IMX678 USB Camera Module – 4K STARVIS 2 Vision for Industry

 

 

Product Overview

The IMX678 STARVIS 2 USB Camera Module is designed for advanced embedded vision systems requiring 4K Ultra HD imaging, excellent low-light sensitivity, and wide dynamic range. Built on Sony’s STARVIS 2 1/1.8” CMOS sensor (2.0 µm pixel), it delivers superior starlight performance while keeping bandwidth optimized with UVC-compliant USB output.

With a 38×38 mm PCB and M12 lens mount, the module integrates easily into drones, robots, and industrial monitoring devices. It is ideal for real-time 4K video streaming, machine vision applications, and 24/7 surveillance of energy facilities.

 

Why Choose IMX678 USB Camera Module?

✔ Ultra-compact + 4K resolution: Power meets miniaturization.
✔ Unmatched low-light imaging with Sony STARVIS 2 technology.
✔ Flexible customization: lens, FOV, interface, cable length.
✔ Industrial-grade reliability: tested for continuous 24/7 operation.
✔ Seamless integration with robotics, smart devices, and industrial PCs.

A Technical Deep Dive: What Makes the IMX678 a Class Apart in 4K Imaging?

Not all 4K sensors are created equal. The IMX678’s dominance as a market leader stems from several game-changing technological breakthroughs on Sony's STARVIS 2 platform. Understanding these differences is key to realizing why a module built on the IMX678 is a foundational step toward your project's success.

 

1. The Revolution in Motion HDR: Single-Exposure Technology

This is the single most critical and revolutionary advantage of the IMX678.

• The Pain Point of Traditional HDR (DOL-HDR): Previous 4K sensors (like the IMX415) use a multi-frame Digital Overlap (DOL) HDR method. When capturing moving objects, the time lag between the long and short exposure frames inevitably creates ghosting, motion blur, and artifacts in the final synthesized image.

• The IMX678 Solution (Single-Exposure HDR): The IMX678 captures the full range of highlight and shadow information within a single exposure cycle. It has physically eliminated the root cause of motion artifacts.

What this means for your application: For any scenario involving motion—such as license plate recognition in intelligent transportation systems (ITS), industrial assembly line inspection, or drone imaging—the IMX678 is the only choice that delivers perfectly crisp, artifact-free, clear HDR images.

 

2. Superior Low-Light Performance at True 4K Resolution

Many 4K sensors achieve high resolution by shrinking pixels to a minimum, which severely compromises low-light performance.

• The Common 4K Compromise: Competitors often use a 1/2.8-inch or smaller sensor format, resulting in poor Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and low sensitivity.

• The IMX678 Advantage: With its large 1/1.8-inch sensor format, the IMX678 accommodates 8.29 million pixels while maintaining a healthy 2.0µm pixel size.

What this means for your application: You get a significantly better SNR and higher sensitivity than smaller 4K sensors. This translates to cleaner, more detailed, and truly usable 4K images in low-light conditions, not just a noisy, unusable picture.

 

At-a-Glance Technology Comparison

Feature	IMX678 (STARVIS 2)	Typical 4K Sensor (e.g., IMX415, STARVIS 1)
HDR Technology	Single-Exposure HDR	Multi-Frame DOL-HDR
Motion Artifacts	None	Present
Sensor Size	1/1.8-inch (Larger)	1/2.8-inch (Smaller)
Low-Light SNR	Excellent	Good

 

Core Parameters of the IMX678 cmos sensor

Parameter Category	Specification	Notes / Advantages
Resolution	8.29 Effective Megapixels (3840 x 2160)	True 4K UHD resolution, providing exceptionally rich image detail.
Sensor Size (Diagonal)	8.86 mm (Type 1/1.8)	A large 1/1.8-inch format, which is sizable for its class and provides the physical foundation for low-light performance.
Pixel Size	2.0 µm x 2.0 µm	A larger pixel size, combined with a back-illuminated structure, ensures excellent photon capture capability.
Core Technology	STARVIS 2	This is the most critical technological identifier for the IMX678.
Dynamic Range	High Dynamic Range in a single exposure	Officially stated to be over 8dB higher than the first-generation STARVIS in a single exposure.
Sensitivity	High sensitivity, with enhanced Near-Infrared (NIR) reception	Capable of outputting clear color images even in extremely low-light conditions (0.01 Lux or lower).
Max Frame Rate	- 4K (3840x2160) @ 60fps - Higher rates at lower resolutions	Supports high-speed 4K@60fps recording, enabling the capture of fast-moving objects with smooth motion.
ADC Resolution	10-bit / 12-bit	Supports high bit-depth ADC, contributing to smoother color and brightness gradations.
Shutter Type	Rolling Shutter	A mainstream choice for consumer and security applications.
Interface	MIPI CSI-2	A high-speed, low-power serial interface widely used in embedded vision systems.
Package	LGA (Land Grid Array)	A common sensor packaging format.

