PixeLINK Launches New Megapixel Digital Cameras and Imaging Modules

PixeLINK announces the launch of their latest series of digital cameras and imaging modules aimed at the scientific and industrial market. Available in color and monochrome versions, the PL-A650/660 series of products are based on the latest 1/2" 1.3 megapixel sensors from Kodak.

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada-PixeLINK today announced the launch of their latest series of digital cameras and imaging modules aimed at the scientific and industrial market. Available in color and monochrome versions, the PL-A650/660 series of products are based on the latest 1/2" 1.3 megapixel sensors from Kodak. The sensors have a 1280 x 1024 pixel array with square 6 micron pixels.

"We are very pleased with the results we have achieved with this new product" says Brigitte Vachon, VP Sales of PixeLINK. "The comments we have received from our customers and distribution channel following the product tests have been unanimously favorable. They especially appreciate the colour accuracy, high frame rate and ease of use. Everyone is excited with the camera and we expect rapid market acceptance."

The PL-A660 series of camera is ideally suited for brightfield microscopy and routine microscopic image documentation. The PL-A650 series of imaging modules is exceptionally flexible and can be incorporated in a wide variety of imaging applications.

Connected to the computer by a FireWire connection, these new products can display real-time digital video and capture still images directly to the computer. No frame grabber is required. Included with each purchase is PixeLINK's software application, PixeLINK Capture, providing full control of the camera functions and allowing the user to set the exposure, white balance, gamma and color saturation or monochrome gain. Images can be captured in BMP, TIFF, JPEG, or raw data formats with the option of incorporating bitmap overlays.

Advanced on-camera processing allows the camera to capture clear sharp images with excellent color fidelity and reduced levels of fixed pattern noise. The on-board processing includes a continuous auto-exposure feature that allows the camera to operate with rapidly varying lighting levels while maintaining a properly exposed image. Microscope operators, for example, will be able to change objectives and samples without having to reset the exposure each time. The on-board processing can be upgraded on-site over the FireWire interface, allowing additional functionality to be added in the future. PixeLINK will make camera updates and upgrades available on their web site as they become available.

The PL-A650/660 series products are fully computer controllable and a software development kit compatible with C++ and Visual Basic is available. With this ease of operation, most developers will be able to create custom applications to integrate the PL-A650/660 series products in just a few hours. PixeLINK also provides excellent technical support along with complete technical reference manuals and sample code.

The PixeLINK cameras and imaging modules have a standard C-mount for use with trinocular ports available on many microscopes as well as machine vision and CCTV lenses. The products can also be attached to almost any microscope with a 0.63x or larger video coupler.

PixeLINK products provide the best price for performance in the scientific and industrial market. The PL-A660 series camera kits, which include all the accessories and software necessary to operate the cameras, have a list price of $1695 US for the monochrome version and $1795 US for the color version. Comparable documentation cameras with similar features are typically in the range of $2500 to $4000 US. The PL-A650 series imaging modules start at $1050 US. Developer's Kits are available for both cameras and imaging modules starting at $1995 US.

About PixeLINK

Founded in 1992, PixeLINK (http://www.pixelink.com) is a rapidly expanding, profitable pre-IPO company, located in Ottawa, Canada's Silicon Valley North. The PixeLINK product line includes a family of digital cameras that allow end users and OEMs to exploit the simplicity and usefulness of digital imaging technology. Targeted at the life science and industrial markets, PixeLINK products are designed with a specific focus on microscopy and machine vision.

For More Information:

Contact: Michael McKay, Product Manager
Tel: (613) 247-1211 ext. 152
Email: mike.mckay@pixelink.com