ROSEMONT, Ill., (International Robots & Vision Show, Booth #916) June 9, 2009 – Sony Electronics is introducing its new XCG series of industrial cameras using the GigE Vision® interface at the 2009 International Robots & Vision show.

The series’ four new cameras address a range of machine vision applications, including a new model that offers ultra-high 5-megapixel resolution and another that provides outstanding image quality in extreme low-light conditions.

The GigE interface incorporated in the XCG series supports large-scale systems that require high-bandwidth data capabilities over long distances of up to 100 meters, such as long cable runs from host computers to cameras. Typical applications include manufacturing environments where cameras are suspended over a shop floor and “clean room” settings where cameras must be situated at great lengths from a PC.

“The new XCG lineup highlights Sony’s responsiveness to the marketplace, embracing the GigE interface while building on the proven foundation of Sony’s XCD series cameras,” said Ken LaMarca, vice president of the visual imaging and security systems business at Sony Electronics. “The XCG series gives VARs, system integrators and OEMs confidence in the longevity of this new standard backed by Sony’s industry expertise.”

LaMarca added that the GigE interface is based on industry-standard Gigabit Ethernet (GigE Vision®) technology specifically designed for machine vision applications.  This widely accepted standard allows for integrating camera components and peripheral devices, and lowering overall vision system costs. XCG series cameras also leverage GigE technology’s packet resend mechanism for secure data transmission.

The XCG series consists of four models designed to offer a full range of resolutions and frame rates to match a variety of machine vision and security applications. The new cameras include:

XCG-V60E - 1/3-inch imager in VGA resolution at 90 fps

XCG-SX97E - 2/3-inch imager in SXGA resolution at 16 FPS

XCG-U100E - 1/1.8-inch imager in UXGA resolution at 15 fps

XCG-5005E - 2/3-inch imager in 5-megapixel resolution at 15 fps.

Each incorporates features that are familiar to users of Sony’s popular XCD series cameras including bulk and sequential trigger modes, and a partial scanning function. All use Sony’s latest PS-type CCDs with high-performance, low-noise characteristics.

The new XCG-V60E camera is suitable for bottle, pharmaceutical, and electronics inspection. The XCG-SX97E model’s ability to deliver extreme low-light sensitivity is ideal for security, ITS, and UAV applications.  Typical applications for the XCG-U100E camera include print inspection, packaging, and metallurgy, while the XCG-5005E produces high-resolution 5-megapixel images that are a fit for capturing very fine details for print inspection, microscopy, and semiconductor wafer inspection.

The Sony XCG series cameras are available now through Sony authorized distributors and system integrators. Suggested resale prices for each are:

XCG-V60E, $1,132

XCG-SX90E, $3,088

XCG-U100E, $2,798

XCG-5005E, $4,595

For more information about Sony’s Visual Imaging products, visit www.sony.com/videocameras.