IMX678 HDMI Camera Module with 4mm Lens (95° FOV): Precision and Clarity for Industrial Vision

In today’s industrial and embedded vision markets, the demand for high-resolution, low-latency, and low-light-capable imaging solutions is stronger than ever. The Sony IMX678 CMOS sensor, paired with a 4mm lens delivering a 95-degree field of view in a 38×38mm HDMI camera module, offers a perfect balance of clarity, flexibility, and ease of integration for engineers and product managers working on robotics, automation, inspection systems, and embedded vision projects.

This combination is not just another camera module — it’s a specialized tool designed to perform in environments where image quality, speed, and adaptability directly determine operational success.

1. High-Resolution Imaging with Wide Coverage

The Sony IMX678 is an 8.4MP STARVIS 2 CMOS sensor capable of capturing 3840 × 2160 (4K) resolution video with exceptional detail. When paired with the 4mm lens and a 95° field of view, it achieves an ideal balance between coverage and detail:

• Wide yet accurate: 95° FOV covers a medium-wide scene without introducing excessive distortion, perfect for inspection lines, autonomous navigation, or scene monitoring.
• Versatile deployment: Suitable for both fixed-mount inspection systems and mobile robotic platforms.

For applications like conveyor belt inspection or AGV navigation, the 95° field of view ensures that both close-range and medium-range objects remain visible and measurable.

2. Starlight-Level Low Light Performance

The STARVIS 2 back-illuminated pixel architecture provides superior light sensitivity. The IMX678 can deliver clear, low-noise images even in illumination levels below 0.004 lux, making it perfect for:

• Nighttime robotics navigation without additional lighting
• Industrial inspection in dimly lit factory corners
• Medical and lab imaging where light exposure needs to be minimized
• Security monitoring in low-light or mixed-light environments

Compared to many competing CMOS sensors of the same resolution, the IMX678’s 2.0µm pixel size allows more light capture per pixel, resulting in cleaner images and better color reproduction in challenging conditions.

3. Wide Dynamic Range for Complex Lighting

Industrial and field environments often have extreme lighting contrasts — from bright reflective metal parts to dark shadowed areas. The IMX678 handles this with its native multi-exposure HDR/WDR, preserving detail in both highlights and shadows without motion blur or ghosting.

This makes it ideal for:

• Reading QR/barcodes on reflective surfaces
• Inspecting glossy or metallic materials
• Capturing outdoor scenes with bright sunlight and dark shadows simultaneously

4. Real-Time HDMI Output — Plug-and-Play Simplicity

Unlike MIPI or USB-based solutions that may require software integration and driver tuning, the HDMI output of this module enables direct connection to industrial monitors, DVR systems, or vision processing units:

• Zero driver installation — plug into any HDMI display or capture device
• Low latency — ideal for live monitoring and real-time decision-making
• Multiple viewing setups — connect directly to large industrial screens for operator viewing, or feed into an HDMI capture card for AI processing

For factories, this means engineers and QC inspectors can instantly view live video without additional PC setup, speeding up deployment and reducing downtime.

5. Compact 38×38mm Design for Easy Integration

Space is often at a premium in industrial machines, robotic arms, and embedded systems. The 38×38mm PCB makes it easy to integrate the module into:

• Conveyor inspection enclosures
• Robot head/arm housings
• Medical imaging devices
• Compact kiosks or terminals

Its small footprint combined with the wide-angle lens allows installation in tight spaces without sacrificing field coverage.

6. Versatile Industrial & Embedded Applications

Industrial Inspection:

• Detecting surface defects or assembly errors in real time
• Measuring dimensions or alignment of moving parts
• Monitoring production lines from a fixed position

Robotics & Automation:

• Vision-guided robotic arms for pick-and-place
• AGV/AMR navigation with wide-area awareness
• Object detection and classification in dynamic environments

Medical & Lab Imaging:

• Microscopy projection onto large screens
• Surgical assistance with wide field coverage
• Non-invasive patient monitoring in low-light rooms

Security & Monitoring:

• Starlight surveillance in warehouses or perimeter areas
• Reading license plates or container IDs under poor lighting
• Remote facility monitoring with HDMI feed to control rooms

7. Why Choose the IMX678 HDMI Module with 4mm Lens?

• High-resolution 4K clarity for both industrial and embedded vision
• 95° field of view balances coverage and accuracy
• Low-light sensitivity ideal for starlight and night operations
• HDR/WDR ensures visibility in high-contrast scenes
• Direct HDMI output for real-time monitoring without software integration
• Compact 38×38mm design for tight integration spaces

Conclusion

For engineers, system integrators, and vision specialists in the industrial, robotics, medical, and security sectors, the Sony IMX678 HDMI camera module with 4mm lens and 95° FOV offers a plug-and-play imaging solution that excels in low light, handles complex lighting, and delivers 4K detail in real time.

Its combination of STARVIS 2 low-light sensitivity, high dynamic range, and direct HDMI connectivity makes it a competitive choice in high-value, mission-critical vision applications.