Structured Light Camera for 3D Machine Vision
Structured light cameras provide detailed three-dimensional information about objects, surfaces, and workspaces. By capturing depth as well as height, shape, and position, they help industrial systems perform tasks that cannot be handled reliably with conventional 2D imaging alone.
VA Imaging Inc. supplies structured light cameras for machine vision, robotics, logistics, research, and OEM integration throughout the United States. Our portfolio includes compact USB cameras, industrial Ethernet models, and polarized solutions developed for applications involving reflective or otherwise challenging surfaces.
With our office in Charlotte, North Carolina, VA Imaging Inc. supports American manufacturers, system integrators, machine builders, and engineering teams with the selection and integration of industrial 3D vision technology.
Structured Light Cameras
A structured light camera actively projects a predefined pattern onto an object or scene. The camera observes how that pattern changes across the visible surfaces and uses those changes to calculate distance and geometry. The resulting information can be processed as a depth image, three-dimensional point cloud, surface model, or set of XYZ coordinates. This allows machines and robots to determine where an object is located, how it is oriented, and how its shape differs from a reference. Structured light technology is particularly well suited to close- and medium-range applications requiring dense depth data and detailed surface information. Because the system projects its own pattern, it can also capture depth from objects with limited natural texture.
What is a structured light camera?
A structured light camera is 3D camera that projects a known pattern of dots, lines, grids, or coded light onto a target. One or more imaging sensors record how the pattern appears on the surface. The camera then compares the observed pattern with its calibrated reference. From the displacement and deformation of the projected light, the system reconstructs the depth, position, and shape of the object. This gives industrial systems access to spatial information that is unavailable in a normal 2D image. Instead of only detecting edges, colors, or contrast, the camera can measure how far away a surface is and how it extends through three-dimensional space.
How Does a Structured Light Sensor Camera Work?
The process begins with an integrated projector illuminating the target with a calibrated pattern. The camera sensor records the pattern from a known position and angle. Image-processing algorithms then analyze where the projected features appear within the captured image.
Using triangulation, active stereo processing, or a related method, the camera calculates the distance to visible points across the target. These measurements are combined into a depth map or point cloud that can be used by inspection software, robotic systems, or custom applications.
The exact processing method varies by camera model, but the basic principle remains the same: a known light pattern is converted into measurable three-dimensional coordinates.
When Is Structured Light the Right 3D Technology?
Structured light is often selected when an application requires detailed information about object geometry within a controlled working range. It is particularly relevant when the task depends on shape, height, position, or surface variation rather than only on color and contrast.
In robotics, structured light cameras help determine the position and orientation of randomly placed parts. In quality inspection, they can reveal height differences, deformation, warpage, or incomplete assembly. In logistics, they can measure parcel dimensions, occupied volume, or object position. Compact models can also be integrated into OEM products and embedded systems that need built-in depth sensing.
Because the projected pattern creates artificial visual features, structured light can work effectively with plain or low-texture objects. However, the actual performance still depends on the working distance, object material, ambient lighting, camera position, and required measurement tolerance.
Structured Light Cameras for Robotics
A structured light camera for robotics provides spatial information that helps a robot understand where objects are located and how they are oriented. The generated point cloud can be used to calculate gripping positions, approach paths, and object boundaries.
This makes structured light relevant for random bin picking, depalletizing, pick-and-place automation, machine loading, packaging, and assembly support. The camera selection should reflect the dimensions of the parts, the depth of the bin, the robot speed, and the level of positioning accuracy required by the gripper.
For a successful robotic application, the camera must capture not only the uppermost object but also the relevant areas deeper inside the bin or workspace. Occlusion, part overlap, reflective materials, and the robot’s movement all need to be considered during system design.
Structured Light Cameras for 3D Inspection
Structured light cameras can support inspection tasks in which geometry is more important than color. By comparing captured depth information with defined limits or reference data, a system can evaluate whether a part has the correct shape, height, alignment, or completeness.
Typical examples include dimensional verification, flatness analysis, warpage detection, assembly checks, surface deviation measurement, and confirmation that required components are present.
The camera supplies the 3D data, while the connected software determines whether the object meets the inspection criteria. Required tolerance, smallest relevant feature, working distance, and surface condition must therefore be considered together when selecting the camera.
Structured Light Cameras for Logistics and Warehousing
In logistics and intralogistics, structured light cameras can help systems understand the dimensions and position of parcels, containers, and other objects.
The depth data can support parcel dimensioning, volume estimation, object separation, fill-level monitoring, automated sorting, and robotic handling. A suitable camera must cover the full conveyor or measurement area while still providing enough depth detail for the intended task.
For moving objects, exposure time, capture speed, conveyor speed, and synchronization with other equipment can affect the quality of the 3D result.
Structured Light Cameras for OEM Integration
Compact structured light cameras can be incorporated into machines and devices that require integrated 3D sensing. These may include laboratory instruments, smart equipment, medical devices, automated kiosks, industrial inspection systems, and specialized production machinery.
