural sorting, moisture detection and other quality-control applications.

Different materials can absorb and reflect SWIR wavelengths differently even when they appear almost identical under visible light.

This makes SWIR imaging useful for material classification, plastics sorting, recycling and contaminant detection.

Some materials that appear opaque under visible illumination transmit selected SWIR wavelengths.

Depending on the material and wavelength, SWIR imaging can provide visibility through silicon, selected plastics, resins or packaging materials.

SWIR should not be considered a universal see-through technology. Performance depends on wavelength, material composition, thickness, illumination, sensor and optics.

SWIR cameras can also support photovoltaic inspection and other industrial or research applications where the signal of interest falls outside conventional visible wavelengths.

Explore more machine vision applications to learn how camera, lens and lighting requirements change between inspection tasks.

Choosing a lens for SWIR imaging

A SWIR lens must transmit and focus the wavelengths required by the imaging application.

A conventional machine vision lens designed mainly for visible wavelengths may not provide the same transmission or focus performance in the SWIR range.

For Visible-SWIR systems, the lens must also perform across a broader spectral range.

Explore our SWIR lenses for industrial cameras when selecting optics for a SWIR imaging system.

Important lens-selection factors include:

  • spectral range;
  • focal length;
  • sensor size;
  • required resolution;
  • working distance;
  • field of view.

The lens and camera should be selected together rather than as independent components.

SWIR illumination and wavelength selection

SWIR illumination can have as much influence on image contrast as the camera itself.

Different materials respond differently to different wavelengths. Selecting illumination around a useful absorption or reflection characteristic can reveal features that remain difficult to distinguish under broadband or visible illumination.

Narrowband illumination can target a specific SWIR wavelength, while broadband illumination provides a wider spectral range.

Explore our machine vision lighting when designing the illumination setup for your application.

SWIR camera price in the United Kingdom

SWIR camera prices in the United Kingdom depend on the sensor, resolution, acquisition speed, cooling, camera format and interface.

SWIR cameras generally cost more than conventional visible-light industrial cameras because short-wave infrared imaging requires specialised detector technology. SWIR-compatible optics and illumination may also contribute to the total cost of the imaging system.

Current UK prices are displayed in pounds sterling on each SWIR camera product, allowing models to be compared together with their specifications.

Examples of SWIR Cameras Applications

SWIR camera image of a silicon wafer inspection SWIR camera image showing material detection SWIR camera image for industrial inspection SWIR camera image showing container contents SWIR camera image distinguishing cooking oil from water

Buy a SWIR camera in the United Kingdom

When buying a SWIR camera in the United Kingdom, start with the wavelength and imaging requirement rather than choosing a camera based only on price or megapixel count.

Define what the system needs to detect, determine the wavelength range that creates useful contrast and then compare the available sensor, resolution, speed, cooling and interface options.

VA Imaging supplies SWIR cameras, compatible SWIR lenses, machine vision lighting and related imaging components to customers throughout the United Kingdom.

If you need support specifying your imaging system, contact VA Imaging in the United Kingdom for help selecting the camera and compatible components.

Frequently asked questions about SWIR cameras in the UK

A SWIR camera detects short-wave infrared wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum. In United Kingdom machine vision and research applications, SWIR imaging can reveal material and structural differences that conventional visible-light cameras may not detect.

SWIR cameras are expensive because they use specialised image sensors designed to detect short-wave infrared wavelengths. Resolution, acquisition speed, cooling and interface can increase the camera cost further, while compatible SWIR lenses and illumination also contribute to the complete system price.

A SWIR camera in the United Kingdom typically costs significantly more than a conventional visible-light industrial camera. The exact price depends on sensor technology, resolution, acquisition speed, cooling and interface. Current VA Imaging UK prices are displayed in pounds sterling on each product.

You can buy SWIR cameras through the VA Imaging United Kingdom webshop, where current prices are displayed in pounds sterling. VA Imaging also supports UK customers with the selection of SWIR cameras, lenses, illumination and other machine vision components.

Reviews SWIR Cameras

  • 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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