The Goobuy IMX362 USB Camera Module UC-503-12MP is a miniature 12MP autofocus board camera built on Sony’s 1/2.55″ IMX362 sensor, delivering 4000×3000 ultra-high-resolution imaging with a USB 2.0 UVC interface for embedded systems. It provides exceptional detail, excellent color accuracy and wide dynamic range for robotics, industrial inspection, kiosks, and compact AI edge devices.

 

Product Overview

The Goobuy UC-503-12MP is a compact 12MP UVC camera board designed for demanding embedded and industrial vision applications. Built with a Sony 12MP USB camera module UVC sensor, it supports 4000×3000 at 15 fps, 4K (3840×2160) at 30 fps, and 1080p at 30 fps, making it a high resolution miniature machine vision camera for projects where image clarity and integration flexibility are critical.

With a footprint of only 14×14 mm (housing 17×17 mm with mounting holes), this 14×14mm mini USB camera module autofocus solution is lightweight, compact, and reliable. It is widely used in UAV inspection, robotics vision, substation cabinet monitoring, and as an embedded camera for smart terminal and kiosk applications

Novel Compact 14x14mm High resolution embedded camera module with 4K@30fps resolution. Ideal for robotics, embedded AI, medical imaging, and industrial inspection. Plug & play UVC compliant, Vision System Component (Tiny UHD 4K Embedded Vision Sensor)

High-Resolution Embedded 4K USB Camera for Energy Infrastructure Inspection and Industrial Machine Vision

 

Key Selling Points & Advantages for Industrial Application

1. Ultra-Compact Size (14×14mm)
• Perfect for space-constrained industrial designs.
• Easily embedded into compact robots, smart terminals, and automation units.
• Enables modular design in miniaturized equipment.

2. High Resolution – 12MP, 4K Output
• Delivers sharp, high-definition images for precision inspection.
• Supports 4056×3040 resolution for microscopic or detailed part analysis.
• Enhances accuracy in machine vision, defect detection, barcode reading, etc.

3. Plug-and-Play UVC Compliant
• Standard USB 2.0/3.0 interface (UVC).
• No driver required for Windows, Linux, or Android — easy integration.
• Reduces R&D time and speeds up product prototyping or deployment.

4. Industrial & Embedded System Friendly
• Compatible with Jetson Nano/Xavier, Raspberry Pi, ARM boards, and x86 platforms.
• Ideal for AI vision, edge computing, smart factories, and automation lines.
• Suited for continuous, real-time operation in industrial settings.

5. Low Latency & High Frame Rate (Up to 30fps @ 4K)
• Captures real-time motion clearly — important for robotic vision & object tracking.
• Supports MJPEG/YUY2 formats for streaming or edge processing.

6. Flexible Customization Options
• Can customize FPC cable length, USB connector type (A, C, Micro), lens holder, IR cut filter.
• OEM/ODM supported for industrial device manufacturers.

7. Reliable Operation in Industrial Environments
• Supports extended temperature range operation (based on sensor options).
• Can be encased in IP-rated housing for factory floor or outdoor use.

 

Why autofocus is critical to embedded systems?

1，No manual focus adjustment required after installation

2，Adapt to different working distances

3，Many embedded applications (e.g., industrial inspection, robot navigation, security monitoring) require rapid response. The AF module achieves millisecond focusing speeds to meet real-time requirements and avoid focus delays caused by busy main processors

4，In environments such as temperature changes and slight vibration, the focus position of the lens may be shifted. The AF module automatically detects and compensates for this offset to maintain imaging stability

 

Camera Module Comparison Table

 

Use Case Recommendations

Application	Recommended Camera
Mini robots / drones / wearables	✅ 14×14mm module
Machine vision / AOI / barcode	✅ 38×38mm (IMX179)
AI edge devices / Jetson platforms	✅ 14×14mm module
PC-based webcam / USB microscope	✅ 38×38mm (IMX179)

 

Ideal Industrial Applications

• Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)
• Robotics (AMRs, cobots, ROS, pick-and-place)
• Industrial barcode & QR scanning
• Smart manufacturing & vision-guided assembly
• Medical & lab automation
• Edge AI-powered detection/classification
• Security terminals, kiosks, and access control systems

 

Main Technical parameter

Model No.	UC-503-12MP
Sensor	Sony IMX362 CMOS 12MP
Resolution	4000*3000P@15FPS, 12MP 3840*2160P@30FPS, 8MP 1920*1080P@30FPS, 2MP
Output	USB2.0,USB-A / TYPE-C / Micro USB
FOV	80° , optional
Focus	Autofocus (VCM)
Photo Format	MJPG
Video Output	MJPG/YUY2
White balance	Auto
Microphone	Built in Microphone
Dimension	Module: 14*14mm Housing: 17*17mm
Length of cable	5cm~5M, standard 2M
Power	5V / 155mA
System	WIN10/11/Android/Apple Mac/Linux
Temperature	-10~+70℃

Integration & Software

• Plug-and-Play UVC: no drivers needed, recognized as standard webcam device
• Works with OpenCV / GStreamer pipelines for machine vision
• Developers can access autofocus, exposure, and gain via UVC controls

 

How We Handle 12MP/4K Data Stream?

