e-con Systems, for over two decades, has demonstrated expertise in offering high-quality cameras for medical and life science applications. Now, we’re excited to expand our medical portfolio with e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD, 5MP camera powered by the Sony Pregius S IMX568 sensor.
Building upon the success of the previously launched 5MP Sony Pregius IMX264 camera (See3CAM_50CUG), e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD offers a competitive alternative that meets the imaging needs of specific life sciences and In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) devices.
In this blog, you’ll first learn about the technical specifications, advantages, and applications of e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD. Then, you’ll find out which camera is better suited for specific IVD and life sciences applications – this newly launched camera or See3CAM_50CUG.
e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD – e-con Systems’ 5 MP Sony Pregius IMX264-based camera
e-con Systems’ e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD is a high-performance 5MP global shutter camera based on the advanced Sony Pregius S IMX568 – a back-illuminated CMOS sensor. It unlocks several key benefits for medical imaging, including:
- Exceptional low-light performance and high sensitivity:The back-illuminated sensor design significantly boosts light sensitivity, enabling shorter exposure times even in challenging low-light conditions. It translates to sharper, clearer images with minimal noise, which is crucial for applications requiring the capture of finer details.
- Enhanced image quality:The IMX568 sensor comes with exceptional quantum efficiency, maximizing the conversion of light into electrical signals. Hence, it ensures superior image quality across the entire light spectrum for accurate color reproduction and fidelity.
- Global shutter technology:The global shutter design of e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD ensures all pixels on the sensor capture light simultaneously. It eliminates rolling shutter artifacts that can distort moving objects in high-speed applications or when dealing with fast-moving samples.
- High frame rate: e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD delivers a remarkable frame rate of 79 fps at full 5MP resolution. It enables real-time image acquisition and processing, ideal for applications requiring dynamic observation of biological processes or fast-moving cellular activities.
- External trigger mode:e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD features an external trigger mode for accurate image capture synchronization with external events. It allows for seamless integration with automated microscopy systems or other equipment requiring synchronized image acquisition.
Ideal medical and life sciences use cases of e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD
The e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD’s unique combination of high sensitivity, low-light performance, and high frame rate makes it ideal for medical and life science use cases, such as:
Digital pathology and Whole Slide Imaging (WSI)
With its high resolution and exceptional detail capture, the e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD empowers pathologists to perform high-throughput digital pathology examinations. The camera’s global shutter technology ensures sharp and distortion-free images of tissue samples for accurate diagnosis and analysis.
Fluorescence microscopy
The camera’s high sensitivity and low noise performance are ideal for capturing faint fluorescent signals emitted by biological samples. So, researchers can effectively study cellular structures, protein localization, and other biological processes.
In-vitro Diagnostics (IVD)
The e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD can be seamlessly integrated into IVD devices for tasks like cell counting, biomarker detection, and automated analysis of biological samples. Its high frame rate drives rapid processing and analysis, which improves diagnostics workflow efficiency.
Automated microscopy and live cell imaging
The camera’s high frame rate and global shutter technology make it suitable for capturing the real-time dynamics of cellular processes. Researchers can visualize and analyze rapid cellular events such as cell division, migration, and response to stimuli.
Lab automation
e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD’s high-resolution images and fast frame rate enable accurate object detection, classification, and real-time decision-making. Hence, it can be tremendously useful for processes like liquid handling arm systems or automated analysis of medical images.
Sony IMX568 vs. IMX264 sensor-based camera: What’s right for your application?
e-con Systems offers another highly successful 5MP camera, the See3CAM_50CUG, based on the Sony Pregius IMX264 sensor. Let’s break down the important factors to consider when choosing between these two cameras for your specific medical or life sciences application:
Sensor size and pixel size
- e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD: This camera features a smaller 1/1.8″ sensor with a pixel size of 2.74 μm. Based on the Nyquist sampling theorem, the smaller pixel size potentially offers higher resolving power. It can capture finer details and sharper images of microscopic structures.
- See3CAM_50CUG:This camera utilizes a larger 2/3″ sensor with a pixel pitch of 3.45 μm. This larger sensor offers a huge advantage in terms of field of view, making it ideal for applications like whole slide imaging, where capturing a larger area in a single image is crucial. However, the larger pixel pitch might limit its ability to resolve the finest details compared to e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD.
Sensitivity and low-light performance
Both e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD and See3CAM_50CUG offer good low-light performance due to their back-illuminated sensor technology. However, some key differences can influence their performance for specific low-light scenarios:
- e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD: The smaller pixel size (2.74 μm) might contribute to slightly higher readout noise compared to the See3CAM_50CUG. However, the back-illuminated design can potentially mitigate this effect, leading to good low-light performance.
- See3CAM_50CUG: The larger pixel size (3.45 μm) offers potentially higher well capacity, which can be advantageous for capturing individual photons in extremely low-light conditions and for capturing weak fluorescent signals. Additionally, the larger pixel size might contribute to a wider dynamic range, allowing it to capture highlights and shadows in a single image under varying lighting conditions.
Frame rate
- e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD: e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD excels in capturing dynamic events with its impressive 79 fps at full 5MP resolution. Hence, it is perfect for applications requiring real-time image acquisition and processing of fast-moving biological processes or live cell imaging.
- See3CAM_50CUG: In contrast, the See3CAM_50CUG offers a frame rate of 30 fps at 5MP resolution. While sufficient for static or slow-moving applications, it might not be suitable for capturing rapid cellular events where high temporal resolution is crucial.
Final thoughts
Once you carefully evaluate the factors discussed above, it becomes easy to make an informed decision on which camera best suits your specific life science and IVD applications.
To quickly recap, e-CAM521_CUMI568C_MOD excels in capturing minute details, high frame rate scenarios, and applications requiring high sensitivity. In comparison, See3CAM_50CUG is a strong choice for applications demanding a wider FOV, lowlight imaging and where capturing a larger area in a single image is critical.
Please check out our other Sony Pregius cameras for medical and life science applications,
You can also explore our Camera Selector page to view our full camera.
If you require expert help with integrating camera solutions into your vision-based application, please email camerasolutions@e-consystems.com.
Balaji is a camera expert with 18+ years of experience in embedded product design, camera solutions, and product development. In e-con Systems, he has built numerous camera solutions in the field of ophthalmology, laboratory equipment, dentistry, assistive technology, dermatology, and more. He has played an integral part in helping many customers build their products by integrating the right vision technology into them.