13MP Sony IMX258 Autofocus Industrial USB Camera with Compact Metal Case (50×50 mm)

Product Overview

The NOVEL UC-258-AF is a 13MP industrial USB camera built on the Sony IMX258 sensor. Designed for industrial inspection, AOI, robotics, and measurement, it combines high-resolution imaging with fast autofocus and a compact metal case high resolution USB camera 50×50 design.With UVC plug-and-play support, this camera streams up to 13MP stills and 4K UHD video through MJPG/YUY2 formats as a USB2.0 UVC 13MP camera. Optional IMX258 HDR USB camera mode ensures consistent image quality even in challenging light conditions, making it an excellent fit for factory automation, metrology, and embedded vision projects.

Novel 13MP Sony IMX258 USB camera module with autofocus delivers high-resolution imaging at 4K (4208x3120) and is ideal for embedded vision systems requiring clarity, compact design, and plug-and-play functionality. With autofocus and USB UVC compliance, it suits a wide range of integration-ready use cases

it is best suited for applications demanding high detail capture, fast and accurate autofocus, and the convenience of USB integration, primarily in industrial, medical, professional AV, scanning, and kiosk/retail environments. Its target customers are typically OEMs and system integrators building these types of specialized products and solutions

 

Core Strengths of IMX258 AF USB Cameras:

1.     13MP Resolution: High detail capture (4224x3192 pixels).

2.     Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF): Fast, accurate focusing crucial for moving objects or varying distances.

3.     USB Interface: Easy integration (UVC compliance ideal), plug-and-play, power over USB, 13MP + PDAF for precision imaging in industrial, medical, and professional applications.

4.     Compact Form Factor: Designed for integration into devices.(size of cam: 50*50mm)

5.     Generally Good Low-Light Performance: For its class (good night vision)

6. Durable Metal Housing,Anti-interference EMI shielded casing

Reliable in harsh environments and 24/7 operation

7. Wide Software Compatibility-Compatible with OpenCV, LabVIEW, HALCON, ROS, MATLAB, and more

 

How It Compares to Other USB Cameras

Feature	13MP AF Camera	8MP AF Camera	5MP Fixed Focus
Resolution	✅ Highest	✅ Good	⚠️ Lower
Autofocus	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
Cost	$$

 

screenshot compressed picture when this IMX258 AF USB camera made video and worked in daytime, July, 2025

( the following image had been compressed much because of website design request)

 

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

This camera is well-suited for industrial settings that prioritize high-detail visual inspection, automated processes, and robust integration within a compact footprint.

Problems Solved:

1. High-Precision Automated Inspection & Quality Control:
   • Problem: Detecting minuscule defects (e.g., fine cracks, scratches, misprints, missing components) on products or components, or verifying precise assembly steps. Manual inspection is slow and error-prone.
   • Solution: The 13MP resolution captures extremely fine details, enabling automated vision systems to identify subtle flaws. Autofocus ensures clarity even if objects vary slightly in height or distance on a conveyor. The compact metal case allows mounting directly within machinery or close to the inspection point.
   •  
2. Robotic Vision & Pick-and-Place (Accurate Object Recognition):
   • Problem: Robots needing to identify specific parts, verify their orientation, or perform precise pick-and-place operations from bins or feeders. Challenges include varying lighting and object positions.
   • Solution: Autofocus adapts to different depths, while 13MP resolution provides enough detail for robust object recognition algorithms. The 75-degree HFOV gives the robot a good working view of its surroundings, and the compact size is ideal for mounting on robotic arms.
   •  
3. Document & Barcode/QR Code Scanning (High-Volume, Variable Distance):
   • Problem: Rapidly and reliably scanning various documents, labels, 1D/2D barcodes, or QR codes of different sizes and at slightly varying distances, often in high-throughput environments.
   • Solution: Autofocus ensures immediate clarity for each scan, regardless of distance variations. The 13MP resolution guarantees readability even for small or complex codes, and the metal case provides durability for continuous operation.
   •  
4. Process Monitoring & Assembly Verification:
   • Problem: Monitoring critical stages of a manufacturing or assembly process to ensure compliance, detect deviations, or record progress, where detailed visual evidence is required.
   • Solution: High resolution allows for granular observation of process steps. Autofocus handles variations in the focal plane. The USB interface enables easy integration with control systems for automated alerts or data logging.
   •  
5. Small Space or Embedded Machine Vision:
   • Problem: Integrating a high-performance camera into equipment or systems with very limited internal space, where a large, cased camera won't fit.
   • Solution: The 50x50mm metal case and integrated nature make it perfect for embedding into OEM products, kiosks, or compact machinery without sacrificing image quality or robustness.

