There are several important factors which must be considered in order to select the best line scan camera for an application. Camera Resolution This is the most important point. One example —A 4000-pixel resolution line scan camera would be well suited for high detail applications like quality inspection in the textile industry. In 2024, for an industry report by Vision Systems Design in response to package sorting example work could get away transaction from a simple 1000 pixels camera.
The speed of the camera is another essential factor. For example, scan rates across various line scan cameras range from 10 kHz to as high as 100 kHz. Now as you would imagine the greater is the rate of scanning better are chances for faster inspection process, which is included in high production. A case study published by Automation World in 2024, for example, stated that a packaging firm using high-speed line scan cameras—was able to increase its throughput through increasing camera speed without compromising image quality.
Performance is also influenced by the sensor type in use on a camera. The sensors are usually CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) and deliver a line of pixels. CMOS sensors typically have faster readout speeds and use less power, while CCD sensors are generally more effective in terms of sensitivity[2] and image quality. In 2024 a review by Imaging Resource commented that CMOS sensors have been used for many years in applications where speed and power efficiency were of the utmost importance.
Highly relevant for the first phase is what integration capabilities are available. There are several interface options available in line scan cameras such as GigE Vision or Camera Link for instance, which need to be compatible with the systems that will support them. A 2024 observation by Machine Vision Online said that greatly reduce setup time and costs in the integration of flexible interface options available for cameras.
Cost is also critical. Line scan cameras typically cost between $5,000 and more than $50,000 depending on resolution speed features. According to a 2024 pricing guide by Vision Systems Design, prices for line scan cameras start at $1,000 and can exceed $3,000 (figure 2).
In addition, many environmental factors like lighting condition and space that camera will be installed need to take into account before putting cameras. While fed too fast across the camera these line scan cameras probably come with a lighting system that is built-in to remain fully in control of image quality even when process speeds are subject to variations. For instance, a 2024 feature on Machine Vision Online noted that integrated lighting could provide inspection accuracy in “difficult” environments.
For those who want to experience line scan camera options, resolution, speed and color sensor type should be based on selection of the integrated cost initially at present applications are used.