SONY EXPANDS LINEUP WITH FIRST IEEE 1394.B CAMERAS
Smaller, Faster XCD-V50/V50CR For Extended Cable Runs & Daisy Chaining
SAN JOSE, CA. (Vision Show West, Booth #311), May 17, 2005 - Sony Electronics today introduced two new cameras, the XCD-V50 B&W model and XCD-V50CR color model, both featuring IEEE 1394.b compliant interfaces allowing longer cable runs, daisy-chaining of multiple cameras on a single cable run, faster frame rates and backward compatibility with most computers that can interface to existing IEEE 1394 technology.
The XCD-V50/V50CR further enhance Sony Electronics' comprehensive lineup of IEEE 1394 digital and Camera Link ® compatible cameras designed for machine vision, bioscience/microscopy, and other industrial imaging applications. Sony's diverse digital camera line-up offers a choice of bit depth, CCD size, monochrome or color, and resolution from VGA to SXGA. All of these cameras offer fast trigger input and exposing output.
"These new cameras are a significant enhancement to our IEEE 1394 camera lineup demonstrating our ongoing commitment to advancing digital camera technology to add value and reduce costs for our customers," said Ken LaMarca, general manager of the visual imaging products division of Sony Electronics' Broadcast and Business Solutions Company. "While there has been much attention given to the faster frame rates possible with IEEE 1394.b, one of the most powerful advantages come through using the increased bandwidth to daisy chain multiple cameras which enormously increases cable run capability and in most cases, eliminates the need to use expensive FireWire ® hubs."
The XCD-V50 B&W camera and XCD-V50CR color camera share advanced imaging technologies including a 1/3" progressive scan CCD with VGA (648x494 square pixel) resolution. Both are smaller than previous Sony digital cameras, an ultra-compact 44x29x57.5mm, and offer a choice of 8 or 14-bit output to achieve low noise levels providing outstanding image quality even under extreme light conditions. Frame rates of up to 60 fps are supported in 8-bit mode. Through the IEEE 1394.b interface, cable runs of up to 100 meters are supported, a significant improvement over IEEE 1394's 4.5 meter limit. This added reach increases versatility and ease of installation for a wide range of inspection applications in factories and manufacturing facilities. In addition, these 1394.b cameras can achieve cost savings by connecting to computers through inexpensive standard interface cards. Their backward compatibility with 1394.a technology provides increased capabilities while maximizing the return on investment for the user's existing system.
The Sony XCD-V50 B&W color camera is now available through Sony-authorized distributors at a suggested resale price of $1,120. The Sony XCD-V50CR color camera is planned to be available in June through Sony-authorized distributors at a suggested resale price of $1,120.
Editor's Note:
More information regarding Sony Visual Imaging Products visit www.sony.com/videocameras
