Scientific Cameras – Innovations Across Multiple Categories
In the realm of scientific research and industrial applications, the demand for high-performance imaging technology continues to grow. Scientific-grade cameras play a crucial role in a variety of fields, from high-speed imaging and fluorescence studies to UV and SWIR applications. Each category of camera offers unique features tailored to specific scientific needs. Below, we delve into the various types of scientific-grade cameras, highlighting their key features and applications.
Explore our offer of scientific cameras
Pioneering in Cameras and Optoelectronics (PCO) has advanced imaging technology, from image-intensified cameras to the innovative sCMOS sensor. Acquired by Excelitas in 2021, PCO continues to lead in digital imaging for scientific research, automotive testing, quality control, and metrology.
Our offering includes a wide range of PCO cameras featuring advanced mechanical design, robust software support, and numerous accessories, providing adaptable solutions for diverse needs. An extensive portfolio covers cameras from deep UV (DUV) to shortwave infrared (SWIR), long exposure to high-speed imaging, and line scan to high-resolution area scan.
Our partner for scientific cameras
Whether you are conducting cutting-edge research, developing new technologies, or improving industrial processes, the right camera can make a significant difference. Explore the diverse range of scientific-grade cameras available and discover how they can enhance your research and applications.
Fast cameras
Fast cameras are designed to capture phenomena that occur at extremely high speeds. These cameras are essential for applications such as collision testing, where capturing rapid events with precision is critical. Equipped with high frame rates and advanced triggering capabilities, fast cameras ensure that even the briefest moments are recorded with clarity and accuracy.
Applications:
- Crash tests
- High-speed physics experiments
- Ballistics testing
Intensified cameras
Intensified cameras utilize an image intensifier based on a microchannel plate (MCP) to enhance the brightness of the image. This technology is particularly useful for applications requiring short exposure times, allowing researchers to capture dimly lit or fast-moving objects with high clarity.
Applications:
- Low-light imaging
- Night vision
- Short exposure time studies
High Sensivity Cameras
High-sensitivity cameras are equipped with back-illuminated sCMOS detectors, known for their high sensitivity and quantum efficiency across a broad spectral range. These cameras are ideal for applications requiring high-resolution imaging with minimal noise, ensuring accurate and detailed data acquisition.
Applications:
- Low-light imaging
- Biomedical research
- Astronomy
sCMOS Cameras
sCMOS cameras leverage the power of scientific complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (sCMOS) sensors. These cameras are known for their excellent dynamic range, high sensitivity, and low noise, making them versatile tools for a wide range of scientific imaging applications.
Applications:
- Microscopy
- Particle image velocimetry (PIV)
- Medical imaging
CMOS Cameras
CMOS cameras (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) utilize image sensors where each pixel contains its own amplifier and processing circuitry. This architecture delivers fast readout speeds, low power consumption, and scalability in sensor design, making CMOS cameras a popular choice for a variety of scientific applications and processing circuitry. This architecture provides very fast image readout, low power consumption, and the possibility of easy resolution expansion, which makes CMOS cameras very popular in various scientific applications.
Applications:
- Industrial inspection and automation
- Medical imaging
- Robotics
CCD Cameras
CCD cameras (charge-coupled device) are among the most widely used scientific cameras, recognized for their high sensitivity and broad dynamic range. The CCD sensor works by collecting and transferring charge across the chip to a single amplifier, which helps minimize noise and delivers exceptional image quality—especially in low-light situations. However, CCDs generally have slower readout speeds compared to sCMOS, making them optimal for applications where the highest image quality is prioritized over speed.
Applications:
- Astronomy
- Spectroscopy
- Fluorescence imaging
Streaming Cameras
Streaming cameras are designed for real-time data capture and transmission. These cameras are essential for applications where immediate visualization and analysis of the data are crucial, such as in live monitoring systems and real-time diagnostics.
