03U2
The Watec WAT-03U2 is a compact, high-sensitivity USB 2.0 color camera featuring a 1/3-inch CMOS image sensor and selectable output resolutions up to 1280 × 960, including HD 720p.
Designed for demanding low-light imaging, the WAT-03U2 provides minimum illumination down to 0.02 lx at F1.4 and 1/30s, or 0.005 lx with low-light compensation enabled. It supports frame rates up to 60 fps, USB Video Class compatibility, USB bus power, and a compact 32 × 32 × 23 mm housing weighing approximately 35 g.
The Watec WAT-03U2 is a compact, high-sensitivity USB 2.0 color camera designed for applications requiring detailed color imaging, selectable resolution and reliable performance under low illumination. It features a 1/3-inch CMOS image sensor with 1305 × 977 effective pixels and progressive scanning.
The WAT-03U2 provides selectable output resolutions of 320 × 240, 640 × 480, 1280 × 720 and 1280 × 960, supporting both 4:3 and 16:9 imaging formats. HD 720p output is available at 1280 × 720.
High-Sensitivity Low-Light Imaging
For applications where available illumination is limited, the WAT-03U2 is specified at a minimum illumination of 0.02 lx at F1.4 and 1/30s with low-light compensation OFF in MJPG mode. With low-light compensation ON, minimum illumination is specified at 0.005 lx at F1.4 and 1/7.5s in MJPG mode.
Manual exposure capabilities provide additional flexibility for low-light imaging. Shutter settings extend to ×64 FRM (2.0 seconds), while manual gain can be adjusted up to 72 dB.
Selectable Resolution and Frame Rate
The WAT-03U2 supports multiple image sizes for different imaging requirements:
- 1280 × 960 — Quad-VGA, 4:3
- 1280 × 720 — HD 720p, 16:9
- 640 × 480 — VGA, 4:3
- 320 × 240 — Quarter-VGA, 4:3
Maximum frame rate reaches 60 fps at 640 × 480 and 30 fps at 1280 × 720 or 1280 × 960. The 60 fps mode uses MJPG compression and uses the center portion of the image for output, resulting in a different field of view.
Compact USB-Powered Design
Measuring only 32(W) × 32(H) × 23(D) mm and weighing approximately 35 g, the WAT-03U2 is well suited to systems where camera size and weight are important integration considerations.
The camera connects through a USB Mini-B interface, is USB Video Class compatible, and receives DC +5 V power through the USB bus. Typical power consumption is approximately 0.75 W (150 mA), eliminating the need for a separate camera power supply during normal USB operation.
Imaging and Camera Controls
The WAT-03U2 provides adjustable imaging functions including:
- Brightness
- Contrast
- Hue
- Saturation
- Sharpness
- Gamma
- White balance
- Backlight compensation
- Gain
- Flicker-less mode
- Shutter
- Slow shutter
White balance includes ATW from 2800–9500 K and MWB from 2800–6500 K. Automatic gain control is adjustable from 0–42 dB, while manual gain control extends from 0–72 dB. Selectable gamma characteristics and center backlight compensation provide additional control over image reproduction.
Lens and System Integration
The WAT-03U2 uses a CS-mount lens interface with adjustable back focus, allowing the camera to be paired with an appropriate lens for the application. For systems requiring a C-mount lens, the Watec 30CMA-R C-mount adapter can be used.
A GPIO connector provides general-purpose input/output functionality for system integration. For USB connectivity, Watec’s operation manual recommends a USB cable length shorter than 3.0 meters.
Downloads
and technical information for the WAT-03U2 USB 2.0 color camera.
and technical reference material for the WAT-03U2.
Specifications
| Specification | WAT-03U2 |
|---|---|
| Camera Type | USB 2.0 Color Camera |
| Image Sensor | 1/3-inch CMOS |
| Effective Pixels | 1305(H) × 977(V) |
| Unit Cell Size | 3.75 µm × 3.75 µm |
| Scanning | Progressive |
| Maximum Output | 1280 × 960 |
| HD Output | 1280 × 720 |
| Maximum Frame Rate | 60 fps at 640 × 480 |
| Minimum Illumination | 0.02 lx, F1.4, 1/30s, low-light compensation OFF, MJPG |
| Extended Low-Light | 0.005 lx, F1.4, 1/7.5s, low-light compensation ON, MJPG |
| Video Interface | USB Mini-B / USB Video Class compatible |
| Horizontal Resolution | More than 680 TVL (center, YUY2 output) |
| Lens Mount | CS-mount, adjustable back focus |
| Power | DC +5 V via USB bus |
| Power Consumption | 0.75 W / 150 mA |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +50°C |
| Dimensions | 32 × 32 × 23 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 35 g |
FAQ
What is the Watec WAT-03U2?
The Watec WAT-03U2 is a compact, high-sensitivity USB 2.0 color camera featuring a 1/3-inch CMOS image sensor, selectable image resolutions, and USB Video Class compatibility.
What is the maximum resolution of the WAT-03U2?
The WAT-03U2 supports resolutions up to 1280 × 960. It also supports 1280 × 720 HD, 640 × 480 VGA, and 320 × 240 Quarter-VGA output.
What is the maximum frame rate of the WAT-03U2?
The WAT-03U2 supports up to 60 fps at 640 × 480. Maximum frame rate at 1280 × 720 and 1280 × 960 is 30 fps.
How sensitive is the WAT-03U2 in low light?
Minimum illumination is specified at 0.02 lx at F1.4 and 1/30s with low-light compensation OFF in MJPG mode. With low-light compensation enabled, the camera is specified down to 0.005 lx at F1.4 and 1/7.5s in MJPG mode.
Does the WAT-03U2 require an external power supply?
No separate camera power supply is required during normal USB operation. The WAT-03U2 receives DC +5 V power through the USB bus and consumes approximately 0.75 W (150 mA).
What lens mount does the WAT-03U2 use?
The WAT-03U2 uses a CS-mount with adjustable back focus. A Watec 30CMA-R adapter can be used when a C-mount lens is required.
What are the dimensions and weight of the WAT-03U2?
The camera measures 32 × 32 × 23 mm and weighs approximately 35 grams.
Is the WAT-03U2 USB Video Class compatible?
Yes. The WAT-03U2 is USB Video Class compatible.
What operating systems are listed for the WAT-03U2?
The operation manual lists Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions as operation-confirmed operating systems.