The reference is compiled from the datasheets of catalogue cameras: for every sensor it lists the maker and name, optical format and diagonal, resolution, pixel size, shutter type, monochrome and colour variants, and the Hikrobot cameras that use it. The diagonal comes from the optical-format table rather than a formula; when the datasheet states a metric sensor size, that value takes priority. From a sensor row you can proceed to the optics calculator with the selected camera or straight to the configurator.

Reading the table

Format and diagonal: 1/3″ — 6.0 mm; 1/2.5″ — 7.2 mm; 1/2″ — 8.0 mm; 1/1.8″ — 9.0 mm; 2/3″ — 11.0 mm; 1″ — 16.0 mm; 1.1″ — 17.6 mm; 1.2″ — 19.3 mm. Sensor sides follow from pixel count and pixel size.
Pixel size: a larger pixel means higher sensitivity and dynamic range at the same format; 3.45 µm is typical for 5–20 MP, 2.5 µm and below for compact high-resolution sensors.
Shutter: global exposes the whole frame at once and is required for moving objects; rolling is cheaper but distorts geometry under motion.
Frame rate is given for the base full-frame mode; reduced-frame modes deliver more frames.
Line-scan sensors are described by line length and maximum line rate; they have no frame rate.

Worked examples

Example 1. You need a 5 MP global-shutter camera for a 2/3″ lens: in the reference these are sensors with an 11 mm diagonal and 2448 × 2048 resolution, for example Sony IMX264 (3.45 µm pixel). The row lists Hikrobot cameras on that sensor with GigE, USB3 and 2.5GigE.

Example 2. A low-light task with a small field: a sensor with a larger pixel at the same format is preferable; the table lets you compare same-format sensors by pixel size and pick the more sensitive one.

Common mistakes

Assuming a 1/2″ format has a 12.7 mm diagonal: the real diagonal is 8.0 mm.
Choosing a higher-resolution sensor at the same format without checking that the lens resolves such a small pixel.
Fitting a lens designed for a smaller format: corner vignetting.
Comparing sensor sensitivity by megapixels instead of pixel size.

Questions and answers

Where does the sensor data come from?

From Hikrobot camera datasheets and public sensor-maker specifications. When a datasheet lacks a value, the cell stays empty; nothing is invented.

How do I go from a sensor to equipment?

Select a camera in the sensor row and press “to optics” — the calculator receives the sensor size and resolution; or “kit” — the camera goes to the configurator.

Why do line-scan sensors have no “to optics” button?

Line-scan optics is computed in the line-scan tool, which allows for line length and web motion.

Common sensors in the catalog

Sensor	Manufacturer	Camera models	Diagonal, mm	Pixel X, µm	Pixel Y, µm
IMX178	Sony	37	8.86	2.4	2.4
GMAX0505	Gpixel	26	18.1	2.5	2.5
IMX183	Sony	20	15.78	2.4	2.4
GMAX3265	Gpixel	15	37.36	3.2	3.2
IMX273	Sony	15	6.21	3.45	3.45
IMX264	Sony	10	11.01	3.45	3.45
IMX287	Sony	10	6.21	6.9	6.9
IMX304	Sony	10	17.52	3.45	3.45
IMX411	Sony	10	66.7	3.76	3.76
IMX296	Sony	9	6.21	3.45	3.45
IMX249	Sony	8	13.27	5.86	5.86
IMX297	Sony	8	6.21	6.9	6.9