Point Grey announced the addition of a new 1.3 megapixel Sharp CCD model to its Blackfly family of GigE Vision cameras. The latest Blackfly BFLY-PGE-13H2 camera models are based on the Sharp RJ33J4CA3DE (mono) and RJ33J3CA3DE (color) 1/3" global shutter CCD sensors. These camera models are capable of streaming  1288 x 964 resolution images at 30 FPS. Sharp Corporation has developed a proprietary CCD technology that provides improved sensitivity and image quality compared with conventional CCDs. Its unique microlens design collects light more efficiently resulting in improved quantum efficiency in the visible and near infrared regions.

The Blackfly supports cable lengths of up to 100 meters using Gigabit Ethernet, is compatible with GigE Vision third-party applications and provides a host of features including Power over Ethernet, temperature and status monitoring, in-field updatable firmware, color interpolation, look up table, gamma correction, pixel binning functionality, and much more.

“Sharp’s image sensor business has seen significant growth this year and we’re excited to expand our product portfolio with additional Sharp CCD sensors”, says Michael Gibbons, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Point Grey. “This sensor has the same optical format and pixel size as the popular Sony ICX445 and delivers similar imaging performance at a lower price, making it ideal for industrial applications such as factory automation, inspection and 3D scanning.” 
The BFLY-PGE-13H2 is list priced at $265/€199 and is Point Grey’s lowest priced Blackfly camera to date,  available to order now from Point Grey, its network of distributors, and the online store (for North American, Australian, and EU customers).