08U2 G3.6
Full HD color imaging engineered for the smallest spaces. Measuring just 20.5 × 20.5 × 19.5 mm, the Watec WAT-08U2 gives OEM designers and system integrators a highly compact imaging platform for embedded equipment, surveillance systems, and custom devices where installation depth is limited.
Its 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor provides 1945 × 1097 effective pixels and selectable output up to 1920 × 1080 at 30 fps through high-speed USB 2.0. Minimum illumination is 0.3 lx at F2.0 with AGC at 36 dB and the shutter off, extending to 0.07 lx with a 1/7.5-second shutter. A 3.6 mm miniature lens, adjustable focus, and USB bus power complete a streamlined, integration-ready camera that delivers Watec color imaging performance without demanding valuable system space.
The Watec WAT-08U2 is an ultra-compact Full HD color USB 2.0 camera designed for installations where camera size and system depth are important. Its 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor provides 1945 × 1097 effective pixels, progressive scanning, and selectable video output up to 1920 × 1080 at 30 fps.
The compact 20.5 × 20.5 mm camera body, specially designed USB connector, adjustable miniature lens, and USB bus power support surveillance and embedded-camera applications.
Full HD Color Imaging
The WAT-08U2 uses an RGB primary-color Bayer mosaic imaging system. Horizontal resolution exceeds 900 TV lines at the center of the image. Available output resolutions include 1920 × 1080, 1280 × 720, 640 × 480, and 320 × 240.
Low-Light Performance
Minimum illumination is 0.3 lx at F2.0 with AGC at 36 dB and the shutter off. Minimum illumination extends to 0.07 lx at F2.0 with AGC at 36 dB and a 1/7.5-second shutter.
Automatic gain control provides adjustment from 0 to 36 dB, while manual gain control extends from 0 to 72 dB in 1 dB steps.
USB Video and Bus Power
The camera supports MJPG and YUY2 video compression through USB Video Class operation. It connects through a high-speed USB 2.0 interface and receives 5 VDC power through the USB connection. Power consumption is approximately 0.75 W at 150 mA.
Imaging and Exposure Controls
Available imaging controls include automatic and manual white balance, adjustable gamma, backlight compensation, sharpness adjustment, automatic and fixed exposure, gain control, and resolution-dependent digital zoom.
Digital zoom settings are 1×, 1.38×, and 2.25× at 640 × 480, and 1×, 1.2×, and 1.5× at 1280 × 720.
Compact Lens Integration
The M12 lens mount includes a lens-fixing ring for focus adjustment. The standard WAT-08U2 (G3.6) configuration uses the M3620BC-12 miniature lens with a 3.6 mm focal length and F2.0 aperture. Additional compatible miniature lenses provide alternative optical configurations.
Ultra-Compact Construction
The camera body measures 20.5 mm wide, 20.5 mm high, and 19.5 mm deep, excluding the lens and external projections. Camera weight is approximately 18 grams. A 1.0-meter USB cable and M12 lens-fixing ring are included.
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Specifications
| Specification | WAT-08U2 |
|---|---|
| Camera Type | Ultra-compact Full HD color USB 2.0 camera |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8-inch CMOS |
| Effective Pixels | 1945 (H) × 1097 (V) |
| Unit Cell Size | 2.9 µm (H) × 2.9 µm (V) |
| Imaging System | RGB primary-color Bayer mosaic filters on chip |
| Synchronization | Internal |
| Scanning System | Progressive |
| Output Resolutions | 1920 × 1080, 1280 × 720, 640 × 480, and 320 × 240 |
| Maximum Frame Rate | 30 fps |
| Video Compression | MJPG and YUY2 |
| Video Output | USB Video Class |
| Horizontal Resolution | More than 900 TV lines at image center |
| Minimum Illumination | 0.3 lx at F2.0, AGC 36 dB, shutter off |
| Extended Low-Light Performance | 0.07 lx at F2.0, AGC 36 dB, 1/7.5-second shutter |
| Camera Settings | Camera Viewer |
| Fixed Shutter Speeds | 1/15, 1/7.5, 1/4, 1/30, 1/60, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, and 1/8000 second |
| Electronic Iris | 1/30 to 1/8000 second; extended range of 1/7.5 to 1/8000 second |
| White Balance | Automatic tracking white balance and manual white balance |
| Automatic Gain Control | 0 to 36 dB |
| Manual Gain Control | 0 to 72 dB in 1 dB steps |
| Gamma | User adjustable |
| Backlight Compensation | BLC |
| Sharpness | Level adjustable |
| Digital Zoom at 640 × 480 | 1×, 1.38×, and 2.25× |
| Digital Zoom at 1280 × 720 | 1×, 1.2×, and 1.5× |
| Interface | High-speed USB |
| Power Supply | USB 5 VDC |
| Power Consumption | Approximately 0.75 W / 150 mA |
| Lens Mount | M12, P=0.5 |
| Standard Lens | M3620BC-12, 3.6 mm, F2.0 |
| Optional Lenses | M2520BC-12, M2920BC-12, M0620BC-12, and M1625BC-12 |
| Cable Length | 1.0 m; maximum 3.0 m |
| Dimensions | 20.5 (W) × 20.5 (H) × 19.5 (D) mm, excluding lens and external projections |
| Weight | Approximately 18 g |
| Operating Temperature | −10°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature | −30°C to +70°C |
| Operating and Storage Humidity | 95% RH or less, without condensation |
| Included Accessories | 1.0 m USB 2.0 Standard-A cable and M12 lens-fixing ring |
| Optional Accessories | B005 camera bracket and MS50 stand |
| Recommended Processor | Intel Core i-series |
| Recommended Memory | 2 GB or more |
| Additional System Requirements | USB 2.0 port and display resolution of 1920 × 1080 or higher |
| Operation-Confirmed Systems | Windows 10, 32-bit and 64-bit; Windows 11; Android 4.0 or newer |
| CE and FCC Certification | No |
FAQ
What is the WAT-08U2?
The WAT-08U2 is an ultra-compact Full HD color USB 2.0 camera with a 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor, an M12 lens mount, and selectable video output up to 1920 × 1080.
What is the maximum output resolution?
The maximum output resolution is 1920 × 1080. The camera also supports 1280 × 720, 640 × 480, and 320 × 240.
What is the maximum frame rate?
The WAT-08U2 provides a maximum frame rate of 30 fps.
How sensitive is the WAT-08U2 in low light?
Minimum illumination is 0.3 lx at F2.0 with AGC at 36 dB and the shutter off. It extends to 0.07 lx at F2.0 with AGC at 36 dB and a 1/7.5-second shutter.
Does the WAT-08U2 produce color video?
Yes. The WAT-08U2 uses an RGB primary-color Bayer mosaic imaging system to produce color video.
What lens is supplied with the camera?
The WAT-08U2 (G3.6) includes the M3620BC-12 miniature lens with a 3.6 mm focal length and F2.0 aperture.
Can other lenses be used?
Yes. The M12 lens mount supports compatible miniature lenses, including the M2520BC-12, M2920BC-12, M0620BC-12, and M1625BC-12.
How is the WAT-08U2 powered?
The camera receives 5 VDC power through its USB connection and consumes approximately 0.75 W at 150 mA.
What are the camera’s dimensions and weight?
The camera body measures 20.5 × 20.5 × 19.5 mm, excluding the lens and external projections, and weighs approximately 18 grams.
Which operating systems have confirmed operation?
Operation has been confirmed with 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Android 4.0 or newer.