Although the information released is very preliminary, Sony's new line of Gigabit Ethernet cameras are anticipated to include the following: Available in output modes including: five-megapixel and UXGA for high resolution; SXGA for high sensitivity; and VGA, which delivers 90 frames per second, Sony's first GigE industrial camera module can transmit uncompressed image data at 1000Mbps over distances of 100m.
  • The module is capable of recognition, measurement and pattern matching.
  • Alignment is also possible in VGA mode.
  • ITS for high end security is enabled in 2/3 SXGA mode.
  • It comes with a choice of Windows Filter Driver or high performance driver software and a GenICam compliant XML file to provide XML to applications when the camera is booted.
  • The module supports GVCP, GVSP, UDP / OPv4, DHCP client and LLA client protocols.
  • A colour module will soon be available.
The C mounted camera measures 44 x 33 x 67.5mm, delivers a resolution depth of up to 12 bits per pixel, has a shutter speed of 1/100,000s and enables 0 18dB of gain control with 0-6dB of digital gain. These image processing capabilities, combined with high resolution, make it suitable for applications in the aerospace, robotics, pharmaceutical and automotive industries.

Availability of the new Sony Industrial Gigabit Ethernet Cameras has not been revealed. I will update you as soon as I receive that information!

********* WHAT IS GigE?? Gigabit Ethernet, (also called GigE or GigE Vision), is an industrial camera interface standard developed using the Gigabit Ethernet communication protocol. GigE is the first standard to allow fast transfers (1000 Mbps) of data using standard low cost cables over long lengths of up to 100 meters. An industrial GigE camera ultimately gives users increased data transfer speeds and cable lengths compared to FireWire® Industrial Cameras. ********* Sony offers extensive lines of Industrial and Machine Vision cameras including:
  • Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Cameras
    • Pan/tilt/zoom cameras are video cameras with built-in pan/tilt mechanisms enabling the video camera to follow moving objects. Ideal applications include: videoconferencing, distance learning, telemedicine, web/internet, surveillance and board room/conference room applications.
  • Security Cameras/Surveillance Cameras
    • CCTV products including new SuperExwave CCTV cameras and our wide selection of selecable MPEG4 or JPEG compression based IP Video cameras for remote monitoring and surveillance.
  • Smart Cameras
    • Self-contained, stand alone machine vision system with built-in image sensor in the housing of an industrial video camera.
  • FireWire (IEEE1394) Cameras
    • By utilizing the industry standard IEEE 1394 technology (a digital networked serial interface for high speed data transmission), a camera becomes a plug-and-play computer peripheral. Sony integrates the IEEE 1394 interface into its digital cameras - bringing forth a new dimension to its industrial imaging technology.
  • 3 Chip (3CCD) Color Cameras
    • Sony offers a variety of industrial color cameras for video, inspection, automation and computer applications. These professional cameras have industry accepted mounts that can be used with lenses as well as microscopes. For computer applications, built-in camera control interfaces are available on several key models
  • Color Cameras
    • Sony offers an extensive line of industrial color CCD cameras having a wide variety of features, performance levels and packaging styles for use in diverse industrial imaging applications.
  • CameraLink Cameras (CL)
    • Offering added simplicity and convenience to machine-vision system integration, Sony new XCL series of industrial high resolution digital cameras conform to the Camera Link® industry-standard digital video interface. Designed for a wide range of industrial imaging applications, including machine vision and biotechnology environments, the XCL series offers a range of Camera Link-compatible C-mount cameras with a variety of resolutions and sensitivity for system integrators
  • Progressive Scan Cameras
  • Analog Cameras
    • Sony offers an extensive line of Analog cameras having a wide variety of features, performance levels and packaging styles for use in diverse industrial imaging applications.
  • Block Cameras
    • Sony block video cameras are unfinished camcorder blocks which include built-in zoom/auto focus/auto iris lens. They exclude: VCRs, viewfinders, housing and batteries. Block video cameras are ideal for integration into systems such as: videoconferencing, dome security and other customized industrial imaging solutions.
(2008, November 5). Sony to showcase GigE standard at Vision 2008.  Engineeringtalk.com.  Retrieved on November 12, 2008 from http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/sny/sny141.html