January 30, 2015 – Richmond, BC, Canada – Point Grey, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative, high-performance digital cameras, today announced the introduction of the Chameleon®3, a new family of USB3 Vision™ board-level cameras.

The Chameleon3 camera line combines the ease-of-use of USB 3.0, the small size and flexibility of board-level, and the most popular CCD and CMOS image sensors into an affordable package. Available in a compact 44 x 35 x 19.5 mm case or as a 40 x 31 mm board stack, the Chameleon3 is well-suited to a wide range of space-constrained applications. The Chameleon3’s lightweight metal case is designed for reliability and offers multiple mounting points and a locking USB 3.0 connection. The board-level version offers configuration flexibility and can be equipped with either a C/CS-mount lens holder or a smaller S-mount (M12) lens holder. Other standard features include an on-camera frame buffer for image retransmission, opto-isolated GPIO with locking connection, and a hassle-free 3-year warranty.

The first Chameleon3 CM3-U3-13S2 models are based on color and monochrome versions of the popular Sony ICX445, a 1/3” global shutter CCD sensor capable of 1288 x 964 image resolution at 30 FPS. The EXview HAD CCD sensor technology offers excellent imaging performance with high quantum efficiency and NIR sensitivity, in a cost-effective 1/3” optical format.  Additional Chameleon3 models will be released throughout 2015, including the 1.3 megapixel On Semi Python 1300 global shutter CMOS, and the 2.8 megapixel Sony ICX818 global shutter CCD.

“We are very excited to introduce the Chameleon3, our next generation of board-level USB cameras,” says Michael Gibbons, Director of Sales and Marketing at Point Grey. “The Chameleon3 builds on the success of our popular Chameleon USB 2.0 cameras by offering enhanced functionality, a larger sensor selection, and a lower price point. Every design decision we made around Chameleon3, from the case and connectors to the camera architecture and image sensor line-up, has focused on reliability and performance, making it the perfect choice for both industrial and non-industrial applications.”

The CM3-U3-13S2 is list priced at $295/€219 and is available to order now from Point Grey, its network of distributors, and the online store (for North American, Australian, and EU customers).