Point Grey has introduced the Grasshopper3, which combines CCD technology with a USB 3.0 interface.
The first Grasshopper3 camera model, the GS3-U3-28S4, has a maximum frame rate of 26fps and features the Sony 2.8 megapixel 1/1.8-inch ICX687 EXview HAD CCD II sensor. Compared to other CCD and CMOS devices, EXview is known for higher quantum efficiency, reduced smear, and increased near-IR response. A full line-up of Sony CCD-based models is planned for the Grasshopper3 family, including 2.8 2/3-inch, 6 megapixel, and 9.1 megapixel versions. Like all Point Grey USB 3.0 cameras, the Grasshopper3 is built on an FPGA and frame buffer-based architecture to provide optimal reliability, a rich set of features, and a full image processing pipeline including colour interpolation, look up table, gamma correction, pixel binning, and much more.
The camera family is ideal for a wide range of applications, including print inspection, 3D measurement, flow-scanning cytometry, and fluorescence imaging.
