Sony Block Cameras with More Output Options
Sony autofocus-zoom cameras are popular, high-quality, reliable and adaptable cameras. Harrier technology enhances their functionality and adds additional capabilities.
The Sony FCB-EV9520L is a block camera with 30x optical zoom and a high-sensitivity IMX662 STARVIS 2 CMOS sensor. The slightly larger Sony FBC-EV9500L has a bigger Sony IMX64AR STARVIS AR-coated sensor.
These cameras are ideal for capturing high-quality images even in very low-light scenarios. They provide Full HD video up to 1080p60 in LVDS video output format and benefit from several advanced functions including:
- Spot Focus,
- ICR (with colour when on)
- Super Image Stabilizer
- Wide Dynamic Range
- Sony’s proprietary autofocus-zoom algorithm that enables zoom and focus at the same time
Enhancing camera native features
However, these cameras themselves only provide LVDS video output and only support the VISCA camera control protocol. These interfaces are not immediately compatible with standard PCs and embedded systems, and additional hardware is required.
Adding a Harrier Camera Interface Board to the camera provides additional video output options. These small, closely-fitting boards convert the LVDS output of the camera into USB (UVC), HDMI, Ethernet IP, 3G/HD-SDI and even HD-VLC for long cable length solutions. The interface boards provide TTL, RS-232 and RS-485 serial protocols. Additionally, the USB and IP boards support VISCA control over USB or Ethernet.
We supply the FCB-EV9520L or the FCB-9500L as pre-assembled units fitted with the interface board of your choice making these cameras quick to integrate and easy to configure. The interface boards are mounted so that the dimensions of the final assembly maintain the same height and width of the camera, with only a small increase in length.
Superior IP video streaming with Harrier technology
For example, the Harrier 30x AF-Zoom IP Block Camera combines the Sony FCB-EV9520L and Harrier IP Camera Interface Board, providing Ethernet IP video output. It supports up to 1080p60 Full HD video output and the very low latency H.264 RTP streaming video is ideal for industrial and real-time applications.
Harrier IP hosts an administrator website that is used to setup and control the camera, making configuration and operation simple and intuitive. The Harrier IP also supports ONVIF profile S for camera and IP video output control. Our Harrier IP Example Software gives application examples of how to add text or graphical overlays to the live video stream and send VISCA commands to the camera via the ONVIF media service.
Reducing IP video latency
Need a low latency IP solution? Harrier IP camera hardware and firmware has been optimized to reduce latency to a minimum. Furthermore, our technical note explains how to reduce latency in your vision system to enhance the video stream to its maximum.
USB option for AI processing
Another popular choice is to pair Sony cameras with our Harrier USB/HDMI Camera Interface Board, providing simultaneous HDMI and USB Video Class (UVC) v 1.1 output.
As AI at the edge applications mature, we are seeing a noticeable increase in demand for these modules that also easily integrate into Linux systems. With the help of the Harrier USB SDK software tool, which has been developed with ARM based NVIDIA Jetson Orin, engineers can stream video within minutes using v4l2-ctl, GStreamer, or DeepStream and run AI models on live data. Read more about Harrier USB cameras with ARM systems in our blog.
Sony + Harrier for demanding vision applications
For a high-quality autofocus-zoom camera with the required video output, a Sony FCB-EV9520L with integrated Harrier technology is the perfect choice.
This combination is well suited to UAV and ROV applications, as well as industrial imaging, remote monitoring and medical imaging.
We also offer camera assemblies based on Tamron block cameras and our own Harrier autofocus-zoom cameras, providing 10x to 55x zoom, up to 4K output and models with global shutter or rolling shutter sensors.
Browse the range with full specs and features, or contact us to be guided through the process of finding the ideal AF-Zoom camera for your application.