 

Analysis of the IMX678's Core Competitiveness

The competitive strength of the IMX678 is not derived from a single leading parameter but is a comprehensive advantage built on three pillars: STARVIS 2 technology, a large sensor format with large pixels, and true 4K high frame rate capabilities.

 

1. Unparalleled Night Vision Performance (The Power of STARVIS 2)

This is the most outstanding and core competitive advantage of the IMX678.

• Wider Dynamic Range: In scenes with complex lighting, such as city streets at night or tunnel entrances/exits, the IMX678 can simultaneously capture details in both the brightest areas (like license plates) and the darkest parts of the environment (surroundings). This solves the "either/or" dilemma of traditional sensors. This single-exposure HDR capability far surpasses conventional WDR technologies that rely on multi-frame synthesis, resulting in more natural images without motion artifacts.
• Extreme Low-Light Sensitivity: In "starlight" conditions with almost no visible light, many sensors can only switch to black-and-white mode or produce images filled with noise. Leveraging its high photoelectric conversion efficiency and enhanced NIR sensitivity, the IMX678 can still output full-color images with low noise. This is a decisive advantage in the security surveillance field, where color is critical for identifying targets (e.g., vehicle or clothing color).

 

2. Superior Image Quality Foundation (1/1.8" Sensor + 4K Resolution)

• The "Bigger is Better" Principle: A 1/1.8-inch sensor size is considered "large format" in the fields of security and high-end dashcams. A larger photosensitive area means more photons can be collected, which fundamentally improves the signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range, establishing a higher baseline for image quality.
• True 4K Ultra-HD Detail: The 8-megapixel 4K resolution delivers astounding detail. In security monitoring, this means clearer views of faces and license plate numbers from a greater distance. For dashcams, it means capturing crucial details at an accident scene. The advantage of 4K resolution becomes obvious when the footage needs to be digitally zoomed.

 

3. Smooth Capture of Dynamic Moments (4K@60fps)

In many scenarios, high resolution alone is not enough. For instance, when filming fast-moving vehicles or people, a lower frame rate (like 30fps) can lead to motion blur and ghosting. The IMX678's ability to record at 4K@60fps ensures that even in dynamic scenes, every frame is clear and smooth, significantly increasing the probability of capturing useful information.

 

4. Precise Market Positioning and Mature Ecosystem

• Clear Target Market: The IMX678 precisely targets markets with extremely high demands for night vision and image quality, such as high-end security surveillance (smart cities, critical infrastructure), premium dashcams, and industrial machine vision.
• Sony Brand Endorsement: As a Sony Semiconductor product, its stability and performance are well-regarded. Downstream manufacturers (like Hikvision, Dahua, and premium dashcam brands) are more inclined to choose such a market-proven, flagship-level sensor, which in turn fosters a strong application ecosystem.

 

Summary

The core competitiveness of the IMX678 can be summarized as follows: With STARVIS 2 technology as its soul, a 1/1.8-inch large-format sensor and 4K resolution as its solid body, and complemented by 60fps high-speed motion capabilities, it stands as an "all-around performer" with exceptional imaging performance in low-light and complex lighting conditions.

It does not merely stack up parameters. Instead, through technological innovation (STARVIS 2), it perfectly solves a core industry pain point (nighttime imaging), making it a benchmark presence in the high-end vision application market and a technological high ground that is difficult for competitors to surpass in the short term.

