uEye XCP camera

The uEye XCP camera family, developed with advanced Starvis 2 technology from Sony, offers unmatched light sensitivity and exceptional performance in compact, cost-efficient industrial cameras. The new U3-38C0XCP Rev.1.2 models bring cutting-edge features and robust design to industries requiring high-quality imaging in low-light environments.

Introducing the uEye XCP Camera Series with Starvis 2 technology

Equipped with the Sony IMX662 2.16 MP Rolling Shutter sensor, the U3-38C0XCP Rev.1.2 delivers superior image quality with a high dynamic range, thanks to its innovative pixel technology. The camera achieves resolutions of 1968 x 1100 pixels, with a pixel size of 2.90 µm, and provides a fast frame rate of 88.0 fps.

• Exceptional low-light performance: Ideal for applications where high sensitivity and low resolution are critical.
• Anti-reflection coating: Minimizes lens flare and enhances image clarity.
• Compact design: Measuring just 29 x 29 x 17 mm, these lightweight cameras can be seamlessly integrated into any system.
   

The U3-38C0XCP Rev.1.2 is available in three models:

• U3-38C0XCP-C-HQ Rev.1.2 (Colour, with filter glass)
• U3-38C0XCP-M-GL Rev.1.2 (Monochrome, with filter glass)
• U3-38C0XCP-M-NO Rev.1.2 (Monochrome, without filter glass)
   

These models feature a durable, fully enclosed zinc die-cast housing rated IP30 and a C-mount lens holder, accommodating standard lenses for cost-efficient setups. With a USB 3 interface (5 Gbps) and full compliance with Vision Standards (U3V/GenICam), the cameras ensure easy integration into various image processing systems. Compatibility with the IDS peak SDK enhances usability, making the cameras intuitive for operators across industries. The uEye XCP camera series redefines performance and affordability in industrial imaging, combining compact form, high functionality, and cost-efficiency. Designed for both industrial and non-industrial use, the uEye XCP cameras are perfect for applications such as laboratory analysis, autonomously navigating vehicles and robotic automation systems.

Telescope with IDS industrial camera uEye XCP in the eyepiece tube

uEye XCP camera specifications

• Item Numbers: U3-38C0XCP-M-GL Rev.1.2: 1009877, U3-38C0XCP-M-NO Rev.1.2: 1009878, U3-38C0XCP-C-HQ Rev.1.2: 1009876
• Camera Family: XCP
• Interface: USB 3
• Interface Speed: 5.00 Gbps
• Sensor Type: CMOS
• Sensor Manufacturer: Sony
• Maximum Frame Rate at Resolution: 88.0 fps
• Resolution (H x V): 1968 x 1100
• Optical Area: 5.707 mm x 3.190 mm
• Shutter: Rolling Shutter
• Optical Class: 1/3"
• Resolution: 2.16 MP
• Pixel Size: 2.90 µm
• IP Code: IP30
• Sensor Model: IMX662
• Product Life Cycle: Series
   

Camera, filter wheel and Barlow lens form an optical unit in the eyepiece tube

Through Stardust with Starvis 2: How IDS cameras are revolutionizing planetary imaging

Amateur astronomers and professionals alike are breaking new ground in planetary imaging, thanks to advancements in industrial camera technology. One standout example is the uEye XCP camera from IDS Imaging Development Systems, equipped with Sony Starvis 2 sensors. This compact, high-performance camera is redefining the capabilities of telescopic imaging, allowing observers to capture breathtaking, high-resolution images of planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and Mars.

The IDS uEye XCP model, specifically the U3-38C0XCP-M-NO with a monochrome IMX662 sensor, is central to this innovation. Australian amateur astronomer Anthony Wesley, who has spent over two decades observing planets and the evolution of camera technology, highlights this camera's exceptional performance. Its 2.16 MP rolling shutter sensor, with enhanced near-infrared (NIR) sensitivity, delivers remarkable image clarity even in low-light conditions.

Telescope image of the planet Saturn (with colour filter of the Astrodon I series)

Overcoming atmospheric challenges

Planetary imaging faces significant obstacles due to atmospheric turbulence, or "seeing," which causes blurring and flickering in telescopic images. The Earth's atmosphere also absorbs and scatters visible light, particularly in the blue spectrum, making high-quality imaging a challenge. However, near-infrared light is less affected by these disturbances, penetrating clouds and dust more effectively. This allows NIR-sensitive cameras to reveal structures hidden in visible light, such as young stars, star-forming regions, and intricate planetary details.

Anthony Wesley notes that the uEye XCP camera excels in these conditions, offering powerful low-light performance. Mounted to a telescope with a 415mm aperture and 6000mm focal length, the camera records 60 frames per second in short video segments, capturing planets in both visible and infrared spectrums.

Precision image processing

Raw video segments captured with the FireCapture software undergo meticulous post-processing to refine image quality. Tools such as Autostakkert align and merge images, correcting distortions caused by atmospheric turbulence. The Astra Image and Registax software packages further enhance sharpness through deconvolution techniques.

Unique challenges, such as the rotation of planets like Jupiter (which spins by one degree every 90 seconds), are addressed using Winjupos software to align and derotate images. Final touches are applied with GIMP, producing vivid, high-resolution planetary images that overcome the blurring effects of Earth’s atmosphere.

Hardware and software synergy

The seamless integration of IDS cameras with software is pivotal to their success. The IDS peak SDK provides intuitive programming interfaces and tools, ensuring users can unlock the full potential of the cameras. This compatibility extends to FireCapture, a widely used astrophotography software. "IDS peak is perfectly matched to our hardware," notes Damien Wang, Area Sales Manager at IDS, emphasizing the intuitive installation and versatile application options the SDK provides.

The uEye XCP camera combines cutting-edge sensor technology with a lightweight, compact design, making it ideal for amateur and professional astronomers alike. The camera’s anti-reflection coating, high frame rate of 88 fps, and impressive dynamic range deliver superior results in low-light and NIR imaging.

Anthony Wesley predicts a bright future for cameras featuring Sony Starvis 2 sensors, especially in the NIR range (700–1000 nm), where new insights into planetary systems can be uncovered. Beyond astronomy, these cameras offer potential applications in fields like underwater photography, where low-light environments pose similar challenges.

With the combination of IDS uEye XCP cameras and the latest sensor technologies, astronomers are uncovering new dimensions in planetary imaging, advancing both the art and science of exploring our solar system.

U3-38C0XCP Rev.1.2