{"id":3354,"date":"2025-05-28T05:46:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T03:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kurokesu.com\/main\/?p=3354"},"modified":"2025-05-28T06:17:36","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T04:17:36","slug":"imx462-in-c3-family-details","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kurokesu.com\/main\/2025\/05\/28\/imx462-in-c3-family-details\/","title":{"rendered":"IMX462 in C3 family – details"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019re expanding the Kurokesu camera family with new models built around the Sony IMX462 image sensor – a standout performer in low-light and near-infrared environments. Designed for starlight-level sensitivity, this sensor offers exceptional performance in dim scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sensor specifications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Sony IMX462 is a 1\/2.8″ CMOS sensor optimized for low-light imaging, featuring high sensitivity, low dark current, and enhanced NIR performance. It supports 1080p at up to 120 fps and is ideal for industrial, surveillance, and scientific applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Property<\/th>Value<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Sensor Model<\/strong><\/td>Sony IMX462LQR-C (Color), IMX462LLR-C (Mono)<\/td><\/tr>
Resolution<\/strong><\/td>1920 \u00d7 1080 (2.07 Megapixels)<\/td><\/tr>
Optical Format<\/strong><\/td>Type 1\/2.8 (Diagonal 6.46 mm)<\/td><\/tr>
Active Area<\/strong><\/td>5.6 mm \u00d7 3.2 mm<\/td><\/tr>
Pixel Size<\/strong><\/td>2.9 \u03bcm \u00d7 2.9 \u03bcm<\/td><\/tr>
Shutter Type<\/strong><\/td>Electronic Rolling Shutter<\/td><\/tr>
Max Frame Rate<\/strong><\/td>120 fps (Full HD, all-pixel scan mode)<\/td><\/tr>
Operating Temp Range<\/strong><\/td>-30\u00b0C to +85\u00b0C<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Low-Light and NIR Sensitivity Comparison<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The IMX462 sensor significantly enhances both visible-light and near-infrared (NIR) performance compared to the IMX290 used in our earlier C1-PRO and C2 cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visible-Light Sensitivity (G Sensitivity at 1\/30s Exposure)<\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Sensor Variant<\/th>G Sensitivity (Digits)<\/th>Relative Gain vs IMX290<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
IMX290 Color<\/strong><\/td>5486<\/td>1.0\u00d7<\/td><\/tr>
IMX462 Color<\/strong><\/td>10741<\/td>~2.0\u00d7<\/td><\/tr>
IMX462 Mono<\/strong><\/td>11388<\/td>~2.1\u00d7<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Near-Infrared (NIR) Sensitivity at 1000nm<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Compared to the previous IMX290 sensor, the new IMX462 offers more than double the sensitivity in low light and near-infrared conditions. At 1000nm, the color version reaches ~35% relative response, while the monochrome variant, free of a Bayer filter, extends sensitivity up to ~40%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The IMX462 sensor exhibits a notably flatter and higher spectral response curve in the NIR region compared to the IMX290. This characteristic allows for improved performance in low-light and NIR applications, providing clearer images where the IMX290’s sensitivity diminishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Footprint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All new IMX462-based cameras share a compact 26 \u00d7 26mm board size with an M12 lens mount. Lens mounting holes are spaced 20mm apart, and four M2 mounting holes are positioned on a 22mm square. Cameras are available with either a USB interface or a 4-lane CSI2 MIPI interface via a standard 22-pin, 0.5 mm pitch connector.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Connectivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

IMX462-based cameras are available with USB and CSI2 MIPI interfaces, offering flexibility for both embedded and general-purpose applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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USB-C<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The USB variant uses a stacked board design that separates the image sensor from the system-on-chip. This reduces heat transfer to the sensor, improves mechanical compactness, and enables a modular camera layout. USB models are fully UVC compliant and expose standard controls (exposure, gain, white balance) via the operating system. Each unit includes an onboard EEPROM for saving last-used settings and comes with a unique serial number – making multi-camera setups on a single host seamless.<\/p>\n\n\n

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CSI2 MIPI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The CSI2 version is a direct evolution of our earlier IMX477_Z1_LEGACY<\/a> design. It connects via a standard 22-pin, 0.5 mm pitch FFC connector and supports 4 MIPI lanes. Synchronization and trigger signals are routed through a dedicated 5-pin 1mm pitch connector (Wurth Electronics 665305124022<\/a>), offering integration options for precision applications. High-quality 22 to 15pin Kurokesu 687.0832.10 FFC cable is also available for compatibility with Raspberry Pi and similar platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Camera variants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The C3-462 series includes both USB and CSI2 MIPI models, available in color and monochrome versions. The most common daylight configuration is the C3-462C, a USB camera with CS-mount and a visible band-pass (IRCUT) filter – essential for real-life colors. Board-level options include C3-462C-M12 and C3-462C-M12L for compact integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CSI2 variants are labeled 462C-CSI-M12 and 462C-CSI-M12L, offering the same sensor performance with a direct MIPI interface for embedded platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For low-light and infrared applications, monochrome models like C3-462M-NF, C3-462M-NIR1, 462M-CSI-M12, and 462M-CSI-M12L deliver high sensitivity without the limitations of a color filter. These are preferred where NIR illumination is used or maximum low-light performance is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other filter and chroma combinations are available for specialized use cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/th>M12 (9.5mm)<\/th>M12L (14.7mm)<\/th>CS-mount<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
USB-C RGB<\/td>C3-462C-M12<\/td>C3-462C-M12L<\/td>C3-462C<\/td><\/tr>
USB-C Mono<\/td>C3-462M-M12<\/td>C3-462M-M12L<\/td>C3-462M<\/td><\/tr>
RGB CSI2<\/td>462C-CSI-M12<\/td>462C-CSI-M12L<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Mono CIS2<\/td>462M-CSI-M12<\/td>462M-CSI-M12L<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

