Point Grey Launches New 2.8 Megapixel Grasshopper3 USB 3.0 Camera, Sets New Standard for CCD Sensitivity

The ICX674 sensor supports high definition 1080p30 imaging and uses Sony's EXview HAD CCD II™ technology—a further evolved version of the well-known EXview HAD CCD™ technology—to improve quantum efficiency, reduce smear, and increase sensitivity, including into the near infrared.

Like all Point Grey USB 3.0 cameras, the Grasshopper3 is built on an FPGA and frame buffer-based architecture to provide optimal reliability, a rich set of features, and a full image processing pipeline including color interpolation, look up table, gamma correction and pixel binning. Additional Grasshopper3 cameras using 6 megapixel and 9.1 megapixel EXview HAD CCD II sensors will be released later this year.

The Sony ICX674 sensor, with its 2.8 MP resolution and larger pixels, is quickly becoming the new industry standard for low noise, high-sensitivity CCD imaging, explains Michael Gibbons, Director of Sales and Marketing. Customers in machine vision and life science want to capture the best possible images with the highest dynamic range possible from a wide range of USB 3.0-enabled desktop and laptop computers where other digital interfaces, such as Camera Link, are not an option. This new Grasshopper3 camera addresses the needs of these customers, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, including print inspection, 3D measurement, flow-scanning cytometry, and fluorescence imaging.

The Grasshopper3 GS3-U3-28S5 color and monochrome models are list priced at USD $1995 and EUR €1495 and are available to order now from Point Grey and its network of distributors.