In the world of machine vision and automated optical inspection systems, smart cameras receive a lot of attention. In fact, they are often presented as the favored-if not only solution.

Like PC-based vision systems, which include a camera, frame grabber, commercial motherboard and vision library, smart cameras also have strengths and weaknesses.

Here are 10 truths about smart cameras - from a smart camera and PC-based vision component vendor - to help you determine if they really are the best choice for your next vision application.