Point Grey announced the addition of a new 12 MP CCD model to its Grasshopper3 USB3 Vision camera line. The Grasshopper3 GS3-U3-120S6 models are based on color and monochrome versions of the 1" Sony ICX834 global shutter CCD sensor, which features 3.1 micron pixels and 4242 x 2830 image resolution running in dual-tap at 7 FPS. The ICX834 device utilizes Sony's EXview HAD CCD II pixel architecture with improved quantum efficiency and near infrared response (NIR). EXview HAD CCD II also enables smaller pixel sizes while maintaining excellent imaging performance. This allows the high resolution ICX834, with its 1-inch optical format, to be integrated into compact C-mount cameras like the Grasshopper3, and used with smaller, lower-cost C-mount lenses. With its high resolution CCD image quality, high dynamic range, and USB 3.0 interface, the Grasshopper3 is well suited for a wide variety of demanding applications including industrial inspection, 3D scanning, microscopy and mobile mapping.

Like all Point Grey USB 3.0 cameras, the Grasshopper3 uses a proprietary USB 3.0 link layer and frame buffer-based architecture for optimal performance and reliability. The Grasshopper3 uses an advanced image processing pipeline to enable color interpolation, look up table, gamma correction, pixel binning and USB3 Vision support. "We're excited to continue expanding our Grasshopper3 USB3 Vision family with even higher resolution sensors," says Michael Gibbons, Director of Sales and Marketing at Point Grey. "This new 12 MP Grasshopper3 camera is Point Grey's highest resolution machine vision camera to date. The ultra HD 4K Sony ICX834 CCD sensor achieves a higher sensitivity in the near infrared range (NIR) and offers better price performance than other high resolution cameras on the market."

The Grasshopper3 GS3-U3-120S6 is list priced at $3695/€2795 and is available to order now from Point Grey, its network of distributors, and the online store (for North American, EU and Australian customers).