The Goobuy UC-535 is a 1080p starlight USB camera module built on Sony STARVIS IMX385 sensor, delivering ultra-low-light color video down to 0.001 lux with HDR/WDR for industrial inspection, robotics, logistics, and energy-site monitoring

Designed for 24/7 edge-AI deployments, the UC-535 pairs a large 1/2" STARVIS IMX385 sensor with ultra-fast F1.0 lenses to achieve clean, low-noise imaging in dark factories, warehouses, tunnels, and outdoor industrial sites. With onboard H.264/MJPEG encoding, UVC plug-and-play support for Windows, Ubuntu, Jetson Orin/Nano, industrial PCs, and Raspberry Pi, plus a rugged 32×32 mm modular design with optional metal housing, the UC-535 provides a long-lifecycle, high-reliability vision solution for automated night inspection, AGV/AMR navigation, process monitoring, and remote energy-facility surveillance.

 

Product Overview

The Goobuy UC-535 (IMX385 STARVIS) is a compact 32×32 mm industrial USB camera module,Leveraging Sony’s STARVIS sensor, the module delivers starlight-level sensitivity while maintaining clean, low-noise video. Optional metal housing improves thermal stability and EMI robustness for 24/7 operation..

The Goobuy UC-535 IMX385 USB camera delivers industry-leading starlight performance using Sony’s 1/2" STARVIS sensor with 3.75-µm large pixels, enabling high-SNR 1080p imaging where conventional USB cameras lose color and contrast. With true 0.001-lux sensitivity, HDR/WDR processing, ultra-fast F1.0 optics, and a robust low-noise pipeline, it captures detailed video in mixed-lighting and near-dark environments commonly found in industrial plants, automated warehouses, transportation hubs, and outdoor energy stations. The module integrates seamlessly into embedded systems via UVC, requiring no drivers on Linux, Ubuntu, Jetson, ARM SBCs, or Windows, while the 32×32 mm form factor and optional metal enclosure support long-term operation in harsh conditions for machine vision, inspection, robotics, and security analytics.

 

Key advantage
1. Sony STARVIS IMX385 (1/2″, 3.75 µm) for 0.001-lux starlight color imaging
2. Ultra-fast F1.0 low-light lenses (2.8 / 6 / 8 mm options)
3. High dynamic range (HDR/WDR) for mixed/harsh lighting environments
4. Clean 1080p@30/60fps with high-SNR and low-noise processing
5. Onboard H.264/MJPEG encoding + UVC plug-and-play for easy integration
6. Rugged 32×32 mm board with optional metal housing for industrial reliability
7. Full OS compatibility: Windows / Ubuntu / Linux / Jetson Orin / Jetson Nano / Raspberry Pi / ARM SBCs
8. NDAA-compliant long-lifecycle platform for OEM/ODM machine vision projects

Gain critical insight in extreme low-light conditions with our 1/2" Sony IMX385 USB camera, housed in a durable metal case, and featuring ultra-fast F1.0 aperture lenses. Perfect for the demanding industrial environments of the Great Lakes region in united states.

 

| Parameter          | Specification                                      |
|--------------------|----------------------------------------------------|
| Sensor             | Sony STARVIS IMX385, 1/2", 2MP                     |
| Resolution         | 1920×1080 up to 60fps (MJPEG), 30fps (YUY2)        |
| Minimum Illumination | 0.001 lux (starlight, F1.0 lens)                |
| Lens Options       | F1.0 2.8 mm / 6 mm / 8 mm, M12 mount               |
| Dynamic Range      | HDR / WDR-capable pipeline                          |
| Interface          | USB 2.0 / USB Type-C, UVC compliant                |
| Board Size         | 32×32 mm                                           |
| Housing            | Optional metal enclosure with heat spreading       |
| OS Support         | Windows, Ubuntu, Linux, Jetson, Raspberry Pi       |
| Typical Applications | Industrial inspection, robotics, logistics, energy monitoring |
 

Looking for the Datasheet? Scroll to the footer to download the PDF.

 

Detailed Technical Comparison Table of 3 starvis sensor

Feature	IMX385	IMX307	IMX291
Sensor Size	1/2" (largest)	1/2.8"	1/2.8"
Pixel Size	3.75 µm (highest sensitivity)	2.9 µm	2.9 µm
Starlight Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (best)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Minimum Illumination	0.001 lux	~0.01 lux	~0.02 lux
HDR/WDR	Very strong	Moderate	Basic
Noise Level	Very low	Low	Medium-high
Dynamic Range	Excellent	Good	Fair
Color Retention in Low Light	Best	Good	Weak
Best Encoding	H.264 / MJPEG	H.264 / MJPEG	H.264 / MJPEG
Typical Board Size	32×32 mm	38×38 mm	38×38 mm
Industrial Reliability	Highest	Very high	Medium
Power Consumption	Slightly higher	Medium	Low
Price Level	High-end	Mid-range	Low-cost