 

Special Demands Met:

• Miniaturization with High Performance: Delivers high resolution and autofocus in a very compact, robust package.
• Dynamic Focusing: Automatically adjusts focus for changing object distances, crucial for automation.
• Detailed Visual Data: 13MP ensures that even minute features are captured for analysis or archiving.
• Ease of Integration: USB interface and standardized size simplify deployment into existing or new systems.

 

 

Technical Specifications

• Sensor: Sony IMX258, 1/3.06", 1.12 µm pixel size
• Resolution (Stills): 4208×3120 (13MP)
• Video Output:
  • MJPG: 3840×2160 @30fps, 1920×1080 @30/60fps
  • YUY2: 1920×1080 @30fps
• Focus: VCM Autofocus (continuous / trigger), fixed-focus optional
• Dynamic Range: Optional HDR (DOL-HDR)
• Lens: M12 mount, low distortion options available
• Interface: USB2.0 UVC 13MP camera, plug-and-play
• Case: Compact 50×50 mm metal housing, EMI-shielded
• Operating Temperature: -20 °C ~ +70 °C
• Compatibility: Windows / Linux / Jetson / ROS; supports OpenCV, HALCON, LabVIEW

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the Sony IMX258 USB camera UVC compliant?

do this camera have good night vision?

A1: Yes, it is fully UVC-compliant, which means you can plug and play on Windows, Linux, and Mac without additional drivers.

yes, sony imx258 have nice low light video quality

 

Q2: Can the autofocus be disabled or fixed at a set distance?

A2: Yes, we can deliver versions with either fixed-focus or software-controlled autofocus.

 

Q3: Do you support custom housing or lens solutions?

A3: Absolutely. We offer custom lens, housing materials, filters, and mounting options for volume orders.

 

Q4: Can I use this module for face recognition or AI edge computing?

A4: Yes, it’s widely used in AI vision systems, Raspberry Pi, Jetson Nano, and other embedded platforms.

 

Q5: Can I order camera module without housing or choose other

fixed focus EFL m12 Lens?

A5:  yes, ok, please share us other special requirement with us

 

Case Studies & Customer Success Stories

Case Study 1 – Precision Electronics Inspection in the United States
A Silicon Valley electronics OEM integrated the 13MP Sony IMX258 autofocus industrial USB camera into its automated optical inspection (AOI) line. Previous 5MP cameras could not capture micro-defects on solder joints and fine-pitch connectors. With the 13MP resolution (4208×3120) and reliable autofocus, the inspection system detected 35% more microscopic defects, reducing false negatives and cutting manual re-inspection costs by 20%.

“The industrial USB camera with autofocus gave us the clarity and speed we needed for high-density PCBs. It has become a key part of our next-gen AOI solution.”

Case Study 2 – Biomedical Research Lab in France
A French biomedical research institute used the IMX258 autofocus USB camera for cell culture and microscopy imaging. Researchers required both wide field-of-view overview images and sharp close-ups without swapping lenses. The camera’s autofocus capability allowed seamless switching between magnification levels, while the 13MP sensor produced detailed images for automated image analysis using OpenCV. This improved throughput of imaging experiments by 28% and reduced focus-related errors in cell counting.

“The autofocus and high-resolution combination gave us reliable imaging for AI-driven cell analysis. It eliminated the bottleneck of manual focusing in our experiments.”

Case Study 3 – Government Archives Digitization Project in the UK
The UK National Archives implemented the 13MP Sony IMX258 USB camera with case for document and historical manuscript digitization. The camera’s autofocus and high-resolution capture enabled archivists to digitize fragile texts without constant manual adjustments, preserving details like faded ink and fine paper textures. The system processed thousands of pages per day, ensuring long-term preservation and easier public access.

“With the 13MP autofocus industrial USB camera, we can digitize materials quickly while maintaining the fidelity needed for future research and conservation.”

 

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