• MJPEG Compression: To achieve 4K@30fps and 12MP@15fps over USB 2.0, this module utilizes efficient onboard MJPEG compression.

• High-Speed Readout: Powered by the Sony IMX362 sensor, it minimizes rolling shutter artifacts, making it suitable for document scanning and handheld inspection.

 

 compressed video screenshot of Goobuy UC-503-12MP Smallest sony 4K@30fps usb camera in daytime, October, 2024

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

FAQ (Engineer-Focused)

FAQ 1 — How does the IMX362 USB camera maintain high image clarity at 12MP over USB2.0?
The IMX362 sensor outputs 4000×3000 12MP using optimized MJPG compression, allowing the module to deliver high-detail stills and smooth video through USB2.0 bandwidth. This design ensures engineers can capture precise textures, labels and inspection features without requiring USB3.0 hardware.

FAQ 2 — Is Goobuy UC-503-12MP camera suitable for embedded systems with limited processing power?
Yes. The Goobuy UC-503-12MP camera uses UVC-standard MJPG/YUY2 output, minimizing CPU overhead on small embedded platforms like Jetson Nano, Raspberry Pi or ARM boards. This makes the module ideal for AI edge devices that need high-resolution imaging but operate under constrained processing budgets.

FAQ 3 — What advantages does a 12MP sensor provide for machine vision compared with 8MP or 5MP USB modules?
A 12MP sensor offers significantly more pixel density, enabling systems to detect smaller defects, read finer text and achieve higher recognition accuracy. For tasks like inspection, label verification or robotics perception, the IMX362 provides higher spatial detail without increasing system complexity.

FAQ 4 — Can the Goobuy UC-503-12MP be used for high-precision inspection tasks requiring zoomed-in imaging?
Yes. The Goobuy UC-503-12MP captures ultra-detailed 4000×3000 images that remain sharp when digitally zoomed. This allows engineers to inspect micro-features, serial numbers and fine textures without requiring optical zoom, making it ideal for inspection tools, kiosks and measurement devices.

FAQ 5 — How well does the sony IMX362 USB module perform under mixed or difficult lighting conditions?
The IMX362 offers strong dynamic range performance, allowing it to maintain visible detail across shadows, bright surfaces and reflective materials. This is critical for robotics, kiosks and inspection environments where lighting cannot be fully controlled.

FAQ 6 — Why do engineers choose the Goobuy UC-503-12MP for compact embedded devices?
Engineers prefer the Goobuy UC-503-12MP because it combines 12MP clarity, USB UVC compatibility, compact board design and reliable cross-platform support. It integrates easily into robotics, inspection equipment and embedded terminals without custom drivers or complex hardware changes.

 

FAQ 7: "Does the autofocus work on Android and Linux?"

Yes. The VCM autofocus is controlled via standard UVC commands. It works plug-and-play on Android (using UVC camera apps) and Linux (using v4l2-ctl or OpenCV), with no proprietary drivers needed.

 

FAQ 8: "Can I use this Goobuy UC-503-12MP camera for OCR (Optical Character Recognition)?"

Absolutely. The 12MP resolution (4000x3000) provides extreme pixel density, allowing OCR algorithms to read tiny text on PCBs, labels, or documents that 1080p cameras would miss.

 

FAQ 9: "Is the IMX362 sensor better than IMX258?"

Yes. The IMX362 features larger 1.4μm pixels (vs 1.12μm on IMX258) and Dual Pixel Autofocus technology, providing faster focus and significantly better low-light performance.

 

Developer Bait

Python

# Example: Capture full 12MP (4000x3000) image with OpenCV
import cv2

cap = cv2.VideoCapture(0)
# Force 12MP Resolution
cap.set(cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_WIDTH, 4000)
cap.set(cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_HEIGHT, 3000)
cap.set(cv2.CAP_PROP_AUTOFOCUS, 1) # Trigger AF

ret, frame = cap.read()
if ret:
    cv2.imwrite('12mp_high_res_scan.jpg', frame)

 

Call to Action

Looking for a sony 12MP USB camera module UVC with 4K@30 fps, compact mechanics, and autofocus?
Contact us for OEM customization of your 12MP UVC camera board, whether for industrial inspection, robotics, or embedded vision system or smart terminals or AI edge

 

Relative technical articles and product applications links

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2,   14*14mm 4K Micro USB Camera for AI Edge vision

 

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