 

Executive Summary Table

Sensor	Best For	Strengths	Limitations	Who Should Choose It
IMX385 (1/2", 3.75 µm)	High-end industrial AI vision	Best low-light (0.001 lux), HDR/WDR, cleanest SNR, largest pixel size	Higher cost, higher power, requires better thermal handling	High-end robotics, night inspection, outdoor AI, energy facilities
IMX307 (1/2.8", 2.9 µm)	Balanced, stable 24/7 edge-AI	Excellent starlight, reliable color, stable supply, long lifecycle	Less HDR strength vs IMX385	AMR/AGV, kiosks, industrial terminals, 24/7 AI systems
IMX291 (1/2.8", 2.9 µm)	Cost-sensitive AI modules	Budget-friendly, low power	More noise, weaker color retention, not ideal <0.02 lux	Entry-level devices, consumer-grade AI, simple monitoring

 

Why Choose Goobuy IMX385 Industrial HDR low light USB camera?

• Key Benefits :
  • Sony IMX385 Sensor: Leverages Sony's cutting-edge STARVIS technology for exceptional 0.001x Lux low-light sensitivity and vivid color reproduction in near darkness.
  • Robust Metal Casing: Engineered for maximum durability and heat dissipation in harsh industrial settings (optional purchase, with or without enclosure ok)
  • Ultra-Fast F1.0 Aperture Lenses: Choose from 2.8mm, 6mm, or 8mm to capture more light and achieve superior image clarity.
  • USB2.0/USB-C(Type-C), UVC compliant, Wide angle low light USB camera (equipped with 2.8mm F1.0 lens)
  • True Industrial-Grade Performance: Designed for continuous 24/7 operation in manufacturing, automotive, and logistics environments.

Versatile Integration: Seamlessly connect with existing industrial monitoring and machine vision systems.

 

Powering Critical Applications 

• Enabling 24/7 Operations Across Your Industry
• Visuals: Icons or specific application images/photos if available.
• Automotive Manufacturing: Paint inspection in low-light booths, assembly line monitoring after hours, security for valuable assets.
• Heavy Machinery & Equipment Monitoring: Visual inspection of remote or dimly lit components, predictive maintenance.
• Logistics & Warehousing: Automated sorting, inventory tracking, and security in low-light storage areas.
• Quality Control: Detecting subtle defects in challenging lighting conditions.

    Process Monitoring: Continuous oversight of critical operations in dimly lit production areas.

 

Engineering Challenges Solved by Goobuy UC-535 USB camera (IMX385)

1. Challenge: Motion Blur in Low-Light Warehousing

• The Problem: AGVs and robots operating in dimly lit warehouses often suffer from motion blur because standard cameras must lower the shutter speed to capture enough light.

• The UC-535 Solution: With the massive 3.75µm pixels, the IMX385 sensor accumulates light faster. This allows for faster shutter speeds even in low light, reducing motion blur and improving the accuracy of VSLAM and barcode reading algorithms.

 

2. Challenge: High Contrast Lighting (e.g., Entrance/Exit Monitoring)

• The Problem: Cameras facing factory doors often get "blinded" by bright sunlight while the interior remains dark (backlight scenarios).

• The UC-535 Solution: The DOL-HDR (Digital Overlap HDR) capability captures multiple exposures simultaneously, balancing the bright outdoors and dark indoors into a single, clear image, ensuring visibility of both incoming vehicles and interior details.

 

3. Challenge: Color Accuracy in Night Vision

• The Problem: Traditional IR cameras switch to Black & White mode at night, losing critical color information (e.g., wire colors, safety sign colors).

• The UC-535 Solution: The "Super Low Light" performance allows the camera to stay in Color Mode down to 0.001 Lux, retaining vital color data for AI analysis without switching to monochrome.

Problems Solved:

1. 24/7 Monitoring of Critical Industrial Processes & Assets:
   • Problem: Monitoring machinery, production lines, control rooms, or remote industrial sites around the clock, even during nighttime, power outages, or in dimly lit zones where conventional cameras fail to provide usable images.
   • Solution: The IMX385's "Starlight" vision ensures clear, often color, video feeds in near-total darkness, allowing for continuous oversight of operations, security, or safety protocols without relying on additional, expensive lighting. This is vital for safety compliance and anomaly detection.
   •  
2. Quality Control in Variable or Low-Light Manufacturing:
   • Problem: Conducting visual inspections for defects, alignment, or missing components on a production line where lighting conditions may be inconsistent, low (e.g., during specific curing processes or between shifts), or where external lighting is undesirable.
   • Solution: The camera maintains high image quality regardless of ambient light, ensuring consistent and reliable automated or manual quality checks throughout all operational hours, reducing errors and waste.
   •  
3. Safety and Security in Dimly Lit or Unlit Zones:
   • Problem: Identifying unauthorized access, monitoring hazardous areas, or ensuring worker safety in industrial sites (e.g., loading docks, construction sites, large warehouses, mining operations, remote utility stations) that have minimal or no lighting at night.
   • Solution: Provides high-resolution night vision for detection, identification, and evidence collection, significantly enhancing site security and safety compliance without needing to invest heavily in permanent lighting infrastructure.

