Sony FCB Series Overview: High-Performance Imaging for Industrial & Embedded Systems
In the fast-changing world of industrial imaging and security, the quality of both the lens and the image sensor is paramount. The Sony FCB (Functional Camera Block) series represents the high-performance camera modules.
From medical carts in hospitals to smart city surveillance, these "all-in-one" blocks integrate a high-quality optical zoom lens, a powerful image sensor, and an advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) into a single, reliable unit. In this guide, we will look at the top Sony camera models and their specific technical advantages.
4K Camera Blocks: Precision Imaging for Critical Applications
When you need to see every little detail, our 4K Sony FCB cameras deliver unmatched clarity and resolution using advanced sensor technology.
1. Sony FCB-ER9500 – The 4K Flagship
Best For: Factory Inspection, Machine Vision, Precision Engineering
The FCB-ER9500 is our top-of-the-line model, featuring the advanced 1/1.8-type STARVIS 2 CMOS sensor. This sensor technology provides superior sensitivity and dynamic range, ensuring critical systems capture moving objects with zero blur.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Image Sensor: 1/1.8-type STARVIS 2 CMOS
- Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) @ 60fps
- Lens: 25x Optical Zoom (f=6.5 mm - 162.5 mm, F1.6 - F4.8)
- Video Output: HDMI (Digital Y/Pb/Pr 4:2:2, RGB 4:4:4)
- Minimum Illumination: 0.009 lx (High Sensitivity, ICR Off)
- Dimensions: 56 x 64 x 125 mm
Advanced Features:
- Super Image Stabilizer: Suppresses blur even in high-vibration environments.
- ICR (Day/Night): Mechanical IR Cut Filter for true day/night performance.
- Spot Focus / Spot AE / Spot AWB: Precise control for specific areas of interest.
Product link: FCB-ER9500
Interface Board: HDMI
Bridge Board: HDMI-MIPI
Carrier Board: XAVIER NX
2. Sony FCB-ER8530 – Medical & Industrial Imaging
Best For: UAVs (Drones), City Surveillance, Sports Broadcasting
Compact yet powerful, the FCB-ER8530 integrates a 1/2.5-type Exmor R CMOS sensor. It provides 4K resolution in a lightweight form factor optimized for aerial and mobile platforms.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Image Sensor: 1/2.5-type Exmor R CMOS
- Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160) @ 30fps
- Lens: 20x Optical Zoom (f=4.4 mm - 88.0 mm, F2.0 - F3.8)
- Zoom Capability: Super Resolution Zoom (SRZ) extends reach without pixelation.
- Start-up Time: Fast response for immediate deployment.
Advanced Features:
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS): Counteracts vibration and shake, crucial for stable footage on drones and robotics.
- Auto ICR: Enhances night-time visibility.
- Visibility Enhancer: Improves contrast in difficult lighting conditions (haziness, fog).
Product link: FCB-ER8530
Interface Board: HDMI
Bridge Board: HDMI-MIPI
Carrier Board: XAVIER NX
Full HD 9500 Series: Versatility Meets Performance
Our most popular range, the 9500 series, utilizes the 1/1.8-type STARVIS CMOS sensor. We offer this versatile core with different interface options to suit specific system architectures.
3. Sony FCB-EW9500H (HDMI)
Best For: Medical Imaging, Video Conferencing, Direct Monitor Inspection, Drone & UAVs
The FCB-EW9500H simplifies integration with a native HDMI video output. This allows for a plug-and-play connection to high-definition displays.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Image Sensor: 1/1.8-type STARVIS CMOS
- Resolution: 4K sensor downsampled to high-quality output (2160p/60 capability)
- Lens: 30x Enhanced Optical Zoom
- Video Output: HDMI 1.4b
- Minimum Illumination: 0.009 lx (High Sensitivity)
Advanced Features:
- Super Image Stabilizer: "Super" and "Super+" modes for extreme vibration compensation.
- Ease of Integration: Direct signal chain to monitors reduces system latency.
- Wide Dynamic Range (Wide-D): Ensures visibility in high-contrast scenes.
Product link: FCB-EW9500H
Interface Board: HDMI
Bridge Board: HDMI-MIPI
Carrier Board: XAVIER NX
4. Sony FCB-EV9500M (MIPI)
Best For: Embedded Vision, AI Edge Devices, Robotics, UAVs & Drones
Designed for the modern embedded developer, the FCB-EV9500M features a MIPI CSI-2 interface. It connects seamlessly with embedded processors like NVIDIA Jetson, Qualcomm, or Raspberry Pi, making it the ideal sensor module for AI-driven computer vision applications.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Image Sensor: 1/1.8-type STARVIS CMOS
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p) @ 60fps
- Interface: MIPI CSI-2 (4 Lane)
- Lens: 30x Enhanced Optical Zoom
- Dimensions: 56 x 64 x 125 mm
Advanced Features:
- Low Latency: Direct connection to MIPI prevents conversion lag, critical for real-time AI.
- Color Image at ICR ON: Unique feature allowing color capture even with IR filter removed.
