Digital Imaging Camera/SDK
Sony Alpha camera supported by Sony SDK (Software Development Kit)
Learn more
SONY ISS’ FCB family powers IberOptics vision systems for extreme applications
HarshCam, a highly ruggedized electro-optical camera system from Iberoptics, is engineered to deliver dependable, high-quality imaging in extreme environments where conventional vision systems struggle. Designed to maintain full zoom, focus, and clarity under severe shock, vibration, and temperature fluctuations, HarshCam ensures continuous performance when stability matters most
Building on this technology, high-end optical and imaging specialist, Iberoptics, has leveraged its long-standing relationship with Sony ISS, to create advanced cameras based on Sony’s high-performing camera blocks. Iberoptics’ HarshCam is engineered for extreme impact resistance, meaning it can withstand violent shocks and vibrations above 40G for durations exceeding 11 milliseconds without losing zoom or focus. The cameras can also operate in punishing temperatures ranging from -35°C to +75°C – fully complying with MIL-STD-810 standards.
This kind of performance means HarshCam has found widespread application in defense and security, acting as a vision system for surveillance, targeting, and situational awareness in special vehicles, remote defense stations, drones, and helicopters. It is a tried-and-tested solution for mission-critical reliability where failure is not an option.
Integrating Sony camera blocks
Traditional machine vision cameras lose focus when subjected to vibrations and impacts, requiring manual reinitialization and resulting in image loss during a critical period. HarshCam solves these problems by taking high-performance Sony FCB camera blocks, widely recognized as the best-in-class color imaging and zoom, and ruggedizing them for the harshest environments.
This technical enhancement is managed through a custom hardware adaptation of the Sony FCB modules. These modifications are entirely internal and remain invisible to both the integrator and the end user. As a result, the connectivity and control software remain fully compatible with the original Sony FCB block.
Importantly, the external dimensions and footprint of the Sony module are unchanged. So, the HarshCam unit can directly replace a standard Sony FCB zoom camera without any mechanical or software adjustments - simply swap the units and power on.
More capability with the FCB-ER9500
The depth of the relationship between Iberoptics and Sony means multiple FCB blocks can now be adapted for HarshCam use. These include FCB-EV7520, FCB-ER8530, FCB-ER8550, FCB-EV9500, and FCB-EV9520 – providing a full range of full-HD and 4K options.
The FCB-EV7520 block, for instance, features a CMOS 1/2.8" color sensor, full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and 30x optical zoom and 360x digital zoom. Iberoptics’ ruggedization enables it to deliver this high level of performance with no loss of focus, even under violent vibrations and impacts exceeding 40G.
In the near future, HarshCam will also be available with the new FCB-ER9500, Sony's first STARVIS2 4K/60 block camera, delivering stunning detail at 60fps. The FCB-ER9500 offers exceptionally high-resolution imaging with a seamless transition from wide-angle to long-distance, making it ideal for surveillance, targeting, and situational awareness.
This combination of Sony’s state-of-the-art camera blocks and Iberoptics’ ruggedized performance will support more reliable vision systems for the defense sector.