Applications:
- Live monitoring
- Real-time diagnostics
- Surveillance
FLIM Cameras
FLIM cameras are specialized for fluorescence lifetime imaging, allowing researchers to study the fluorescence properties of samples with high temporal resolution. This technology is invaluable for investigating molecular interactions and cellular processes in biomedical research.
Applications:
- Cellular imaging
- Molecular biology
- Cancer research
UV/EUV/XU Cameras
UV/EUV cameras operate in the ultraviolet (UV) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectrum, covering wavelengths from 190 nm to 1000 nm. These cameras are crucial for applications requiring imaging in the UV and soft X-ray regions, providing insights that are beyond the reach of conventional cameras.
Applications:
- Material science
- Plasma diagnostics
- Space research
OEM Cameras
OEM cameras are custom-built to meet specific requirements and are designed according to the specifications provided by the client. These cameras are versatile and can be integrated into various systems and devices, tailored to the unique needs of each application.
Applications:
- Custom imaging systems
- Integration into specialized equipment
- Research and development
SEARCH:
- Choose a specific value to narrow down the table.
- The match must be exact
- For example: “UV”, “High sensitivity”, “CLHS”, “2048×2048”.
| Camera Type | Model | Resolution (pixels) | Interface | Color | Description | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLIM | pco.flim X | 1008 x 1008 | USB 3.0 | mono | CMOS; 45 double frames / s (2 tap readout); ; Shutter RS / GS; peak quantum efficiency appr. 39 % @ peak; Cooling Peltier air (fan) and water ; spectral range 370 nm - 780 nm (FWHM) | Specification |
| Uncooled sCMOS | pco.panda 26 sCMOS Camera | 5120 x 5120 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | mono or color | sCMOS; 6 fps; ; Shutter GS; QE 65 % @ 500 nm (mono); Cooling passive; | Specification |
| Uncooled sCMOS | pco.panda 26 DS sCMOS Camera | 5120 x 5120 | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | mono | sCMOS; 6 fps (single shutter mode) 1 fps (double shutter mode); ; Shutter GS / DS.; QE 65 % @ 500 nm; Cooling passive; double shutter with 1 μs interframing time | Specification |
| Uncooled sCMOS | pco.panda 4.2 sCMOS Camera | 2048 x 2048 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | mono or color | sCMOS; 40 fps; ; Shutter RS; QE 80 % @ 600 nm; Cooling passive; lightsheet scanning mode | Specification |
| Uncooled sCMOS High Sensivity | pco.panda 4.2 bi sCMOS Camera | 2048 x 2048 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | mono | back-illuminated CMOS; 40 fps; ; Shutter RS; QE 92 % @ 550 nm; Cooling passive; lightsheet scanning mode / low light mode | Specification |
| Uncooled sCMOS UV / DUV/ XU High sensivity | pco.panda 4.2 bi UV sCMOS Camera | 2048 x 2048 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | mono | back-illuminated sCMOS; 40 fps; ; Shutter RS; QE 90 % @ 550 nm / 46 % @ 240 nm; Cooling passive; lightsheet scanning mode / low light mode | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS | pco.edge 26 USB sCMOS Camera | 5120 x 5120 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | mono | sCMOS; 6 fps; ; Shutter GS; QE 72 % @ 500 nm; Cooling air & water; | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS Streaming | pco.edge 26 CLHS sCMOS Camera | 5120 x 5120 | CLHS FOL | mono | sCMOS; 150 fps; ; Shutter GS; QE 