As a camera module manufacturer, we often hear the question from our customers: How to choose the right camera module for my device? Based on our experience in developing custom camera modules, we have sorted out the following issues that customers need to consider before choosing a camera module:
1. What resolution does my application device need to meet?
For example, 1M, 2M, 5M, 8M, 12M (4K)....... The resolution is generally determined by the sensor used by the camera module. The sensor is the core module of the CCM.
2. Is there a specified type of sensor?
As we all know, the higher the pixel of the sensor, the larger the size of the photo taken, it is best to find the sensor that matches the actual application to match the developer's system, and the customer needs to check whether the sensor of the camera module is compatible with the device motherboard platform. In addition, the cost budget should also be considered. Different chips often have very different prices. Commonly used consumer electronics camera modules are:
SONY ( IMX179 IMX415, IMX377, IMX219, IMX258, IMX135, IMX214, IMX307, IMX323, IMX166, ), OmniVision ( OV9732, OV9281, OV5648, OV5640, OV2710, OV2640, OV02735, OV09632), Galaxycore (GC6153, GC032A, GC030A,GC2385, GC02M1B, GC5035, GC8034), Himax (HM0360, HM2131, HM2140) ，there are other brands such as BYD, SUPERPIX, MICRON, APTINA, SUMSUNG and so on.
3. If my application device requires video capture, what is the required capture rate at the required capture resolution?
The number of frames we usually refer to is the number of frames of pictures transmitted in seconds, usually expressed in fpsFrames Per Second). Each frame is a still image, and displaying frames in rapid succession creates the illusion of motion and restores the state of the object at that time. Higher frame rates result in smoother, more realistic animations. The more frames per second (fps), the smoother the motion displayed. Common ones are 15fps, 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps, among which 30fps is the most widely used. While ensuring a certain smooth effect, it can also reduce the storage space as much as possible.
4. How far is the target object that my application device needs to capture from the camera? Fixed focus or auto focus? How much viewing angle is required?
These are all related to the lens of the camera module, the lens plays a very important role in the imaging effect. The commonly used camera lens sizes are 2.8mm, 3.6mm, 6mm, 8mm. The larger the lens of the surveillance camera, the farther the monitoring distance and the narrower the monitoring angle (screen field of view); the smaller the camera lens, the closer the monitoring distance and the wider the monitoring angle (screen field of view).
5. Is the device being used in a noisy environment: What are the lighting conditions?
6. How do I connect my camera board to the target board? This involves the interface of the camera module. Does it need MIPI, USB, or DVP interface?
7. Do I need an operating system to use the camera? If yes, what operating system should I use?
Today's mainstream operating systems (such as WindowsXP SP2 and later, Linux2.4.6 and later, MacOS10.5 and later) have provided UVC device drivers, so hardware devices that conform to the UVC specification can be installed on the host without installing any drivers. In normal use, the USB camera module is widely used.
After clarifying the above problems, the customer can better choose the camera module that meets the equipment application when communicating with the R&D manufacturer. After determining the structure and size, the camera module prototype can be designed for the customer's reference.
CAMEMAKE has camera solutions from 0.08M to 13M pixels.
Production Capacity of Various Types of Products Per Month
We have a good network of sensor and lens component manufacturers. In this regard, CAMEMAKE will be able to understand application requirements and cost budgets to select suitable sensor and lens components for customers.
The CAMEMAKE factory has an experienced team of engineers with an average of 10 years of experience in the CCM industry. They can develop camera module prototypes for reference in a timely manner according to customer needs, and upgrade the firmware in time according to customer needs.
Summary and Conclusion
Choosing a suitable camera module involves many steps, such as choosing the right sensor/module for the application, choosing the right lens angle, determining the right structure, debugging the picture quality, and lighting the program. All of these take a long time, and CAMEMAKE will cooperate with the design and development progress of the customer's finished product by shortening the product customization time, and playing the role of the customer's partner.