M12 vs M12L mount<\/h3>\n\n\n
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M12 and M12L mounts differ by their back focal length to support various lens types. M12 (9.5 mm) is suited for ultra-compact lenses, while M12L (14.7 mm) accommodates standard or longer lenses. Using the wrong combination of lens and mount may prevent the camera from achieving proper focus, as some wide-angle lenses require shorter flange distances. The mount variant must match the intended lens class to ensure optical compatibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Boxed camera filters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Standard boxed cameras with CS-mount are equipped with a visible band-pass (IRCUT) filter<\/strong> – model LP0689_P1010<\/a> – which blocks UV and IR light, ensuring real-life color reproduction. This configuration is ideal for general-purpose and daylight use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional filter options are available and defined in the SKU:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SKU<\/th>Filter<\/th>Chroma<\/th>Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
C3-462C<\/strong><\/td>Visible band-pass (IRCUT) LP0689_P1010<\/a><\/td>RGB Color<\/td>Standard option, essential for real-life colors<\/td><\/tr>
C3-462C-NF<\/strong><\/td>No Filter<\/td>RGB Color<\/td>Full-spectrum false-color imaging<\/td><\/tr>
C3-462C-NIR1<\/strong><\/td>Long-pass NIR 850nm LP0689-P1012<\/a><\/td>RGB Color<\/td>Infrared only; for better sensitivity consider C3-462M-NIR1<\/td><\/tr>
C3-462M<\/strong><\/td>Visible band-pass (IRCUT) LP0689_P1010<\/a><\/td>Mono<\/td>Rarely used, consider C3-462M-NF or C3-462M-NIR1 instead<\/td><\/tr>
C3-462M-NF<\/strong><\/td>No Filter<\/td>Mono<\/td>Full-spectrum monochrome imaging<\/td><\/tr>
C3-462M-NIR1<\/strong><\/td>Long-pass NIR 850nm LP0689-P1012<\/a><\/td>Mono<\/td>Optimized for infrared-only applications with maximum sensitivity<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Application Examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Conferencing and collaboration setups<\/strong>
Combine multiple C3-462C<\/strong> cameras in a single system \u2014 one for person closeup, one for full-room view, and another pointing at a desk for handwritten notes or objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remote monitoring and operation<\/strong>
C3-462C<\/strong> with IRCUT filter is a reliable default for recording or streaming in daylight – ideal for robotics, remote-controlled devices, or unattended site monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embedded vision systems<\/strong>
462C-CSI-M12<\/strong> integrates directly into compact platforms like Raspberry Pi or Jetson, suitable for edge computing or AI-based vision processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Industrial inspection<\/strong>
Use C3-462M-NIR1<\/strong> with deep NIR illumination (850\u20131000 nm) to reveal defects in plastic, glass, or layered materials that are invisible in visible light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALPR\/ANPR and vehicle profiling<\/strong>
Deploy multi-camera systems using a mix of C3 models – e.g., C3-462M-NIR1<\/strong> for license plate recognition, C3-462C<\/strong> for full-vehicle view, and optionally a third for capturing the driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biometry and face recognition<\/strong>
Use C3-462M<\/strong> or C3-462M-NIR1<\/strong> under controlled IR lighting for identity verification, liveness detection, or gaze tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scientific and biomedical imaging<\/strong>
C3-462M-NF<\/strong> is well-suited for lab setups requiring high sensitivity across a broad spectrum – useful for fluorescence, spectral imaging, or process monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summary and ordering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

C3 series cameras based on the Sony IMX462 sensor are now available in USB and CSI2 MIPI variants, with CS-mount and M12 lens options. These cameras offer improved sensitivity compared to previous C2 models, particularly in low-light and near-infrared conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Color versions with visible band-pass (IRCUT) filters are suitable for applications requiring consistent color reproduction under varying lighting. Monochrome versions without filters or with 850nm long-pass filters are recommended for infrared-illuminated environments where maximum sensitivity is needed – such as machine vision, eye tracking, or low-light monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore configurations and order here \u2013 early orders are now open:<\/p>\n\n\n\n