U3CMOS08500KPA Microscopy Camera/Microscope Camera
Product Introduction
The U3CMOS series represents C-mount USB3.0 CMOS cameras featuring Aptina (onsemi) high-sensitivity, low-noise image sensors designed for laboratory research and industrial inspection applications. Through 5 Gbit/s USB3.0 high-speed links, these cameras achieve high frame rate and stable image/video output. Resolution coverage spans 3.1–18 MP with aluminum alloy CNC precision construction for durability and long-term deployment capability.
The built-in Ultra-Fine color processing engine completes demosaicing, auto exposure/gain, one-touch white balance, and color/gamma/contrast processing within the camera, delivering more natural color presentation while reducing host CPU utilization. Products include ToupView/ToupLite software and cross-platform SDK support (Windows/Linux/macOS/Android) for seamless system integration and secondary development.
Key Features
- Sensors: Aptina (onsemi) high-performance CMOS (depending on model) with high sensitivity and low noise
- Interface: USB3.0 high-speed transmission (5 Gbit/s) for stable real-time preview and acquisition
- Resolution: 3.1–18 MP (depending on model) meeting microscopy and industrial general imaging requirements
- Ultra-Fine color engine: Demosaic, AE/AGC, AWB, one-touch white balance, color/gamma/brightness/contrast, LUT
- Bit depth and data: Support for 8/12-bit (depending on model) with RAW/Bayer output capability
- Image functions: Arbitrary ROI/windowing, mirror flip (depending on model)
- Construction: Aluminum alloy CNC integrated housing with excellent heat dissipation and anti-interference performance
- Software and ecosystem: Bundled ToupView/ToupLite with Windows/Linux/macOS/Android SDK (compatible with DirectShow/TWAIN)
Product Details
| Key Parameters | |
| Model | U3CMOS08500KPA |
| Sensor | Special (C) |
| Effective Pixels / Resolution | 8.5M (3328×2548) |
| Frame Rate (Full Resolution) | 10 fps@3328×2548; 56 fps@1664×1272 |
| Shutter Type | Rolling Shutter |
| Color Type | Color |
| Imaging Performance | |
| Pixel Size | 1.55 µm × 1.55 µm |
| Sensor Size | 5.16 mm × 3.95 mm |
| Diagonal | 1/2.4" |
| Dynamic Range | TBD |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit |
| Sensitivity | 250 mV with 1/30s; 0.25 mV with 1/30s |
| Interface & Mechanical | |
| Data Interface | USB3.0 |
| GPIO | TBD |
| Lens Mount | C-mount |
| Dimensions | TBD |
| Weight | TBD |
| Power Supply | USB3.0 interface power |
| Environment & Certification | |
| Operating Temperature / Humidity | -10 °C ~ +50 °C / 30%~80%RH |
| Storage Temperature / Humidity | -20 °C ~ +60 °C / 10%~60%RH |
| Operating System | Windows/Linux/macOS/Android multi-platform SDK (native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python, Java, DirectShow, TWAIN, etc.) |
| Certification | CE, FCC |
Product Overview
The U3CMOS08500KPA is a high-performance digital camera specifically engineered for advanced microscopy applications, featuring the latest Special (C) back-illuminated CMOS sensor technology combined with Ultra-Fine color processing engine for exceptional image quality and speed.
- High-Resolution CMOS Excellence: 8.5M (3328×2548) resolution with 1.55 µm × 1.55 µm pixel size and sensor dimensions of 5.16 mm × 3.95 mm , delivering superior detail capture and image clarity for demanding microscopy applications
- Advanced CMOS Technology: Features Rolling Shutter design with color imaging capability, optimized for bright field, dark field, phase contrast, fluorescence, and multi-spectral microscopy techniques with minimal noise and exceptional linearity
- High-Speed USB 3.0 Performance: Utilizes USB3.0 interface delivering frame rates up to 10 fps@3328×2548; 56 fps@1664×1272 , enabling real-time observation and high-throughput imaging workflows for research and educational applications
- Enhanced Color Processing: 8-bit bit depth with dynamic range of TBD , featuring Ultra-Fine color engine for accurate sample color reproduction and consistent imaging results across diverse applications
- Optimized Sensitivity Performance: Exceptional low-light capability with sensitivity of 250 mV with 1/30s; 0.25 mV with 1/30s , back-illuminated sensor architecture maximizes quantum efficiency for challenging imaging conditions and extended exposure applications
- Universal Optical Integration: Standard C-mount interface ensures broad compatibility with microscope systems, optional 0.5×/0.63×/1× adapters provide flexible field-of-view matching for various magnification requirements
- Streamlined System Design: Compact form factor measuring TBD and weighing TBD , powered directly via USB3.0 interface power , eliminating the need for external power supplies
- Comprehensive Software Ecosystem: Includes professional ToupView imaging software with full support for Windows/Linux/macOS/Android multi-platform SDK (native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python, Java, DirectShow, TWAIN, etc.) operating systems, providing advanced measurement tools, image analysis capabilities, stitching functions, and focus stacking, with extensive SDK support for C/C++, C#, Python, ImageJ, μManager development environments
Core Performance Specifications
Resolution
8.5M (3328×2548)
Frame Rate