Special Demands Met:

• Exceptional Low-Light Performance: Unrivaled clarity in near-darkness, minimizing or eliminating the need for costly external illumination.
• Versatile Field of View: Optional lenses allow precise tailoring of the viewing angle for different industrial tasks, from wide-area monitoring to focused inspection points.
• Ease of Integration: USB connectivity simplifies setup with existing industrial PCs or embedded controllers, reducing integration time and cost.
• Cost-Effectiveness for Night Vision: Reduces or eliminates the need for expensive additional IR illuminators, simplifying installation and reducing power consumption.
• Reliable Data for Analytics: High-quality, low-noise images are ideal input for industrial video analytics, machine learning, and AI-driven inspection systems.

Industrial Reliability for North American Environments

Designed for robust operation, this module is widely deployed across North American industrial hubs, including the Great Lakes Region. Its optional metal enclosure and thermal design make it suitable for the varying temperatures and humid conditions often found in automotive manufacturing plants and logistics centers in states like Michigan and Ohio.

 

Key Features Section

• Sony STARVIS IMX385 1/2" CMOS sensor with 0.001 lux starlight performance  
• Up to 1920×1080 @60fps (MJPEG) or 30fps (YUY2), depending on host bandwidth  
• Ultra-fast F1.0 lenses (2.8 / 6 / 8 mm) for maximum low-light sensitivity  
• 32×32 mm compact USB camera module, optional rugged metal housing  
• USB 2.0 / Type-C UVC interface, plug-and-play on Windows, Ubuntu, Jetson and Raspberry Pi  
• HDR/WDR-ready pipeline for scenes with bright highlights and deep shadows  
• Low-noise, high dynamic range output ideal for machine vision and video analytics  
• NDAA-compliant industrial design for critical infrastructure and security projects
 

video screenshoot that imx385 starvis usb camera made video in the night, October 2024 ( following image had been compressed much)

 

NDAA Compliance Statement: Explicitly state compliance here

("NDAA-Compliant Design – This Goobuy UC-535 usb camera product is manufactured in full compliance with NDAA Section 889 and does not contain restricted components.."

 

Frequently Asked Questions (Engineering Focused)

Q1: Does this IMX385 module support raw data output?

Yes. While the standard output is MJPEG/YUY2 via USB, we can customize the firmware to support RAW data output for customers developing proprietary ISP algorithms. Please contact our engineering team for SDK support.

 

Q2: What is the difference between the IMX385 and the IMX335 (5MP)?

The IMX335 offers higher resolution (5MP) but smaller pixels (2.0µm). The IMX385 (2MP) has much larger pixels (3.75µm). Choose the IMX385 if night vision sensitivity is your priority. Choose IMX335 if daylight resolution is more important.

 

Q3:  Can the Goobuy UC-535 starvis camera be customized for different lenses, housings or connectors?
Yes. Goobuy (Shenzhen Novel Electronics Limited) offers OEM/ODM services including custom FOV lenses, IR-cut/IR-pass options, rugged housings, cable length, and connector types tailored to your machine vision or robotics platform.

Is the lens replaceable?

Yes, the module comes with a standard M12 lens S mount. We offer a range of aperture options (F1.0 black light Lens recommended) and focal lengths (2.8mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm) to match your Field of View (FOV) requirements.

 

Q4: Does Goobuy UC-535 USB camera work with NVIDIA Jetson or Raspberry Pi?

Absolutely. The module is UVC (USB Video Class) compliant. It is plug-and-play on Linux (Ubuntu), Windows, Android, and macOS without requiring proprietary drivers. It works seamlessly with OpenCV and GStreamer.

 

Q5. Is the Goobuy IMX385 USB camera UC-535 suitable for AI/ML-based inspection and analytics?
Yes. The low-noise, high dynamic range output from the IMX385 provides clean input for AI/ML models, improving detection accuracy for small defects, anomalies and low-contrast features in industrial scenes.

 

 

Call to Action

Request a Sample or Technical Consultation
Tell us your scenario (robot/UAV/energy). We’ll propose lens/FPS/format settings and thermal/mechanical options.
Email: office@okgoobuy.com or whatsapp me +86 13510914939 Attn: Mr Art huang

 

Relative Blogs and product application Articles

1, IMX385 STARVIS USB Camera for Night Vision Systems

 

2, IMX385 STARVIS USB Camera Success Stories Across America

 

3, IMX385 STARVIS USB Camera: Great Lakes Security Solution

 

4,  IMX385 Starvis Night Vision USB CAM in US Great Lakes Region

 

5,  STARVIS IMX307 vs IMX385 vs IMX585 vs IMX678 vs GC2053 Night Vision Performance compare