65 % @ 500 nm; Cooling air & water; double shutter, lens control | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS High Sensivity Streaming | pco.edge 10 bi LT CLHS sCMOS Camera | 4416 x 2368 | CLHS FOL | mono | back-illuminated sCMOS; 122 fps; ; Shutter RS; QE 85 % @ 500 nm; Cooling air & water; lens control | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS High Sensivity Streaming | pco.edge 10 bi CLHS sCMOS Camera | 4416 x 2368 | CLHS FOL | mono | back-illuminated sCMOS; 122 fps; ; Shutter RS; QE 85 % @ 500 nm; Cooling air & water; | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS High Sensivity Streaming | pco.edge 9.4 bi CLHS sCMOS Camera NEW | 4096 x 2300 | CLHS FOL | mono | back-illuminated sCMOS; 122 fps; ; Shutter RS; QE 85 % @ 500 nm; Cooling air & water; | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS Streaming | pco.edge 5.5 DS CLHS Scientific Camera | 2560 x 2160 | CLHS FOL | mono or color | sCMOS; 100 fps / RS – 25 fps /DS ; ; Shutter RS, GS, GR, DS; QE 60 % @ 600 nm monochrome; Cooling air, optional: water; | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS Streaming | pco.edge 5.5 CLHS sCMOS Camera | 2560 x 2160 | CLHS FOL | mono or color | sCMOS; 100 fps; ; Shutter RS, GR; QE 60 % @ 600 nm; Cooling air, optional: water; double shutter, lens control | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS | pco.edge 4.2 USB sCMOS Camera | 2048 x 2048 | USB 3.0 | mono | sCMOS; 40 fps; ; Shutter RS, GR; QE 82 % @ 580 nm; Cooling air & water; | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS | pco.edge 4.2 LT USB sCMOS Camera | 2048 x 2048 | USB 3.0 | mono | sCMOS; 40 fps; ; Shutter RS, GR; QE 82 % @ 580 nm; Cooling air; | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS Streaming | pco.edge 4.2 CLHS sCMOS Camera | 2048 x 2048 | CLHS FOL | mono | sCMOS; 100 fps; ; Shutter RS; QE 82 % @ 580 nm; Cooling air, optional: water; lens control | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS UV / DUV/ XU High sensivity | pco.edge 4.2 bi UV USB sCMOS Camera | 2048 x 2048 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | mono | back-illuminated sCMOS; 40 fps; ; Shutter RS, GR; QE 89 % @ 580 nm, 48 % @ 240 nm; Cooling air & water; lightsheet scanning mode3, low light mode | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS Streaming | pco.edge 26 DS CLHS sCMOS Camera | 5120 x 5120 | CLHS FOL | mono | sCMOS; 149 fps; ; Shutter GS / DS.; QE 65 % @ 500 nm; Cooling ; Spectral range 320-1000 nm | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS | pco.edge 3.1 USB sCMOS Camera | 2048 x 1536 | USB 3.0 | mono or color | sCMOS; 50 fps; ; Shutter RS, GS, GR; QE 60 % @ 600 nm1; Cooling air; | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS | pco.edge 5.5 USB sCMOS Camera | 2560 x 2160 | USB 3.0 | mono or color | sCMOS; 30 fps; ; ; QE 60 % @ 600 nm1; Cooling air & water; | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS High sensivity | pco.edge 4.2 bi USB sCMOS Camera | 2048 x 2048 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | monochrome | back-illuminated sCMOS; 40 fps; ; Shutter RS, GR; QE 95 % @ 580 nm; Cooling air & water; | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS High sensivity Streaming | pco.edge 10 bi CLHS sCMOS Camera | 4416 x 2368 | CLHS FOL | monochrome | back-illuminated sCMOS; 122 fps; ; ; QE 85 % @ 500 nm; Cooling air & water; | Specification |