Up to 10 fps@3328×2548; 56 fps@1664×1272
Pixel Size
1.55 µm × 1.55 µm
Data Interface
USB3.0
Advanced Microscopy Capabilities
Multi-Discipline Applications
Engineered for diverse applications across life sciences research, materials analysis, industrial quality control, and educational environments, supporting comprehensive microscopy techniques including bright field, dark field, phase contrast, and advanced fluorescence imaging
Ultra-Fine Color Processing
Advanced color processing algorithms and sophisticated white balance control ensure precise color reproduction and consistent imaging results, meeting the stringent requirements of diagnostic pathology and research documentation
Precision Measurement Suite
Comprehensive measurement and analysis capabilities including dimensional measurements, area calculations, angular measurements, and statistical analysis tools, supporting quantitative research and quality assessment workflows with sub-pixel accuracy
Advanced Image Processing
Real-time image enhancement capabilities including noise reduction, sharpening filters, contrast optimization, extended dynamic range processing, image stitching for large field-of-view documentation, and focus stacking for enhanced depth-of-field imaging
Professional Excellence
The U3CMOS08500KPA microscopy camera represents advanced CMOS imaging technology optimized for high-performance applications. Its combination of exceptional image quality, high-speed operation, and comprehensive software support makes it an ideal solution for educational institutions, research laboratories, and industrial facilities requiring reliable, high-quality microscopy imaging capabilities for both routine and specialized applications.
U3CMOS08500KPA Product Manual
PDF format, includes detailed technical specifications and dimensional structures
SDK Development Kit
Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and other multi-platform systems
3D Model Files
STEP format, for mechanical design integration
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the professional features of U3CMOS series microscopy imaging cameras
- USB 3.0 High-Speed Interface: 5 Gbps bandwidth, 18 MP still achieves >20 fps real-time frame rate
- Full-Frame High-Speed Imaging: 16 MP @ 22 fps, 4K resolution @ 36 fps
- High-Speed ROI Mode: Local regions can reach >49 fps
- Large Buffer Design: Ensures stable data transmission without frame drops
High Speed and High Resolution Combined: Maintains >20 fps at 16 MP for real-time observation.
Plug-and-Play: Ready-to-use ToupView software with measurement, annotation, and fluorescence pseudo-color functions.
High Cost-Performance: Provides research-grade image quality at more competitive costs.
In-Depth Product Introduction
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed High-Speed Transfer
Uses USB 3.0 interface technology providing 5 Gbps ultra-high bandwidth, a 10× improvement in transfer speed compared to USB 2.0. Even at 18 megapixel full resolution, maintains smooth preview above 20 fps. Large buffer design ensures stable data transmission, completely eliminating stuttering and frame drop phenomena.
Aptina/Sony Back-Illuminated Sensors
Features carefully selected Aptina MN34/AR series and Sony back-illuminated CMOS chips with 3.8 µm large pixel design balancing high sensitivity and low dark current. Back-illuminated structure improves quantum efficiency to over 70%, wide dynamic range ensures both bright and dark details are clearly presented, particularly suitable for demanding microscopy imaging requirements.
Ultra-Fine Intelligent Color Processing
Proprietary Ultra-Fine color engine integrates hardware-level color correction with 3A algorithms (Auto Exposure AE/Auto White Balance AWB/Auto Gain Control AGC). Real-time optimization of image contrast, saturation, and color accuracy ensures consistent imaging effects under different light sources including LED and halogen lamps.
Flexible ROI and Binning Functions
Supports arbitrary Region of Interest (ROI) selection for free image cropping to achieve higher frame rates. Provides 2×2/3×3/4×4 hardware pixel binning to improve sensitivity and frame rates while maintaining large field of view. 8-bit/12-bit depth dynamic switching meets different application dynamic range requirements.
Robust and Reliable Integrated Design
Features aerospace-grade aluminum alloy CNC one-piece molded housing combined with optimized heat dissipation fins for fanless passive cooling. Zero mechanical vibration design ensures long-term stable imaging, particularly suitable for microscopy observation. Comprehensive cross-platform SDK supports Windows/Linux/macOS, providing multiple interfaces including C/C++, C#, and DirectShow for easy system integration.
Applications
U3CMOS series applications across various microscopy imaging fields
U3CMOS Series Core Advantages
USB 3.0 High Speed
5 Gbps bandwidth, 20+ fps real-time preview
Back-Illuminated CMOS
Aptina/Sony high-quality sensors
Ultra-Fine Engine
Hardware-level color optimization
Flexible ROI
Arbitrary regions + pixel binning
Multiple Resolutions
3.1 - 18 megapixel options
Metal Housing
Aluminum alloy CNC one-piece molding
Complete SDK
Multi-platform multi-language support
High Cost-Performance
Research-grade quality economical choice