OEM camera selection involves more than choosing a resolution. Engineers should also evaluate the available installation space, interface, power requirements, software access, mounting method, thermal conditions, cable routing, and expected production volumes.
VA Imaging Inc. can help US OEMs compare camera options during both prototype development and preparation for production integration.
Structured Light Cameras for Reflective Surfaces
Glossy, reflective, dark, or transparent surfaces can be difficult for optical 3D systems. Reflections may obscure the projected pattern, create incorrect measurements, or leave gaps in the point cloud.
Polarized structured light cameras are designed to reduce certain reflection-related effects. By controlling the polarization of projected and captured light, these models can improve pattern visibility on materials such as polished metal, glossy plastic, coated components, and reflective flooring.
Polarization does not eliminate every challenge associated with reflective materials. Performance remains dependent on the object angle, curvature, coating, ambient illumination, and camera position. Testing with the actual target is therefore recommended before the final camera is selected.
Structured Light Compared With Stereo Vision
Passive stereo vision calculates depth by comparing images from two separate viewpoints. It relies on visible features within the scene to identify matching points between the images.
Structured light introduces its own pattern, providing additional features that can be detected even when an object has little natural texture. This can make structured light effective for detailed close-range imaging in controlled environments.
Passive stereo vision may be more appropriate for larger working areas, changing outdoor conditions, or situations in which projecting light onto the scene is not practical. The correct choice depends on the required range, detail, surface material, scene movement, and environmental conditions.
Structured Light Compared With Time-of-Flight
Time-of-flight cameras determine distance by measuring how long emitted light takes to return to the sensor or by analyzing its phase shift. Structured light cameras determine depth from the displacement of a projected pattern.
Time-of-flight technology can be useful for larger scenes, general spatial awareness, and applications where rapid depth acquisition is important. Structured light is often evaluated when a project requires dense surface information and detailed close-range depth data.
Neither technology is automatically better for every application. The required accuracy, object speed, working distance, lighting, surface material, and field of view should guide the decision.
How to Choose a Structured Light 3D Camera
Determine the working distance
Define the distance between the camera and the target. Depth accuracy and point density can change across the operating range, so performance should be evaluated at the actual installation distance.
Define the required field of view
Make sure the camera covers the complete inspection, measurement, or robotic workspace. Consider the width, height, and depth of the target area, including the full bin or complete part.
Establish the required accuracy
Define the smallest feature or variation the system must detect. Tolerance, repeatability, measurement area, and working distance should all be considered together.
Evaluate the object surface
Glossy, transparent, reflective, dark, or curved surfaces can affect depth capture. Testing with the actual object is recommended when surface behavior is uncertain.
Consider movement and capture speed
Determine whether the target is stationary, moving on a conveyor, or viewed by a robot-mounted camera. Moving applications may require faster acquisition, shorter exposure times, or synchronization.
Select the appropriate interface
USB is often suitable for compact systems with a nearby computer. Ethernet can be better for longer cable distances, industrial networks, rugged installations, and flexible camera placement.
Confirm software compatibility
Review data formats, operating system support, SDK availability, programming languages, robot integration, and processing requirements before selecting the camera.
Frequently Asked Questions About Structured Light Cameras
Get Help Choosing a Structured Light Camera
Selecting a structured light camera requires more than comparing resolution and maximum range. The camera must match the object size, installation distance, surface material, required depth performance, interface, software environment, and physical operating conditions.
With our office in Charlotte, North Carolina, VA Imaging Inc. supports structured light camera projects across the United States. We help manufacturers, machine builders, system integrators, robotics companies, and OEM engineering teams compare USB, Ethernet, rugged, and polarized 3D camera options.
Share your object dimensions, working distance, field of view, surface material, required tolerance, and software environment with VA Imaging Inc. Our team can help you identify a suitable structured light camera for your application.
Reviews VA Imaging
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10Absolutely 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.
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8Cameras 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.
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10Easy 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.
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10embedded 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.
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10Excellent
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
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10Excellent 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.
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10Fast 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.
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8Fast delivery
Fast delivery even without paying the speed premium Fast delivery even without paying the speed premium
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9Fast 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!
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10Fast 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!
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8.5Good 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.
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10Good 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.
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8Good 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.
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10Great
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.
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9Great 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.
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10Great 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 :)
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9Great 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.
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10Great 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.
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10Great 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.
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10Great 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.
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10Great 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.
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10Great 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.
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10High 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.
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10I 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.
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10It 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.
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10Just 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
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9Outstanding 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.
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10Outstanding 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.
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8Perfect customer interaction
Good site and perfect customer interaction. Good site and perfect customer interaction.
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10Products 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).
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10Professional 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.
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10Prompt 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.
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10Prompt 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.
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10Quick 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.
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10Quick 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.
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10Quick 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.
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10Really 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.
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9Suitable 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.
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10The 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!
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8Very good service
We are very happy with the quality of goods and services. We are very happy with the quality of goods and services.
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10Very 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).
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10Very 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.
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10Very 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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10Very 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!
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10Very smooth transaction
Great seller, good comunication, ship very fast. Great seller, good comunication, ship very fast.
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