What type of cable is used to connect cameras? The type of cable used to connect industrial cameras depends on the ​interface standard​ the camera supports. Here are the most common ​camera connection cables​ in machine vision and industrial imaging.

(PRUnderground) July 2nd, 2025

What type of cable is used to connect cameras?

The type of cable used to connect industrial cameras depends on the ​interface standard​ the camera supports. Here are the most common ​camera connection cables​ in machine vision and industrial imaging:

​1. CameraLink Cable​

Purpose:​​ High-speed data transfer for industrial cameras.

​Connector:​​ ​MDR-26 (26-pin Micro-D)​​ or ​HD-26 (High-Density 26-pin).

Cable Type:​​ Shielded twisted-pair (STP) with LVDS signaling.

​Max Speed:​​ Up to ​6.8 Gbps​ (Full configuration).

​Max Length:​​ Typically ​10m​ (longer with repeaters).

Used For:​​ Machine vision, high-speed imaging, medical cameras.

​2. CoaXPress (CXP) Cable​

Purpose:​​ Ultra-high-speed imaging over coaxial cables.

Connector:​​ ​BNC​ or ​Mini-BNC.

Cable Type:​​ Coaxial (75Ω impedance).

​Max Speed:​​ ​Up to 12.5 Gbps per lane​ (CXP-12).

Max Length:​​ ​40m+​​ (depends on speed).

Used For:​​ High-resolution, multi-camera systems (e.g., semiconductor inspection).

​3. GigE Vision (Ethernet) Cable​

​Purpose:​​ Long-distance, cost-effective camera connection.

​Connector:​​ ​RJ45​ (standard Ethernet).

Cable Type:​​ Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a (shielded for industrial use).

Max Speed:​​ ​1 Gbps (GigE) / 10 Gbps (10GigE).

Max Length:​​ ​100m​ (with standard Ethernet).

Used For:​​ General machine vision, surveillance, multi-camera setups.

​4. USB3 Vision Cable​

​Purpose:​​ Plug-and-play camera connection (common in labs & light industrial).

Connector:​​ ​USB Type-B​ (common) or ​USB-C​ (newer models).

Cable Type:​​ Shielded USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 (SuperSpeed).

Max Speed:​​ ​5 Gbps (USB3) / 10 Gbps (USB3.1 Gen 2).

Max Length:​​ ​3-5m​ (active cables can extend further).

​Used For:​​ Entry-level machine vision, microscopy, R&D.

​5. SDI Cable (for Broadcast & High-Speed Video)​​

Purpose:​​ Real-time video streaming (broadcast, sports, etc.).

Connector:​​ ​BNC.

Cable Type:​​ 75Ω coaxial (RG-6 or better).

​Max Speed:​​ ​Up to 12 Gbps (6G/12G-SDI).

Max Length:​​ ​100m+​​ (with fiber extenders).

Used For:​​ High-speed video capture, live broadcasting.

​6. Power-over-Coax (PoC) & Hybrid Cables​

Purpose:​​ Combines ​power + data​ in one cable (e.g., for drones, robotics).

Examples:​

​Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)​​ – Used with GigE cameras.

CoaXPress with Power (PoCXP)​​ – Delivers power over coaxial lines.

​Comparison Table: Camera Cable Types​

​How to Choose the Right Cable?​​

1. ​Check your camera’s interface​ (CameraLink, CoaXPress, GigE, etc.).
2. ​Consider speed & distance requirements.
3. ​Industrial environment?​​ Use shielded, ruggedized cables.
4. ​Need power delivery?​​ Look for PoE/PoC options.

M12 4 Pin A Code to RJ45 Female Industrial Camera Link Cable

M12 8 Pin A Code to RJ45 Male Industrial Camera Link Cable

M12 8 Pin A Code Industrial Sensor Cable

M12 8 Pin A Code to RJ45 Female Industrial Camera Link Cable

About Shenzhen STC Electronic Co., Ltd

STC-CABLE is an industry-leading manufacturer of high-performance cabling and connectivity solutions. Founded in 2008, STC provides end-to-end connectivity solutions serving a variety of markets–including corporate, digital signage, education, healthcare, home theater, and hospitality.

As a professional cable assembly factory, STC brings a complete portfolio of products and solutions including USB 2.0 Cables, USB 3.0 Cables, USB C Cables, Drive Cables, Network Cables & Adapters, Audio & Video Cables, Serial & Parallel Cables, Audio-Video Products, Computer power Cables internal and so on.

Leo Zhang
Sales Manager
leo@stccable.com
Tel: (86) 0755 2321 4701
(86) 134 2285 3610
www.stc-cable.com
STC Electronic (Hong Kong) Co., Limited
Shenzhen STC Electronic Co., LTD

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