Computer vision camera products
VA Imaging is your one-stop shop for computer vision and machine vision cameras for industrial imaging, automation, robotics, measurement and quality control. Our portfolio combines industrial cameras with machine vision lenses, lighting, software and accessories for complete vision systems.
Use this page to compare camera types, interfaces and supporting components, or contact our machine vision experts for help selecting a setup based on your field of view, working distance, object speed and inspection requirements.
Computer Vision Camera Products for Complete Vision Systems
Computer vision camera products work together as part of a complete imaging system. The camera captures image data, while the lens determines the field of view and image detail. Lighting creates the contrast required for reliable imaging, and cables, accessories and software support integration, image acquisition and processing.
The right combination depends on the application. Inspection speed, field of view, working distance, smallest visible feature, environmental conditions and software requirements should all be considered before selecting the hardware.
Compare Computer Vision Camera Types
Different computer vision cameras are suited to different imaging tasks. The application and required image data determine which camera technology is the best starting point.
| Camera type | Typical applications | Important selection factors |
|---|---|---|
| Area scan camera | 2D inspection, measurement, robotics and general automation | Resolution, frame rate and shutter type |
| Line scan camera | Continuous materials, production lines and fast-moving objects | Line rate, movement and lighting |
| 3D camera | Depth measurement, volume inspection and robot guidance | Working distance, depth range and accuracy |
| Board-level camera | Compact machines, OEM devices and space-limited systems | Camera dimensions, mounting and interface |
| SWIR, UV and NIR cameras | Wavelength-specific inspection and material analysis | Spectral sensitivity, optics and illumination |
| Polarization camera | Reflective surfaces and applications where polarization information improves contrast | Surface properties, lighting and polarization requirements |
Computer Vision and Machine Vision Camera Selection
Selecting the right computer vision camera or machine vision camera starts with the requirements of the application. Define what needs to be detected, measured or inspected before comparing camera specifications.
Camera interface
The camera interface determines how image data is transferred and influences bandwidth, cable length and system integration. VA Imaging offers computer vision and machine vision cameras with
USB3 Vision, GigE Vision, 2.5GigE, 5GigE, 10GigE and CoaXPress interfaces.
USB3 Vision provides high bandwidth and is well suited to shorter cable distances. GigE Vision supports longer cable runs and can simplify installation with Power over Ethernet where supported. 2.5GigE, 5GigE and 10GigE provide higher Ethernet Bandwidth, while CoaXPress is available for applications requiring very high image-transfer rates.
Camera resolution
The required camera resolution depends on the field of view and the smallest feature that must be detected. The smaller the feature compared with the total field of view, the more pixels are required to represent it clearly.
For example, consider a 2000 x 1500 mm field of view where the smallest object is 10 mm wide. If that object should cover at least two pixels, the required system resolution is 5 mm per pixel. This results in a minimum image size of 400 x 300 pixels, or approximately 0.12 MP. In practice, additional resolution may be useful depending on the required inspection reliability and image detail.
Global Shutter or rolling shutter machine vision camera?
A global shutter is generally preferred when the camera or inspected object moves during image acquisition because all pixels are exposed at the same time. This helps reduce motion-related image distortion.
A rolling shutter can be a cost-effective option for stationary or controlled applications where movement during exposure is limited. Learn more in our Global vs. Rolling Shutter Cameras article.
Other camera specifications
Frame rate, sensor size, pixel size, camera dimensions and environmental requirements should also be considered when selecting a camera. Compact board-level and right-angle cameras are available for space-limited systems, while SWIR, UV and other specialised camera technologies support applications outside the standard visible spectrum.
Lenses, Lighting and Accessories for Computer Vision Systems
A reliable computer vision system depends on more than the camera alone. The lens, illumination, connectivity and protective accessories all influence the quality and consistency of the captured image.
Machine Vision Lens Selection
A suitable lens for a computer vision or machine vision camera is selected based on sensor size, field of view, working distance and required image detail. The lens should support the camera sensor format and provide the focal length required for the application.
The required focal length can be estimated using the horizontal field of view, working distance and sensor size. Use the VA Imaging lens calculator to determine a suitable focal length and compare lens opening angles.
C-mount lenses are commonly used with industrial cameras and provide adjustable focus and aperture options. M12 lenses can be suitable for compact systems, while telecentric, F-mount, SWIR, UV and microscope lenses are available for more specialised imaging requirements.
Cables and Camera Protection
Use a cable that matches the selected camera interface and application environment. Standard, high-flex and screw-lock cable options are available for systems where reliable connectivity or repeated movement is important.
Camera enclosures can protect the camera and lens from dust, dirt and water in demanding industrial environments. The required enclosure size depends on the dimensions of both the camera and lens.
Lens Filters
Lens filters can improve image contrast by transmitting selected wavelengths while reducing unwanted ambient light. Color filters, infrared filters and polarising filters can be used depending on the illumination and surface characteristics of the inspected object.
Machine Vision Lighting
Machine vision lighting creates controlled and repeatable illumination for the camera. The correct lighting geometry, color and intensity can improve contrast, highlight relevant features and reduce unwanted reflections or shadows.
VA Imaging offers bar lights, ring lights, backlights, spot lights and other lighting formats for different machine vision applications, including configurable and custom options where required.
Image Processing Software for Computer Vision
Image processing software converts daptured image data into useful inspection or automation results. Depending on the application, software can be used for measurement, object detection, positioning, code reading, OCR, classification and communication with PLCs or industrial robots.
Software options include camera SDKs for image acquisition and parameter control, graphical machine vision platforms such as Zebra Aurora Vision, recording software such as 2ND Look and open-source tools including OpenCV and Kinovea. The appropriate software depends on the required processing, programming environment and system integration.
Need Help Selecting a Computer Vision Camera?
Choosing the right camera, lens and lighting combination depends on the complete imaging requirement. Share your field of view, working distance, smallest feature, object speed, preferred interface and environmental requirements with our machine vision experts.
We can help you compare suitable computer vision camera products and supporting components for your application.
Ask our machine vision expertsFrequently Asked Questions About Computer Vision Cameras
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.
Vision & Automation Resources
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FAQ pageFAQ
Most common questions are already answered on our FAQ page. Questions about delivery times, warranty, loan, returns, longevity, manuals etc.
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DiscoverImaging Software
Image processing software captures the images from an industrial camera and performs complex image processing tasks like segmentation, detection, code and text reading.
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DiscoverKnowledge Center
We share our machine vision knowledge in our knowledge center. Find tutorials how to connect cameras, install software & program I/O.
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DiscoverMachine Vision Applications
Check how our customers use our industrial cameras, lenses and lighting in their application
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Talk to usMachine Vision Experts
Ask our machine vision experts! We answer rapidly and think along with your imaging project.
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DiscoverDownloads
The download page provides access to product documentation, software, drivers, manuals and technical resources for industrial cameras and machine vision components.