- Defog: Clearer images in misty outdoor environments.
Product link: FCB-EV9500M
Carrier Boards: XAVIER NX, ORIN NANO/NX, JETSON NANO, GOOGLE CORAL
Adapters Board: MIPI ADAPTER
5. Sony FCB-EV9500L (LVDS)
Best For: Security Cameras, Pipe Inspection, ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), UAVs & Drones
The FCB-EV9500L utilizes the industry-standard LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling) interface. This robust connection ensures signal integrity over longer internal cable runs, making it a standard for dome cameras and industrial inspection crawlers.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Image Sensor: 1/1.8-type STARVIS CMOS
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p) @ 60fps
- Interface: LVDS (30-pin)
- Lens: 30x Enhanced Optical Zoom
- Sensitivity: High sensitivity for low-light inspection.
Advanced Features:
- Robust Signaling: Proven LVDS interface for long-distance internal cabling.
- Spot Light Avoidance: Improves auto-focus performance in scenes with bright point sources.
- Noise Reduction: 3DNR + 2DNR for clean signals.
Product link: FCB-EV9500L
Carrier Boards: ORIN NANO/NX
Interface Board: USB
Bridge Board: LVDS–MIPI
Next-Gen Low Light Technology
6. Sony FCB-EV9520L – STARVIS 2 Evolution
Best For: High-End Security, Traffic Monitoring, Night Surveillance
The FCB-EV9520L is a game-changer for 24/7 monitoring. Powered by the 1/2.8-type STARVIS 2 CMOS sensor, it offers significantly improved dynamic range (Wide-D) and noise reduction compared to previous generations.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Image Sensor: 1/2.8-type STARVIS 2 CMOS
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p) @ 60fps
- Lens: 30x Optical Zoom
- Minimum Illumination: 0.009 lx (Ultra-High Sensitivity)
- Interface: LVDS
Advanced Features:
- STARVIS 2 Evolution: Delivers wider dynamic range without the "smear" usage artifacts of older sensors.
- NIR Sensitivity: Excellent response in Near-Infrared spectrum for night surveillance.
- Compact Form Factor: Same dimensions as previous 1080p models for easy upgrade.
Product link: FCB-EV9520L
Carrier Boards: ORIN NANO/NX
Interface Board: USB
Bridge Board: LVDS–MIPI
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FCB stands for Functional Camera Block. It refers to Sony’s line of compact, high-performance camera modules that integrate the lens, image sensor, and Image Signal Processor (ISP) into a single block for easy system integration.
They offer an 'all-in-one' solution with matched optics and sensors. This ensures superior auto-focus speed, optical alignment, and image quality compared to building a discrete solution from separate lens and sensor components.
STARVIS 2 is the evolution of the original STARVIS technology, offering a wider dynamic range (Wide-D) and significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in low-light environments, reducing distinct artifacts like motion blur in dark scenes.
Yes, we supply true 4K models like the FCB-ER9500 (4K60p) and FCB-ER8530 (4K30p) which deliver ultra-high-definition video output.
Optical Zoom mechanically adjusts the lens focal length to magnify the image with no loss of resolution. Digital Zoom electronically enlarges the pixels. Sony’s Super Resolution Zoom technology minimizes the pixelation typically associated with digital zoom.
The FCB-EV9520L, equipped with the latest STARVIS 2 sensor, provides the highest sensitivity and lowest noise floor for night-time applications.
Yes. It supports 4K at 60fps, which provides high temporal resolution, reducing motion blur for fast-moving objects on industrial lines.
The MIPI CSI-2 interface is native to most mobile and embedded processors (SoCs). Using this avoids the latency and bulk of converting HDMI/SDI signals, which is critical for real-time AI processing on edge devices.
It features Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) to compensate for high-frequency vibrations and a compact, lightweight chassis that minimizes payload weight for UAVs.
No. It outputs a standard HDMI signal using a suitable interface board, allowing direct connection to medical monitors or industrial displays without a host PC.
Yes, the FCB-EW9500H is often used in high-end telepresence systems due to its superior 30x optics and fast auto-focus compared to fixed-lens webcams.
While the blocks themselves are industrial components, they are widely integrated into medical devices (IEC 60601 certified systems) like surgical microscopes due to their high color reproduction and clarity.
Yes, the FCB-EV9500M is designed for the embedded ecosystem. We can assist with driver support for platforms like the Jetson Orin and Xavier series.
The camera blocks are not IP-rated (weatherproof) on their own. They must be installed inside a protective enclosure or housing for outdoor use.
It is a digital signal processing feature that enhances contrast and visibility in scenes with low contrast due to fog, mist, or haze, essential for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).
You can purchase them directly from Oppila. We are ensuring genuine products and local support.
Yes, our engineering team offers technical guidance on LVDS/MIPI pinouts, control protocols (VISCA), and interface board selection.
Yes, we supply compatible interface boards (HDMI, USB 3.0, LVDS) to bridge the camera's output to your system's required format.
Please email info@oppila.in with your specific model requirements and quantity for a formal quotation.
