Product Overview

The IMX385 STARVIS USB Camera Module combines outstanding starlight sensitivity with a rugged metal enclosure for industrial applications. Featuring the Sony STARVIS 1/2” CMOS sensor (2MP, 1920×1080) and UVC-compliant USB 2.0 interface, it is designed for low-light monitoring, UAV inspection, robotics, and energy systems.

The camera supports MJPEG and YUY2 streaming formats, offers a compact 32×32 mm PCB, and comes with an 2.8mm/6mm/8mm M12 interchangeable lens mount. Its metal housing enhances durability for environments requiring vibration resistance and long-term reliability.

 

Why Choose Novel IMX385 High sensitivity 0.001Lux USB Camera with WDR HDR?

0.01low lux High sensitivity sensor for unparalleled night vision

Rugged metal case built for industrial environments

6mm, 8mm and 2.8mm 1/2inch 2MP starlight m12 lens optional

Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Android platforms

 

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 USA and heavy-duty industrial & machine vision system in Europea

 

• 1/2" Sony IMX385 "Starlight" Sensor: This is the core of its low-light performance. The IMX385 is a large (for a security/industrial camera) and highly sensitive sensor specifically engineered to capture clear, detailed, and often color images in extremely low-light conditions (down to 0.0001 Lux or less), far beyond what standard sensors can achieve.
• Solves: The problem of poor image quality, noise, and lack of detail in dimly lit or nighttime environments; the need for additional, often expensive or conspicuous, infrared (IR) illuminators; reliance on grainy black-and-white night vision.

Meets Demand: True 24/7 surveillance and monitoring capabilities; ability to capture forensic detail in near-darkness; discreet operation without visible IR glow; reduced power consumption by minimizing supplementary lighting.

 

Technical Specification

Model No.	UC-535-2MP
Sensor	CMOS 1/2” SONY IMX385
Resolution	1920*1080P@60FPS
Output	USB2.0,USB-A / TYPE-C / Micro USB
FOV	D55° optional
Focus	Manual
Photo Format	MJPG
Video Output	MJPG/YUY2
White balance	Auto
Dimension	Shell: 51*45*45mm
Length of cable	15cm~2M, standard 1M
Power	5V / 150mA,
System	WIN7/8/10/Android/Apple Mac/Linux
Material	Aluminum alloy camera & lens
Temperature	-10~+80℃

Lens options

	F1.0~F1.4 lens
Appearance
EFL(mm)	2.8/4/6/8/12
FOV	110~30°

Integration & Compatibility

• Plug-and-play UVC support (no drivers required)
• Works with Windows, Linux, macOS, Android
• Tested on NVIDIA Jetson Orin/Xavier and Raspberry Pi 5/4
• Fully compatible with OpenCV, GStreamer, V4L2 pipelines
• Customization available for lens, housing, cable length, and waterproof enclosures

 

what difficulty or troubling problems it can solve in industrial application? 

This camera's robust build and exceptional low-light capabilities make it ideal for challenging industrial settings.

Problems Solved:

1. 24/7 Monitoring of Critical Infrastructure/Processes:
   • Problem: Needing to monitor machinery, control rooms, remote industrial sites, or storage areas continuously, including during nighttime, power outages, or in dimly lit zones, where traditional cameras struggle.
   • Solution: The IMX385's "Starlight" vision ensures clear, often color, video feeds even in near-total darkness, allowing for constant oversight of operations, security, or safety protocols without relying on external, costly, or energy-intensive lighting.
   •  
2. Safety and Security in Low-Light Industrial 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, enhancing overall site security and safety compliance. The durable metal case adds resilience against accidental damage.
   •  
3. Quality Control in Varying Lighting:
   • Problem: Conducting visual inspections of products or processes on a production line where lighting conditions may be inconsistent or deliberately low (e.g., during specific curing processes, dark rooms, or between shifts).
   • Solution: The camera maintains high image quality regardless of ambient light, ensuring consistent and reliable automated or manual quality checks throughout operational hours.
   •  
4. Remote Site Surveillance (Utilities, Agriculture, Energy):
   • Problem: Securing remote and often unlit assets like cell towers, power substations, irrigation pumps, or agricultural fields from theft, vandalism, or trespassing, especially at night.
   • Solution: Provides effective nighttime surveillance with minimal infrastructure, relying on the camera's inherent low-light sensitivity and robust build for continuous outdoor operation.