| Cooled sCMOS High sensivity UV/EUV/XU | pco.edge 4.2 bi XU USB sCMOS Camera | 2048 x 2048 | USB 3.0 Gen 1 | monochrome | sCMOS PulSar; 40 fps; ; Shutter RS, GR; QE >95% @2.28 nm; Cooling peltier with forced air (fan) and water cooling; | Specification |
| High speed | pco.dimax 3.6 ST High-speed Camera | 1984 x 1808 | Camera Link HS (FOL) | monochrome | sCMOS; 2166 fps; ; Shutter GS; QE 68 % @ 620 nm; Cooling air; | Specification |
| High speed | pco.dimax cs1 High-speed Camera | 1296 x 1024 | Gigabit Ethernet | mono or color | CMOS (proprietary); 3086 fps; exposure time 1.5 μs ... 40 ms; Shutter GS; QE 50%; Cooling passive; Spectral range 400-680 nm | Specification |
| High speed | pco.dimax cs3 High-speed Camera | 1920 x 1440 | Gigabit Ethernet | mono or color | CMOS (proprietary); 1603 fps; exposure time 1.5 μs ... 40 ms; Shutter GS; QE 50%; Cooling passive; Spectral range 400-680 nm | Specification |
| High speed | pco.dimax cs4 High-speed Camera | 2016 x 2016 | Gigabit Ethernet | mono or color | CMOS (proprietary); 1102 fps; exposure time 1.5 μs ... 40 ms; Shutter GS; QE 50%; ; Spectral range 400-680 nm | Specification |
| SWIR | pco.pixelfly 1.3 SWIR | 1280 x 1024 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Monochrome | InGaAs; 72 fps; 20 μs - 30 s; Shutter GS; QE 90 % @ 1200 nm; Cooling Peltier with forced air; Spectral range 400 to 1700 nm | Specification |
| Intensified | pco.dicam C1 Single-Channel Intensified Camera | 2048 x 2048 | CLHS FOL (Camera Link HS) | Monochrome | sCMOS; 106 fps; 4ns – 1s; Shutter Double Image / Single Image; QE 58 % for P43 peak emission @ 545 nm QE 57 % for P46 peak emission @ 530 nm; Cooling Peltier, forced air (Fan); Image intensifier: photocathode material S20, GaAs, GaAsP (others on request), diameter 25 mm (18 mm on request), phosphor screen material P43, P46; | Specification |
| Intensified | pco.dicam C1 UHS Single-Channel Intensified Camera | 1504 x 1504 | CLHS FOL (Camera Link HS) | Monochrome | sCMOS; 143 fps; 20 ns - 1 s; Shutter Double Image / Single Image; QE 59 % for P43 peak emission @ 545 nm QE 57 % for P46 peak emission @ 530 nm; Cooling Peltier, forced air (Fan); Image intensifier: photocathode material S20, GaAs, GaAsP (others on request), diameter 18 mm, phosphor screen material P43, P46; | Specification |
| Intensified | pco.dicam C1 LT Single-Channel Intensified Camera | 1504 x 1504 | CLHS FOL (Camera Link HS) | Monochrome | sCMOS; 120 fps; 51ns – 1s; Shutter Double Image / Single Image; QE 57 % for P46 peak emission @ 530 nm; Cooling Peltier, forced air (Fan); Image intensifier: photocathode material S20, diameter 18 mm, phosphor screen material P46; | Specification |
| Intensified | pco.dicam C1 LX Single-Channel Intensified Camera | 2048 x 2048 | CLHS FOL (Camera Link HS) | Monochrome | sCMOS; 106 fps; 51ns – 1s; Shutter Double Image / Single Image; QE 59 % for P43 peak emission @ 545 nm QE 57 % for P46 peak emission @ 530 nm; Cooling +7°C stabilized, air; Image intensifier: photocathode material S20, diameter 25 mm, phosphor screen material P46; | Specification |
| Intensified | pco.dicam C4 Four-Channel Intensified Camera | 2048 x 2048 | CLHS FOL (Camera Link HS) | Monochrome | sCMOS; 424 fps; 4ns – 1s; Shutter Double Image / Single Image; QE 58 % for P43 peak emission @ 545 nm QE 57 % for P46 peak emission @ 530 nm; Cooling Peltier, forced air (Fan); Image intensifier: photocathode material S20, GaAs, GaAsP (others on request), diameter 25 mm (18 mm on request), phosphor screen material P43, P46 | Specification |