 

Key Highlights of NOVEL imx678 usb camera

• True 4K Ultra HD
  3840×2160 @ 30fps (MJPEG) with multiple resolution options (1080p, 720p, VGA).
  Supports MJPEG / YUV2 formats for seamless integration.
• Sony STARVIS 2 Sensor Advantage
  1/1.8” sensor with 2.0μm pixels.
  Outstanding low-light sensitivity (0.5Lux) and 72dB wide dynamic range, ensuring clear images even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Flexible Optical Design
  Standard 118° wide-angle lens (customizable).
  M12*P0.5 mount for lens flexibility across industrial and robotics use cases.
  High clarity: 600 LW/PH center resolution with minimal distortion.
• Plug & Play USB2.0 Interface
  UVC compliant, compatible with Windows / Linux / Embedded platforms.
  High-speed, stable transmission – ready for robotics, AMR, industrial PCs, and embedded systems.
• Smart Image Control
  Automatic Exposure (AEC), Auto White Balance (AWB), Auto Gain Control (AGC).
  Customizable parameters: brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, white balance, backlight compensation, exposure.

 

Technical Specifications

Transparency is key to a successful engineering partnership. Here are the detailed specifications for our standard module.

Category	Specification
Sensor	Sony IMX678 (1/1.8")
Max. Resolution	3840(H) x 2160(V)
Interface	USB 2.0 High Speed
Output Format	MJPEG / YUV2 (YUYV)
Frame Rate (MJPEG)	3840x2160 @ 30fps, 1920x1080 @ 60fps, 1280x720 @ 60fps
Frame Rate (YUV)	3840x2160 @ 1fps, 1920x1080 @ 5fps, 640x480 @ 30fps
Min. Illumination	0.5 Lux
Dynamic Range	72dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	30dB
Focus	Fixed
Lens	F2.0 Aperture / 3.05mm Focal Length / 118° D-FOV
OS Support	Windows, Linux, macOS, Android (UVC Compliant)
Adjustable Controls	Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness, White Balance, Exposure, etc.

Integration & Compatibility

• Fully UVC compliant – no drivers required
• Compatible with Windows, Linux, macOS, Android
• Works with NVIDIA Jetson Orin/Xavier, Raspberry Pi 5/4, x86 IPCs
• Supports OpenCV, GStreamer, and V4L2 frameworks

 

What problems it can settle for you well?

This camera module is engineered to be a versatile problem-solver, specifically for industrial and commercial applications where deploying high-resolution imaging has traditionally been limited by cost, system compatibility, or environmental challenges.

Here are the key problems it solves and the demands it meets:

1. Problem: Missed Details in Quality Control & Documentation

Lower-resolution cameras (like 1080p) fail to capture microscopic defects, fine print, or critical component details, leading to inaccurate inspections and poor-quality records.

• Solution: True 4K Resolution for Forensic Detail. With its 3840x2160 resolution, this module captures over 8 million pixels of data. This allows your system to digitally zoom in on specific areas of interest with exceptional clarity, identifying subtle flaws, verifying tiny serial numbers, or creating high-fidelity digital archives of documents and products that are simply impossible to achieve with standard HD cameras.

2. Demand: A Cost-Effective Upgrade Path for Legacy Systems

Many factories, labs, and commercial facilities run on industrial PCs and embedded systems that only have USB 2.0 ports. Upgrading this host hardware is expensive and often requires a complete system re-validation.

• Solution: Drop-in 4K Capability for Any USB 2.0 Port. This module's primary advantage is its ability to deliver high-resolution 4K video over the universal USB 2.0 interface. This allows you to instantly upgrade the vision capabilities of your existing infrastructure without the need for expensive hardware overhauls, new drivers, or complex integration, saving significant time and capital investment.

3. Problem: A "One-Size-Fits-All" Lens Limits Applications

A fixed, built-in lens means a camera is only useful for one specific distance and field of view. Different tasks often require purchasing entirely different cameras.

• Solution: Optical Versatility with an Interchangeable M12 Lens Mount. This module is not limited to a single perspective. The M12 lens mount allows you to adapt the camera to virtually any task:
  • Use a wide-angle lens for general process monitoring or surveillance of a large area.
  • Use a standard lens for mid-range applications like kiosk user interaction.
  • Use a telephoto or macro lens to get highly magnified, close-up views for detailed component inspection on a production line. This flexibility simplifies inventory and allows one module type to serve multiple roles.

4. Demand: Reliable Imaging in Challenging, Uncontrolled Lighting

Industrial and commercial environments rarely have perfect lighting. Glare from windows, deep shadows under machinery, and sudden changes in brightness can render standard cameras useless.

