14/03/2025
Cameras
Kurokesu offers a range of cameras designed for applications from robotics and scientific imaging to streaming and security. This overview breaks down the camera lineup by interface, form factor, and product family, helping you understand the differences and choose the right model. We’ll cover the two interface types (USB and MIPI CSI-2), the board-level vs. boxed camera formats, and highlight the C3, C2, C1 Micro, and C1 Pro families.
Interface
Kurokesu cameras come in two interface types, serving different use cases
USB
These are UVC-compliant cameras that plug into a host via USB (USB 2.0 on older models, USB-C on newer models). They are essentially plug-and-play on modern operating systems and appear as standard webcams. The USB models contain an onboard image processor (ISP) that outputs video in common formats (YUY2, MJPEG, or even H.264 on C1, C2 models) . This makes multi-camera setups straightforward, since each unit has a unique serial number and retains its last-used settings in onboard memory. USB cameras are ideal for general-purpose use or when you want minimal fuss - e.g. attaching to a PC, single-board computer, or even multiple cameras on one machine for streaming or conferencing.
MIPI CSI-2
These are board level camera modules that interface through a CSI-2 ribbon cable (22-pin 0.5 mm pitch, 4 data lanes). They feed unprocessed pixel data directly to a host like a Raspberry Pi or NVIDIA Jetson, which then handles image processing. MIPI cameras are favored in embedded vision systems where you want low level sensor access, lower latency, or tight integration with an onboard ISP/SoC. CSI-2 models support external trigger and synchronization signals via a separate connector for precise timing in multi-camera setups . These cameras require appropriate drivers (for example, using Raspberry Pi’s camera stack or custom drivers), but offer flexibility for edge computing and AI applications.
Enclosure
Kurokesu provides most cameras in two form factors: a board-level module or a boxed enclosed camera. Both contain the same sensor and core electronics, but their format and lens mount differ.
Board-Level
These are bare PCB modules (the newest C3 boards measure about 26 × 26 mm) designed to be embedded into your equipment. They use an M12 lens mount (also called S-mount) for compact lenses. Board cameras are extremely lightweight (e.g. ~15 g for a C3 board), making them suitable for UAVs, handheld devices, head-mounted rigs, or any space/weight-constrained setup. The board-level models have mounting holes (M2 or M3) on the PCB for custom attachment. They typically don’t include an IR-cut filter by default – instead, the filter (if needed) is part of the lens or an added lens accessory. Board-level cameras can come with different M12 mount heights (standard 9.5 mm or extended 14.7 mm) to accommodate wide-angle vs. telephoto lenses. For USB board cameras, a small daughterboard hosts the USB Type-C connector or a locking JST-GH connector (for embedded use) and interfaces with the sensor board. This modular design keeps the sensor module compact and reduces heat near the sensor.
Boxed
These have the sensor and electronics mounted inside a CNC-machined aluminum enclosure (approximately a 33 × 33 × 24 mm cube for recent models). They feature a CS-mount on the front, which is a larger threaded lens mount (1-inch diameter, 32 TPI) that accepts CS or C-mount lenses. (CS-mount is common in industrial cameras, and C-mount lenses can also be used via a 5 mm adapter ring.) Boxed cameras come with a default IR-cut (visible band-pass) filter installed in the optical path, ensuring accurate colors under daylight conditions. The filter can be swapped or removed depending on the model/SKU for applications needing full-spectrum or NIR imaging. The enclosure adds protection and makes the camera “ready to deploy” – each side of the cube has M3 threaded holes for mounting, and an optional tripod/Arca-Swiss mount plate can be attached to the base. Boxed cameras are ideal for users who want a robust, out-of-the-box solution with standard lens compatibility and easy mounting (for example, mounting as a machine vision camera on a robot, or on a tripod for video production).
Camera Families
The following table summarizes the key differences between Kurokesu’s camera families (C3, C2, C1 Micro, C1 Pro) to help you decide which suits your needs:
| Family | Sensor & Resolution | Features |
| C3 |
| Latest platform. Low-light and high resolution options. Global shutter available. USB (UVC) with MJPEG/YUY2 streaming. Compact 26x26 mm boards. USB-C connector (lockable). Sensor boards swappable. |
| C2 |
| General-purpose 1080p. Remote conferencing and streaming (low CPU due to H.264). Machine vision. UAV/Robotic cameras. Any legacy system needing reliable 1080p. Great for multi-cam on one PC. |
| C1-MICRO |
| Embedded and wearable. UAVs. Helmet cameras. Eye trackers. Miniature inspection cameras. Aany project where a few cubic centimeters and ~1–2 W power for a Full HD camera is acceptable. |
| C1-PRO |
| Legacy use & special order. If you have an existing system built on original C1 form factor. Low-light, industrial systems that were qualified with this model. New projects should opt for C2/C3, but C1 Pro is there for continuity |
| CSI2 MIPI |
| Direct Raspberry Pi and NVIDIA Jetson connectivity. Low latency. Higher frame rates and resolutions. Compact and lightweight. |
Long-Term Availability: we produce our cameras until there is demand and we can source the components. Even if a product is marked on our web as obsolete, it can be produced on demand when the minimum quantity is met. This means all the families above can be obtained (some with lead time) for industrial/enterprise needs, even as technology evolves. We aim to support long-term projects, so engineers don’t have to worry that a camera will suddenly disappear from the catalog.
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