| Intensified | pco.dicam C4 UHS Four-Channel Intensified Camera | 1504 x 1504 | CLHS FOL (Camera Link HS) | Monochrome | sCMOS; 572 fps; 20 ns - 1 s; Shutter Double Image / Single Image; QE 59 % for P43 peak emission @ 545 nm QE 57 % for P46 peak emission @ 530 nm; Cooling Peltier, forced air (Fan); Image intensifier: photocathode material S20, GaAs, GaAsP (others on request), diameter 18 mm, phosphor screen material P43, P46 | Specification |
| Intensified | pco.dicam C4 LT Four-Channel Intensified Camera | 1504 x 1504 | CLHS FOL (Camera Link HS) | Monochrome | sCMOS; 120 fps; 51ns – 1s; Shutter Double Image / Single Image; QE 57 % for P46 peak emission @ 530 nm; Cooling Peltier, forced air (Fan); Image intensifier: photocathode material S20, diameter 25 mm, phosphor screen material P46 | Specification |
| Intensified | pco.dicam C4 LX Four-Channel Intensified Camera | 2048 x 2048 | CLHS FOL (Camera Link HS) | Monochrome | sCMOS; 120 fps; 51ns – 1s; Shutter Double Image / Single Image; QE 57 % for P46 peak emission @ 530 nm; Cooling Peltier, forced air (Fan); Image intensifier: photocathode material S20, diameter 18 mm, phosphor screen material P46 | Specification |
| Intensified | pco.dicam C8 Eight-Channel Intensified Camera | 2048 x 2048 | CLHS FOL (Camera Link HS) | Monochrome | sCMOS; 848 fps; 4ns – 1s; Shutter Double Image / Single Image; QE 58 % for P43 peak emission @ 545 nm QE 57 % for P46 peak emission @ 530 nm; Cooling Peltier, forced air (Fan); Image intensifier: photocathode material S20, GaAs, GaAsP (others on request), diameter 25 mm (18 mm on request), phosphor screen material P43, P46 | Specification |
| Intensified | pco.dicam C8 UHS Eight-Channel Intensified Camera | 1504 x 1504 | CLHS FOL (Camera Link HS) | Monochrome | sCMOS; 1144 fps; 20 ns - 1 s; Shutter Double Image / Single Image; QE 59 % for P43 peak emission @ 545 nm QE 57 % for P46 peak emission @ 530 nm; Cooling Peltier, forced air (Fan); Image intensifier: photocathode material S20, GaAs, GaAsP (others on request), diameter 18 mm, phosphor screen material P43, P46 | Specification |
| Intensified | pco.dicam C8 LT Eight-Channel Intensified Camera | 1504 x 1504 | CLHS FOL (Camera Link HS) | Monochrome | sCMOS; 120 fps; 51ns – 1s; Shutter Double Image / Single Image; QE 57 % for P46 peak emission @ 530 nm; Cooling Peltier, forced air (Fan); Image intensifier: photocathode material S20, diameter 25 mm, phosphor screen material P46 | Specification |
| Intensified | pco.dicam C8 LX Eight-Channel Intensified Camera | 2048 x 2048 | CLHS FOL (Camera Link HS) | Monochrome | sCMOS; 120 fps; 51ns – 1s; Shutter Double Image / Single Image; QE 57 % for P46 peak emission @ 530 nm; Cooling Peltier, forced air (Fan); Image intensifier: photocathode material S20, diameter 18 mm, phosphor screen material P46 | Specification |
| CCD Camera | pco.pixelfly 1.4 DS USB | 1392 pixel x 1040 pixel (normal), 800 pixel x 600 pixel (center ROI) | USB 2.0 | monochrome or color | CCD; 7.3 / 13.5 fps (12 / 24 MHz, normal) 11.7 / 21.6 fps (12 / 24 MHz, center); ; Shutter GS (snapshot), DS.; QE 62%; Cooling passive; spectral range 290 nm - 1100 nm | Specification |
| CCD Camera | pco.pixelfly 1.4 USB | 1392 pixel x 1040 pixel (normal), 800 pixel x 600 pixel (center ROI) | USB 2.0 | monochrome or color | CCD; 7.3 / 13.5 fps (12 / 24 MHz, normal) 11.7 / 21.6 fps (12 / 24 MHz, center); ; Shutter GS (snapshot); QE 0,62; Cooling passive; spectral range 290 nm - 1100 nm | Specification |