 

Special Demands Met:

• Exceptional Low-Light Performance: Superior to standard cameras for any industrial application requiring clear vision in near-darkness.
• Durability: The metal case provides necessary robustness for industrial environments, protecting against impacts and vibrations.
• Cost-Effectiveness for Night Vision: Reduces or eliminates the need for expensive additional IR illuminators, simplifying installation and reducing power consumption.
• USB Connectivity: Simplifies integration with industrial PCs or embedded systems already in use for process control or data acquisition.
• Versatile Deployment: Suitable for both fixed installations and integration into mobile inspection platforms or robotics that operate in variable lighting.

 

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

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main advantage of the IMX385 sensor?

A: The IMX385 sensor provides exceptional sensitivity in low-light conditions, enabling clear image capture even in near-dark environments.

 

Q2: Does the camera support plug-and-play via USB?

A: Yes, the camera supports standard USB 2.0 interfaces, allowing quick and easy connection without additional drivers in most cases.

 

Q3: What environments is this camera best suited for?

A: It’s ideal for security surveillance, industrial inspection, robotics, and any applications requiring low-light imaging in rugged conditions.

 

Q4: Is the metal case weatherproof?

A: The metal case offers solid protection against dust and physical damage; for outdoor use, additional weatherproofing may be recommended.

 

Q5: What is the field of view with the 6mm lens?

A: The fixed 6mm lens provides a balanced field of view, suitable for mid-range monitoring and inspection tasks.

 

Q6: Can this camera be integrated with custom software?

A: Yes, it’s compatible with various operating systems and supports standard USB video protocols for easy integration

 

 

Use Scenarios

Low-light & Nighttime Imaging

The Starlight sensor (IMX385) excels in ultra-low-light conditions, making this camera ideal for environments

with poor or minimal lighting such as dusk, night, or indoor areas without sufficient illumination.

 

Security Surveillance

Used for monitoring homes, offices, factories, and outdoor premises where capturing clear images

at night is crucial.

 

Industrial Inspection

Enables visual inspection in dimly lit factory floors, assembly lines, or quality control stations.

 

Machine Vision

Suitable for robotic vision systems requiring reliable image capture even under varying lighting conditions.

 

Traffic Monitoring & License Plate Recognition

Effective in capturing moving vehicles and license plates at night or in tunnels.

 

Healthcare & Medical Imaging

Used in medical devices or diagnostic equipment where high sensitivity imaging is required.

 

Scientific Research & Astronomy

Useful in capturing faint light objects or phenomena in scientific experiments or amateur astronomy.

 

Smart Retail & Customer Analytics

For stores requiring discreet, high-quality video in low-light areas for customer behavior analysis.

 

Robotics & UAVs (Drones)

Provides stable, low-light vision for autonomous navigation and inspection tasks.

 

Customer Feedback & Comments

“Outstanding night performance!”

"We installed the IMX385 USB camera in our factory floor inspection system, and the difference in night shift image quality is remarkable.

It's stable, sensitive, and easy to integrate."

— David L., Automation Engineer, Germany

 

“Rock-solid and plug & play”

"We use this camera in our smart retail analytics setup. Plugged in via USB 3.0 and started working immediately with our Linux system.

No heat issues, very stable."

— Michael T., CTO at a Smart Retail Startup, Netherlands

 

Get unmatched low-light performance and industrial durability in one compact package.

Contact us for demo video, datasheet, pricing, samples, and custom solutions