• Solution: A Flagship Sensor Foundation for Superior Image Quality. At its core is the Sony IMX678 STARVIS 2 sensor, which provides an exceptional foundation for handling a wide dynamic range and performing in low light. For OEM clients, this means the module has the potential to be custom-tuned by our engineers to deliver outstanding, reliable images even in the most challenging mixed-lighting scenarios, ensuring your application gets usable data, not just a washed-out or black screen.

5. Problem: Slow Development Cycles Due to Complex Software Integration

Proprietary drivers and complex software development kits (SDKs) can delay projects by weeks or months, creating a significant drain on engineering resources.

• Solution: Rapid Prototyping with UVC Plug-and-Play Compliance. This module is fully UVC (USB Video Class) compliant. It works out-of-the-box with native drivers in nearly all modern operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. Your engineers can have a stable, high-resolution video stream running in minutes, not weeks, allowing them to dramatically reduce development overhead and focus on building your value-added application software.

Typical Application Scenarios & Industries for the IMX678 USB 2.0 Camera Module

This camera module's core strength is its ability to deliver exceptionally detailed 4K resolution over the ubiquitous USB 2.0 interface. The addition of an interchangeable M12 lens mount radically expands its versatility, allowing the Field of View (FOV) to be tailored for specific tasks. It is the ideal choice for applications where image detail, optical flexibility, and broad system compatibility are prioritized over uncompressed, high-speed data transfer.

 

1. Industrial Automation & Quality Control

This module is perfectly suited for static or semi-static inspection tasks where fine detail is critical.

• Visual Quality Inspection: The 4K resolution allows for detailed automated or manual inspection of components, PCBs, textiles, and finished goods. It can detect microscopic defects, scratches, or printing errors that lower-resolution cameras would miss.

• Process Monitoring: Monitor a specific station on an assembly line. With a telephoto M12 lens, it can focus on a critical component from a safe distance. With a wide-angle lens, it can oversee the entire work area.

• Meter & Gauge Reading: The high resolution enables Optical Character Recognition (OCR) or manual reading of analog gauges, digital displays, and meters from across a room.

 

2. Digital Imaging & Documentation

The module's high resolution makes it an excellent engine for a variety of digital capture systems.

• High-Resolution Document & ID Scanning: Integrate into kiosks or desktop systems to capture crystal-clear images of documents, passports, and ID cards for archiving or verification. The 4K detail ensures that all text and security features are perfectly legible.

• Digital Microscopy: A highly cost-effective method to upgrade traditional analog microscopes to 4K digital imaging systems. The interchangeable M12 mount allows for direct coupling to microscope eyepieces or C-mount adapters.

• Scientific & Lab Imaging: For applications like sample monitoring, gel electrophoresis documentation, or general lab observation where high-resolution still images or compressed video are sufficient.

 

3. Security, Access Control & Smart Systems

While not a high-speed machine vision camera, its sensor and resolution provide significant advantages in security and monitoring.

• High-Clarity Surveillance: Monitor wide areas like lobbies, warehouses, or retail floors. The 4K resolution allows for effective digital zoom during playback to identify faces, objects, or incidents with much greater detail than 1080p cameras.

• Kiosks, ATMs & Vending Machines: The simple plug-and-play UVC over USB 2.0 ensures easy integration. The underlying IMX678 sensor provides reliable performance even with challenging backlighting (e.g., a user standing in front of a bright doorway).

• Biometric Systems: Use for facial recognition or iris scanning at access points. The high resolution captures the intricate details needed for accurate biometric algorithms. The sensor's strong NIR potential can be leveraged for systems using infrared illumination.

 

4. OEM & Custom Product Integration

The combination of a powerful sensor, standard interface, and optical flexibility makes this an ideal building block for new product development.

• Medical Device Imaging (Non-Diagnostic): Can be integrated into dental cameras, skin analyzers, or telemedicine systems where high-resolution visual documentation is required.

• Agricultural Technology (AgriTech): Monitor plant health, germination, or pests in controlled environments. The ability to use a macro M12 lens allows for detailed close-up views.

• Client-Facing Systems: Integrate into high-end video conferencing bars, interactive displays, or product demonstration tools where superior image quality is a key feature.

 

Customer story/case study

A U.S. robotics integrator deployed the IMX678 module in an autonomous warehouse robot fleet. By leveraging its 4K imaging and low-lux sensitivity, they achieved 40% improvement in navigation accuracy during night shifts while keeping CPU usage low thanks to MJPEG compression.