Choosing machine vision identification equipment often comes down to whether you are fixing a broken link or building a new inspection point. The options in this comparison range from a replacement cable for an existing Keyence camera to a color camera with a lens already mounted. One is meant to keep a working line running; the other is meant to become the heart of a new identification station.
Quick take
If you already own a Keyence CA Series camera and simply need the cable, the Keyence CA-CH3 is the low-cost fix. If you want a camera package that is ready to point at the line, the KEYENCE CA-HX200M sits in the middle. If you are building inside the Epson CV1 Vision System, the Epson R12B120359 is designed for that platform. If your budget reaches to the top of the range, the Cognex IS7802C-363-50 is the most expensive camera in this comparison.
Listed-price comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Condition | What you get | Price position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keyence CA-CH3 Machine Vision Camera Cable 3M 10ft | USD 34.52 | Used | 10ft cable for Keyence CA Series cameras | |
| KEYENCE Machine Vision Camera with Lens CA-HX200M W/F1.4/12MM | USD 249.99 | Used | Camera and F1.4/12mm lens | |
| Epson R12B120359 CV1 Standard Resolution Machine Vision Camera | USD 332.49 | New | CV1 camera for Epson CV1 Vision System | |
| Cognex IS7802C-363-50 Color Machine Vision Camera 825-10786-1R Opto TC23016 Lens | USD 699.00 | Used | Color camera with Opto TC23016 lens |
Decision matrix
| If your machine vision identification need is... | Choose... | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing a missing cable for a Keyence CA Series camera | Keyence CA-CH3 | It is the cable-only option, so it fits that need without paying for a camera |
| Getting a complete camera package on a tight budget | KEYENCE CA-HX200M | The package is a single integrated buy |
| Building inside an Epson CV1 Vision System | Epson R12B120359 | Compatibility with the Epson CV1 Vision System |
| Needing visual identification based on subtle shade differences | Cognex IS7802C-363-50 | Camera designed for inspection tasks at the top of the price range |
Individual picks
Epson R12B120359 CV1 Standard Resolution Machine Vision Camera
This is the only unit sold in new condition among the four, and it is built for the Epson CV1 Vision System. At $332.49, it has a cable termination, so it can connect within that ecosystem. The reason to choose it is straightforward: if you are assembling or repairing an Epson CV1 line and want a fresh, standard-resolution camera rather than a used one, this is the one. The limitation is the same compatibility that makes it attractive. It belongs to the Epson CV1 Vision System family, so it is not a generic standalone camera for a mixed-vendor setup. Plan around that ecosystem before buying.
Keyence CA-CH3 Machine Vision Camera Cable
The cheapest item in the group is also the most narrowly useful. The CA-CH3 is a 3-meter (10-foot) cable for Keyence CA Series machine vision cameras, priced at $34.52. If you have a CA Series camera and the original cable has failed or disappeared, this used cable restores the link without replacing the whole camera. The concrete reason to choose it is the low cost and the 10-foot reach. The limitation is that a cable by itself cannot perform identification. It only connects a camera you must already own. Used condition is another factor to accept at this price point.
KEYENCE Machine Vision Camera with Lens CA-HX200M W/F1.4/12MM
This used Keyence package combines a CA-HX200M camera with an F1.4/12mm lens for $249.99. That makes it the least expensive camera-and-optics combination here, and the optics are already matched to the camera body in this used unit. If you are building a machine vision identification station on a tight budget, this bundle gives you the optical part of the system without a separate lens purchase. The limitation is the used industrial surplus condition. As with any pre-owned camera, you are buying it as-is from a decommissioned environment, so this bundle suits buyers comfortable with pre-owned industrial gear.
Cognex IS7802C-363-50 Color Machine Vision Camera 825-10786-1R Opto TC23016 Lens
The most expensive option is also the only one with a color sensor. At $699.00, the Cognex IS7802C-363-50 comes with an Opto TC23016 lens and was removed from a working environment in excellent cosmetic condition, according to the seller. If your identification task relies on color differentiation, this is the one to consider. The limitation is price. It is the highest listed price in this group, and the used condition means you are paying for color capability rather than for a brand-new unit. For tasks that do not need color, this camera may be more capability than you require.
Final recommendation by use case
- Need a replacement cable for an existing Keyence CA Series camera? The Keyence CA-CH3 is the smallest and lowest-cost purchase that fits the job.
- Want a complete camera package without spending close to the top of the range? The KEYENCE CA-HX200M is the practical middle pick.
- Building around an Epson CV1 Vision System? The Epson R12B120359 is the camera matched to that platform.
- Ready for the highest listed price in this group? The Cognex IS7802C-363-50 is the top-priced choice.
