Sharp Corporation has developed the industry’s first infrared color night-vision camera capable of capturing color video in pitch-dark (zero lux) environments. The new infrared color night-vision camera will be marketed to corporate customers such as security camera system manufacturers.

This new camera is equipped with an infrared color night-vision CCD developed jointly by Sharp and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).

It uses near-infrared light for illumination to enable color images to be captured in total darkness (zero lux) – a first for the industry.

In addition, this infrared color night-vision camera takes high-definition images (at 1280 × 720-pixel resolution) with smooth video capture at 30 frames per second.

Its single-sensor system uses a single CCD chip, enabling a more compact camera size. Further, this camera is also compatible with standard HD-SDI output, making it an easy replacement for existing camera systems.

The infrared color night-vision camera allows users to capture video with a high level of visual recognition at any hour of the day or night.

Beyond deployment in conventional anti-theft cameras, it will find use in a broad range of applications, for example, in monitoring patients in hospitals and nursing homes.

Major Features
1. Industry’s first infrared color night-vision camera capable of capturing smooth high-definition color video in dark environments (zero lux).
2. Enables a more compact camera size, owing to the use of a single-sensor system based on a single CCD chip.
3. Supports standard HD-SDI output, making it easy to install in existing camera systems.

This camera will be sold through Nanolux Japan, Inc., who will act as a distributor. This company is engaged in the development and sale of color night-vision photography technologies and products under a business service agreement with Nanolux Co., Ltd., a related company founded as an AIST venture project.